Miami Pool with Custom Handcrafted Navy SEAL Emblem Mosaic
James, our client for this Miami, Florida project, wanted his pool to tell a story, and the centerpiece mosaic does just that. Featuring a skeletal frog with the phrase ‘Mal Ad Osteo’—Latin for ‘Bad to the Bone’—this bold design has roots in Navy SEAL culture, a nod to their amphibious expertise.
About “Mal ad Osteo” – Bad to the Bone
he frog skeleton with the Latin phrase translating to “Bad to the Bone” is a well-known emblem in Navy SEAL culture. This imagery, often paired with the phrase “Mal ad Osteo” (Latin for “bad to the bone”). The skeletal frog references their roots in underwater demolition and amphibious warfare, while the “bad to the bone” slogan is a reference to their unyielding toughness and mission-focused mindset.
For James, the design carried special significance; even his boat shares the same name. Crafting this mosaic was all about honoring the bold imagery while ensuring every detail stood out beautifully underwater.
Caption: Custom handcrafted mosaic tile pool bed inlay artwork installation photos.
Our task was clear: transform this symbol into a handcrafted mosaic that would fit seamlessly into his modern pool design. Crafted from hand-cut black glass mosaic tiles, the skeletal frog and text were brought to life with a special attention to details. The surrounding pool bed remained plain, allowing the mosaic to take center stage without overwhelming the space.
Caption: Plastering the pool bed and walls around the skeletal frog Mal ad Osteo insignia and waterline tiles.
A Striking Yet Simple Aesthetic
The mosaic was designed to integrate with James’ clean and modern pool layout. While the skeletal frog and text dominate the pool bed, other elements, like a tiled waterline and subtle tile borders on the steps, enhance the overall aesthetic without detracting from the centerpiece.
Caption: Finished pool complete with tiles, mosaic and plaster. Day time view with partial pool filled with water (left) evening view with pool lights and water (right)
Although the pool’s bed appears to have an aqua blue tint in photos, it’s simply the interplay of light and water that creates this effect. The simplicity of the overall design made the frog mosaic all the more impactful—proof that sometimes, less truly is more.
The Art Beneath the Surface – The Final Result
James came to us with a clear idea, and it was our job to make it happen. From perfecting the skeletal frog’s intricate design to ensuring the Latin phrase ‘Mal Ad Osteo’ was sharp and legible, every detail was carefully considered. While we fabricated the mosaic, team of pool remodelers from Octopools executed the inlay perfectly, ensuring a smooth and flawless integration into the pool bed.
The result? A pool that’s as bold and unique as James’ vision—a symbol of personal significance turned into a work of art that will last for years to come.
Intrigued? Explore How to Incorporate Custom Mosaic Art Into Your Space.
Fascinated by this beautiful little mosaic project? You too can transform your space with a unique mosaic design, created from scratch or customized to your liking. Reach out to us, and let’s make your mosaic dream a reality!