See How This Aquatics International Dream Design Swimming Pool Averts the Institutional

When working on commercial swimming pools and spas, designers have much less leeway than they do on residential projects. Codes, standards and best practices are ramped up, especially on public facilities.

Despite this, the design team for the Ouray Hot Springs Swimming Pool managed to avert the institutional look and create a scene that blends with the majestic San Juan mountains in the backdrop. That's one of the reasons it has been honored in this year's special Dream Designs issue, from our sister publication Aquatics International.

Located about 300 miles southwest of Denver, the tourist spot/community hang also boasts some of the fun features that help attract a larger crowd. This includes a climbing wall that incorporates some well-detailed artificial rockwork.

Take a look how the designers turned one pool into five, with the objective of increasing capacity five-fold while retaining the original small-time feel. All Dream Designs honorees will appear in the July/August issue of Aquatics International.