Shasta Pools & Spas announces the early fall opening of the highly anticipated swimming pools, therapeutic spas and Spanish style water features at the Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Montelucia, nestled on the North side of Camelback Mountain, has been wholly designed and architected to feature the distinct ambiance and influence of Andalucia, in the South of Spain. With 293 hotel rooms and suites, the Resort/Spa side of Montelucia will include a restaurant, a wedding chapel and a 30,000 square foot health spa. For the resort area, there are a total of three outdoor pool areas, all of which will be heated year-round. The Shasta Pools Semi-Commercial Division has been working with Montelucia for approximately two years to design, engineer and construct the spectacular pools, spas and water features that will contribute to the Southern Spanish experience.

The first and smallest of the three outdoor pool areas is known as the Andalucian, reserved specifically for the guests of the presidential suite. This 343 square foot pool with an attached spa has custom Spanish style coping and intricate stone decking. The spa itself has its own shade structure to create a more private, intimate environment for guests of the suite.

The Oasis Pool area will be the hub of the resort for many of Montelucia's guests. The elaborate deck area features spaced-out deck patterns etched with brick designs and Spanish tile accents. The 1716 square foot pool has custom Spanish blend coping and is rectangular in shape. The detached spa is accented with a water feature wall to the North that ties in ambient water sounds and soothing water movement. There will be an abundance of lounging areas and eight cabanas for guests to enjoy.

The Main Pool area and largest of the three is the main focus of the Spanish influenced resort. The 3820 square foot pool is operated by a two slot gutter system, giving the illusion that the water is terminating into the deck. The massive 384 square foot therapeutic spa is the size of a typical small pool and can seat 20 people comfortably. It is raised above the pool's deck level and will be highlighted by a 20 foot long, tile faced water feature wall with five custom stone scuppers separating it from the main pool area. There is a separate raised area that contains a fire ring for guests to enjoy on cool evenings. The pool and spa will be surrounded by 12,000 square feet of decking that will leave plenty of room for the 10-15 cabanas, lounging areas and lush landscaping.

Shasta is constructing 14 water features throughout the resort side of the property, the most notable being La Alhambra Walk. For the 30,000 square foot spa, Shasta will complete a shotcrete whirlpool and a cold deluge for the men and a shotcrete whirlpool and cold deluge for women. The Spa Grande, a 524 square foot stainless steel pool was crane lifted onto the roof and will be available for use during spa treatments. Throughout the entire resort/spa area of the property there is an abundance of hand carved Cantera stone, Spanish brick and coping and hand carved stone scuppers, all reminiscent of Spain.

About Shasta Semi-Commercial
The Shasta Pools Semi-Commercial division builds spectacular and unique swimming pools all over the state of Arizona. Semi-Commercial's expertise lies with design and engineering, custom projects, high-rise projects and remodeling. From swimming pools and spas at resort hotels and business complexes to complex water features at master planned communities, Shasta's Semi-Commercial division can bring your project to life.

About Shasta Industries
Shasta Industries consists of nine divisions and is founded on constant innovation and providing astonishing customer service. Shasta employs more than 500 people throughout the Valley and has been Arizona's number one pool builder since 1968. For more information, visit www.shastapools.com.

Labels: Montelucia, Montelucia Resort Spa, shasta, shasta pools, shasta semi-commercial

As the Arizona State University campus grows, residences are essential to fit the needs of the ever increasing student population. ASU plans to increase housing from 6,800 to 12,000 by 2015. ASU has partnered with ACC (American Campus Committees) to develop a new, modern living area. The South Campus Residential Community (SCRC) is located on the SE corner of Apache Boulevard and McAllister Avenue in Tempe, AZ. It is a project in development for mixed use with student residences, commercial/retail space, common areas and a parking garage. The goal of the project is to attract older upperclassmen that have chosen residences off campus in the developments outside of ASU's main territory. The 1,860 beds in 10 buildings will include a community center, common areas, a fitness center, an auditorium and a lounge. Among the amenities include a Shasta Pool built by the Shasta Pools Semi-Commercial Division.

The Shasta Pool built at ASU's South Campus Residential Community is a 2240 square foot free form pool. Also, included in the design is a 177 square foot spa that will comfortably fit 13 swimmers. The symmetrical pool design compliments the architecture of the building and will be a hub of socialization for the residents. The pool features custom coping and an abundance of sun deck and lounging areas. Plenty of shade structures and planters will surround the pool and spa area. Other key elements for residents to enjoy include a fire pit and a dual barbeque.

About Shasta Semi-Commercial
The Shasta Pools Semi-Commercial division builds spectacular and unique swimming pools all over the state of Arizona. Semi-Commercial's expertise lies with design and engineering, custom projects, high-rise projects and remodeling. From swimming pools and spas at resort hotels and business complexes to complex water features at master planned communities, Shasta's Semi-Commercial division can bring your project to life.

About Shasta Industries
Shasta Semi-Commercial is a division of Shasta Industries. Founded in 1966, Shasta has been Arizona's number one pool builder for 40 consecutive years. Shasta Industries encompasses nine divisions and employs more than 500 people throughout the Valley.

Labels: arizona state university, asu, shasta, shasta pools, shasta semi-commercial

This week the Shasta Pools Remodeling Division announces the completion of the Forest Highlands Aquatic Facility. Located in Flagstaff, Arizona at 7,000 ft elevation, this hide-away is tucked among majestic pine trees and groves of mature oaks and aspens. The retreat encompasses two beautifully maintained golf courses, two clubhouses and the activities offered to residents are endless. Since the swimming pool is a fundamental part of this community its maintenance is necessary and was much needed.

This 70,000 gallon pool was a great endeavor. Blue Estrada, Remodeling Processing Manager for Shasta Pools explains, "It was interesting to try to understand the true state of this pool's interior and waterline tile because we first went to measure, it was covered under two feet of snow." The main concern of the Forest Highlands management was getting the pool re-plastered. The new interior is a beautiful polymer reinforced plaster with a blue quartz additive. An additional, and not to be overlooked feature is the CAT (Computer Automated Technology) 5000 Controller that was installed to operate the pool. This highly advanced automation system controls the pH and Chlorine levels in the pool. The manual addition of chlorine and muriatic acid is nearly eliminated. This controller also gives pool keepers the ability to remotely control the levels in the pool and receive notices about level changes via satellite.


About Shasta Pools Remodeling Division
The Shasta Pools Remodeling Division is the number one remodeling division in America. As a subsidiary of Shasta Pools & Spas, Shasta's Remodeling team is highly focused on quality craftsmanship and dedication to the customer. With over 26,000 swimming pool remodeling projects completed and over 75,000 new swimming pools built in Arizona, Shasta's extensive experience consists of a wide variety of types of projects. No matter who built the swimming pool, Shasta Pools & Spas can remodel it.

About Shasta Industries, Inc.
Shasta Industries, Inc. consists of nine divisions and is founded on constant innovation and providing astonishing customer service. Shasta employs over 500 people in the Valley and has been Arizona’s number one pool builder since 1968. For more information please visit www.ShastaPools.com.

Labels: shasta pool supplies, shasta semi-commercial, shasta-pools

The Business Journal of Phoenix
by Lynn Ducey Phoenix Business Journal

Shasta Pools and Spas has been giving Valley residents a place to splash for decades and, over the years, has learned to ride the waves of the real estate business.

"The housing market is the No. 1 thing that's been challenging out there. In order to build a new pool, a lot of times there has to be a new house," said Steve Ast, Shasta's vice president of sales.

Founded in the Valley in 1966 by the Ast family, the company long ago realized that diversity tempers real estate's notorious ups and downs.

"In our early years, we were very dependent on residential. But it's really gotten to a point (that) we are significantly diversified," Ast said.

While Shasta is well-known for residential pool construction under its Shasta Pools and Spas brand, the company -- formally known as Shasta Industries Inc. -- also is heavily involved in the manufacture of large-scale resort and municipal pools.

Shasta built Buckeye's 450,000-gallon municipal pool, which features a 120-foot-long water slide, a dedicated competition diving area and a giant mushroom that dumps buckets of water onto patrons, said Dave Showen, parks manager for the town of Buckeye.

"With daily visitors, we always max out at 400 people. We do swim lessons and diving competitions and practices, and with reservations we are booked from mid-May to mid-September," Showen said.

In his previous position with the city of Peoria, Showen also worked with Shasta: The company built the 250,000-gallon Centennial Pool in 2001 and refurbished the Peoria Pool in the late 1990s.

"Shasta knows what people want in this industry. They are experts in their business and did a really great job in a timely manner," Showen said.

That reputation is the reason Shea Homes identifies Shasta as a recommended brand for the Walnut, Calif.-based home builder, said Buddy Satterfield, president of Shea Homes Arizona.

Shea has worked with Shasta for almost two decades, and Satterfield said its ability to offer such high-quality amenities is important to Shea's competitive edge.

"People view a pool as an extension of their home. We tend to spend a lot of time in our backyards in Phoenix, and pools really promote the use of the backyard," he said.

Ast declined to discuss financials for the privately held business, but Shasta officials estimate they have built pools at 75,000 Valley homes.

The firm continues to build on its presence, operating five stores and design centers across Arizona offering retail sales, repair and replacement services.

Shasta's diversification also includes the manufacture of commercial water features, including those at Tempe Marketplace. In addition to a coatings division, the company does significant business in the manufacture and sales of pool filtration systems and replacement parts to commercial customers worldwide.

Ast said executives have strategic goals set for each of the company's nine divisions.

Overarching plans for Shasta include further developing its large-scale resort and municipal business across the Western U.S., continuing to build the portfolio of international clients for its parts business, and bringing new innovations to its residential offerings.

While the home building and pool business are extremely competitive, particularly in the Phoenix market, Ast said many people in the Valley have short memories.

"The last downturn in Arizona was in the 1990-'91-'92 time frame. And people tend to forget about those times. Now, it's the mortgage industry. But over the past 30 to 40 years, business -- and even we as a state and a city -- have always worked it out," Ast said.
Shasta Industries

What: Builder and designer of commercial, resort and residential pools and spas; manufacturer of pool-related commercial parts and coatings

Founded: 1966

President: Ed "Skip" Ast

HQ: 3750 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix

Divisions: Nine

Employees: 540 full- and part-time

Labels: Phoenix Business Journal, shasta, shasta pool supplies, shasta semi-commercial, shasta-pools

The Business Journal
Summer 2007

By Linda Obele

Luxury swimming pools are like people. Some are big, and some are bigger. Some are formal, and others are all about fun.

But all pools seem to have one thing in common: Each is designed to beckon its owners outside to enjoy more of Arizona's great year-round weather.

"Arizona living just dictates that," said Linda Hanford, marketing director for Scottsdale homebuilder Toll Brothers Inc. "Buyers are looking for luxury indoors and luxury outdoors. They want to take the indoors in and the outdoors in."

While the trend at one time seemed confined to custom homes, even buyers of production and semi-custom homes are seeking more elaborate outdoor living environments.

Caption page 1: Doug Lasater worked with Shasta Pools to create a dramatic effect for his Scottsdale backyard. His 36- by 18-foot negative edge pool is accented with two large stacked-slate columns topped with fire woks.

Take for example the Terreno model at Toll Brother's new Saguaro Estates community in North Scottsdale, where prices start at $1.2 million. The 6,651-square-foot model features a stunning swimming pool, seating area and fire pit, nontraditionally situated in the home's front courtyard.

"Buyers are asking for the outsides of their homes to be as amenitized as their indoor spaces," Hanford says. "They want pools with misters, design details, unusual shapes, swim up bars. They want sunken barbecue areas, ramadas, raised patio areas, and TV's and pizza ovens by the pool so that their kids don't have to tromp in and out the back door while they're swimming in the summer."

Valley pool builders confirm Hanford's observations and discuss what's in and what's out in the luxury pool and spa world.

Finishes
Over the past several years, stone aggregate finishes have surpassed plaster as the pool coating of choice for many luxury home owners, says Mike Ferraro, president of Phoenician Pool Construction. The finishes go by several brand names. PebbleTec, PebbleSheen and PebbleFina are among the most commonly recognized in the industry.

Benefits of stone aggregate finish include durability, stain resistance and beauty. Ferraro said the newest of these types of finishes is PebbleFina, which combines cement with an additive called pozzolan to make the mixture more durable and resistant to etching from chemicals and hard water. It also incorporates tiny pieces of seashells to enhance the beauty of the pool's interior and add a brilliant sparkle quality to the water.

Also newer on the scene is Beadcrete, the trade name of a concrete pool finish that's smoother and more vibrant than traditional stone aggregate mixtures. The shine and color are attributed to tiny bits of polished glass and shiny rocks incorporated into the product. One of Beadcrete's most attractive features is the way it appears to glow under both natural and artificial light, giving the pool almost a three-dimensional appearance. The cost is about 20 percent greater than stone aggregate, but the result is a smoother feel on the feet. Tile, both ceramic and glass, also is popular in very high-end pools and spas, says Ferraro.

"It's expensive, but stunning," he says, adding that a homeowner might pay $50 per square foot for glass tile, compared with $5 for stone aggregate. Because of the expense, some homeowners choose to use tile sparingly- as an accent along the waterline or in a design at the bottom of the pool, or to cover the surface of a spa.

Caption page 2: A large tiered fountain, arching jets of water and accent lighting transform an ordinary pool into extraordinary.

Inset: A flagstone-topped bar is a nice addition to this pool, which features a built-in seating area

Decks
The 1970's gave us cool deck, a heat-resistant cement coating applied to concrete. The late 80's gave us a more advanced version, using a cement and polymer coating sprayed over concrete decking, then covered with an acrylic masonry paint. But today's luxury pools are more likely to be surrounded by a variety of natural and synthetic stone products, such as flagstone, canterra, travertine and brick, says Bill Gullekson, director of sales for Shasta Pools and Spas' semi-commercial division.

Gullekson says pavers, especially the manufactured products, are forgiving of Arizona's expansive soil conditions and are available in a variety of colors, patterns and textures

Lighting
Modern day pool and spa lighting runs the gamut from the traditional 120-volt incandescent spotlight embedded beneath the water's surface to fiber-optic lights that transmit illumination through tiny fibers. Fiber optics, which traditionally are installed in a strip around the pool's perimeter, have increased in popularity because of the variety of colors available and because the light source is in a remote location. No electricity is used around the water.

Also popular is spectrum amber light, known as SAL. The light is controlled by computer automation and features a spectum of seven colors that can be synchronized for effect.

While not normally thought of as a light source these days, fire is being used more and more in and around Valley pools and spas. "People like the combination of fire and water," says Ferraro.

Natural gas- or propane fueled fire can be found spouting from pots, urns and woks. Sometimes fire appears to emerge from waterfalls and boulders, or from under the water itself.

Scottsdale resident Doug Lasater worked with Shasta Senior Designer Wally Dykert to create a dramatic effect with fire at Lasater's backyard pool and spa. Two fire woks are mounted atop stacked-slate pillars on the back side of a 36- by 18-foot negative edge pool. A square, elevated fire pit behind the pool is framed by the two pillars.

When the features are ignited at night, Lasater says, the effect is a "smoothing ambience" unlike any other.

"Shasta assisted me in creating a one-of-a-kind modern pool which will become the desire for young professionals in years to come," says the 28-year-old real estate investor, who recently finished flight school to become a commercial airline pilot.

Design
Remember when swimming pools were either rectangular or kidney-shaped? Gullekson says in some of the Valley's older residences, those retro shapes are making a comeback. But by and large, today's luxury pools feature geometric shapes that compliment the home's architecture.

Infinity or negative-edge pools still are hot, although maybe not as popular as they were from the late '80s through the '90s.

"They've come a long way," he says. "But I've probably talked more people out of them than in. They need a focal point behind the pool. The water should drop off into another body of water, like a spa, or off into a view of city lights- not into a fence. Otherwise, it's money wasted."

Zero-edge or deck-level pools also are cropping up at more luxury homes, especially those with flat yards. The design, which uses the same technology seen in most public swimming pools, puts the pool water at the same level as the top of the deck. Water from the pools flows into a surrounding gutter and then into an underground surge tank, which recycles it back into the pool. "The look is striking," says Gullekson.

Rock water slides, shade-covered swim-up bars and lazy rivers also can be found at many of the Valley's upscale homes.

Technology
Automation has extended from the house to the pool and lighting. With the tough of a button, homeowners can control the heating, cleaning, lighting and other functions of their outdoor pool and spa from a panel located inside the home.

In-floor cleaning technology and saline systems that create natural chlorine are well-liked for their easy maintenance.

"With pools, almost anything goes," says Gullekson. "But one thing that's definitely 'out' is high-maintenance pools. A pool is like a puppy: When you first get it, you play with it and you don't mind if it barks and you don't mind cleaning up after it. But after a while, the novelty wears off. What keeps people away from getting a pool is their past experiences or perception of cleaning it using a hand vacuum.

Caption page 3: Large fire woks provide mood lighting in Doug Lasater's Scottsdale backyard.

Labels: Phoenix Business Journal, shasta, shasta semi-commercial, shasta-pools

Shasta Pools Commercial Division built all 10 of these public pools recently featured in the Arizona Republic.

All 10 Public Swimming Pool Projects Written About in an Arizona Republic Article Titled Cool Pools were built by Shasta Pools of Phoenix, Arizona.

Phoenix, AZ - Shasta Pools and Spas known as Shasta Pools Commercial and Olympic has regularly been chosen by municipalities around the Phoenix area and across the southwest. The Arizona Republic described the ten swimming / water park projects typically called Aquatic Centers as, "The Valley's Coolest Pools" and added, "with slides, whirlpools and splash playgrounds, these municipal pools entertain while they cool you down."

The profiled projects were:
Surprise Aquatic Center
15831 N. Bullard Ave. (623) 266-4500
It has a zero-depth pool with play features, a tunnel slide, a flume slide, a vortex whirlpool and diving boards.

McDowell Mountain Ranch park and aquatic center
15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway (480) 312-6677
It has four diving boards, a tube slide, a 600-foot lazy river, a beach entry pool and an interactive splash pad.

Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center
5600 W. Union Hills Drive (623) 930-4600
Cruise the lazy river, splash in the aquatic playground or hit two slides

Hamilton Aquatic Center
3838 S. Arizona Ave. (480) 782-2630
With a vortex whirlpool, two slides, a splash playground and a current river, this pool is always packed.

Desert Oasis Aquatic Center
1400 W. Summit Place (480) 732-1061
The center has a zero-depth play area with a kiddie slide, spray whale, 112-foot twisty slide and drop slide.

University
1102 W. Van Buren St.
It's an older pool, but it has been remodeled. Now there is a mushroom fountain, dumping buckets and a small slide.

Buckeye Aquatic Center
207 N Ninth St. (623) 386-7760
It has a twisty slide. Two fountain play areas and a zero-depth pool.

Carson Junior High Pool
525 N Westwood (480) 644-5300
The city's newest pool has a twisty tunnel slide, a tumble bucket, a zero-depth pool and shade.

Shepherd Aquatic Complex
1407 N. Alta Mesa Drive (480) 644-5300
The complex has a mushroom fountain play area, a water slide, three diving boards and shade.

Mesquite Aquatic Center
100 W. Mesquite St. (480) 503-6292
The best pool in Gilbert, Mesquite has two water slides, a lap pool and diving board, and a kid's play area with mushroom fountains.

Steve Ast, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Shasta Pools & Spas remarked, "I love the trust Shasta Pools C&O has earned over the years with the municipalities here in the Phoenix area. I am also proud that when it comes to building big, technically complex pool parks, Shasta Pools is the name the always comes up."

About Shasta Pools & Spas
Shasta Pools & Spas was founded in 1966 and has been the number one pool builder in Arizona since 1968 with more than 75,000 swimming pools built throughout the state. Shasta is a recognized leader and innovator in the swimming pool industry and is the only Phoenix pool builder that is a member of the prestigious Master Pools Guild. Over the years, the company has grown to include nine divisions including swimming pool building, pool remodeling, pool product manufacturing and pool supply retail stores.

Labels: Arizona Republic, shasta, shasta semi-commercial, shasta-pools

Pool & Spa News

The Master Pools Guild gave out its 2003 Awards of Excellence earlier this year. The program garnered 312 entries in 27 categories. Thirty-two companies were given 200 honors.

The top honor, the Grand International Award, went to Phoenix-based Shasta Pools & Spas for a nine-vessel aquascape at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa. Situated in Phoenix's largest resort, the project has several water features and a lazy river. "It's nice to be able to do projects on that scale that garner recognition by such a prestigious group of peers," said John Neely, Shasta's marketing manager.

According to Master Pools Executive Director Dick Covert, builders are submitting more water features and naturalistic pools. The group's next meeting is set for Nov. 3 in Virginia.

Labels: Pool and Spa News, shasta, shasta semi-commercial, shasta-pools