Actual construction conditions encountered
The preserve-view lot provided a private wooded backdrop. The pool, full sun shelf, raised spa, three water bowls and screen enclosure had to fit into one coordinated backyard layout.
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Sarasota · Manatee · Charlotte(941) 366-6000
Project Case Study · Sarasota County, FL
Geometric Pool: Raised Spa & Water Bowls
Screened geometric pool with sunshelf tanning ledge, raised stacked-stone spa, three decorative scupper water bowls, and travertine deck on a wooded preserve lot.
Sarasota County, FL
New Construction
Geometric · Sunshelf · Raised Spa
Screened · Permitted · 10-Year Warranty
Project Photos
Wide view: geometric screened pool with sunshelf, raised stacked-stone spa, three scupper water bowls, and travertine deck
Diagonal view showing the sunshelf tanning ledge, raised spa, and wooded preserve backdrop
Close-up of the raised spa with active jets, stacked-stone veneer, and three decorative scupper bowls
About This Project
This preserve-view lot in Sarasota County provided a private, wooded backdrop for a resort-style pool that the homeowners could enjoy year-round. The design centers on a geometric pool with a full sunshelf tanning ledge, a raised stacked-stone spa, and three decorative scupper water bowls along the pool edge: all under a screened enclosure that keeps the space clean and comfortable.
The raised spa is the visual centerpiece of the design. Clad in a natural stacked-stone veneer and finished with travertine coping to match the deck, the spa sits above the pool water level and spills into the pool through the spa's weir. The three scupper water bowls along the adjacent pool edge add a second layer of water sound and movement, creating a spa-like ambiance in the backyard.
The sunshelf tanning ledge, a shallow platform at the entry end of the pool, provides a comfortable place to lounge in just a few inches of water. A bubbler in the sunshelf adds a playful water feature for children. Pentair IntelliTouch automation controls the pump, spa, lights, and water features from a single panel or smartphone app. Pool Creations managed all permits with Sarasota County and provided a 10-year structural warranty.
Scope of Work
- Gunite pool shell: geometric with sunshelf tanning ledge
- Raised square spa with stacked-stone veneer
- Three decorative scupper water bowls
- Travertine coping and deck
- Screen enclosure coordination
- Pentair variable-speed pump, cartridge filter, salt chlorinator
- Pentair IntelliTouch automation
- LED color-changing underwater lighting
- Sunshelf bubbler
- Full permit management: Sarasota County
- 10-Year structural warranty
Field experience behind the finished work
Project Decisions and Results
These details explain what the team encountered, why key selections were made and how the documented project moved from site conditions to a completed result.
Material-selection reasoning
Natural stacked-stone veneer makes the raised spa the visual centerpiece. Matching travertine coping and deck material ties the spa, pool edge and surrounding outdoor space together.
Permit or engineering complications solved
The geometric gunite shell, raised spillover spa, scuppers, shelf bubbler and enclosure coordination were incorporated into the Sarasota County permitting and construction plans.
Project-specific outcome
The finished project provides a screened, year-round pool environment with a shallow lounging shelf, active water features and centralized Pentair automation.
Technical review: Pool Creations, Florida State Certified Commercial & Residential Pool/Spa Contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sunshelf (tanning ledge) and how deep is it?
A sunshelf, also called a tanning ledge or Baja shelf, is a shallow platform built into the pool, typically 6 to 12 inches deep. It is designed for lounging in the water on a chaise, playing with young children, or placing potted plants or water features. Sunshelves are one of the most popular pool features in Southwest Florida because they extend the usable area of the pool and are ideal for the Florida climate.
What are scupper water bowls and how do they work?
Scupper bowls (also called fire and water bowls or spillover bowls) are decorative vessels mounted on the pool coping or a raised wall. Water is pumped up into the bowl and spills out through a scupper (opening) in the front, creating a sheet of water that falls into the pool. They add sound, movement, and visual interest to the pool area and can be controlled via automation.
Can Pool Creations build a screened pool enclosure in Sarasota County?
Pool Creations coordinates screen enclosure installation with licensed screen contractors as part of the overall pool project. We manage the permitting and scheduling so the screen enclosure is completed in sequence with the pool construction, minimizing delays. Screen enclosures are common in Sarasota County for debris management, insect control, and added privacy.
What is stacked-stone veneer on a raised spa?
Stacked-stone veneer is a decorative facing applied to the exterior walls of a raised spa or water feature. It is made from thin slices of natural stone (such as ledgestone, quartzite, or travertine) adhered to the concrete structure. It gives the raised spa a natural, high-end appearance and is very durable in Florida's climate. Pool Creations offers a range of stone veneer options to match your home's exterior.
How long does a new pool with spa take to build in Sarasota County?
A new pool with spa, sunshelf, water features, and screen enclosure coordination typically takes 12 to 18 weeks from permit approval to final inspection in Sarasota County. The permit process with Sarasota County typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Pool Creations provides a detailed project schedule with every proposal.
Ready to Build Your Dream Pool?
Pool Creations is Sarasota's local pool builder: licensed, permitted, and experienced with luxury residential pools throughout Southwest Florida.