This Grand Fiberglass Swimming Pool Named Among Masters of Design| Pool & Spa News

Oct 14, 2024

Broc Hutchison, Lead DesignerStacy Hutchison, Project ManagerSunset Fiberglass PoolsLa Grange, Ky.

"Multilayered Concept"Broc Hutchison, Lead DesignerStacy Hutchison, Project ManagerSunset Fiberglass PoolsLa Grange, Ky.

“Country Las Vegas.” That’s how Broc Hutchison describes this project in Taylorsville, Ky.

“It’s got these beautiful, stunning views of the country hillsides,” says Hutchison, who owns Sunset Fiberglass Pools in with this wife, Stacy. “But at night, it’s definitely a spectacle.”

It’s true. When the sun goes down, the pool and patio light up with fire features and mood lighting. The space would look right at home at a Vegas resort.

But it’s also designed to provide a tranquil space when the homeowners want it.

To take advantage of those daytime views of rolling hills and a small lake in the distance, Hutchinson designed a multi-elevational pool, with a raised tanning shelf that steps down to the main pool. Finally, the catch basin and deck with seating sit at the lowest level.

Many layers

Topping the homeowners’ wish list was the largest fiberglass infinity pool Hutchison could procure. He chose a rectangular shape, believing that a timeless look would best accomplish his design goals.

After sketching out the design, Hutchison approached a manufacturer about producing a custom 28-foot-long pool to bring this project to fruition.

“That’s definitely out of the norm,” Hutchison says. “But once I showed them my three-dimensional design, they were willing to make it work because it’s such a beautiful project.”

To make this happen, the pool needed to be elevated. One problem: The backyard was flat. With zero grade to work with, Hutchison had to create the terrain. The goal: To make a two-

tier patio space, with the pool above, firepit below. That meant excavating 6 feet, encountering rock along the way.

Hutchinson’s team conducted site surveys to understand the soil composition and stability. This data informed the design of a robust foundation and support structures, including deep footings and concrete slabs to handle various loads.

The infinity pool sits above a firepit area with steps on either side. A sheet waterfall spills down a tiled wall into a trough.

Natural materials in neutral shades, such as natural stone, wood and earth-toned tiles, not only help blend the poolscape into its surroundings, but also contribute to creating a peaceful space. The blue pool shell adds a touch of brightness.

Furthering the feeling of a peaceful retreat, Hutchinson incorporated shaded seating areas and soft lighting. These accompany the tranquil sounds created by the infinity-edge spillway.

For sustainability, the pool was outfitted with solar heating, natural filtration systems and energy-efficient lighting. The designer mostly used native plants, to help reduce water usage and create an authentic landscape.

One of Hutchinson’s favorite features is how the tile and water sparkle at night, reflecting the lights and fire. Thoughtful placement of lounging areas, shaded spots and integrated seating maximize comfort and relaxation, allowing users to fully immerse in the serene environment.

Hutchinson is grateful he had a wide-open space to work with. Zero constraints accommodated add-on features such as a putting green adjacent to the firepit.

SUPPLIERS:Pump/filter/Heater/controller/chemical feeder: HaywardTile: NPTCoping: Hartstone ChapperalDeck finishes: Techno-blocWaterproofing: Red GuardWaterfeature: Natural WondersFire feature: HartstoneAutomatic cleaner: MaytronicsLights: PAL LightingSpa components: Speck PumpsDrain covers/fittings: AquastarSkimmers: CMPHandrails/slides: Global Pool ProductsFencing: Raatz Fencing Co.Outdoor elements: Summer Classics, Sunbrella, Bull Equipment, Sonos, TrexFiberglass: Imagine Pools

Nate Traylor is a writer at Zonda. He has written about design and construction for more than a decade since his first journalism job as a newspaper reporter in Montana. He and his family now live in Central Florida.