After spending a hot day at the beach, what better way to cool off than in your luxurious outdoor swimming pool. With many designs, sizes, and shapes to choose from, the style of your pool is as endless as your imagination.
John Tortorella founded J. Tortorella Custom Gunite Pools in Southampton, in 1981. John observes, “Today when it comes to pools, it’s all about creating an illusion.” Negative and rimless edge pools are in strong demand, traditional rectangular pools are larger, and saltwater pools are amazingly popular.” He points out, “There’s a misconception that a saltwater pool is chlorine free. The salt generator takes salt and through electrolysis produces pure chlorine to sanitize the pool.” John believes, “Full automation is a must. It will allow us to control, monitor, and chemicalize pools remotely.” Another favorite feature are underwater speakers. Won several awards from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), and Long Island Pool & Spa Association (L.I.P.S.A.).
tortorella.com
Kazdin Pools, Inc. founded by George Kazdin, is a family run business in Southampton for over 40 years. Daughter Julie exclaims, “If you dream it, it can be built.” She says the most popular pools are Negative Edge for waterfront, giving the effect of swimming in the ocean. Still fashionable is the geometric or rectangular pool with its clean lines. Julie observes mineral pools are gaining in popularity. Mineral Springs is a blend of salt, softeners, balancers and scale inhibitors that reduce the effects of corrosion and scaling. The chemical reaction produces chlorine, a sanitizer. Also important are energy efficient pumps and solar covers for heated pools. Won over 70 design awards from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) and the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA). kazdin.com
The Inzerillo family has owned Swimming Pools by Jack Anthony in Southampton for over 40 years. Michael Inzerillo states, “The new pool design trends are Zen pool styles including Infinity Edge and Perimeter Edge. The most popular shape is rectangular.” He says 95% of pools are now saltwater. Gunite pools have multiple interior finishes including marble dust, pebble tec, and glass beads. Vinyl pools come in any shape or size. Lighting is predominant with smaller, more brilliant LED lights and grander patios are replacing grass around pools. The pool entrance area is highlighted with fabulously designed steps. Michael observes, “The industry went from a backyard fun place to a resort style relaxation place.” SPBJA has won many awards from the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA). Michael Inzerillo was awarded “Master of Design” in 2007, 2011, and 2012 by Pool and Spa News. jackanthony.com
Pelican Pools Inc. owned by Jim O’Brien in Southampton, builds primarily gunite pools. Jim remarks, “The new trend for higher-end pools are vanishing edge and perimeter overflow designs. They have a very distinct, sleek look where the water level can be brought up to the level of the patio, giving a nice reflection.” Although more expensive, he says, “They are a work of art.” The trend in water sanitization is away from chemical chlorine only, using Ozone, UV, and smaller amounts of chlorine, or Ozone and salt systems that produce natural chlorine. More durable aggregate plaster with tiny pebbles, or polished plaster is popular instead of marble dust for the pool interior. For patios, marble, travertine, sandstones, and pre-cast concrete are alternatives to traditional bluestone. Won nine awards in 2013 from Long Island Pool & Spa Association (L.I.P.S.A.), including “Best Overall In Show.” pelicanpoolsinc.com
SRK Pools in Wainscott owned by Steve Kenny, has been in business for 30 years. Steve is focused on the highest quality pool water possible. He exclaims, “Hydrozone 3 is the best system available, using a combination of Ozone, UV, with a trace of chlorine.” Though a little more expensive, it is the best protection against pathogens and easier to take care of. Steve contends, “Saltwater pools don’t make any sense as they require more time and more chemicals.” He says, “With the Hydrozone 3 approach, problems associated with high chlorine levels are eliminated and corrosive or scaling source water is much easier to manage.” srkpools.com
Covertech LLC in Southampton owned by Torsten Heincke, specializes in fully automatic child-safety rigid pool covers for any pool size, shape or location with any water feature including perimeter overflows, Lautner knife-edges, and vanishing edges. Torsten says, “Pool covers are becoming more and more interesting and can look very aesthetic.” Rigid PVC or translucent polycarbonate covers are used year round and last longer than vinyl liner pool covers. With 80% energy efficiency, they keep the heat in the pool and stop evaporation. Translucent slats give the cover full illumination at night through pool lights. Covertech has won over 50 awards from the Int’l. Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), and Long Island Pool & Spa Association (L.I.P.S.A.). poolcovertech.com
Surround your water wonderland with a deck for sunbathing, a beautiful fountain for aesthetics, and a spa for relaxing and your outdoor retreat will be transformed into a spectacular oasis.
Ruth Thomas, a freelance writer on the East End enjoys history, music, literature, art, nature, the beach, and her cute dachshund, Clancy. She can be contacted at [email protected]