Vanishing-Edge Pool Melts into Lake Belton
By STACY MOSER | Photography by JUSTIN BORJA
Shanna and Kyle Grote created a dream vacation get-away right in their own back yard. The Texas natives went in search of their “forever home” in 2007 and settled on a modest ranch-style home in Belton, perfect for their growing family. The house had one feature, however, that clinched the deal—it backs onto Lake Belton and affords incredible views from the property.
“After about ten years living here, we finally had enough money to either remodel our home or put in a pool,” Shanna recalls. “We opted for the pool since outside is where we spend most of our time.”
This isn’t just any pool, however. Shanna says the vanishing-edge design, integral hot tub and adjacent sunken outdoor kitchen with a swim-up bar were must-haves on their dream design list.
“Our favorite vacation spot, Cozumel Palace in Mexico, has a swim-up bar so we always knew we wanted that,” says Kyle. “We wanted clean lines and a big kitchen since our inside kitchen is small. We sketched it out on paper and Jeniece and Chris Perry of Central Texas Pool & Patio brought it to life. They helped us understand why a bench might be better than stools or why a sunken hot tub would be more aesthetically pleasing. The vanishing edge was never even a question—it was well worth the cost to have the amazing view of the pool and the lake all in one seamless line.”
The couple owns Backyard BBQ and JNeely’s Burrito Bar in Belton, so entertaining with food was essential to their plans. “We have a very active lifestyle,” says Shanna. “We enjoy cooking and hanging out together, playing games in the pool and sitting around at the swim-up bar. Our four kids are home-schooled and we spend more time outdoors than indoors. We love to just relax together outside.”
When asked about her strategies to keep her kids water-safe, Shanna explains, “The best advice I can give is to educate your children. Get them in the water at a young age to teach them boundaries and rules. Teach them what to do in an emergency. You always keep an eye on them, but teaching them respect for the water is what really keeps them safe.”
Sadie’s Lemonade: A Grote Family Favorite
3 cups water
1 cup Sprite
½ cup orange juice
2 cups homemade Sweet ‘n Sour
Sweet ‘n Sour
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
½ cup lemon juice
½ cup lime juice
