Elevating Miami Luxury: Diamond Spas Cutting-Edge Pool Designs
In Miami and South Florida, where luxury living meets innovative design, pools are evolving into stunning focal points. The latest trend features materials like stainless steel, acrylic, and glass, transforming traditional pool concepts into sleek, eye-catching installations.
Diamond Spas & Pools custom copper spa. Photo by Mark Woolcott Photography
Diamond Spa is at the forefront of this trend, bringing their expertise in custom pool design to not only the vibrant South Florida market, but all over the United States. Their creations include rooftop pools and spas that blend stainless steel and glass to create a modern, sophisticated look ideal for Miami’s upscale urban spaces.
These pools are designed with luxury in mind, offering features such as bench seating, LED lighting, and infinity edge walls. For rooftop settings, Diamond Spa uses lightweight stainless steel and copper, which reduce structural costs compared to conventional materials like concrete.
To gain insight into the visually stunning and highly functional pools and spas, Miami Living sat down with Lead Design Manager of Diamond Spas, Mitchell Martinek.
Miami Living: What is Diamond Spas’ design philosophy for custom pools and spas?
Mitchell Martinek: Our approach begins with the client’s vision. We ask questions like, “How do you want to enjoy this space?” Some clients want a private, quiet retreat, while others are looking for a social environment to entertain guests. Once we have a clear vision, we collaborate with architects, builders, interior designers, and landscape architects to bring that dream to life.
Diamond Spas custom rooftop stainless steel spa. Photo by Steve Simonsen Photography
ML: Can you outline the production process for a custom pool or spa, including any innovative techniques used by Diamond Spas?
Martinek: The process starts with providing a budget proposal. Once accepted, we open the project. From there, we hold design meetings and create detailed shop drawings. We also generate a 3D model, which allows the team to visualize how the pool or spa will fit into the site’s layout. This 3D model helps ensure that any necessary modifications can be made before production begins. Working in tandem with the builders allows us to shorten the overall project timeline.
ML: How do you choose materials like stainless steel, glass, and acrylic for client pools? Which materials or combinations have proven most effective?
Martinek: Stainless steel is our most popular choice due to its modern, timeless appeal. For clients who want a more rustic look, we offer copper, which is often selected if the home has copper accents. Acrylic is another option we incorporate into designs, especially when the client wants to preserve a stunning view or showcase the spa’s interior from a social area.
ML: What design challenges are unique to rooftop pools, and how does Diamond Spa address them?
Martinek: Rooftop pools present several challenges, including waterproofing, support structures, and access to fittings for maintenance. We work closely with builders to ensure that equipment location, plumbing runs, and soundproofing are handled properly, especially if there are living spaces beneath the vessel. If crane access isn’t possible, we design the pool in sections that can be transported via elevator and assembled on-site.
Diamond Spas glass rooftop spa. Photo by Weldon Brewster Photography
ML: What factors most influence the cost of a custom pool or spa from Diamond Spa?
Martinek: The size of the vessel—its length, width, and height—is the main factor influencing cost. Material choice also plays a role, with copper being more expensive than stainless steel. Additional features, such as acrylic panels, infinity edges, and swim jets, can increase the cost. Some clients also choose to apply tile to our vessels, which is another potential upcharge.
ML: Can you explain the installation process for complex projects like rooftop pools or glass-bottom pools?
Martinek: Coordination is key for complex projects. We work very closely with the builders and architects to ensure that everything, from the rooftop design to the support structures, is executed perfectly. Sometimes this requires a bit of compromise, but with thorough communication, we’re able to achieve a functional and feasible design.
ML: What maintenance tips should clients consider for their custom pools and spas, and how does Diamond Spa support long-term satisfaction?
Martinek: We prioritize ease of use and automation, particularly for clients with second homes or vacation properties. We design the equipment so that it can be connected to the home’s network or integrated with a home automation system, allowing clients to monitor and manage their pool or spa remotely.
ML: What future trends do you anticipate in pool design?
Martinek: We’re seeing a rise in the popularity of smaller plunge pools and spas in urban areas where space is limited. These pools can double as a spa in the winter and a pool in the summer, with features like swim jets for exercise. This trend not only fits city living but also reduces long-term operating costs.
Mitchell Martinek, Lead Design Manager of Diamond Spas
Connect with Diamond Spas
Toll Free: (800) 951-7727
Local: (720) 864-9115
Fax: (866) 605-2358