Quick Summary
Selah Pools built a naturalistic freeform pool in Boyd, Texas featuring 12,018 gallons, custom spa with spillway, tanning ledge with Aquabella Aurora Borealis AB-2214 glass tile, Harbour Majestic Blue Peerless Pebble plaster, Faber CNK Stone Nuance Travertine coping, and Noble NWOW 665 Vienne waterl
Key Takeaways
- Dr. James Whitfield chose Selah Pools to create his family's outdoor living space in Boyd, praising their responsiveness and professionalism
- The 12,018-gallon freeform pool features custom spa with spillway, tanning ledge, and naturalistic curves flowing from 5' to 3'6" depths
- Premium materials include Harbour Majestic Blue plaster, Faber CNK Stone Nuance Travertine coping, and Aquabella Aurora Borealis glass tile
- Faber CNK Stone Noce Honed Ledger Mosaic veneer and Noble NWOW 665 Vienne waterline tile ground the design in natural elegance
- They're responsive, upfront, and just a pure pleasure to work with — Dr. James Whitfield
In Boyd, where expansive Wise County properties meet rolling Texas hills, the James family envisioned an outdoor sanctuary carved from the landscape itself. Their 12,018-gallon freeform pool follows organic curves that mirror the natural contours of the land, transitioning seamlessly from shallow gathering areas to deeper water. The naturalistic philosophy guides every decision—from the spa's elevated positioning to the tanning ledge that becomes a sun-warmed island during afternoon hours. Depths flow from five feet to three and a half feet, encouraging both lap swimming and leisurely floating. The custom spa connects through a spillway creating gentle water sounds, while stone veneer grounds the composition in earth-toned elegance honoring Boyd's rural character.
“Lori and the team at Selah Pools have been so wonderful to work with. They're responsive, upfront, and just a pure pleasure to work with.”
Glass Tile
Harbour Majestic Blue Peerless Pebble plaster creates depths that shift from sapphire to turquoise as light moves across the water. Faber CNK Stone Nuance Travertine coping with two-inch bullnose edges frames the waterline in warm, honed limestone that complements the Texas landscape. Noble NWOW 665 Vienne waterline tile in six-by-six format adds subtle geometric rhythm, while the tanning ledge features Aquabella Aurora Borealis Series AB-2214 glass tile that catches and reflects sunlight like scattered gemstones.
Spa & Plaster
Faber CNK Stone Noce Honed Ledger Mosaic transforms the spa's structural walls into natural artwork, celebrating the stone's inherent variation. Spray Deck surfaces extend across 570 square feet of poolside living, creating seamless transitions between water and land.
Project Highlights
Dr. James Whitfield chose Selah Pools to create his family's outdoor living space in Boyd, praising their responsiveness and professionalism
The 12,018-gallon freeform pool features custom spa with spillway, tanning ledge, and naturalistic curves flowing from 5' to 3'6" depths
Premium materials include Harbour Majestic Blue plaster, Faber CNK Stone Nuance Travertine coping, and Aquabella Aurora Borealis glass tile
Faber CNK Stone Noce Honed Ledger Mosaic veneer and Noble NWOW 665 Vienne waterline tile ground the design in natural elegance
They're responsive, upfront, and just a pure pleasure to work with — Dr. James Whitfield
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you integrate a custom spa with a freeform pool design?
Custom spa integration requires careful attention to both visual flow and hydraulic engineering. The James residence showcases elevated spa positioning that creates natural sight lines across the pool while the spillway connection generates gentle water movement and ambient sound. The key lies in material continuity—using matching Faber CNK Stone veneer on both pool and spa structures while varying textures to define separate zones. This approach creates architectural unity while maintaining the organic, discovered-in-nature feeling that defines naturalistic design in Boyd's Wise County landscape.
What makes Boyd properties ideal for naturalistic pool designs?
Boyd's expansive lots and rolling Wise County terrain provide the perfect canvas for naturalistic pools that feel carved from the landscape. The James project takes full advantage of this setting with organic curves that mirror the land's contours and materials that complement the rural Texas environment. The area's open sky creates dramatic lighting conditions throughout the day, making features like Aquabella Aurora Borealis Series glass tile and Faber CNK Stone Nuance Travertine coping particularly striking as they catch and reflect changing light patterns across the outdoor living space.
Can you replace waterline tile after a pool is completed?
Waterline tile replacement is absolutely possible and often transforms the entire character of an existing pool. The James project demonstrates this beautifully with Noble NWOW 665 Vienne tile in a six-by-six format, which required careful demo of existing material and precise new installation. The process involves draining the pool, removing old tile and adhesive, preparing the surface, and installing new tile with proper waterproofing. Premium tiles like the Vienne series create dramatic visual impact, making waterline replacement one of the most effective ways to elevate an existing pool's aesthetic.
How do you choose between different pebble plaster finishes?
Pebble plaster selection depends on desired color depth, texture preference, and how the finish interacts with your specific lighting conditions. The James residence features Harbour Majestic Blue Peerless Pebble, chosen for its deep azure tones that shift from sapphire to turquoise throughout the day. Understanding how different pebble sizes and color blends perform in your environment is essential. Larger pebbles create more texture and visual movement, while the Majestic Blue formula provides rich color saturation that maintains vibrancy across Texas sun exposure and seasonal changes.
What's the advantage of bullnose coping over other edge profiles?
Bullnose coping provides both safety and aesthetic advantages, particularly important for families with active outdoor lifestyles. The James project's Faber CNK Stone Nuance Travertine with two-inch bullnose edge eliminates sharp corners while creating smooth transitions that feel natural underfoot. This profile also handles water drainage more effectively than square edges, reducing staining and extending the material's lifespan. The rounded edge catches light beautifully throughout the day, creating subtle shadows that enhance the travertine's natural variation and complement the freeform pool's organic geometry.
Your Naturalistic Retreat Starts Here
Tell us about your vision for outdoor living. We'll show you how craftsmanship transforms it into daily life.
(817) 618-5731
