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Lagoons and artificial lakes: how to design them for tourist resorts or real estate development

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Lagoons and artificial lakes: how to design them for tourist resorts or real estate development
27/08/25

Transcending mere landscaping, the design of lagoons and artificial lakes in a tourist resort or real estate development is capable of enhancing surroundings while also accommodating a wide range of activities. As such, lagoons and artificial lakes are increasingly valued for enhancing urban spaces, tourist resorts and any large real estate development by adding a natural element that accentuates architectural beauty.

Not only do artificial lakes and lagoons provide an idyllic place to swim, but water sports like kayaking, rowing and even sailing in small recreational boats are usually possible on these large-scale bodies of water. As such, man-made lagoons and artificial lakes are emerging as a means to provide people with the possibility of enjoying waterfront lifestyles, even in inland locations.

But what exactly are lagoons and artificial lakes, and what are the top design tips to access their full potential? Let’s take a deep dive into the issue.

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Lakes and lagoons for Hospitality and Real Estate
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    Lagoons and artificial lakes, the definitions

    In order to understand the increasing value of lagoons and artificial lakes for real estate developments and beyond, let’s first explore their definitions.

    On the one hand, a lagoon can naturally occur in nature, being a shallow body of water separated from a larger one (like the sea) by a naturally-occurring barrier, such as a coral reef. Man-made lagoons aim at creating this same atmosphere but with the advantages of artificial systems, such as the inclusion of high-efficiency pumps and filtration systems in order to maintain water quality and cleanliness. This type of body of water is typically shallow, calm, and enclosed, thus offering unique benefits for recreation and aesthetic appeal.

    As such, the artificial lagoon stands out as an innovative solution designed to recreate a stunning seascape, and it’s trending strongly in the hotel, public and real estate industries.

    Built as water-based oases, they represent well-defined, versatile solutions that can be adapted to a range of sizes and uses thanks to the use of unique water-engineering practices and technology, such as the lagoons and artificial lakes developed by Fluidra.

    On the other hand, lakes represent larger and deeper bodies of water, providing a fresh and aesthetic touch to outdoor areas. Natural lakes are typically the result of processes such as glacial or tectonic movements. Meanwhile, artificial lakes have been built for ornamental and leisure purposes such as sailing. They also emerge as man-made oases to generate waterfront properties and recreational activities that attract tourism, with the main difference that are not suitable for bathing.

    What are the benefits of lagoons and artificial lakes?

    Lagoons and artificial lakes represent a high-value aquatic addition that offers a host of advantages to any project.

    In fact, authors Leitch and Hovde have looked at the actual value that aquatic ecosystems bring forward, including their economic, social, and ecological importance, in the following four perspectives:

    • Values for the owner: these include any direct benefits that the owner of the aquatic ecosystem gains. Examples include the possibility to harvest aquatic plants, as well as potential water usage, fish farming and the use of the area for tourism activities (including resorts, boating…).
    • Values for users: these point towards the benefits of people who enjoy the lagoons and artificial lakes, without owning them. These include aesthetic and recreational values (swimming, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching…).
    • Values for the region: the authors also recognise the ROI that bodies of water can provide to a region, from tourism revenue and job creation to increased property values.
    • Values for society: this category recognizes the sum of the value for the users and the value for the owner, providing a holistic picture of the aquatic ecosystem’s contribution.

    This scientific approach illuminates the reasons why lagoons and artificial lakes have been experiencing a surge in the real estate and tourism industries. At the same time, a look at current trends such as natural pools are elevating the potential of lagoons and artificial lakes to become sustainable and thriving ecosystems.

    Accompanied by cutting-edge systems such as rainwater harvesting and other operations where reducing the environmental impact is at the forefront, operators can now ensure their aquatic facilities advance towards more sustainable design and maintenance.

    Frequently asked questions about lagoons and artificial lakes

    What is the difference between a lake and a lagoon?

    In the definitions of lagoons and artificial lakes provided above in this article, we’ve already hinted at these differences. While both are large bodies of water and both can be man-made, the key differences between natural lakes and lagoons include:

    • Lagoons are typically shallower than lakes, which are deeper.
    • Lagoons aren’t necessarily landlocked, but near a larger body of water (like the sea) from which they are separated by a barrier. On the other hand, lakes are generally inland and not part of any marine environment, although they can be associated with a river.
    • Lagoons tend to mix salt water and fresh water, while lakes are made entirely of fresh water. Associated ecosystems and animal and plant life are thus also entirely different in lagoons and lakes.

    Can a lagoon be man-made?

    Yes, man-made lagoons or artificial lagoons are emerging as a key trend in industries such as tourism resorts and real estate. These bodies of water are constructed by humans to replicate the look and feel of a natural lagoon, but incorporate water filtration systems and other technologies to ensure pristine water conditions.

    What is the purpose of a man-made lagoon?

    Man-made lagoons are built for recreational and aesthetic reasons, bringing the benefits and allure of waterfront lifestyles to inland locations.

    For instance, tourist resorts use lagoons and artificial lakes to enhance guest relaxation and comfort, while also offering a range of water sports like kayaking, rowing and even sailing in small recreational boats.

    How to create a lagoon: top design tips for artificial lagoons

    • Shape: Analyze the shape of the lagoon based on the natural environment and the landscape desired, the expected use and related activities, as well as accessibility from the surrounding buildings.
    • Temperature: The general rule is for the water to be at ambient temps, although some uses may require a more specific temperature.
    • Depth: From 0 to 1.8 meters.
    • Recirculation time and water treatment: Specific water treatment technology is required for different uses and regions and must always comply with local regulations.
    • Construction system: Compacted soil covered by a PVC liner.
    • Compliance: A customized design for each project and compliance with mandatory technical standards is essential.

    In the quest for designing the best lagoons and artificial lakes, Fluidra stands out as a key ally for tourism and real estate developments.

    Fluidra’s man-made lagoons are extremely versatile and can be located and adapted to a full range of geographical regions and climatic conditions, from deserts to mountains and cities, creating an oasis of pure, crystal-clear water anywhere in the world.

    Looking to design or build an artificial pond or lagoon and want to take advantage of all the benefits it can provide your resort or real estate development? Download our dedicated ebook ‘Lakes and lagoons for Hospitality and Real Estate’ to learn more.


    * This guidance contains general recommendations that should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This information is not an instruction manual and cannot be considered as such. Any implementation or installation must be performed by a qualified professional under the right guidelines. In this regard, each user assumes responsibility for his or her use of the information. Consequently, in no event will Fluidra be liable for any claim, damage or loss resulting from the use of this information.

    Originally published October 12, 2021, updated August 27, 2025