Pool Features:

Pool: An 18-by-36-foot in-ground gunite rectangle diving pool with a depth range from 3 feet to 8 feet provides ample space for guests and children to jump, dive and play. The pool also incorporates a custom 7-by-7-foot hot tub spa and waterfall, creating a haven for relaxation.

Fountains and waterfall: Six graceful arcs of water flow from the pool deck and enter the pool with a gentle splash, while an elegant waterfall flows from the built-in hot tub and serves as a focal point of the pool and patio area. “The whole family wanted fountains,” the homeowner says. “There’s something about waterfalls that are so tranquil and soothing.”

Patio: Rich earth-toned decorative concrete was designed to resemble and complement the brick and stone of the home while providing a textured, slip-free surface for pool guests.

Luminescent tile and ambient rock: After the kids discovered they hadn’t installed colored lights, Pools Unlimited offered up the cool new option of luminescent specs and tile that line the floor, perimeter and steps of the pool and hot tub. The products absorb sunlight throughout the day and bring the area aglow with aqua blue when night falls, a feature that gives the effect of swimming amongst the stars.

Custom gunite hot tub: A therapeutic hot tub with JetPaks provides multiple advanced massage options that can be interchanged from seat to seat and customized to fit specific therapy needs. “We utilize this space often,” the homeowner says. “We even sat out in the hot tub this past Christmas morning.”

Bonus Features:

Badu SwimJet system: Outfitted with a single swim jet system, the pool can create a fast and narrow current ideal for stationary swimming, treadmill-style exercise and training or waterpark-style fun.

Diving board: Whether it’s a graceful dive, cannonball or belly flop, family and guests can add great fun and big splashes with style when entering the water from the pool’s diving board.

Pool House Features:

Fireplace: A large stone fireplace anchors the outdoor dining space while throwing out heat during chilly mornings or evenings. The homeowners enjoy sitting out there taking in the scenery and watching wildlife that graze through the yard while sipping on their morning coffee.

Outdoor dining area: Three brick and stone archways define the sheltered cooking and dining area while allowing ample space for hungry swimmers to dine in comfort. “It’s my favorite room in the house, and we use the space daily,” the homeowner says. “I love the layout and the full functionality of this space as well as the continuous flow from indoors to outdoors.”

Grill station: The outdoor kitchen houses two stainless grills, charcoal and natural gas, along with granite countertops and a food prep area and buffet space where visitors can munch and mingle. “I haven’t used my kitchen in over a month and a half,” the homeowner says. “We grill everything; we never have to be in the rain while doing it.”

Motorized shades: Retractable screen shades made of open-weave acrylic fabric can quickly convert the outdoor dining area into a screened-in porch to prevent insects from entering or block direct sun. “Even during the winter months, we’re able to build a fire and monitor the temperature with the shades down,” the homeowner says. The retractable screens recess into the wall when not in use.

Poolside cabana and bathroom: Conveniently located just off the pool patio is a discreet place to towel off, change, shower and use the bathroom. The space is also used to store towels, laundry and other necessities.

Resource Guide:

Contractor: Kent Bentlage Construction

Brick and stone supplier: Midwest Block & Brick

Brick/stone masonry: Winge Masonry

Cabinets: Wesley Scheulen Cabinets

Countertops: Martellaro Marble & Granite

Draft system: Fechtel Beverage

Fencing and gates: Roark Aluminum

Grill inserts: Hasty Bake

Landscaping: Central Missouri Turf Management, Inc.

Patio décor: The Schaefer House

Patio furniture: Restoration Hardware, Lowe’s Home Improvement and The Schaefer House

Patio plants: Longfellow’s Garden Center

Pool: Pools Unlimited

Stone fireplace: Stone Magic

Windows, doors and motorized shades: Roark Aluminum

Homeowner tip: “Gathering ideas from sites such as Houzz.com helped us out so much! If you have a builder with some salt, like we did, you can pretty well show them concepts you like, and they can provide suggestions and offer design options that fit your taste and budget. A good contractor is key: Kent Bentlage, our contractor, and Laura, our designer at Pools Unlimited, were able to pull all of our ideas together seamlessly!”