Concrete Pools
Fratantoni Design • June 13, 2017
Concrete Pools are commonly referred to as gunite or shotcrete pools. The difference between the two is how the concrete is mixed and applied to the pool. There are almost no limitations with a concrete pool. They are thought of as the higher end type pools. They have an interior finish that can be a white plaster or marcite, or a colored plaster. They can have pebble finishes, quartz finishes, all the way up to smooth glass bead finishes. This creates a very unique looking product. Concrete pools may come with porcelain, ceramic, or glass tile bands around the entire pool. They are also unique in that they can be constructed with negative edges, perimeter overflows, as well as benches and bars built right into them.
THEY ARE CONSTRUCTED HOW…
So how are concrete pools constructed? First, a hole is precisely excavated, all plumbing work is installed, and then a complete interlocking cage of rebar is erected. After rebar reinforcement is in place, the concrete is applied, set,
and left in place a minimum of twenty eight to thirty days for curing. During the course of this period the coping and surrounding deck are completed. Then the interior tile work is set into place. Finally after the concrete has cured, the interior finish is applied. At this time the pool is immediately filled with water and filtration system started. Concrete pools, tend to be the strongest of all the inground swimming pools. Since they are rebar and concrete they can’t oxidize or corrode. Like every other form of concrete, they get stronger as time passes. They are at the upper echelon of price points and have a higher end product reputation.
Advantages:
- As big as you want: Concrete pools can be any size, shape, or depth.
- More flexibility with design features: Vanishing edges, beach entries, tanning ledges, etc. are all just a sketch away from reality with concrete pools.
- Works of art: Concrete Pools can be integrated into design as a literal work of art in the landscape.
Disadvantages:
- High lifetime cost: Concrete pools will need to be renovated every 10-20 years. This involves resurfacing and re-tiling the pool at an expense of $8k-$15k or much higher depending on the pool.
- More chemical use: Because the surface of concrete pools is very porous, more chemicals and filtration are required to prevent algae. The alkaline pH of the pool shell also constantly raises the pH of the water, requiring the frequent adding of acid to counteract the effect.
- More maintenance: Concrete pools also need to be frequently broomed or swept with a pool brush to remove algae from the pours of the plaster or aggregate surface.
- Longer install time: Concrete pools take longer to install….usually 2-4 months.
Information Provided by: Seasonal World
The post Concrete Pools appeared first on Fratantoni Design.
Modern architecture has evolved into more than a style, it’s a lifestyle. Clean lines, open floor plans, and seamless indoor-outdoor living have made modern homes a symbol of sophistication and comfort. For affluent homeowners, modern design isn’t about minimalism for its own sake; it’s about creating spaces that are functional, emotionally engaging, and timeless. At Fratantoni Design, we have spent over 40 years designing custom estates that balance innovation with elegance. From sleek desert retreats in Arizona to expansive modern villas nationwide, our modern homes embo dy luxury, precision, and individuality.
Luxury estates are defined not just by their size, but by their proportion and feeling. A home with soaring ceilings and expansive square footage can inspire awe, but without thoughtful design, grandeur can quickly turn into coldness. The true art of luxury architecture lies in mastering scale: cra fting spaces that are undeniably grand yet still warm, inviting, and livable. At Fratantoni Design, we’ve spent over 40 years designing estates that embody this balance. Whether it’s a Mediterranean villa in Scottsdale or a French château in New Jersey, our architecture ensures that every grand moment is counterbalanced with intimate comfort. In this blog, we’ll explore how the art of scale shapes luxury living in 2025 and beyond.
Luxury architecture has always been about more than just creating a home, it’s about crafting a legacy. In 2025, discerning homeowners are increasingly drawn to designs that honor history while embracing the future. This desire has sparked one of the most captivating movements in contemporary design: adaptive reuse in luxury architecture. At Fratantoni Design, we’ve witnessed how adaptive reuse elevates homes beyond beautiful structures, transforming them into stories etched in stone, wood, and light. By reimagining historic inspiration, incorporating reclaimed materials, and blending traditional motifs with modern conveniences, we create estates that are as timeless as they are innovative.
In today’s luxury architecture, beauty isn’t defined solely by form or scale, it’s about depth, richness, and detail. As homeowners seek spaces that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant, architects are embracing a bold new tr end: layered architectural materials. From stone paired with glass to metal accents against warm wood, this approach elevates façades and interiors into multi-sensory experiences. At Fratantoni Design, we believe texture is more than a design element, it’s the essence of timeless luxury. For over 40 years, our team has crafted custom homes across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and nationwide, integrating bespoke material palettes that enhance both aesthetics and lifestyle. In 2025, the rise of layered materials is redefining what it means to create a one-of-a-kind estate.
Every extraordinary home begins with an idea, sometimes just a sketch on paper, sometimes a clear vision formed over years of dreaming. At Fratantoni Design, a nationally recognized luxury home plan design firm, we specialize in turning those initial ideas into meticulously crafted home plans that lead to remarkable residences. With decades of experience designing estates across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, and nationwide, our process is both a science and an art: blending creativity, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to detail.
In luxury home design, first impressions aren’t made when you step through the front door, they’re made the moment your property comes into view. The driveway, often overlooked as purely functional, is actually one of the most powerful design statements a home can make. At Fratantoni Design , we understand that a driveway is more than a path for vehicles, it’s an introduction to the home’s personality, architectural style, and level of craftsmanship. Our award-winning team designs and oversees custom driveways that are as intentional and elegant as the estates they serve, blending beauty, durability, and function into a single stunning feature. From sweeping circular drives lined with lush landscaping to modern geometric patterns in high-end materials, our designs enhance the property’s grandeur and set the tone for what lies beyond.
Fratantoni Design is a nationally recognized leader in luxury residential architecture, renowned for crafting sophisticated homes for distinguished clients, including iconic celebrity estates. With a legacy of excellence, our team brings vision and innovation to every project, designing custom residences across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and major areas nationwide, from California, New Jersey, and New York to Texas and Hawaii. Our approach prioritizes a seamless, white-glove experience, guiding clients from the first consultation through project completion. Whether creating refined estates or exclusive celebrity homes, we ensure each design embodies the elegance and luxury our clients expect. When it comes to luxury home design, we know every element matters—from the foundation beneath your feet to the “fifth wall” above your head. Yet, one of the most overlooked opportunities for architectural drama and beauty lies where most homeowners seldom look: the ceiling.
When envisioning a luxury home, the first spaces that come to mind are often grand entryways, gourmet kitchens, and lavish primary suites. But what about the laundry room? This often-overlooked space plays a vital role in daily life, and with the right design, it can be both a functional powerhouse and a sophisticated retreat within your home. At Fratantoni Design, we believe that every room in a home should reflect elegance and efficiency, and the laundry room is no exception. Whether you’re designing a spacious estate or a high-end urban residence, here are the ten must-have features that will make your laundry room as functional as it is luxurious.
In the ever evolving world of luxury home design, trends come and go. However, certain architectural principles have stood the test of time. One such principle is symmetry. Whether found in ancient Greek temples, Renaissance palaces, or modern day estates, symmetry continues to be a hallmark of sophistication, balance, and timeless beauty. At Fratantoni Design, we specialize in designing custom luxury estates that capture the power of symmetry while honoring the personal style and functional needs of each client. This blog explores why symmetry remains a foundational concept in architectural design, how it impacts the human experience, and how our team at Fratantoni Design uses it to craft unforgettable homes that will remain stunning for generations.
Visualize walking through a sun soaked courtyard, past elegant arched windows framed in stone, and into a grand entryway capped with ornamental brackets and a soaring tower. You’re not touring a villa in Tuscany, you’re experiencing the power of Italianate architecture brought to life in the modern age. For discerning homeowners seeking a residence that blends Old World charm with present-day luxury, Italianate architecture delivers a timeless allure. At Fratantoni Design, we’ve built a national reputation on bringing iconic architectural styles, like this one, into the 21st century. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Italianate design so enduring, where it began, how it’s evolved, and why affluent homeowners across the U.S. are choosing it today.
