Parents' Guide to

Insane Pools: Off The Deep End

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Positive pool-design reality show stars creative, fun crew.

TV Animal Planet Reality TV 2015
Insane Pools: Off The Deep End Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

ChemDiva
ChemDiva Adult
July 23, 2018
age 9+

creative fun from start to finish

Insane Pools is my kind of reality show: we get to see a major job from design to completion, and enjoy the reaction of the homeowners when they see the results of all the hard work. Lucas Lagoons is a family company where the son is the owner/designer, the mom is the landscaper and rock designer, and the other members of the team each have their roles. The pool company also contracts out other parts of the job, like the plumbing, sound design, and furniture/living space design. The show really emphasizes creativity in all aspects, like when Lucas comes up with unique ideas for each pool, or when there's a problem and they have to work around it. Students can learn what hard work looks like, and see the team keep their sense of humor as they work together, even when they have differences of opinion. Also, two of the crew are over 60 years old, and setting a good example of good, healthy work that's satisfying. Lucas always gives each customer a surprise gift that he carefully plans, at no charge. No detail is left out, and the team does some teaching about the plants, the rocks, and other natural features as they go, without being pedantic. The company uses re-purposed rock, wood, and plants, and their furniture contractors also often use the same type of recycled materials. I never get tired of seeing what they are going to design next, since I am also a creative person and enjoy the process.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
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What's the Story?

INSANE POOLS: OFF THE DEEP END follows award-winning pool designer Lucas Congdon as he designs creative outdoor environments for clients. The owner of Lucas Lagoons and his team of artisans -- including equipment operator Chris, fish and concrete expert Matt, and Jane, Lucas' mother and lead stone mason -- create pools, ponds, and tropical oases that combine natural elements with modern technology. From building the perfect grotto to designing a hydroponic system that feeds off a newly built koi pond, the team does everything it can to build water structures that will transform people's homes and lives.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

This reality series offers a chance to see the kind of imagination, skill, and labor required to create beautiful and sustainable outdoor living spaces. It also shows some of the inevitable mishaps that can occur during the building process; that's where most of the show's conflict comes from. But this doesn't take away from the fun that comes from watching the reveal of the spaces Congdon creates. If you're a fan of building shows, this may be a fun departure, as the team's positive energy and sense of humor (a refreshing change from many spiteful, quarrelsome reality stars) make it a pleasant show to watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the appeal of reality shows that feature people building and designing homes, furniture, and outdoor living spaces. Why are they popular?

  • What kind of training would it take to get a job like this? Would you like a job where you work outdoors, or would you prefer something less physical?

TV Details

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