An Alligator Changed the Design of This Palmetto Bluff Pool
An unexpected encounter inspired a Palmetto Bluff homeowner to rethink her backyard, transforming a dramatic dark-bottom pool into a bright, calming retreat.
Story by Alea Wilkins
Photography by Eddie Tucker
Evolution is natural when building a home. Revisions turn concept sketches into blueprints, and as a house takes shape, new ideas emerge. In this Palmetto Bluff backyard, the pool underwent a major transformation, thanks to a less evolved, more reptilian visitor.
Originally the homeowner had her heart set on a water feature with a glossy, dark floor. Complete with a trickling waterfall, a tile walkway and lawns meant for lounging, the design was dramatic and elegant. After installation, it set the mood for luxurious midday dips and serene sunset swims, made even more inviting by picturesque views of the waterways beyond. But when a neighbor recounted spotting an alligator in her own black-bottomed pool, the homeowner changed her mind. “We still joke about it to this day,” says Julie Callaway, director of design at Front Light Building Company.
Although the homeowner got cold feet about her dark pool, these fire features add welcome warmth to the backyard. Each fire bowl ignites a flame within a ring of lava rocks, creating a soothing, luxurious focal point along the back wall. As the sun sets, the flames bathe the space in a gentle glow, evoking the serenity of a five-star resort.
To fix the scaly situation, Callaway and her team, including Tasha Moody of Iris and Oak Interiors, completely redid the pool, replacing the dark finish with a light blue that evokes the Caribbean more than a mysterious swamp. Despite the panic, Callaway believes the finished product surpasses their initial plans. “In the end, those collaborative adjustments resulted in a home that not only looked beautiful but felt right for how the family wanted to live in it,” she says.
