Bringing the beach to Solano County, with a beautiful beach-like lagoon that uses 25 times less water than an average 18-hole golf course

California is known for being home to some of the most popular and iconic beaches in the country. But we continuously hear from Solano families that they have to trek long distances and sit in traffic jams just to get to the coastal beaches where their kids can cool off and have some fun. Family trips to the beach should be idyllic, relaxing, and fun, not wasted on the road in bumper-to-bumper traffic. 

For many years, there was little anyone could do about this – until Crystal Lagoons® invented and patented a new technology to build beautiful, beach-like crystalline lagoons with sand and turquoise water while using 25 times less water than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County. 

Today, we could not be more excited to announce that California Forever has signed an agreement with Crystal Lagoons to make Solano County the home of the second such lagoon in California. 

The new Solano Lagoon will be built in the great park in the middle of the new community in East Solano, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and entertainment. Importantly, while Crystal Lagoons amenities have sometimes been built to be only accessible to residents of the host community, the Solano Lagoon will be a Public Access Lagoons® project, meaning that it will be open to everyone from Solano County. 

We believe that the Solano Lagoon will be an amazing addition to summers in Solano County. Crystal Lagoons technology is known for creating breathtaking, accessible, and sustainable man-made lagoons that offer a beach-like experience wherever they are built. This lagoon is meant for families to spend summer days, gather for birthday parties, participate in water sports, for kids to splash around during the summer (without fear of sharks!), and for everyone to relax in the sun. Visitors will be able to swim in the dedicated swim areas and have access to kayaks and paddleboards – in addition to several other fun-filled water sports activities.

In 2022, Disney brought the first Crystal Lagoons amenity to California, where it is now under construction as the anchor feature for Disney’s new community in Cotino, in southern California. 

Crystal Lagoons is proud to be part of this transformative development that will generate good-paying jobs, affordable homes, sustainable energy, and new entertainment options for Solano County. Our Public Access Lagoons® projects in urban settings are highly valued for bringing a piece of the ocean right to people’s doorsteps. They offer unparalleled entertainment and quality of life while contributing to sustainability, which has earned us recognition all over the country said Benjamín Fischmann, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.

Here are some photos of real-life lagoons in various locations. 

Existing Lagoon in Solanas, Punta Ballena, Uruguay
Existing lagoon in Southshore Bay, Wimauma, Florida
Existing lagoon in Windsong Ranch, Prosper, Texas

Forming a community working group to inform design and community needs

As with the Solano Sports Complex, we’re forming a community working group to help us solicit input and inform the design of the Solano Lagoon. Among other things, we want the lagoon to feel distinctly Northern Californian while preserving the fun beach vibe and incorporating the best of Solano County. We look forward to collaborating with our working group on that and on making sure the lagoon becomes a beloved part of Solano County and home to so many happy memories of amazing days with our loved ones. The early members of the working group include:

  • Sean Kazemi, father, principal partner at Kaz & Associates Stormwater & Environmental Specialists, and resident of Vacaville 

  • Kim Wright, mother and resident of Dixon 

  • John Wilkerson, father, realtor, and resident of Vacaville 

“As a father and environmental specialist, I recognize the significance of sustainable development, and the new lagoon in Solano County is a prime example,” said Sean Kazemi, principal partner at Kaz & Associates and resident of Vacaville. “This lagoon uses cutting-edge technology to minimize water waste, which is vital in our climate. It’s not just an incredible amenity for our families to enjoy, it’s also a responsible choice for our environment, making it a win-win for all residents.”

“I’ve been living in Solano County with my family for years, and I’m thrilled about the prospect of a new Solano Lagoon right here—it’s like bringing the beach to our doorstep,” said Kim Wright, a mother living in Dixon. “This means we can enjoy beach days without the long drive, making it so much easier to spend quality time together. It’s a fantastic way to build lasting memories and strengthen our community.”

“As a local realtor and father, I’m excited about the introduction of the Solano lagoon here in Solano County,” commented John Wilkerson. “Anyone who knows my family, knows we love the beach and water activities. I can’t wait to watch my kids play at the lagoon. I love that this helps the majority of Solano residents – who don’t own a pool – to have access to a beautiful lagoon nearby. It will create a sustainable, fun space for families to enjoy. I can’t wait to have breakfast at home and then be on the beach 30 minutes later.”

We will be adding more members to the group after consulting with community leaders, elected officials, and residents on who would best represent their respective communities. The working group will be facilitated by our landscape designers CMG, who are designing the parks and open spaces for the East Solano Plan, and who have previously designed iconic spaces such as the San Francisco-based redevelopments of Treasure IslandHunters Point, and Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground.

Later this summer, we will also take the working group on a tour of some of the existing Crystal Lagoons amenities that have already been built elsewhere. If you’re interested in joining the Solano Lagoon working group or have ideas you would like to share, please send an email to lagoon@EastSolanoPlan.com

Supporting water efficiency and environmental sustainability by using 25 times less water than an 18-hole golf course

One of the most amazing design features of the Crystal Lagoons system is its sustainability and environmental performance, including using a special molecular film technology that can reduce water evaporation by up to 50%.

The lagoon shown in our rendering, which is about 7 acres and enough to accommodate thousands of people, would use about 20 acre-feet of water per year. That’s 25 times less than an average 18-hole golf course in Solano County, which uses about 493 acre-feet of water per year. Please see FAQ below for details.

The 20 acre-feet per year used by the Crystal Lagoons amenity is also only a small fraction — about 0.15% — of the 13,700 acre-feet of water that we have already secured for use by the East Solano Plan, and an even tinier fraction compared to the water supply at full build out. The lagoon can also use any type of water—salt, fresh, or brackish. The water will be part of the overall water needs of the East Solano Plan and, therefore, subject to the Water Guarantee in the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative. Learn more about our water supply plan and the Water Guarantee here

The lagoons also require up to 100 times fewer chemicals than traditional swimming pools or drinking water treatment systems. 

Finally, we are currently exploring innovative ways to use excess heat from cooling operations in the new community’s district thermal systems to heat the water and extend the lagoon’s use during the shoulder season. By reducing the need for Solano residents to travel far for coastal recreation, we also reduce the carbon footprint.

Contact us and discover how Crystal Lagoons can transform your city.

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The combination of sustainable technology and high-impact water activities makes Crystal Lagoons® amenities a powerful driver of differentiation, desirability, and return for real estate and hospitality projects.

Imagine waking up every morning to the sight of turquoise waters and the promise of a day filled with adventure and relaxation, all just a few steps from your home. This is not a distant tropical dream; it’s the lagoon lifestyle offered by a project with a Crystal Lagoons® amenity. More than a simple amenity, a crystalline lagoon is an ecosystem of fun and well-being. In this recreational hub, innovation meets nature to deliver unparalleled aquatic experiences, with a range of activities that no other amenity can match.

What is the lagoon lifestyle?

The lagoon lifestyle is a new standard of urban and residential living that combines:

  • Large-scale turquoise waters in urban, resort, or mixed-use settings
  • White sand beaches and recreational spaces with high visual impact
  • Lagoon water sports for all ages and skill levels
  • A sustainable approach, with low water, energy, and chemical consumption

Crystal Lagoons® patented technology enables the maintenance of large bodies of crystalline water with a closed-circuit system that only replaces the water lost through evaporation, uses up to 100 times fewer chemicals, and requires just 2% of the energy required by conventional filtration systems. It also uses 33 times less water than a golf course and 40% less water than a park of the same size.

For developers, this translates into a distinctive, highly memorable amenity that accelerates sales velocity, enables higher-priced units, and increases land value by transforming inland plots into true waterfront locations.

10 water activities you can enjoy in a Crystal Lagoons® amenity

Below are ten lagoon activities that define the value proposition of these developments and help position projects as benchmark destinations.

  1. Open water swimming in large-scale crystalline waters

Unlike a traditional pool, Crystal Lagoons® amenities offer vast expanses of calm, transparent water that allow for:

  • Recreational and competitive swimming over longer circuits
  • Open-water style training in a safe and controlled environment
  • Clear differentiation from gyms and clubs with standard pools

For developers, this positions the project as an ideal destination for active residents and sports enthusiasts, generating organic, “Instagrammable” content that boosts project awareness.

  1. Paddleboarding and kayaking in a safe environment

Sports such as stand-up paddle (SUP) and kayaking are among the most in-demand lagoon water activities. Controlled depth and the absence of strong currents allow for:

  • Safe activities for families and children
  • Scenic paddling routes with views of the development
  • Membership programs or equipment rentals as a new revenue stream

This increases the time users spend in the project and opens up additional monetization opportunities through day passes, memberships, or guided activities.

  1. Watersports schools for all ages

The lagoons make it possible to develop schools for:

  • Swimming
  • Paddleboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Dinghy sailing or low-speed windsurfing (depending on design and local regulations)

These types of Crystal Lagoons activities strengthen the project’s image as a family sports hub and help build community loyalty, generating recurring traffic throughout the year, not just in peak season.

  1. Private beaches and urban beach clubs

Crystal Lagoons® amenities make it possible to create beach clubs in urban or inland locations, offering:

  • VIP areas with loungers, Balinese beds, and food & beverage service
  • Beach zones segmented by audience: families, adults, corporate events
  • “Beach lifestyle” spaces that position the project as a local icon

This format enhances the perceived value of the amenity and generates revenue from ticket sales, consumption, and events, especially under the Public Access Lagoons® model, also known as PAL® developments, which integrate retail, gastronomy, and entertainment around the lagoon.

  1. Inflatable water parks and kid-friendly zones

Floating inflatables games, slides, and aquatic circuits turned into “aquaparks” are ideal for families:

  • They increase the appeal for children and teenagers
  • They extend the daily usage time of the lagoon
  • They create highly impactful visual content for digital campaigns

They are a magnet for families looking to live by the lagoon with a permanent entertainment offering.

  1. Events and nighttime experiences on the water

The lagoons become a stage for unique experiences:

  • Floating cinema
  • Concerts by the lagoon
  • Light and drone shows over the water

This type of programming not only extends the amenity’s hours of use but also reinforces the perception of the project as “the place where everything happens,” increasing brand value and the loyalty of residents and visitors.

  1. Wellness activities: yoga, meditation, and aquatic fitness

The turquoise waters and beaches create the perfect setting for wellness activities:

  • Yoga classes by the lagoon
  • Sunset meditation
  • Aqua yoga or aquatic fitness in shallow areas

These activities reinforce the project’s positioning as a place that prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of its residents, aligning with the global trend toward wellness and lifestyle experiences.

  1. Sports programs and internal triathlons

The size of the lagoons makes it possible to organize:

  • Internal triathlons (lagoon swim + cycling and running within the development)
  • Aquatic relay races
  • SUP or kayak competitions

This attracts specific sports audiences, generates news and media exposure, and positions the development as a suitable venue for regional events, reinforcing its value as a platform for business and public relations.

  1. Corporate activations and team building on the water

For mixed-use projects or those with a hospitality component, the lagoons become a stage for:

  • Team-building dynamics (kayak races, inflatable challenges, team circuits)
  • Brand launches with exclusive aquatic experiences
  • MICE packages (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) with lagoon access

This boosts occupancy in the low season, extends demand beyond vacation tourism, and generates additional revenue from corporate events.

  1. Year-round recreational use with Eco-Heated Lagoons

In colder climates, Eco-Heated Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons™ technology makes it possible to extend the lagoon’s usable season, increasing profitability per square meter of water. This innovation leverages sustainable cooling systems that reduce energy consumption compared to traditional technologies and can even reuse residual heat from industrial processes.

For developers, this means more operating days, more tickets sold, and an offering that keeps the amenity relevant throughout all 12 months of the year.

Living by the lagoon as a new value proposition

The lagoon lifestyle is not just an aesthetic trend; it represents a new category of real estate development where water is at the core of the experience, the business, and the long-term value proposition. The 10 activities mentioned above are only a sample of the vast potential for fun and well-being that opens up when you live by the lagoon.

By integrating a Crystal Lagoons® amenity and a robust portfolio of lagoon water sports, events, and year-round activities, developers can:

  • Radically differentiate their projects.
  • Capture greater value per unit.
  • Create destinations that residents and visitors choose, recommend, and share.

Ultimately, living by the lagoon is no longer a privilege reserved for coastal areas but becomes an attainable reality in any location worldwide, thanks to the sustainable and scalable technology of Crystal Lagoons®.

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Tecnología patentada de Crystal Lagoons® redefine la sostenibilidad en cualquier tipo de proyecto con amenity acuático, optimizando el consumo de agua y energía para crear lagunas sustentables de alto valor, un beneficio clave para desarrolladores conscientes.

En la vanguardia de la innovación en amenities acuáticos, Crystal Lagoons ha establecido un estándar global que redefine lo que es posible en términos de entretención, valor inmobiliario y, crucialmente, sostenibilidad. La clave de su éxito reside en una robusta cartera de 2.200 patentes en 135 países que permite crear lagunas sustentables de aguas turquesas con bajo consumo de agua y energía, manteniendo estándares de calidad y seguridad. El resultado: un amenity icónico que eleva el valor del activo y reduce costos a lo largo de su ciclo de vida.

¿Por qué las patentes de Crystal Lagoons marcan la diferencia?

Las patentes no son un sello formal: son la codificación de procesos, algoritmos y diseños que hacen posible la operación on-demand, la filtración por pulsos y la gestión telemétrica de variables críticas (transparencia, química, caudales). Esta base tecnológica, única en su categoría, habilita una operación escalable, replicable y medible, con métricas que importan al desarrollador.

Beneficios Clave del Portafolio de Patentes:

  • Liderazgo Tecnológico: Las más de 2.200 patentes en 135 países consolidan a Crystal Lagoons como el líder mundial en tecnología del agua, impidiendo que otros repliquen sus soluciones de forma legal.
  • Diferenciación de Mercado: Proporcionan a los desarrolladores un amenity verdaderamente único y exclusivo, que no puede ser replicado por la competencia, lo que genera una ventaja competitiva invaluable.
  • Seguridad en la Inversión: Para los desarrolladores, asociarse con una empresa que posee una sólida propiedad intelectual minimiza riesgos y asegura una inversión en una tecnología probada y protegida.
  • Innovación Continua: La protección de patentes incentiva la inversión constante en I+D, asegurando que Crystal Lagoons permanezca a la vanguardia de las soluciones acuáticas eficientes y sostenibles.

Eficiencia hídrica: consumo de agua en lagunas

La optimización del consumo de agua en lagunas es medular. Desde el diseño hidráulico hasta la reposición, la tecnología prioriza bajo recambio y retención.

Claves prácticas:

  • Se llenan una sola vez y funcionan en circuito cerrado, con reposición inteligente según clima y uso.
  • Utilizan hasta 33 veces menos agua que un campo de golf de 18 hoyos y hasta 40 veces menos que un parque de igual tamaño, gracias a procesos de conservación.
  • Película molecular anti-evaporación disponible que puede reducir el uso de agua dulce en hasta 50% adicional cuando se requiere.
  • Uso de fuentes no convencionales de agua (salobre, salada, lluvia, pozo o desalinizada) para despresurizar el agua potable sin sacrificar transparencia.

Resultado: lagunas sustentables que disminuyen la huella hídrica sin comprometer la experiencia de playa y deportes acuáticos.

Eficiencia energética: desempeño con menor huella de carbono

La operación energética combina equipos modulados, algoritmos de control y ventanas horarias óptimas. La filtración por pulsos patentada logra la calidad objetivo con baja frecuencia de intervención.

Componentes clave:

  • Filtración por pulsos que puede utilizar menos de 2% de la energía de sistemas tradicionales de piscinas.
  • Bombeo on-demand y sin alta potencia constante, reduciendo peaks y costos.
  • Monitoreo telemétrico 24/7 que ajusta parámetros en tiempo real y evita sobreconsumos.

Menor huella química y control de calidad

El sistema de pulsos controlados y la dosificación precisa disminuyen cargas químicas y mantenimiento. En operación, los sensores verifican parámetros críticos para sostener la transparencia con mínima intervención, lo que protege entornos y mejora la seguridad del usuario. En términos comparativos, la tecnología puede requerir hasta 100 veces menos químicos que una piscina tradicional, manteniendo estándares de confort y claridad.

Valor para desarrolladores y destinos: ROI, OPEX y ESG

La combinación de bajo consumo de agua, eficiencia energética y menor huella química se traduce en OPEX competitivo y en indicadores ESG robustos para inversionistas y operadores. Además, el amenity abre nuevos modelos de negocio (playas urbanas, deportes sin motor, eventos y hospitality, entre otros) que aceleran ventas/arriendos, sostienen tarifas premium y aumentan la permanencia del visitante.

Impactos medibles:

  • TCO y OPEX optimizados por eficiencia hídrica/energética y mantenimiento de baja frecuencia.
  • Trazabilidad para reportes ESG (agua, energía, química, bienestar).
  • Diferenciación competitiva: un ícono visual que incrementa tráfico, conversión y valorización del activo.
  • Cumplimiento Normativo y Reputación: el cumplimiento de normativas ambientales mejora la imagen de marca del desarrollador como un líder en proyectos responsables.

La tecnología eficiente de Crystal Lagoons, respaldada por miles de patentes es una declaración de que el lujo y la sostenibilidad pueden coexistir. Al revolucionar el consumo de agua en lagunas y la eficiencia energética, Crystal Lagoons ofrece a los desarrolladores la oportunidad de crear proyectos icónicos y rentables que también son responsables con el medio ambiente. Invertir en una laguna cristalina de Crystal Lagoons es invertir en el futuro: un futuro donde la belleza se encuentra con la innovación, la diversión con la responsabilidad, y donde la eficiencia es la clave del éxito.

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The beauty of a Crystal Lagoons® amenity is undeniable, but its actual value goes far beyond aesthetics. It serves as proof that technological innovation can be aligned with environmental protection.

When we think of Crystal Lagoons, the first image that comes to mind is that of breathtaking turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches— a paradisiacal oasis that transforms any landscape. However, behind this undeniable beauty lies a profound and significant contribution to the environment by Crystal Lagoons. Far from being just an amenity, the patented technology of this multinational innovation company is a model of sustainable innovation, purpose-built to minimize ecological impact and optimize the use of valuable resources such as water and energy.

In a world increasingly aware of the climate emergency, Crystal Lagoons’ leadership in water technology not only creates real estate value and entertainment experiences but also sets a new standard for sustainable development.

The Sustainability Formula: Technological Innovation with Positive Impact

The secret behind the sustainability of Crystal Lagoons lies in its unique, patented technology— the result of years of research and development. This technology enables the maintenance of large expanses of crystalline water while using significantly fewer resources than other alternatives.

Keys to Environmental Efficiency and Sustainability:

  • Lower Water Consumption: The lagoons developed by this innovative multinational company are remarkably efficient.
    • The lagoons are filled only once and operate in a closed-circuit system.
    • They use up to 33 times less water than an 18-hole golf course.
    • They consume up to 40% less water than a park of the same size.
    • When needed, a molecular anti-evaporation film technology can be applied, reducing fresh-water use by an additional 50%.
  • Minimal Energy Consumption: Operating a crystalline lagoon is an energy-efficient process.
    • Pulse-based filtration technology uses only 2% of the energy required by conventional swimming-pool filtration systems.
    • It does not require constant high-power pumps or filters, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint.
  • Lower Chemical Footprint: The controlled pulse system and high-tech additives make it possible to:
    • Use up to 100 times fewer chemicals than a traditional swimming pool.
    • Ensure water quality through continuous sensor-based monitoring with minimal intervention, protecting surrounding ecosystems.
  • Use of Non-Conventional Water Sources: Crystal Lagoons® technology allows the use of a variety of water sources, including:
    • Saltwater or brackish water: In coastal or desert areas, avoiding the consumption of fresh water.
    • Well water: In regions where surface sources are limited.
    • Rainwater: Collected for lagoon maintenance.
    • Desalinated water: A viable option in arid regions. This capability drastically reduces pressure on potable water resources.

Benefits Beyond the Local Ecosystem: Impact on Real Estate and Tourism

The environmental contribution of this multinational innovative company is measured not only by resource use, but also by how its presence fosters more responsible development across the real estate and tourism sectors.

Sustainability as a Value Driver:

  • Higher Sustainable Real Estate Value: Projects featuring Crystal Lagoons are perceived as more attractive and long-term assets, thanks to their eco-friendly approach, which attracts conscious buyers and investors.
  • Boost to Eco-Tourism: By offering a world-class amenity with a low environmental footprint, destinations featuring crystalline lagoons attract travelers seeking luxury experiences with a sense of responsibility.
  • Environmental Awareness Generation: The visibility of these lagoons—thanks to their transparent technology and efficiency—educates visitors and residents about the possibilities of sustainable innovation in water use.
  • Alternative to Large Water Infrastructures: Instead of building reservoirs or diverting rivers for leisure, Crystal Lagoons amenities provides a controlled, efficient solution for aquatic recreation.

Crystal Lagoons’ Global Commitment: A Bluer and Greener Future

Crystal Lagoons not only innovates in technology; it also leads with a vision of a future where luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Its commitment extends through:

  • Ongoing Research & Development: The company continually invests in improving its technology to be even more efficient and environmentally friendly.
  • Certifications & Recognitions: Crystal Lagoons projects have received multiple awards and certifications that validate their environmental commitment and efficiency.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with developers who share the vision of creating high-value projects with a sustainability-focused approach.

Crystal Lagoons: A Legacy of Sustainable Innovation

The beauty of a Crystal Lagoons amenity is undeniable, but its actual value goes far beyond aesthetics. It serves as proof that technological innovation can be aligned with environmental protection. By optimizing the use of water and energy and minimizing the chemical footprint, Crystal Lagoons not only creates man-made paradises—it also actively contributes to a more sustainable future.

For developers, it’s an opportunity to invest in projects that are not only profitable but also responsible. For the planet, it’s a solution that demonstrates luxury and fun can coexist with respect for our most precious resources. In essence, Crystal Lagoons is at the forefront of sustainability in the water industry.

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