Case Study

A Durable, Low-Maintenance Custom Barge Solution

North America’s First European Style Floating Pool

Client

Horseshoe Bay Resort

A premier lakeside destination in the Texas Hill Country, located on the shores of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, approximately an hour northwest of Austin, Texas.

Project Overview

In a move to redefine lakeside recreation, Horseshoe Bay Resort set out to create North America’s first European Style floating swimming pool on a custom barge — a 70,000-gallon pool suspended within the lake itself. The project required a structure that blended design innovation, environmental durability, aesthetics, and premium guest experience.

To make this vision a reality, the resort turned to Tim Greeson of Sealy Technical Services, PLLC (STS), now TM Marine Services’ President for architectural and structural design and partnered with Tideman Marine to fabricate the custom barge using high-performance HDPE materials to provide the platform upon which the pool was placed.
The result: a 8,000-square-foot floating custom barge with a pool deck with lounge chairs, private cabanas, and on-deck service from The Shack, Sand Bar, and H2O Bar — offering guests the ultimate family friendly “pool-meets-lake” experience in recreation.

Tim worked with team Prevail Project Management, Cody Pools, Bradford Pools, and Texas Docks to develop the project and make it a reality.

Challenges:

Environmental
Durability

The custom barge needed to withstand sun, water, and fluctuating weather without corroding or requiring constant maintenance.

Guest Safety and Comfort

The structure had to support heavy foot traffic and water volume while maintaining stability and safety.

Logistical Complexity

Transporting and assembling an 8,000-square-foot structure on a lake required modular design, precision coordination, and high-quality construction.

Uncharted Territory

As the first project of its kind in North America, the team had no precedent — only a bold concept.

STS Scope of Work

Led by Tim Greeson, provided:

Architectural design and conceptual planning
Structural engineering of the custom barge
Material analysis and selection recommendations
Oversight of modular layout for shipping and assembly
Coordination with Tideman Marine’s fabrication team
On-site integration guidance and construction support
Testing and Commissioning support, including supervising the submergence of the vessel

Solutions & Innovations

STS and Tideman Marine delivered a unique floating pool solution through:

Results

Successful Memorial Day Launch: The floating pool was unveiled over Memorial Day, 2023 weekend to enthusiastic guest response.
First in North America: Horseshoe Bay Resort can now claim the first European Style floating pool of its kind on the continent.
Elevated Guest Experience: The pool has become a standout attraction, offering a seamless blend of lakeside and poolside enjoyment.
Low Maintenance, High Durability: Thanks to smart material and design choices, the custom barge will remain a reliable, safe, and appealing structure for years to come.

Client Testimonial

“We are setting a new standard for lakeside fun and demonstrating our dedication to truly enhancing the guest experience with elevated, thoughtful on-property offerings.”

— Horseshoe Bay Resort

Key Takeaway

Through visionary design by Tim Greeson and expert fabrication by Tideman Marine and the rest of the project team, Horseshoe Bay Resort turned an ambitious concept into a game-changing guest amenity. The floating pool project not only overcame engineering and environmental challenges — it redefined the possibilities for waterfront hospitality.

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