Wet shelves, fire pits popular features in KTS Homes’ pool designs

Naples is well known for many natural attributes. Its sun-filled skies. Its gentle Gulf breezes. Its majestic palms. And its sandy white beaches. But it's also becoming well known for something else – spectacular outdoor living areas. And, two of the hottest trends in outdoor living spaces are pools with wet shelves and fire features.

A survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects revealed ornamental water features have an 84 percent popularity rating among homeowners.

The American Institute of Architects members say outdoor living spaces are the "most popular special function area" and anticipate consumers will spend upwards of $6 billion dollars on outdoor living areas, and the various products and amenities associated with them.

KTS Homes understands the importance of designing outdoor living areas with today’s buyer in mind. That’s especially true when it comes to pools, and the deck and seating areas that surround it.

"When it comes to designing the perfect Florida home, the pool is one of the focal points," said Scott Kish II, principal of KTS Homes. "We take that into account in every home we design and build."

One such home can be found in the Parrot Cay neighborhood in the master-planned community of Naples Reserve.

The Newport model, priced at $1.5 million furnished, is a three-bedroom plus study, two full bath, two half-bath plan with 3,030 square feet under air and 5,285 total square feet, including a side-entry, three-car garage and an expansive outdoor living area with pool.

Every major room in the Newport has access to the home’s private landscaped encased outdoor living area, which can be described as a relaxing, yet luxurious island oasis.

Illuminated water flows around a composite wood-like deck, while a fire pit provides warmth on cool days. Kish states, "As a major focal point at night, the illuminated fire pit also adds ambiance, to a gas-heated spa with LED lit bubblers, as well as the entire outdoor entertaining area."

The custom-designed pool of the Newport model has also incorporated one of the newest, most popular pool features in demand — a wet shelf.

"Whether it’s called a wet shelf, a tanning shelf or a sun shelf, the purpose remains the same — to create a delightful, shallow area in your pool to relax and soak up the sun," said Kish. "Wet shelves are very trendy additions. From a design perspective, they allow a pool to showcase a simple feature without adding major costs to the project."

Wet shelves are a ledge typically placed at the entrance to a pool, are around five to eight inches deep, and long and wide enough to accommodate at least two lounge chairs, with some large enough to accommodate four. KTS can design each one to fit the needs of the homeowner. This shelf allows the home owner to stay cool during really hot days by providing enough water to "lay out in" but without having to completely submerge in water.

In addition to providing a relaxing place for homeowners to lay out, Kish said having a wet shelf designed into a pool has several other benefits.

"If the homeowners have children, the wet shelf provides a great, shallow area for them to play in. The same holds true for grandparents who have visiting grandchildren," he said. "Even pets love the shallow shelf. They too can stay cool without having to paddle."

Kish concluded, "If you’re going to live the ultimate Naples lifestyle, you might as well have the ultimate pool, and that includes accessorizing the pool with a wet shelf and fire pit."

The Newport model, featuring a pool with wet shelf and fire pit, is open daily. Once past the gatehouse, turn left on Naples Reserve Circle, take first right into Parrot Cay, followed by another right turn on Charthouse Circle. The Newport model is the first home on the right side.

KTS Homes is a custom home builder based in Naples. Scott Kish II, principal, and Rodik Figueroa, design director, combine their talents as architect and builder to assure the homes of KTS Homes meet their design standards and high quality thresholds.

The KTS Homes’ team works with clients through every step of the process, whether designing and building a new home or renovating a current home.

Visit ktshomesnaplesreserve.com.