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.
