A Backyard Resort that was Worth the Wait

February 24, 2021

By by Patrick Mathews, Landmark Pools, Inc.
Steve and Shari Kovens, residents of Maryland who had often vacationed to the West Coast of Florida, had decided to purchase a vacation home in Redington Beach. They contacted Landmark Pools, Inc. in late January, 2019 to look at remodeling their existing pool. They wanted a resort-style pool for their family, one that would accommodate children as well as adults. They mentioned many hotels that they had visited and wanted that feel in their backyard.

With that inspiration in mind, Landmark Pools deemed the best course would be to actually demolish the existing pool and start from scratch. The original pool was elevated two feet above the ground and was a geometric shape – not at all what Steve and Shari envisioned.
In order to lower the new pool and move it closer to the waterfront, modifications to the seawall were required. Landmark contacted a local sea wall engineer, who proposed an enlarged sea wall cap and new tieback anchoring system around the new pool. The soil conditions were also substandard, and pilings were necessary for the new pool. Verifying the soil and seawall conditions is always a good idea before attempting to add a swimming pool on waterfront property.
Steve and Shari’s wish list also included a sun shelf, spa, infinity edge swim up bar with bar stools, and a rock grotto with fire and water features. With limited space and so much requested, Landmark Pools worked on the design for several weeks to ensure that they covered every aspect of the build. In mid-November, 2019 Landmark’s design was approved by the homeowners, and they were ready to permit, which was obtained in January, 2020. Demolition was scheduled and the existing pool was removed by the end of the month.
The project was temporarily delayed with the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, leading to uncertainty in the economy. That lasted more than three months before Landmark got the go ahead to resume work. The pool was completed in November, 2020.
With the limited space, they created a 360-degree spillover spa in lieu of an infinity edge for the pool which is just as striking. The Kovens family got everything else they wanted, including a PebbleSheen Blue Granite interior finish for a lagoon-type water color, and a sun shelf with two LED bubblers. Laminar deck jets provide stunning water features, and their natural rock grotto is breathtaking. Landmark Pools delivered a granite swim up bar with stools just as requested and used beautiful Shellstone travertine decking. LED lighting in the pool and spa provides the perfect ambiance at night. The pool has a gas heater and is fully automated and can be controlled with a smartphone from anywhere in the world. Since the homeowners live in Maryland much of the year, it gives them peace of mind to be able to monitor everything from afar.
Despite the COVID delay and other challenges, Landmark Pools enjoyed working on this project. Building or remodeling a pool may take months, but the finished product will provide family enjoyment and peace of mind for years.
Whether building new or remodeling, Landmark Pools will create a design to fit your space, your budget, and your dreams. A visit to their website at landmarkpools.com has stunning photographs of their installations. You can contact them via email to sales@landmarkpools.com or call them at (813) 792-133.