How Innovative Design and Smart Technology Elevate a High-end Model Home Pool

sustainability in focus

Claffey Pools’ design shows off both form and function

In the world of high-end residential pools, sustainability and efficiency can often be afterthoughts to luxury and aesthetics. However, in a recent project from Texas homebuilder Toll Brothers, Moses Campos and the Claffey Pools team blended sustainability with striking design to create a showcase pool that is as efficient as it is breathtaking.

A collaboration rooted in innovation

Unlike a typical homeowner-driven project, this pool was built in collaboration with a homebuilder focused on long-term functionality and market appeal. “Instead of a couple hundred people experiencing this pool in its lifetime, we’re talking about thousands walking through and seeing it,” says Campos, a design consultant at Claffey. “That changes the approach — it’s not just about aesthetics but also about efficiency, longevity and impact.”

By working closely with Toll Brothers, Campos and Claffey were able to integrate sustainable features that reduced maintenance and enhanced durability, ensuring the pool would remain pristine for years.

Materials that matter

One of the most impactful decisions was the choice of materials, not just in the pool but also around it. They opted for artificial turf in key areas, a low-maintenance alternative to traditional landscaping. “People don’t realize how much this minimizes yard work while also being easy to clean,” Campos says. “Imagine you spill a drink — it’s a lot easier to rinse it off artificial turf than worry about stains on concrete or stone.”

The structures surrounding the pool were another innovation. While they may appear to be natural wood, they are actually constructed of high-end aluminum siding designed to withstand the elements. “There’s no staining, no deterioration over time and it doesn’t trap dirt like wood,” Campos says. “It’s a must for something like this.”

Smart circulation and energy efficiency

At the heart of the project’s sustainability efforts is its advanced circulation system, featuring an in-floor cleaning system. “The cleaning aspect [of in-floor] is secondary,” Campos says. “The real advantage is better water circulation. Instead of relying solely on surface skimmers, we’re pushing treated water from the bottom up, ensuring more efficient chemical distribution and heating.”

This system pairs with a cartridge filter, which provides better flow rates and reduces energy use. “The key to water clarity isn’t just filtration — it’s circulation,” he says.

Optimized plumbing for maximum efficiency

A key innovation in the pool’s hydraulic system is the use of plumbing sweeps, which dramatically improve water flow and efficiency. “Instead of relying on traditional 90-degree elbows, we use sweeping curves in our plumbing,” Campos says. “This reduces resistance and ensures better water movement, which means less strain on pumps and more efficient energy use.”

By implementing these sweeps, the system minimizes turbulence and maximizes the effectiveness of the variable-speed pumps, allowing for lower RPMs while still achieving optimal circulation. “It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in sustainability,” Campos adds. “Better flow means less energy consumption and lower operational costs over time.”

Additionally, having a full plan set, a practice Claffey uses on all its pools, was instrumental in mapping out the precise gallons per minute requirements for each pump and ensuring efficient hydraulic performance. “With detailed plans, we know exactly how much water needs to be moved and at what rate,” Campos says. “Without that level of planning, you risk overengineering or underengineering the system, which leads to inefficiencies.”

Campos and his team rely on Jandy equipment by Fluidra to achieve this high level of efficiency. “Jandy’s variable-speed pumps and automation systems allow us to fine-tune the circulation and energy usage, making it easy to adjust flow rates while maximizing efficiency,” he explains. “Their equipment integrates seamlessly with our design approach, helping us create pools that are both high-performing and sustainable.”

Cutting-edge sanitization

To further enhance efficiency, the pool is equipped with an ozone system. “Ozone isn’t a chemical — it’s an oxidizer that helps make chlorine more effective,” Campos says. By incorporating ozone alongside a mineral feeder and erosion feeder for chlorine tablets, the system ensures balanced water chemistry with minimal chemical input.

The future of sustainable pool design

As the industry moves toward smarter, more energy-efficient solutions, projects like this serve as a blueprint for integrating sustainability without sacrificing luxury. Campos believes that the key lies in education and planning. “Too often, builders and homeowners stick to what they know, instead of embracing new efficiencies,” he says. “But when you take the time to design with sustainability in mind, the results speak for themselves.”

For Toll Brothers, this model home pool not only showcases high-end design but also paves the way for smarter, more efficient builds in the future. And for the thousands who will walk through and admire it, it’s proof that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.