Lagoon maker brings waterfront to inland locations

In real estate circles, a common refrain about waterfront property is, “They’re not making more of it.” But a Dutch company with offices in Miami and Los Angeles is doing just that.

Amsterdam-based Crystal Lagoons Corporation is using patented technology to build languid lagoons with sandy beaches at inland development sites.

The first “crystal lagoon” was built 17 years ago at the San Alfonso del Mar Resort in Algarrobo, Chile.

The company’s largest would be a 14-acre lagoon planned for a 3,000-home development near Jacksonville called Twin Creeks. The developer is advertising private beaches, among other amenities, for buyers of homes at Twin Creeks.

Crystal Lagoons’ first project to be completed in the United States will be an eight-acre lagoon north of Tampa in Pasco County. Crystal Lagoons has announced 11 other U.S. projects, including the one near Jacksonville.

The Washington Post also reported that Crystal Lagoons has 35 projects under negotiation in nine states, including Florida, California and New York.

Company officials say Crystal Lagoons’ technology works with virtually all types of water including saltwater, brackish water, well water or fresh water. A mechanical system pulses disinfectant into the man-made lagoon, which requires substantially less chemical treatment than a swimming pool.

The man-made lagoons also come equipped with energy-efficient ultrasonic filtration systems. [The Washington Post] — Mike Seemuth