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Anna Kasabian Contributes to New Book!

Anna Kasabian is a household name when it comes to OceanHome magazine, but what many don’t know is that she has written a dozen of her own books, and in 2012 she can be found in the interior design book: Jennifer Post: Pure Space. Published by Rizzoli NY, Jennifer Post: Pure Space explores the work of designer Jennifer Post and her constant use of elegant minimalism that put her name on Architectural Digest’s 100 list of the world’s top architects and designers. Kasabian introduces readers to her elegant work and style.

Kasabian vividley describes Post’s work, stating that it “emphasizes clear spatial organization on a primary axis, and adheres to strict rules of balance, continuity, and clarity of forms. When she [Post] introduces color or luxurious textures, they are in moderation and always come with a very specific purpose. She is the first to tell you that every design component in her work comes from a plan.”

To see the rest of Kasabian’s work in Jennifer Post: Pure Space, purchase the book through Rizzoliusa.com

Coastal Items by Vagabond House

Octopus Champagne Glass, $64

The Holiday season is the time to show off your best stemware and Vagabond House has you covered if you want to own the must-see items of the year. 

Parties, gatherings, and celebrations of all sorts are key elements to the Holiday season. It’s a time when everyone dresses their best, eats decadent food, and enjoys the continuous company of family and friends. Not only does living on the coast allow hosts to indulge in a different type of cuisine, but it also allows them to incorporate coastal features into their party items. This season, if you are attending any coastal Holiday parties and you’re looking to give the perfect host gift, or you simply want items for your own celebration, than Vagabond House has got you covered.

With items that look as if they came off the set of Pirates of the Caribbean, Vagabond House has some of the most luxurious kitchen items that will set the perfect theme for any coastal party.

 

DeGeneres Buys Brad Pitt’s Malibu Mansion

This past Friday transactions were completed for Ellen DeGeneres to finalize the $12 million purchase of Brad Pitt’s Malibu Home. The mansion, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean, features two separate houses, private beach access, pool, and tennis court. DeGeneres is downsizing quite a bit from her $49 million, 15,000 square-foot compound to a smaller, more quant 4,000 square-foot beach home.

Lost Seal Slumbers in New Zealand Home

A baby seal moseyed its way into a New Zealand home, quite a surprise for home owner Annette Swoffer to find such a visitor in her house. The seal promptly made itself at home on the couch.  The seal had left from the bay, sneaked through a residential area and busy roads, roamed under a gate, popped through a cat door, and made its way up some stairs.  The Department of Conservation was on the lookout for the baby when Swoffer called to report the lost animal. The baby was likely a newborn as pups are often on their own during this season as the mother is forging for food. The Department pushes that seals be sent back to their natural habitat, as they are wild and not meant to dwell indoors. The baby seal, which was cleverly named Lucky, was safely returned to the water.

 

Howie Mandel Prepped to Deal His Malibu Estate

Current “America’s Got Talent” judge and former “Deal or No Deal” host Howie Mandel has placed his Malibu beachfront domain on the market for $7.25 million, a far cry from the $3 million he bought the property for in 2006. Inspired by the traditional theme seen on Cape Cod Mandel’s home has accommodations for plenty of lodgers with a property encompassing more than one acre and 5,936 square feet of living space equipped with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Paradise is ensured with a pool, spa, gym, and charming oceanfront views. An in-home theater is accessible and for those who desire a quieter chamber for leisure reading or for the working type a den, office, and library are all included.

Matt Rapf of Prittchett-Rapf Associates, Malibu, is the listing agent.

David Spade Lists Malibu Beach Home

Actor David Spade, famous for his comedic presence on sitcom Rules of Engagement, set his Malibu beach home for sale at $13.5 million, a sweeping price from the $9.3 million Spade bought the oceanfront property for in 2005.  With plenty of space to lounge, the two story estate of 3,700 square feet sits on a quarter-acre lot with four bedrooms and 3 1/2-bathrooms.  The luxury estate is adorned with  four fireplaces to stay cozy, a magnificent cylindrical staircase, pool, and balconies and decks that overlook the azure ocean.

Bryan Harper of Coldwell Banker’s Malibu Colony office is the listing agent.

 

“Playground of Presidents” Island for Sale

Prospective high end home buyers may envision owning a pristine strip of beachfront, but the idea of owning an entire island may not seem plausible. However, just a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland in Sherwood, Maryland, is Jefferson Island, a 20-acre island in the Chesapeake Bay that is on the market for just $3.950 million. The island is home to a five-bedroom house,  a three-bedroom guest house, a 750-foot dock, and about 7,050 feet of waterfront land for plenty of space to run, swim, fish, and cruise.

Jefferson Island has in the past been dubbed “Playground of Presidents” as Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman vacationed on the island. Jefferson Island was given its name in 1930 when an array of Democrats bought the island and built a hunting retreat they named the Jefferson Island Club. That club was destroyed in 1946 in a fire, but new houses were built over in 1950. Other buildings on the island include ones that housed Secret Service agents who accompanied visiting presidents to the island. For a time, Jefferson Island was owned by the Smithsonian Institution, and they used the property to study of water birds and other species, but the property is currently privately owned.

In the late 1800s, Jefferson Island was originally part of Poplar Island, but was severed from it due to erosion and rising sea levels.  Poplar Island has a warlike history of being part of an Indian massacre and used by British troops as a campsite.

For extra information about Jefferson Island, contact Lacaze Meredith Real Estate in Easton, Maryland at 410.822.6272 or visit ExtraordinaryProperties.com

OBX Trading Group Costal Items

Coral Wastebasket & Tissue Holder Refresh and brighten your room by simply adding an elegant wastepaper basket with a matching tissue box cover. With hundreds of designs to select from, each item is handmade to order decoupage on wood or tin.  Our elegant beach home furnishings and coastal  artist gallery can be found at Outer Banks Trading Group,  919.249.6121, www.obxtradingroup.com

Melt Holiday Stress With Topical BioMedics

Relaxation Spa Package

Lately the craze to live a healthy lifestyle has been in full in force. Eating organic, using natural products, and trying different forms of exercising such as yoga and pilates are just a few ways that people are indulging in the holistic life. However, during this time of the year it is hard to keep a certain peace of mind and it is even more difficult to take a minute to relax. It’s easy to get wrapped up (no pun-intended) in the chaotic atmosphere and forget to pause for a minute to let yourself unwind. As nice as taking a day and visiting the spa is, many people don’t have time to fit that into their busy schedule. That is why Topical BioMedics Inc. has put together the perfect natural spa packages to help both men and women unwind and escape from the holiday stress.

As a research and development leader in topical regulated natural biomedicines for pain relief, Topical BioMedics Inc. features their signature therapeutic brand: Topricin. Made from of a select combination of high quality natural homeopathic biomedicines, Topricin is clean and safe to use, and distributes powerful medicine to help get rid of any aches and pains. Found in all of the luxury packages, this item will be the rescue your body needs after fighting the shopping crowds.

Topical BioMedics has put together a few packages for those who are trying to melt their stress away. All packages feature luxury products, but are paired with an affordable price and are great for any person on-the-go. Buyers can choose between the ‘Active Lifestyle Pack’ which includes jars of Topricin, water bottle, gym towel, Reflexology hand cream and a natural candle, or the ‘Relaxation Pack’ which has natural oatmeal soap, a hand-held massager, Topricin foot therapy and hand cream, and a Reflexology hand card, that shows where to massage to make sure you hit all your stress points. For those who want to give their feet a rest from the running around, there are also the ‘Foot Spa’ and ‘Foot Retreat’ packages that will make anyone want to kick back and “put their feet up.”

One thing is for certain, the holidays are all about giving back, but it is equally as important to not get run-down with the hype. Topical BioMedics is the ideal pre or post holiday gift for a loved one, or more importantly – yourself!

About Topical BioMedics, Inc. Topical BioMedics is the research and development leader in topical regulated natural biomedicines for pain relief. The company’s flagship product, Topricin® Pain Relief and Healing Cream, was introduced in 1994 and is now a leading natural therapeutic brand. A combination homeopathic formula, Topricin has been awarded a patent for the treatment of pain associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathy.

Villa Amanoka Makes Guests Feel At Home

A Balinese-inspired villa makes jetsetters feel at home in Jamaica

Located in Jamaica’s tranquil Discovery Bay, the seven-bedroom villa haven known as Amanoka is the perfect retreat for discerning vacationers looking for a peaceful escape.

The owners’ goal for Amanoka to be a place where they and all visitors felt a sense of peace, tranquillity, and renewal during and after their stay has been achieved with gusto. Guests can find serenity at every turn, from the elegant Balinese-inspired architectural details and imported furniture to the manicured grounds filled with exotic, fragrant blooms.

Amenities include an inviting infinity pool and Jacuzzi, a private beach and overwater gazebo, and the on-site Tamansari Spa. There, guests can choose from a selection of facials, massages, and scrubs. Active vacationers will love the villa’s private tennis courts that are lit for night play and a state-of-the-art fitness facility, as well as sea kayaks and snorkeling gear. The indispensable butler can also set up fishing, golf, adventure tours, and more.

Amanoka is ideal for families and larger groups, featuring three bedrooms in the main villa and four in the adjacent annex. All bedrooms feature large ensuite bathrooms, Frette linens and robes, and cable television. A conscientious, meticulously trained seven-member staff works diligently to see to guests’ needs.

Dining options abound at Amanoka. Chef Nick cooks meals to order, and guests can enjoy his gourmet fare in the dining pavilion, on the deck overlooking the bay, amid the property gardens, or on the beach, where guests often conclude their stay with a bonfire and lobster feast under the stars.

Rentals are available from October to mid-July. A minimum seven-night stay is required in high season, five nights in low season, and 14 nights during Christmas.

Andrew Spindler of Gloucester

 

Andrew Spindler

Inside antiques dealer Andrew Spindler’s supremely stylish—and dichotomous—home in Gloucester, Massachusetts

New England antiques dealer Andrew Spindler points to the floor in the entryway of his coastal home in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ceramic tiles glow softly in dusty red, blue, and ochre. They flow into the living room, where they converge with massive granite fireplace stones, a Jonas Lie frieze depicting Viking ships, numerous sculptures, books, and paintings, and a superb collection of American and European Arts and Crafts furniture.

“These are Mercer Tiles,” Spindler says. “They were made by Henry Mercer in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Today, we prize them as great examples of American Arts and Crafts.”

Spindler's elegant living room

But the floors aren’t the only notable design element of the 4,500-square-foot Shingle-style house, built in 1937. Other notable details include varied siding materials, from granite on the first floor to scalloped shingles on the second. The original metal windows represent Modernism’s embrace of clean lines and new materials. When Spindler bought the house in 1992, however, the windows had deteriorated, so he replaced them with new wood ones. He points to torpedo-shaped door hinges as another Modernist touch.

“The house design is wonderful in the way it connects to the site,” Spindler says. “With wood, stone, and beautiful windows, it makes the view important, while seeming to blend into the surroundings. It’s really like nowhere else.”

As for décor, elegant and curvaceous Federal-era furniture, Italian iron lighting, a 1968 Danish Harp chair, and a massive 19th-century mahogany bed could not be more different from each other, but each looks perfectly at home in an environment that honors them without taking them too seriously.

The house may be historic, but that didn’t keep Spindler from applying intense azure blue or kelly green to its walls. Stainless steel kitchen counters spell sleek function, while the room’s walls are treated to a deep aubergine. In this house, historicism does not fight contemporary tastes.

High-Tech Cufflinks

High-tech cufflinks that will keep you well connected on your world travels

Bring the quick wit and tech–savvy style of James Bond to meetings on your sleeve with Ravi Ratan Oval USB Cufflinks. Beyond the playful thrill of feeling like an undercover agent during a business lunch, these cufflinks are as efficient as they are elegant. So, leave your cluttered USB keychain at home; instead, in one quick motion, you can slide the USB’s sleek exterior off your tailored and pressed sleeve and plug in. With 2GB of space on each USB, these handy devices offer ample storage space. Engrave the cufflinks if you want to create a personal message—or the perfect gift. To further the options for personaliztion, several styles of the cufflinks are offered, from the patterned Woven Silver or Antique Gold Oval to the smooth Gunmetal or Silver Oval. Suit up, and stay connected. Ravi Rattan Oval 4GB USB Flash Drive Cufflinks, $225 per pair.

Jan Leslie Sports Watch Cufflinks

 

Editor’s Picks Four more cufflinks with a stylish punch.
1 Tateossian 750 18-carat Gold Cord Button Round Cufflinks with mother of pearl; £2,400.
2 Rotenier Sterling Silver Bearing cufflinks set with London blue topaz (rhodium plated), $695.
3 Jan Leslie Sports Watch Cufflinks, stainless steel, $400.
4 Scott Kay Small Square Cufflink with Frame and 18K center, Unkaged collection, $1,500.

Ask an Expert

A new trend has top travel writers developing one-of-a-kind trips for savvy globetrotters

Thirty years ago, the wanderlust-stricken had to rely on unfamiliar travel agents to organize sojourns to faraway places. Then, the tide turned to relying on guidebooks for trip planning. Soon after, the Internet became the undisputed source for all travel knowledge. Now, a new paradigm in travel planning allows the public to approach authors from their favorite travel magazines, blogs, guidebooks, and websites to plan their next epic journey. According to Prasanna Krishnan, general manager of Jetsetter.com’s Personal Travel Planning Service, connecting zealous travelers with some of America’s most prolific travel writers has taken the art and experience of travel to an entirely new level.

Trusted voices. With the explosion of user-generated content online, travelers have difficulty trusting the opinions and statements saturating the web. In terms of imagery, Photoshop has made even three-star properties look luxurious. Krishnan says that Jetsetter.com’s network of bona fide travel writers offers unbiased “first-hand, in-depth knowledge of destinations by individuals who have lived there and who have written about these places for top publications.”

Travel matchmaking. Pairing the client with the correct expert is a key element of this new travel planning service. While travelers can pick their experts from online bios, Krishnan’s travel-planning teams are usually the ones playing travel cupid. “Based on [clients’] initial descriptions and desires, our teams connect them with the best expert for their trip. [Clients] can then pull from the expert’s [knowledge] to help shape their trip[s] in an interactive way,” he says.

Personalization. Clients using this service consult with their travel experts one-on-one via phone and/or email. Krishnan says these consultations often play out like sessions of “travel therapy.” Through this dialogue, “experts take the time upfront to understand the tastes and personalities they are working with; and they personalize an itinerary based on that. It’s not simply a data dump of everything a traveler can do in a city.”

Expectations. This personalized service does everything, from planning trips around the world to matching newlyweds with the best honeymoon destination to organizing daily island-hopping trips in the Caribbean. Krishnan says that clients can expect “a personalized itinerary filled with bespoke hotel and dining recommendations, solid logistical information, hidden gems, and insider tips. Once the expert has helped clients finalize their itinerary, a booking specialist helps execute the plan by making all the hotel reservations.”

Carribean’s Treasures

At just 300 acres, the Caribbean island of Jumby Bay packs a sizeable luxury punch

Though part of the Antigua microarchipelago, Jumby Bay merits classification as its own luxe sovereign nation. Founded on the principles of privacy, integrity, relaxation, glamour, beauty, and hospitality, the 300-acre island delivers in a huge, sumptuous way.

There are 58 homes and rental villas that comprise Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, naturally landscaped by the most prized of Antigua’s 365 famed crystalline beaches. Life on this all-inclusive island is simply paradise on Earth.

Unveiled in early 2010, Jumby Bay’s new resort suites take shape as expansive studio homes, each boasting a private entrance and a superbly appointed living room/master bedroom, flanked by a patio and a multi-faceted bathroom that also extends far into the outdoors. Indeed, the oversized bathtub and rainshower of the colossal bathroom terrace are strong competition against the island’s other exceptional offerings, like the full-service cabanas along Jumby Bay Beach, the beachfront infinity pool at Pond Bay Terrace, three restaurants serving experiential cuisine, and the sensational SENSE spa.
The island’s outlets and outposts are connected by manicured walkways and bridges accessible by foot or bicycle. And there’s no need to worry about locking up before you leave—Jumby Bay is so safe that locks were never installed.

Intoxicated by simplicity and relaxation, most guests never leave the island during their stay. For those keen to explore the mainland, the houseboat transports patrons between Jumby Bay and Antigua proper 16 times daily; however, snorkeling and short leisure cruises are usually enough scheduled “activity” for the day.

Visitors often find it hard to break away from the priceless sunset views, the constant pampering, and Jumby Bay’s evening festivities. Every night brings a different gastronomic adventure or themed event, such as Tuesday’s gregarious cocktail reception or Sunday’s beach BBQ Night. It’s a special feeling to toast the start of the week, barefoot on the beach, under moonlight and surrounded by tiki torches, feasting on an all-out Caribbean-American BBQ, including delectable skewers of fresh seafood, lobster tails, homemade s’mores, and chocolate-covered grilled bananas. And, after dinner, if you’re lucky, you may even spot some sea turtles coming up to nest along the beach.

Meet the Neighbors — Montserrat Often overshadowed by glitzier neighboring islands, the sleepy island of Montserrat reveals a laid-back Caribbean lifestyle nearly forgotten in the age of globalization. With only 4,800 residents, the lush, mountainous, sparsely populated island teems with a sense of community, where residential dining rooms double as restaurants. Montserrat’s mighty volcano keeps two-thirds of the island off limits and the masses at bay; however, the morbidly fascinating aftermath of the volcano’s destructive path circa 1997 is a highlight of any trip to the island. Still, the main draw nowadays is enjoying affordable prices on private villas—and there are several to choose from—and quick immersion into simple island life. Montserrat is a 20-minute Cessna flight from Antigua’s airport. visit tradewindsmontserrat.com.

Prime Find: Heated Lounge Chair

Heated lounge chairs mean you can laze by the pool on even rare chilly beach days

After a dip in the heated pool, you can keep the chill away with Bradford’s heated lounge chairs. With only 30 minutes to heat to the requested temperature, these lounge seats are essential for the outdoor pool deck and especially useful for the coldest and darkest nights of the season. The heating system keeps the temperature at a toasty 102°F, but a hidden thermostat control can amp the heat up to a steamy 104°F for who love being in the hot seat. (The two options for the internal heat source are 120 or 240 volts.) The chairs give the user a self–indulgent spa experience that can be installed in their own divine domain or summer estate. For music lovers, there are no visible speakers, but this furniture can play music from your iPod with the sensation of the tunes encompassed in the warm seat. Optional features include accent lighting, roomy duet seats for couples, and customized tile patterns. The optional lights under the seats can warm up a deck in bright hues. These chairs require little to no maintenance for a breezy and sumptuous lifestyle. Take a seat, because the heat is rising up around these loungers. Prices vary based on customization and installation.

The Beach Blogger

For actress, model, and blogger Camille Anderson, it’s the little moments in life that are the best

Most people know Camille Anderson from her roles in Wedding Crashers, Las Vegas, and Fitness Host. More recently, she has taken her healthy living and divine nursery decorating tips from CamilleAndersonBlog.com to Parenthood.com for her original web series, Mommy Chic with Camille. But those who know Anderson well know that the Texas native’s favorite activity is cooking and entertaining for her loved ones and friends at her Manhattan Beach, California, home.

What drew your family to this home? We knew that we wanted to be conveniently located to the amenities that Manhattan Beach has to offer. With a baby, it’s nice to be able to stroll around town and run errands, meet friends for lunch, or exercise, all without having to get in my car. We also wanted to walk out our front door and be at the beach. The beach is now our front yard.

What’s the best part of living by the ocean? You can choose to be low key and have a quiet day at the beach, or you can partake in the activities of the town and the social scene. It’s also a healthy way to live. People are always outside biking, running, roller blading, or paddle boarding. Living at the beach lends itself to an active lifestyle.

What’s your favorite room in the house? My favorite room in the house is the master bedroom. I have great views of the ocean, as well as vaulted ceilings and a fireplace. I used a large four-poster Marge Carson bed to give the room a masculine, strong feeling. It’s a very cozy room, great for curling up in bed! I incorporated shades of gold and dark green, which maintains a warm, inviting mood.

How does your home’s design help you enjoy its oceanfront setting? My home is a perfect combination of being family friendly and entertaining friendly. I love sharing my home with friends and enjoying the social aspects of the beach. The game room downstairs allows me to keep the entertaining separate from the family quarters—especially the nursery!

With the home’s spectactular setting, you must entertain here a great deal. We love to have friends over and barbeque. There’s nothing like branzino, a glass of wine, and some laughs around the patio table. We have patio furniture on all three balconies, to encourage outdoor living.

What is your recipe for a perfect beach day? My recipe for a perfect beach day is a combination of time at the beach with family during the day and an outdoor dinner at the beach by night. My one-year-old daughter loves the ocean and the sand. Every time we venture to the beach, she runs straight to the water. She loves to watch the water rush up over her feet and to squish the sand between her toes. It’s the little moments in life that are the best.

James DeWulf Ping Pong Dining Table

Designer James DeWulf has a celebrity client roster that reads like an A-list party guest list: Oprah, Tom Ford, and Andre Agassi, among others. Chances are, if they don’t already, these stars will soon be owners of The Ping Pong Dining Table, his latest sought-after creation. The table has actual acid-etched lines that will last as long as the table will, and its smooth, buttery surface not only has great bounce, but it’s also easy to clean. But it just may be best to keep the table outside; it’s impervious to moisture, salt air, and freeze-thaw cycles. the details: $7,000.

Yacht Watch

The new e33

The new e33 squared edition performance daysailer is the latest big thing from e Sailing Yachts and its cofounders, Jeremy Wurmfeld and Robbie Doyle. The next generation e33, spawned on the fifth anniversary of the company, is an amalgam of sorts: It shows off five years of design and sail-handling innovations. The boat is already receiving rave reviews for its craftsmanship and design, which resembles the look of a classic racing sailboat (the “e” stands for boatbuilder Skip Etchells). The e33 squared’s slim and traditional form allows it to perform flawlessly across a spectrum of wind speeds. The boat has a square top mainsail, which features a batten system that automatically optimizes sail shape at all wind speeds. The 16-foot cockpit can accommodate six adults. Down below, the cabin includes four berths. Custom cabins can also be installed. Base price: $199,900.

Tommy Bahama Electric Bike

Cruise in style with the Tommy Bahama Electric Bike

 

Picture this: You’re biking along the beach, the warm wind whipping at your face. You’ve become so enraptured by your surroundings that, before you know it, you’re miles from home. With any regular bike, you’d be huffing and puffing during the return trip. Not so with Tommy Bahama’s new electric bike, which comes in both classic (for the guys) and step-thru (for the gals) varieties. The lightweight aluminum bike has a manual six-speed style that allows its fortunate riders the ability to navigate various grades while pedaling. But when pedaling becomes laborious, the electric mode kicks in. A rider simply changes over to the lightweight 36-volt lithium battery with the flick of a switch and the twist of the throttle. Top speeds can reach 20 mph, and there is approximately 40 miles per charge, which can fluctuate depending on the rider’s weight and the type of terrain that is traversed. (A charger, which plugs into a standard 110-volt household electric receptacle, comes standard with the bike; it takes just about four hours to fully recharge the battery.) The orange-and-brown bike features signature details like custom padded handgrips, an adjustable contour padded seat, and last, but not least, a bell to let everyone know how you roll. The Tommy Bahama electric bike is available for online purchase and costs $2,675 for either style. Some assembly is required. 866-986-8282.

Automatic Pool Covers

An automatic pool cover not only provides peace of mind and cleanliness, but it also saves money in the long run.

A pool cover will prevent detritus and other debris from seeping into and accumulating in a pool, but a top-of-line pool cover can actually save owners money in the long run.

While manual covers are still manufactured, the way to go is automatic for ease and convenience. Bruce Grogg, president and CEO of Utah-based Pool Cover Specialists says, “If the pool cover is too difficult or takes too long to put on and take off, homeowners won’t use it. If they don’t use it, they won’t get any of the benefits.”

The advantages of using a pool cover are many, says Barry Greenwald, vice president of sales for Cover Pools, a leading pool cover outfitter, which Greenwald says represents about 33 percent of the automatic pool-cover market; its founder, Joe Lamb, is often credited as having invented and patented the automatic pool cover. “Covers keep the pool clean and costs down; a cover can cut operating costs on a pool by 70 percent,” he says. There’s even an app for that—really! The Swimming Pool Energy and Water Savings Calculator from Pool Cover Specialists is available on iPhones and Androids and shows how an automatic pool cover can save homeowners as much as $4,000 per year and 20,000 gallons of evaporated water.

The Save-T 3 Automatic Cover System

Greenwald likens a pool without a cover to a house without a roof. “Warm air escapes,” he says. (It’s easy chemistry: chemicals dissipate, water evaporates, heat rises.) A good cover can keep a swimming pool seven degrees warmer than if it goes uncovered.

Though saving money is always a nice benefit, pool covers—for a family, in particular—offer peace of mind in that they prevent drowning. The cover acts as a horizontal fence, completely sealing off the pool and preventing access to the pool by children and pets.

Cover Pools’ top-of-the-line cover is its Save-T 3 automatic safety pool cover. Each cover is customized for the size and shape of an owner’s pool and can be controlled by the turn of a key or the push of a button. There are 11 colors to choose from, so matching the cover to the pool deck is a snap. “We have a popular grey cover that goes great with grey stone decking,” Greenwald says.

For ocean homes, a common tandem is the pool/spa combo. Cover Pools’ Autosave Spa Cover offers the same safety and energy-saving benefits as a full-size automatic pool cover but with a more compact mechanical system; it retails from $4,000.

Pool Cover Specialists offers its Infinity 4000 automatic pool-cover system that fits both free-form and rectangular pools, and it can be used on both new and existing pools.

When it comes to choosing electric or hydraulic pool covers, Gregg says, “It’s like automobile manufacturers: They all sell cars; it’s just the models and the accessories that are different, but they all work generally the same. In the end, it comes down to personal preference, in many cases.” Grogg says that hydraulic systems work best on larger pools. When retracted, these pool covers literally disappear into thin air, hidden inside housing units or vaults that are typically built in below the pool deck.

Note: It might seem obvious, but installing an automatic pool cover is almost always a job best reserved for the professionals. Homeowners should consult their pool builder or home contractor, who will have relationships with the varied distributors.

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