Laps of Luxury

View of Mel and Paulette Blumenthal’s pool in the courtyard of their Newport Beach home. The home is in the Peninsula Point neighborhood of the Balboa Peninsula. The pool features a saltwater aquarium wall, and an extensive art collection.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

View of Mel and Paulette Blumenthal’s aquarium room, with pool visible through the tank, in their Newport Beach home. The pool features a saltwater aquarium wall. Visible in the pool, and from a den (pictured).  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

View of Mel and Paulette Blumenthal’s aquarium, with pool visible beyond in the courtyard of their Newport Beach home. The pool features a saltwater aquarium wall. Visible in the pool, Randy Beard, owner of a Newport beach pool company, Pure Water Pools which helped construct the unique water feature for the Blumenthal family.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

This is a unique pool at the Del Mar home of Kim Peterson. A perimeter overflow pool on top of a carport. This is a good example of adhering to lot restrictions while also doing something interesting.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

This is a unique pool at the Del Mar home of Kim Peterson. A perimeter overflow pool on top of a carport. This is a good example of adhering to lot restrictions while also doing something interesting.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

Steven James’ sleek pool is shaped like a pentagon. Two sides have water spilling over it so it look as if the water is going into the golf course below.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

Steve Duff of Carlsbad in his family pool with his tripletts, Delaney, Brennan and Colin Duff,9.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

From left, triplets, Delaney, Brennan and Colin Duff, 9, in their Carlsbad family pool.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

View of Matt and Rebecca Parsons pool in Newport Coast.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

View of Matt and Rebecca Parsons pool and elegant sitting area.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)

Detail of stonework and flowing water at Matt and Rebecca Parsons pool in Newport Coast.  (Spencer Weiner / LAT)