Pool of the Month May 2024: Sunset Pools

In a stunning display of creativity and craftsmanship, Sunset Pools of Louisville, Kentucky, has captured the prestigious award of Pool of the Month May 2024 from Imagine Pools with The Marvelous 40 in Ocean Blue. This recognition celebrates an extraordinary backyard transformation that pushes the boundaries of pool design. Owner Broc Hutchison, a true artist in the world of aquatic installations, has once again demonstrated why Sunset Pools is a leader in creating breathtaking outdoor living spaces. Discover the head-turning details of this awe-inspiring project that seamlessly blends natural beauty with innovative design.

In the rolling hills of Kentucky, a true artist has made his mark—not with a paintbrush, but with water, stone, and light. Imagine Pools is thrilled to announce that Sunset Pools has clinched the May 2024 Pool of the Month award. This recognition celebrates an extraordinary installation that transforms a simple backyard into a breathtaking aquatic paradise.

Hutchison isn’t just a pool builder; he’s a visionary who sees potential where others see empty space. His journey as an artist began long before he entered the pool industry. As a young boy, Hutchison found inspiration in the soothing voice and happy little trees of famed artist Bob Ross. By third grade, he was painting custom murals, and a year later, he was already receiving commissions for murals in private residences. His artistic flair even extended to airbrushing motorcycles and boats while still in elementary school, showcasing his versatility from an early age.

Life has a way of guiding us down unexpected paths. For Hutchison, that path led to the world of backyard fiberglass pools. At 21, he met Stacy, who would later become his wife. It was through her family—her father and brother owned a fiberglass pool business—that Hutchison found his true calling. At 23, he dove headfirst into the fiberglass pool industry, beginning a journey that would span, as of now, 18 years and counting and culminate in some of the most stunning backyard transformations Kentucky has ever seen.

Now, with nearly two decades of experience under his belt, Hutchison brings a unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise to every project. His latest masterpiece, located in Taylorsville, Kentucky, is a testament to this perfect union of art and engineering.

Picture this: a custom-built home nestled on 30 acres of pristine, undeveloped land. While part of a neighborhood, this cul-de-sac remained untouched by its developers, allowing the homeowners to create their own personal Eden. Beyond the pool, the property boasts a lake, a shooting range, and various outdoor amenities that cater to the adventure-seeker’s soul.

It’s on this canvas that Hutchison and his team at Sunset Pools worked their magic, creating an installation so impressive it not only won Imagine Pools’ May 2024 Pool of the Month but also earned them the title of Master Designer of the Year from Pool & Spa News in 2024.

Creating this aquatic masterpiece wasn’t without its challenges. While the yard appeared flat at first glance, Hutchison and his team had to excavate six feet of earth to accommodate the infinity pool and corresponding trough. This meticulous landscaping ensured that the view of the lake beyond remained unobstructed, turning a gradual slope into the perfect setting for an infinity pool.

At the heart of this installation is The Marvelous 40′ from Imagine Pools, finished in a captivating Ocean Blue. But this is no ordinary pool. Hutchison and his team enhanced it with a splash pad, an infinity edge, and an innovative trough below that showcases their creativity and craftsmanship.

The trough, personally built by Hutchison out of concrete, measures 5 feet wide by 28 feet long. It’s not just a catch basin for the infinity edge; it’s a feature in its own right, perfect for swimming laps or simply floating while gazing out at the expansive view. This addition was a stroke of genius, providing functionality and beauty.

“We thought about incorporating a smaller fiberglass pool in this space, but the owners decided that would be too big. So, I designed this trough instead,” noted Hutchison.

Hutchison affectionately refers to this installation as “The Triple Crown,” and it’s easy to see why. The design incorporates multiple levels, each flowing into the next. A tanning ledge with a waterfall spills into the main pool, which in turn cascades over the infinity edge into the trough below. This multi-tiered approach not only creates a visually stunning effect but also offers varied experiences for those enjoying the pool.

The pool itself is chlorinated without salt and features a propane heater, ensuring comfortable swimming temperatures even on cooler Kentucky evenings.

Adding to the drama of the installation are two pillars flanking the pool, each topped with a cauldron sporting a patina finish. These cauldrons house fires, creating a mesmerizing interplay of fire and water as water features in the columns shoot streams into the pool. It’s this combination that led Hutchison to affectionately dub the project “Country Las Vegas,” capturing the essence of luxury and spectacle in a rural setting. However, the true spirit of this installation rests in its official name: Endless Horizon.

What sets Hutchison apart is his ability to visualize the result before a single shovel hits the ground. “I can visualize something before I even draw it out,” he explains. Sometimes, he’ll simply spray paint his vision directly onto the backyard, marking out where each element will go. It’s this intuitive approach, combined with years of technical expertise, that allows him to create such unique and stunning installations.

The May 2024 Pool of the Month winner is more than just a beautiful pool; it’s a dream realized. It’s the culmination of one homeowners’ vision for their perfect outdoor space and one artist’s ability to bring that vision to life. Hutchison and Sunset Pools have not just built a pool; they’ve created an experience, a retreat and a work of art that will be enjoyed for years to come.

As we admire this incredible installation, we’re reminded of the power of creativity, the importance of craftsmanship and the magic that happens when art and engineering come together.