Refreshing Pools in Designs that Shine

When temperatures rise in the Islands, refreshing pools offer much-needed relief. These five pool design projects showcase the possibilities that can bubble up when creativity, collaboration and craftsmanship flow together.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Staycation style
After 34 years at their Oahu home, the members of this family were eager to reimagine their backyard with recreation and relaxation in mind. They enlisted the help of Clifton Crawford and the team at Pacific Pool & Spa to modernize their existing swimming pool and transform their large backyard space into a dreamy resort-style respite.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Refreshing features
Tucked away in Hawaii Kai, a recently renovated home gets a brand-new pool and spa. Where a standard swimming pool once sat is now an eye-catching addition that blends in with the surrounding beauty. For the design of the pool, the homeowner wanted to incorporate nature as much as possible. The pool has a Bali ledge with two bubblers, lounge chairs and a waterfall that flows into the spa.

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Pocketful of sunshine
In Makakilo, this refreshing oasis features a brand-new pool, spa and outdoor shower complete with a priceless view of the ocean. Inspired by their past Disney vacations, the homeowners wanted their pool to be a place for their family to lounge and spend time together. “We saw the size of this backyard and felt we could build our dream swimming pool,” says the homeowner.

Photo: David Croxford

Suspended infinity pool
Perched high above the streets of Ward Village, a pool hangs 15 feet off the edge of the Amenity Deck at Anaha. Supported by cantilevers, the water feature stretches 75 feet long in its entirety and is the first of its kind in Hawaii. A clear acrylic glass floor and end-wall removes any visual obstruction, connecting residents with the ocean just beyond. From below, passersby need only look up to view the magnificent water feature set against the warm skies above.

Photo: David Croxford

Dive into detail
Adventure behind this home in Ko Olina and you’ll discover a pau hana hideaway. Abutted against a lush fairway of the Ko Olina Golf Club, the highlight of this property is an inviting, feature-packed pool-spa combo. The heated spa up top is flanked by two fire pots filled with deep blue fire glass, closely resembling the pool water that surrounds it. A waterfall feature pours sheets of water from the spa and fire pots into the pool, creating movement in the same way as the flickering fire.

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This post was last updated on June 8, 2023 from an original post published on July 14, 2022.