Project Spotlight: St. George Vacation Rental Pool with Year-Round Use
Project Spotlight: St. George Vacation Rental Pool with Year-Round Use
Location: Hurricane, Utah (Sand Hollow community) Pool type: Premium fiberglass with attached spa Size: 16 by 32 feet, plus 6×7 attached spa Project budget: $145,000 turnkey Timeline: 7 weeks signed-to-swim (winter build)
The Challenge
An out-of-state owner of a Sand Hollow vacation rental wanted to upgrade from “pool nearby” to “private pool” — a major rental-rate driver in the Southern Utah STR market. The pool had to be:
Renter-proof (durable, simple controls, no fragile features)
Year-round usable (Southern Utah supports this)
Cool in summer (St. George August can overheat pools)
Auto-managed (owner is in another state)
Sand Hollow HOA approved
The Design
16 by 32 Latham premium fiberglass shell with built-in tanning shelf and attached 6×7 spa with sheer-descent waterfall. Light blue gel coat (reflects heat, looks great photographed). 700 sq ft travertine deck (cool underfoot — important in St. George heat).
Renter-friendly automation: Hayward OmniLogic with limited-control guest interface — guests can only adjust spa heat and lighting. Owner has full remote control via app. Pool chemistry monitored daily by local service contract.
Heat management: Hayward HeatPro chiller-capable heat pump (can cool pool 5-8°F below ambient when needed in summer). Auto cover for night insulation.
STR-Specific Features
Auto cover that closes nightly (safety for guest’s kids)
Camera monitoring (insurance requirement)
Quick-clean robotic vacuum runs daily
Pool service visit weekly
Lockable equipment pad (renter can’t tamper)
Large pool deck capacity for groups (12+ loungers)
HOA Approval
Sand Hollow has design review. Submitted with full 3D renderings showing how the pool, spa, and deck integrate with the home’s existing exterior. Approved on first submittal.
Construction in Winter
Started early February — Southern Utah supports year-round building. Excavation Week 1, shell set Week 2, plumbing and decking Weeks 3-5, equipment and finish Weeks 6-7. Owner’s first guest of the season had a pool ready for spring break.
The ROI
Owner reports nightly rate jumped from $385 (no pool) to $625 (private pool) — a 60%+ rate increase. Pool paid for itself in 3 rental seasons.