Real Estate: What's Trending in Pools

LeeSure Water Pools, owned by Lee Wetherington Homes, builds custom pools that represent the lifestyle of any Florida native or newcomer. Todd Hubbard, vice-president of LeeSure Water Pools, has been with the company since 2000, and having designed approximately 2000 pools in his career, he knows a thing or two about how to incorporate all of the new and exciting trends in Florida pool design.

Most of the clients that Hubbard works with are either first-time pool owners, or they have had unpleasant experiences with pools in the past. “Most of the homeowners I work with believe that pools are high-maintenance and have a pre-determined idea of what their pool has to look like. I like to show them that this is the fun part of designing their new home.”

In Florida, trends in pool design have become increasingly more modern and interesting as more people look to this area for relaxation and enjoyment. Hubbard states that most people don’t realize how comfortable and welcoming the “outdoor living space” should feel. One step inside the Lee Wetherington Homes design center and you’ll see that this Lakewood Ranch based new home builder doesn’t offer just a few options, it offers a virtual candyland of choices for home buyers; the pool design process is no different. Clients can choose from a number of different options, sizes, and styles and can customize almost any way they wish.

“Our pools are as close to maintenance-free as possible. With the in-floor cleaning systems replacing the old robot-style cleaners, and the saltwater chlorinators that most clients request, our pools are meant for enjoyment, entertaining, and relaxing.” Hubbard uses many design elements that are not always expected including gas fire pits, vanishing edges that work especially well with lakefront views, and even pool cages with a wider distance between the beams supporting the screen. This has been dubbed the “panoramic view screen” which allows for uninterrupted views. 

Another trend that is highly sought after is the juxtaposition of glass and stone. This design element can actually be found throughout the house: from the backsplash in the kitchen, to a focus wall behind the television, to the stone and glasswork around the pool. Hubbard enjoys using glass tile that reflects the sunlight around the pool and matching the tones to the stone that helps bring the theme of the pool and outdoor living space together. Hubbard enjoys the process with Lee Wetherington and LeeSure because “There is an advantage when building your home and pool together, because you are able to really bring all the elements together to create consistency in the design themes.”

Hubbard understands that the process can seem daunting. “As a homeowner, you don’t know what questions to ask when it comes to your pool. You know that the kitchen should have a fridge and a sink, but you don’t really know what to look for in a pool. That’s where I come in.” From start to finish, the actual designing process can take around 3-4 hours, depending on the customer. “I ask people, what are you looking to use your pool for? Most say they want to relax and have parties, so we build that pool. Most of those pools are shallow, with a lot of bench seating, and places to chill out. If you’re training for the Olympics, we can try and accommodate that, as well!” 

With a network of highly qualified people around him, Hubbard knows the rules and trends of the trade, and LeeSure Water Pools is lucky to have him. “We have had great feedback in the 13 years that he has been on staff, and we enjoy having satisfied clients,” said Peter Mason, vice-president of sales and marketing for Lee Wetherington Homes. 

The Solivita model featuring one of the custom pools designed by Todd Hubbard, showcasing many of the trends available is located in Haddington in Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch.

With close to 40 years of home building experience and community engagement, Lee Wetherington Homes has built more than 4000 homes in the most prestigious and sought after communities in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Known for exceptional quality and unsurpassed customer satisfaction, Lee Wetherington Homes and LeeSure Water Pools have been recognized with both local and national awards from industry peers and homeowners alike, including Best Builder from the readers of The Sarasota Herald Tribune for 8 consecutive years and America's Best Builder from the National Association of Home Builders and Builder Magazine. 

Lee Wetherington Homes is a locally owned and operated company based in Lakewood Ranch. Lee Wetherington Homes, named America's Best Builder by the National Association of Home Builders and Builder Magazine, has been designing and building high-quality single-family homes and custom homes since 1974. The mission at Lee Wetherington Homes is to provide customers with the best experience in home building delivering exceptional home designs, features, and value in a caring and professional manner throughout the entire construction process.