When Deb and Jim Deam moved from South Florida to North Florida, they knew one thing wasn’t negotiable: their new home needed a pool. Having owned a concrete pool for years, they couldn’t imagine life without a backyard space to relax, entertain, and spend time outdoors.
Their goal was to create a tropical-inspired retreat that would feel like an extension of their home while fitting the slower pace of life they were looking for in North Florida. After researching multiple pool companies and exploring both concrete and fiberglass options, they chose Paragon Pools to bring their vision to life.
Today, their backyard has become one of their favorite places to spend time, whether they’re floating in the pool, watching a game with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet evening outside.
The Vision
For the Deams, installing a pool wasn’t simply another home improvement project. It was part of the lifestyle they wanted to create after relocating to North Florida. “We’ve always had a pool,” Deb said. “When we were looking at lots, we told them not to show us anything that couldn’t accommodate one.”
Their goal was to create a backyard oasis where they could relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors year-round. Having spent years living in South Florida, they had already made outdoor living a major part of their routine, and they wanted to carry that lifestyle into their new home.
“We wanted to make our backyard into a tropical paradise,” Deb said. “It’s essentially adding another room to the house.” Today, that vision has become a reality. The couple spends countless hours on their patio and around the pool, hosting friends, watching sports, and enjoying quiet evenings at the end of the day.
Choosing Fiberglass and Paragon Pools
Before making a decision, Deb and Jim did what they do best: research. The couple met with five different pool companies and explored both concrete and fiberglass options. Having owned concrete pools in the past, they initially assumed they would install another one.
“We were predisposed to concrete because that’s all we’d ever known,” Jim said. As they learned more about fiberglass pools, they discovered several advantages that changed their perspective. Faster installation timelines and reduced maintenance quickly moved fiberglass to the top of their list.
What ultimately set Paragon Pools apart wasn’t just the product. It was the experience. Communication was one of the Deams’ highest priorities throughout the selection process. They had questions about everything from pool design and maintenance to installation timelines and long-term ownership.
“We had tons of questions, and they answered all of them,” Deb said. “They were patient and never made us feel like we were asking too much.” The team also took time to understand how the Deams planned to use their backyard rather than immediately steering them toward a specific pool.
“Luigi asked us what we were looking for in a pool and how we wanted to use the space,” Deb said. “He asked about our lifestyle, whether we liked clean lines or freeform designs, and helped us figure out what would work best for us.”
That collaborative approach helped the Deams select the Aruba model and confidently move forward with the project.
Bringing the Design to Life
One of the most valuable parts of the planning process was being able to visualize the finished project before construction began. After discussing their ideas, the Paragon team created a 3D rendering that incorporated the pool, patio layout, furniture placement, and future additions.
“We could actually see what the backyard was going to look like before we signed the contract,” said Jim. “That was fantastic.” The planning process also included detailed site evaluations to ensure the project would move smoothly once construction started.
“The owner came out himself to look at everything,” Deb said. “Who does that?” By the time construction began, the Deams felt confident they understood exactly what to expect.
The Installation Experience
One of the biggest concerns homeowners often have when building a pool is what construction will actually be like. For the Deams, communication throughout the installation process made all the difference.
“They set expectations perfectly,” Deb said. “They told us what would happen, when crews would be there, and what each stage would look like.” The project moved quickly. The excavation was completed in a single day, and the fiberglass pool shell arrived the following day.
“We knew fiberglass would be faster than concrete, but we were still amazed by how quickly everything came together,” Deb said. The overall installation took approximately 30 to 45 days from start to finish, and the couple was enjoying their new pool within days of final inspections.
Just as importantly, the crews left a lasting impression. “Every crew member was professional, friendly, and willing to answer questions,” Deb said. “You could tell they cared about the work they were doing.”
The Final Result
Two years later, the Deams are still thrilled with their decision. The fiberglass finish immediately stood out compared to the concrete pools they had owned in the past. “I love the color and the little sparkles at night,” said Deb. “It’s just such a pretty pool.”
The smooth surface has also been a welcome change. “You’re not snagging your bathing suit when you sit on the steps like you can with concrete pools.”
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been how easy the pool is to maintain. With their previous concrete pools, weekly maintenance was simply part of the routine. Algae growth, brushing, and chemical adjustments were regular tasks that couldn’t be ignored.
“I used to spend every Saturday morning maintaining our pool,” Jim said. “Now it’s incredibly easy.” In fact, the reduction in maintenance has exceeded his expectations.
“I’ve never had to brush algae off the sides of this pool. We honestly didn’t realize the difference would be that significant.” The pool has also become the centerpiece of the lifestyle they envisioned when they moved north.
From Memorial Day gatherings to evenings spent watching sports by the water, the space is used exactly as they hoped. “We’ve been able to duplicate our South Florida lifestyle thanks to this pool,” said Jim.
Looking back, Deb believes the investment was well worth it. “Installing a pool is expensive, but we look at it as investing in our lifestyle.”
Start Your Backyard Transformation
For homeowners considering a pool, Deb’s advice is simple. “Get the pool. Build it now. Life is short.”
If you’re ready to create a backyard oasis that fits the way you want to live, the team at Paragon Pools is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about fiberglass pool options and start planning your own backyard transformation.