Case Study
Commanding Fire, Water, Sound & Light
Where Technology Meets Togetherness
When our Mechanicsville clients set out to create a destination-worthy backyard on their 11 acres of country land, they knew they wanted something extraordinary, a space where fire, water, sound, and light could all work in harmony. With grown children, grandchildren, and a circle of friends who love to gather, this project was designed to make hosting effortless, from summer pool parties to Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.
Equally important was the integration of technology. The homeowner, an avid sports fan, music lover, and early adopter of new tech, wanted cutting-edge comfort and control at his fingertips. Every part of this project, from the custom gunite pool and spa to the fully appointed pool house, became a canvas for creating a technology-rich retreat that’s as smart as it is stunning.
The Power of Effortless Control
From the moment guests arrive to the final “All Off” command at night, every detail in this space responds with precision and ease. Smart automation ties together independent pool and spa systems, outdoor lighting, heating, audio, and video—creating one seamless environment that’s always ready for the next occasion.
Whether it’s setting the spa to the perfect temperature before guests arrive or syncing lights, music, and heaters for an evening under the stars, this system transforms the ordinary into the unforgettable.
Smart Pool & Spa Control
At the heart of the system is the Hayward OmniPL, giving the homeowner fingertip control over both pool and spa functions. From any connected device, he can manage water temperature, lighting, chlorination, and even fire bowl activation.
The TriStar 950 variable-speed pump runs nearly silent, automatically adjusting flow between filtration, waterfalls, and fire feature performance. With just one tap, this space transitions from tranquil morning swims to vibrant nighttime gatherings.
Customized Lighting Scenes
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. The Lutron Caséta system delivers full dimming control and programmable presets—from soft, ambient tones for quiet evenings to bright, crisp light for game-day clarity.
Even the ColorLogic pool and spa LEDs can shift hue on command, offering tailored presets for parties, movies, or relaxation. With a single tap, the mood transforms—bright for hosting, bold for celebrations, and calm for late-night unwinding.
Seamless Audio Zones
For a client who lives for music, sound was non-negotiable. Four Coastal Source audio zones, powered by Sonos, deliver high-fidelity sound across the property.
Each direct-burial loudspeaker includes a bi-amplified sub section, creating full, balanced sound that carries beautifully across the pool and patio without hot spots or distortion. The lounge area was acoustically tuned for clear sports commentary—so whether it’s game day or a quiet evening playlist, every note and word comes through perfectly.
Effortless Comfort & Entertainment
Entertainment extends well beyond the summer months. Four Bromic Platinum heaters mounted discreetly throughout the space operate on smart dimmers, adjustable in 1% increments for exact comfort.
For movie nights and game days, a SunBrite outdoor TV and pool house TV both run Fire TV Sticks—controlled by simple voice commands. “Alexa, turn on ESPN,” instantly brings the entire space to life as TVs, lights, and sound adjust automatically for the occasion.
Smart Control, Simplified
Despite its complexity, this system was designed for effortless operation. The homeowner can:
- Trigger lighting scenes or grouped audio zones with a single Caséta button.
- Tap an NFC tag near the grill, spa, or TV alcove to start a preset sequence.
- Recall pool and spa themes through OmniPL “favorites.”
- Launch “Movie Night” or “Game Day” by voice alone.
Every command is intuitive, every response instant. The technology disappears into the background, allowing pure enjoyment to take center stage.
Signature Scenes
To make everyday living seamless, we programmed signature “scenes” tailored to how the homeowners use the space most:
- Everyday Swim: Crisp white pool lights, relaxed music, and heaters off.
- Spa Night: Water at 100°, soft lighting, gentle fire glow, and mellow sound.
- Party at Dusk: Landscape lights and color-changing LEDs, music zones grouped with capped volumes.
- Pool Movie Night: TV-focused lighting and audio, fire features dimmed for screen clarity.
- Game Day: Voice-activated ESPN, balanced bar audio, and bright grill lighting.
- Morning Coffee Window: Calm lighting and soft tunes for peaceful starts.
- Kids Swim: Safety features engaged, gentle lighting, volume caps, and auto shut-offs.
- All Off & Secure: One command powers down the entire property for the night.
Built for Reliability
All of this technology runs on a robust network backbone built for performance. A dedicated 400-amp service, Araknis outdoor Wi-Fi access point, and gigabit switch ensure everything runs flawlessly, even during simultaneous streaming, heating, and audio playback. Clean wiring, labeled circuits, and surge protection make the system as durable as it is dynamic.
Where Design Meets Innovation
This project represents the best of what happens when thoughtful design meets a love of technology. By merging automation, comfort, and entertainment, Outdoor Dreams created more than a backyard—it’s a connected experience, designed for togetherness.
Here, fire, water, sound, and light respond in harmony, transforming every gathering into something unforgettable.
Award-Winning Project
Water & Flame – Mechanicsville, VA
Recognized with the Grand Prize for Home Automation, Entertainment & Media at the PRO Central Virginia Remodeler of the Year Awards 2025.