december 2025 pool of the month: coastal elegance meets innovation at caswell beach

Just three blocks from the historic Caswell Beach Lighthouse on North Carolina’s coast, these homeowners envisioned “a jam-up backyard,” an absolutely serene, welcoming area for their family. Their gorgeous beach home faced the ocean with marsh and waterway views behind, creating the perfect setting for an extraordinary outdoor living space.

Working with Tammy Dees, Residential Sales Manager at Carolina Creations Landscape, the homeowners initially planned an elevated pool deck to maximize their waterway views. When Caswell Beach changed its ordinance prohibiting elevated decks due to neighbor view concerns, the team pivoted to create something equally spectacular at ground level. See why this installation won December 2025 pool of the month.

The centerpiece of this coastal retreat is Imagine Pools’ The Exquisite 40 in Ocean Blue, a stunning choice that complements the beachfront location. The pool’s signature spots create visual interest, while the color beautifully reflects the surrounding waterway environment.

Carolina Creations is known for their turnkey custom designs, and this project exemplifies their approach. Unlike dealers who stock pre-made shells, they custom order each fiberglass pool from Imagine Pools directly from the manufacturer once an agreement is signed, ensuring the shell arrives in pristine condition without weathering or damage.

The installation required precision planning and execution. The pool shell was craned over the house, a process that takes just a couple of hours but never fails to draw a crowd. The homeowners were present to watch, their nerves running a bit high as the crane operator expertly maneuvered the pool into position.

The flat backyard presented one significant challenge: strategic storm water planning. Being on an island accessible by bridge, the team had to carefully consider storm surge potential and proper drainage for this coastal location.

The homeowners wanted it all, including lights, waterfalls and fire features, and they got it. The pool includes:

• Heated saltwater system with automation controls
• Luminar fiber optic deck jets that glow at night
• Stainless steel handrail into the spa
• Coping around the pool perimeter
• Recessed ground-level landscape lighting around the entire pool

The spa features a gas heater that works efficiently below 55 degrees, plus a heater-chiller system for temperature control throughout the seasons.

The pièce de résistance is a custom 12-foot fire table featuring water features on the front. Positioned to reflect against the pool at night, this dramatic element creates an unforgettable ambiance. Combined with the glowing laminar deck jets and The Exquisite’s illuminated spots, the nighttime experience is truly magical.

complete outdoor living

Carolina Creations delivered a true turnkey installation that included:

• Synthetic turf surrounding the pool
• Custom putting green on the left side
• Black aluminum fencing with rock bedding and landscaping
• Complete automation system for remote control

Since the homeowners live hours away from their beach property, the automation system allows them to heat the pool and activate all features while en route, ensuring everything is perfect upon arrival.

Even in winter, when temperatures on Caswell Beach can drop to 30 degrees with ocean winds, the homeowners enjoy their outdoor space. The heated pool remains ready for use, while the fire table provides warmth for gathering on cooler evenings.

What makes this project particularly special is the trust the homeowners placed in their pool design team. When the original elevated deck plan fell through, the homeowner told the team: “Keep me with what you’ve got.” Tammy and her team presented this comprehensive design, and the homeowners loved it.

“These clients were just fabulous to work with,” Tammy shared. The relationship has blossomed into friendship, a testament to the collaborative process that brings dream backyards to life.

Carolina Creations Landscape specializes in turnkey outdoor living spaces, handling every element from pools and landscaping to hardscaping and fencing. They’re known for custom designs rather than cookie-cutter solutions, working with Imagine Pools as their preferred fiberglass pool line.

“Imagine Pools is my favorite because it’s a fun brand, a fun line of pools,” Tammy explained. “You can find what you want, and the company has always been good to us. If there’s anything we need, they step up to the plate. The support is there.”

Located in coastal Brunswick County, North Carolina, Carolina Creations serves the islands and beaches near Southport, including the quiet, family-oriented community of Caswell Beach, one of North Carolina’s treasured coastal destinations.

This project showcases how constraints can spark creativity. What began as a plan for an elevated view deck transformed into a sophisticated ground-level paradise that maximizes the coastal setting. With Imagine Pools’ Exquisite 40 as its foundation, custom fire and water features and thoughtful lighting throughout, this backyard achieves the homeowner’s vision of an exciting outdoor space and a serene sanctuary where ocean breezes meet innovative design. It is here that every season brings new opportunities to enjoy coastal living at its finest.

Connect with your local Imagine Pools’ dealer and get started on your own backyard sanctuary today.