A Hillside Haven: Leisure Pools’ Pool of the Year 2024 Creates Luxury Oasis in Tennessee

In Knox County, Tennessee, Thomas Loy has built more than just pools – he’s built a legacy of excellence in outdoor living spaces. From humble beginnings as a young entrepreneur with a push mower, Loy has evolved into one of the region’s premier pool and landscape designers. His journey from landscape maintenance to award-winning pool installations reflects a commitment to continuous learning and unwavering quality that defines every Loy’s Pools project.

Perched atop rolling Tennessee hills, this 11-acre property presented both a challenge and a canvas for Thomas Loy and his expert team at Loy’s Pools. What began as a blank slate alongside a newly constructed home has been transformed into an outdoor paradise that seamlessly blends modern luxury with natural beauty. This project, which earned Pool of the Year 2024 from Leisure Pools exemplifies the comprehensive approach that has become Loy’s hallmark.

The project’s complexity demanded sophisticated surveying equipment to tackle significant elevation changes across the property. One of the most impressive features is the innovative integration of an automatic pool cover, cleverly tucked beneath the mouth of the water slide. Loy’s ingenuity shines through in the cantilevered slide design, ensuring perfect clearance for the cover’s operation while maintaining the aesthetic flow of the space.

At the heart of this outdoor oasis lies the crown jewel: The Pinnacle 40 by Leisure Pools in captivating Sapphire Blue. This salt water chlorinated, heated pool features state-of-the-art amenities including:

• Four color-changing LED lights that transform the pool into a nighttime spectacle
• Two laminar jets flanking the slide, creating stunning water features
• A sophisticated dual-pump system powering the exhilarating water slide

The project extends far beyond the water’s edge, creating multiple spaces for gathering and entertainment. The custom-built pavilion houses a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining. A traditional wood-burning fire pit, constructed with Belgard block and natural stone column caps, provides a cozy spot for evening gatherings.

The hardscape and landscape elements demonstrate meticulous attention to detail:

• Premium Belgard pavers complemented by elegant travertine pool coping
• Low-voltage landscape lighting throughout the grounds
• A decorative water bubbler adding subtle movement to the landscape bed
• Carefully planned retaining walls that work with the natural topography

This award-winning installation is more than just a pool – it’s a comprehensive outdoor living space designed for creating lasting memories. Whether it’s children laughing as they splash down the slide, friends gathering around the fire pit on cool evenings or family celebrations under the pavilion, every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the connection between family, friends and the natural beauty of the Tennessee landscape.

“When you have a project as expansive as this one, you must trust the process and engage in extensive planning and designing,” reflected Loy. With his team’s diverse expertise in landscaping, hardscaping and pool installation, every aspect of the project was executed with precision and care. The result, which Loy describes as “a slam dunk,” showcases how the right combination of vision, skill and dedication can transform a challenging hillside into an extraordinary outdoor living space.

This masterful installation demonstrates the perfect harmony between functional design and aesthetic beauty, creating an outdoor retreat that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Every element, from the sophisticated pool features to the inviting gathering spaces, represents the culmination of Loy’s journey from landscape professional to award-winning pool installer, proving that when expertise meets passion, the results are truly extraordinary.