Luxury Home Magazine

Although our culture is now fortunate enough to have personal recreational swimming pools, the historical foun- dation is more practical and communal. The Ancient Greeks and Romans are documented as the found- ers of structured artificial swimming pools. Built for the purpose of athletic training, these cultures focused on nautical games and military exercises instead of lounging; however, extravagant Roman emperors kept private pools for swimming which also housed fish. This story explains piscina – the Latin word for pool. Bathing has also been a social and public activity for centuries. Beginning with natural hot springs, bathers gradually transitioned into swimmers, and baths into swimming pools. The popularity of swimming pools grew steadily through the centuries and in the late 1800s, after the inclusion of swimming in the Olympic Games, profes- sional swimming pools became all the rage. Later, after World War I and the social gravitation away from “Long John” swimming costumes, swimming became a regular social sport and encouraged the attendance of public pools. In the 1940s a stylish swimsuit and Hollywood star seemed to have a profound impact on the American public. Following World War II, the popularity of the Esther Williams film Million Dollar Mermaid, creat- ed the desire and regular inclusion of privately owned pools in suburban backyards – especially in the warmer regions of the country. No longer were pools restricted to country clubs and public facilities. With the boom in the economy, and social popularity, standard swimming pools became a luxurious addition to the American home. Traditionally, the most amazing pools have been reserved for five-star hotels and occasional extravagant mogul. Perhaps the most famous and ornate home swimming pools can be found at Heart Castle. Boasting two stunning pools both finished in the 1930s,WilliamRandolphHearst paid tribute to history with the outdoor Neptune Pool and the indoor Roman Pool. The Neptune is lap-worthy, Oahu ~ The Manoa Estate, “ Hale Maluhia” This fabulous pool is an engineering marvel that took 8 months to build and litterally appears to “hang over” the Manoa Valley as it looks out to Waikiki and the tourquois sea beyond. Inspired by the famous pool at the Amandari Hotel in Ubud Bali, it acts a focal point for this 10 acre pri- vate Balanese Estate. This pool and estate is a favorite among “A” list celebrities, fortune 500 CEO’s, and diginitaries from countries around the world. See Page 5