A beloved and historic pool in Coral
Gables is finally getting the restoration
it needs, after over 100 years of public
enjoyment. The Venetian Pool, serving
hundreds of thousands of people since
1923, is a proud addition to the National
Register of Historic Places — an even
bigger achievement considering the
slim number of swimming pools that
share the same distinction.
AQUA spoke to Dan Dillon, owner of
Islamorada Pools, and Oscar Morejon,
president of John Bell Construction,
about the details of the restoration
project and what the public can expect
from this highly anticipated overhaul.
Perhaps the most impressive
detail about the Venetian Pool is its
uncommon draining procedure, which
calls for the pool — around 960
thousand gallons of water — to be
drained and refilled every single day.
Since the water used for the pool comes
from the Coral Gables city aquifer, the
chemical content in the water can never
reach a high level, resulting in a need for
the daily drain.
The major restorations of the project
include a complete overhaul of the
pumps, underground plumbing, piping
and electrical systems for the pool itself.
Mid February 2025 saw the first round
of concrete pouring on the site to lay the
foundation for the rest of the project.
The pool will be sealed with a new
polymer called ecoFINISH, Dan Dillon
says, which is solving a big problem
for the city in regard to sustainability.
Instead of painting the interior of the
pool, risking the wear and tear of paint
chips entering the city’s water supply,
the polymer will keep the water safe
for everyone. “It’s stopping chemical
and water loss by about 40%,” he says,
“since it’s not eating up the chemicals
all the time.”
As important as the technical
renovations are, at the heart of this job
is the crew’s dedication to preserve the
past.
“We’re working very closely with a
historic preservation board,” Morejon
shares. “We meet with them regularly
to make sure we’re doing everything we
can to preserve the character and charm
this pool has, as well as what it means
to the community.”
From the historic preservation
boards, engineers, consultants, and
every person in between, this project is
no stranger to the power of teamwork.
As the old saying goes, it takes a village.
AQUA reached out to the City of
Coral Gables, who expressed their
excitement for the major restoration:
“We at the City of Coral Gables are
immensely proud to recognize the
Venetian Pool as not only a top tourist
attraction but also a vital community
asset. This historic site embodies the
vision of our city’s founders and serves
as a cornerstone of our cultural heritage.
Through preservation efforts, we have
maintained its unique architecture and
atmosphere, ensuring it remains an
important destination for both residents
and visitors from around the world. The
Venetian Pool continues to symbolize
our commitment to celebrating and
protecting the historical landmarks that
make Coral Gables truly special.”
With their sights set on reopening
at the end of Summer 2025, the
community in Coral Gables are sure
to keep making memories for another
century to come.
This article first appeared in the April 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
