On the most basic level, pools are made to hold water. To the builders and designers who breathe life into these projects, it's about so much more. Their craft spans all kinds of shapes, sizes, functions and climates – and these challenges just become creative fuel for great masterpieces. Like magic, pools can be made to capture light, manipulate water, trick the eye and push the boundaries of what's expected.
Year after year, the PHTA Awards of Excellence recognize the standout pool builds and designs from around the world. AQUA's month-long coverage of the awards begins here with Gold and will be followed by the Silver and Bronze categories.
Below, take a dive into this year's Gold-winning projects.
Category: Concrete, Vanishing Edge (600 sq. ft. or less) By: Ryan Hughes Design, Palm Harbor, Fla.
Ryan Hughes Design
Palm Harbor, Fla.
Tile/Coping: Jerusalem Limestone
Decking: Jerusalem Limestone
Lighting: Pal Lighting
Water Feature: Great American Waterfall
Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
Fire Feature: Grand Effects
Sanitizer: Jandy
Cleaner: Jandy
Circulation: Jandy
Automation: Jandy
A love of travel is the primary inspiration behind this vanishing edge pool, so having Ryan Hughes design the concept went without question. Many of Hughes' projects are driven by global influences and a desire to see the world, making him an ideal candidate to create an outdoor pool that reflects a lifestyle of exploration and relaxation. The result beautifully resembles a resort more than a backyard through details such as the pool's reflecting glass tile, lounge seating and raised spa.
Some must-haves of this project included a pavilion with an outdoor kitchen, a linear fire feature and a sun tanning ledge. Using the design team's "lines of sight" concept, they were able to blend together every aspect for the purpose of intensifying the aesthetics. Everything comes together in a way that makes sure each angle offers a full picture of the dream backyard.
At the end of the day, the pool's lighting and LED fountains form a warm atmosphere made to keep people entertained throughout the night. In the true spirit of an ideal trip abroad, the party can last well beyond sunset.
Category: Concrete, Vanishing Edge (601 sq. ft or more) By: Almar Jackson Pools, Jupiter, Fla.
Almar Jackson Pools
Jupiter, Fla.
Tile/Coping: Daltile
Decking: GC
Lighting: Pentair
Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
Circulation: Pentair
Built on the second level of a two-story Florida home, this stunning project was designed with spillover features to incorporate both the ground level and the second level of the house. The pool spills over the home's exterior wall into a basin 16 feet below the pool at ground level.
This pool's perimeter features a beach entry and Ipe wood decking. The pool construction has structural tie-ins, with house slabs and walls, additional water proofing measures, proper wall penetrations and seals for piping into the basement.
To top it all off, the project includes a waterfall feature, spilling over from the second level to the ground level next to the leading exterior staircase.
Category: Concrete, Traditional (600 sq. ft. or less) By: Pool Environments, Plano, Texas
Pool Environments
Plano, Texas
Tile/Coping: Knox Tile
Decking: Distinguished Concrete
Lighting: Pentair
Interior Finish: Wet Edge
Sanitizer: Paramount
Cleaner: Paramount
Circulation: Pentair
Automation: Pentair
When builder Chris Polito and designer Kevin Clark brought this pool to life, they saw a window of opportunity — a literal window.
The folding, retractable window on the house creates an open environment that helps form the basis for the intentional flow that leads directly toward the pool. Taking it a step further, the perimeter-overflow design is made to parallel the house's large, minimalist windows to expand the space even more, giving the entire backyard a whole new level of open-concept living.
Complete with a neighboring spa and cascading fire pit overhead, this ultramodern 11-by-15 foot reflecting pool uses dark glass tile around the perimeter to accentuate its precision edge. It's the ultimate addition to the upscale garage and contemporary man cave that sit just feet away.
Category: Concrete, Traditional (601 sq. ft. or more) By: J.Brownlee Design, Franklin, Tenn.
J.Brownlee Design
Franklin, Tenn.
Lighting: Jandy
Water Feature: Paramount
Fire Feature: Grand Effects
Sanitizer: Jandy
Cleaner: Jandy, Polaris
Circulation: Jandy
Automation: Jandy
A Tennessee family wanted to transform their expansive but uninspired house into a home resort with distinct modern-European style. The result was a total renovation, with a complete re-theme inside and out.
This design began with a recreation of the classic symmetrical European style, down to the pool level: a multi-story stone veneer patio, dual radial staircases and stone baluster railings.
Scale became a top concern, as any "normal pool" would be dwarfed by the sheer size of this home. The watershapes reach 110 feet across the entire backyard living space, and serve to connect all patio and entertainment areas together. Two crossover bridges provide access across the pools over the vessel's narrow channels.
The watershape was designed to feel expansive and unique. Features include an elevated spillover spa, octagonal diving pool, "Venetian Bridge" hidden pool grotto, circular "Bellagio" central fountain feature, custom glass tile mosaic pool floor and front central spillover edge to a lower catch basin. Fire features surround the travertine stone patios, which create functional and aesthetic seating spaces.
Category: Concrete, Geometric (600 sq. ft. or less) By: Pool Environments, Plano, Texas
Pool Environments
Plano, Texas
Tile/Coping: Mosa
Decking: Distinguished Concrete
Lighting: Pentair
Interior Finish: Wet Edge
Sanitizer: Paramount
Cleaner: Paramount
Circulation: Pentair
Automation: Pentair
Designer Randy Angell and the crew at Pool Environments wanted this beautiful poolscape to have a modern edge, while staying true to the farmhouse architecture of the client's home. A lower deck and firepit, for example, help to marry modern and farmhouse beautifully.
It was a challenge for builder Chris Polito to work around the jobsite's multiple elevations and heavily treed landscape. But in the end, the elevation changes contributed to the plan for a backyard that appears to have been designed with the home and not as a separate project.
The vanishing edge reflecting pool is a stunning focal point from every viewpoint of the home, and the blue lighting provides a cozy ambience, especially on clear-sky nights like this one pictured.
Category: Concrete, Geometric (601 sq. ft. or more) By: Ryan Hughes Design, Palm Harbor, Fla.
Ryan Hughes Design
Palm Harbor, Fla.
Tile/Coping: Mosaicist, Elite Precast
Decking: Paramount Stoneworks
Lighting: Pal Lighting
Water Feature: Great American Waterfall
Fire Feature: American Fireglass
Sanitizer: Jandy
Cleaner: Jandy
Circulation: Jandy
Automation: Jandy
When designing their backyard oasis, the owners of this home wanted the backyard to feel like a resort. Each element was also positioned with an additional goal in mind: to create an illusion of the outdoor space reaching beyond and not constrained solely by the parameters of the property.
Among the project's key features is the knife edge of the pool shell, which was engineered to allow for a drop of only inches to the trough, while the artificial turf acts as the coping to the pool. This sleek and modern look is continued throughout the backyard to the next resort-like destination: the spa. The vanishing edge spa's reflective glass tile plays perfectly with the adjacent linear fire feature and water feature wall.
While these details make for an exciting pool interior, the exterior is equally inviting. A sunken fire pit connects the spaces through acrylic windows, giving guests a view of the vibrant glass tile pool. Across the way, a swinging day bed is suspended over a koi pond with surrounding water features playing a part in delivering the sounds of serenity.
Category: Concrete, Natural Material By: Elite Landscaping, Omaha, Neb.
Elite Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.
Tile/Coping: Artistry in Mosaics, Semco Stone
Decking: Keystone Tile
Lighting: Pentair, Hunter FX
Water Feature: Elite Landscaping
Fire Feature: Fire Gear
Sanitizer: Pentair
Cleaner: Pentair
Circulation: Pentair
Automation: Pentair
Outdoor Bar: Fire Magic
Bringing the picturesque scenery of a Colorado mountainscape into someone's backyard isn't easy, but it's the type of challenge that designer Jason Decker loves to accept. Using a natural stone waterfall and grotto, Decker aimed to fulfill his client's request of making a pool that appears as though it's flowing from the Rocky Mountains themselves; and without a doubt, he succeeds.
Part of the remarkable feeling of nature created through this project is due to the fact that the materials used are 100% natural, from the weathered sandstone boilers to the stone veneer. By building the pool with variations of sunken and elevated areas, the rigid feel of the great outdoors complements the calm flow of the water in a way that makes swimmers feel they've somehow wandered directly into the Centennial State.
Since much of Decker's work is inspired by formations like streams and waterfalls, the project that wrapped up in April has an extraordinary yet familiar feel. But it is additions like the hand-carved fire pit and use of greenery that truly take the design beyond expectations and right into the heart of the wilderness.
Category: Concrete, Natural Setting By: Cody Pools, Georgetown, Texas
Cody Pools
Georgetown, Texas
Tile/Coping: NPT
Decking: Sundek
Lighting: Pentair
Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
Circulation: Pentair
This zero-entry pool, completed in November of 2018, packs a lot of features along a 60-foot waterline, including a raised spa, two waterfalls with a slide, lovely boulders and stone coping. The gentle entry transition from the lounge area to the 5 1/2 foot depth allows bathers to ease into the pool slowly, with the option of a left turn up the steps into the warm waters of a custom spa. Builder Cody Pools is a large operation in Southeast Texas with nine locations in the Austin, San Antonio and Houston areas.
Category: Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure By: Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas, Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas
Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Tile/Coping: Altoglass
Decking: Artistic Pavers
Lighting: Jandy
Circulation: Jandy
A vanishing edge pool on the second floor of a waterfront home sounds like a fictional set made for Jay Gatsby himself, but this luxury pool built by Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas brings the style of film to reality.
Behind the sleek design of the dark finish and custom tile is an incredibly precise level of engineering and construction. Dealing with the placement of a pool on the second floor means that not a single thing can go overlooked, and the attention to detail shows through more than just the structure. The gray decking and concrete blend perfectly with the siding of the home. Even the dark windows help draw attention to the deep shade of the project's tiling. With the floating fire feature thrown in the mix, the owners of this build have a swimmable, visual masterpiece made for the big screen.
Category: Residential Fiberglass Pools By: River Pools and Spas, Warsaw, Va.
River Pools and Spas
Warsaw, Va.
Tile/Coping: NPT
Decking: Eagle Bay, Thermory
Lighting: Pentair, WAC Lighting
Circulation: Pentair
Automation: Pentair
Fiberglass, pavers and nature come together to give this inground pool its woodland charm. The natural slope of the wooded backyard is contrasted by the clean and modern decking to provide depth and a sense of unexpected exploration.
This adventurous design guides visitors from the water feature bridge to the various sizes of steps that descend into the pool for a unique outdoor experience both day and night. Exterior lighting is placed in multiple locations including the pool and the custom stream bed, so every detail can always be visible. Tying everything together, plants such as azaleas function to soften the stone and brighten the area around the koi pond for a variety of texture and color.
To top off this pool's exceptional style, a designated pump helps the stream bed flow from under the bridge, so it appears as though it's a natural part of the landscape. Even the deck is structured to slightly extend over the edge of the pool, giving the sense that the destination of travel is a dock near the bay while creating an innovative take on the comforts of nature.
Category: Vinyl-Lined, Freeform By: J&M Pool Company, Senoia, Ga.
J&M Pool Company
Senoia, Ga.
Liner: Latham
Decking: Pavers by Tremron
Lighting: Hayward
Fire Feature: Outdoor Fire Concepts
Sanitizer: Hayward
Cleaner:
Circulation: Hayward
Automation: Hayward
Truly gorgeous stonework complements a lovely waterline tile pattern in this large vinyl-liner pool built by J&M Pool Company in Senoia, Ga., the creative work of designer Patrick Studley. A matching stone spillway provides the sounds and sights of falling water as overflow from a raised spa transitions into the larger body below. The pool, completed in 2019, measures 20 feet by 44 feet and varies in depth from 3 to 8 feet.
Category: Pool Renovations By: Silver Fox Contracting, Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Silver Fox Contracting
Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tile/Coping: Rosa Gres
Decking: Rosa Gres
Lighting: Professional Pool Products
Circulation: AstralPool
This client wanted to give a fresh breath of life to an existing infinity-style concrete pool that had worn down over the years and was no longer in swimmable condition.
Initial concerns for the project were the repair of cracked steps and re-tiling of missing and damaged tiles. Further investigation revealed many structural issues including leaks, improper tile installation and foundational cracks. Eventually, a complete refurbishment from the concrete foundation was necessary, including render and epoxy waterproofing.
The next step was a tile transformation. Inspired by previous trips to Bali, the client wanted something completely different from existing standard blue mosaics. With that in mind, turquoise porcelain tiles with a natural, rustic look were proposed. Many customizations were needed to accommodate the curvature of the steps, ledges, corners, edges, water fountain feature, existing fiber optics and newly added stainless steel fittings.
Once all tiles were firmly set in place, additional strip lights were added along the infinity edge and channel. The final result is a picturesque tropical paradise.
Complete with surrounding plants and statues, this pool became the perfect place for the client and his family (plus dog) to escape to — without having to fly to Bali.
Category: Residential Pools with Automatic Covers By: Covertech, Southampton, N.Y.
Covertech
Southampton, N.Y.
Automation: Covertech - Grando Pool Covers
Covertech is no stranger when it comes to working with wet edge or vanishing edge pools. But including both designs on this subtle inground spectacle is what perfectly compliments the elaborate structure of one resident's four-story mansion.
The pool's two acrylic walls and single beach shelf are surrounded by an abundance of trees that offer an inviting display of cool colors, but one of the most innovative parts is revealed as closing time comes around. When this one-of-a-kind pool is ready to cover up, a slatted cover stored in the pool's floor automatically deploys.
Everything about this design was intentional, right down to the translucent blue of the cover's material. When night comes around, the pool lights shine bright whether it's open or closed, giving this pool the spotlight it deserves.
Category: Screened Enclosed Residential Pools By: Superior Pools of Southwest Florida, Port Charlotte, Fla.
Superior Pools of Southwest Florida
Port Charlotte, Fla.
Decking/Tile: Baystone Tile
Coping: Baystone Tile
Lighting: Pentair
Water Feature: Pentair
Interior Finish:Stonescapes
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Automation: Pentair
An abundance of natural light bathes this enclosed beauty from Superior Pools of Southwest Florida, designed by Jon Krawczyk. A large rain wall flanked by luminous spillway bowls majestically perched above a stout rock wall project an organic but commanding ambiance to spectators lounging on the tanning ledge. Premium travertine pavers encircle the pool with a pleasant, tactile surface. Completed in December of 2018, this pool measures 38 feet, 1 inch in length and 22 feet in width, varying in depth from 3 to 7 feet.
Category: Recreation/Leisure Pools By: Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas, Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas
Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Tile/Coping: Watercolors, Daltile
Decking: Artistic Pavers
Lighting: Pentair
Circulation: Compac
Having palm trees growing poolside is perhaps one of the best ways to give guests some much-needed shade after a long afternoon in the sun, and it's part of what gives this country club its fashionable, tropical design.
The custom pool is over 4,750 sq. ft. and provides multiple points of entry, including a beach entrance and a separate area that leads to a lap pool. No matter a pool-goer's preference, they're sure to find the perfect way to enjoy a bit of leisure and a refreshing dip in the water.
What's even more impressive is the unique way that the equipment is effectively stored. By having everything displayed in vaults that are partially underground, the bulky tanks and equipment are out of sight yet still conveniently accessible. And less clutter means more open area for guests to enjoy the relaxing views of this poolside paradise.
Category: Multi-Use Pools By: Claffey Pools, Southlake, Texas
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Tile/Coping: Noble Tile Supply
Decking: Salt Deck
Lighting: Zodiac
Circulation: Zodiac
Automation: Zodiac
What's luxury living without a luxury pool to match? That's the question raised by the management of one apartment complex, and they got their answer with some help from Brian Claffey of Claffey Pools. Seeking the style of a stay-at-home vacation, the design of this pool needed to look as great from tenants' balconies as it did from the water. This called for an equal balance of creativity and comfort, a goal achieved through additions like the Equinox louvered roof providing shade and custom-made daybeds both in and around the pool.
Though it's impossible to pin down the most impressive part of this project, nothing would have been possible without the laser-cut Corten steel panel screen wall separating the parking lot from the courtyard. The design allows the pool to feel secluded from everything outside the barrier. Completed in mid-March, the result is that every tenant gets to feel like their next getaway is right in their own backyard, and the cost of rent begins to feel like it's just a vacation fund.
Category: Therapy Pools By: High-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, Ohio
High-Tech Pools
North Olmsted, Ohio
Tile/Coping: Daltile
Decking: Daltile
Lighting: Pentair
Circulation: Pentair
Automation: Pentair
Sanitizing: Pentair
This immaculate and efficient therapy pool built by multiple award winner High-Tech Pools (North Olmsted, Ohio) provides healing and relief for convalescents with acute injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritis, as well as muscle recovery for those in training. The water immersion it offers has salutary compressive effects on tissue and reflexively regulates blood vessel tone.
Completed in 2019, with a length of 23 feet, 2 inches, a width of 10 feet, 10 inches, and a depth of 3 feet, this pool is designed for safe, simple access and egress for patients and tired athletes alike.
Category: Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools By: Diffazur Piscines, SAINT LAURENT DU-VAR, FRANCE
Diffazur Piscines
SAINT LAURENT DU-VAR, FRANCE
Tile/Coping/Decking: Diffazur
Lighting: Hayward
Water Feature: Polaris
Sanitizer:Hayward
Cleaner: A&A
Circulation: Pentair
This circular spa was designed to fit perfectly into the free forms and oversized curvature of the life-size lagoon pool surrounding it.
Located in the heart of the city in Alpes-Maritimes, surrounding vegetation transforms this poolscape into a secluded and intimate oasis. The raised position of the spa isolates it even more from the pool itself. To reduce the noise from the city, this spa pours itself into the pool, allowing total peace when used with the sound of the flowing water.
Mirrored edges, sand-colored coating and ochre colors embellish both the spa and the pool, and reconstituted tiles and decorative rocks of different levels set the spa apart. With a diameter of 2.60 meters and a depth of 1 meter, the spa is composed of eight air venturi jets and two Boosters 2Cv as well as a heating system. It can be illuminated at night using a remotely-controlled LED projector.
Category: Metal and/or Concrete Spas By: DaVinci Spas, Northglenn, Colo.
DaVinci Spas
Northglenn, Colo.
Decking: Natural stone
Lighting: Waterway
Circulation: Waterway
Spa Shell Material: Copper
Custom spa company DaVinci Spas of Northglenn, Colo., and landscape architects at Knight Strategies collaborated to create this unique and stunning copper hot tub installation. Designer Dale Murphy used natural materials in the stone and mortar decking and matching copper fire features to complement the rustic mountain setting.
The project blends perfectly with the wooded river valley, the view of which almost beckons the user into the 10-foot by 6-foot spa, which offers seating for nine bathers, several of whom can peer over the spillover edge into a 3-foot waterfall.
Category: Commercial Water Features By: Shasta Pools, Phoenix, Ariz.
Shasta Pools
Phoenix, Ariz.
Tile/Coping/Decking/Lighting: Shasta Pools
Circulation: Pentair
This 10,000 sq. ft. project — the largest water feature ever completed by Shasta Industries Commercial & Olympic Division — at the Desert Diamond Casino in Phoenix, Ariz., required an unusual level of quality workmanship.
Two-hundred individual cactus planters not only act as individual weirs, they also give the visual effect that the cacti are growing out of the water. This unique design creates an amazing visual contrast, as cacti survive in the desert without water, yet are completely surrounded by it as part of the water feature. As a result, patrons are made to feel like they are escaping the desert to be in an oasis or mirage.
Finished in late February of this year, the stunning project is among the newest of this year's class of Gold Award winners.
Category: Residential Water Features By: Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas, Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Van Kirk & Sons Pools & Spas
Deerfield Beach, Fla.
Decking: Valencia Coverings
Lighting: Jandy
Circulation: Jandy
This is about as beautiful as front entrances get. Not only are homeowners and guests met with beautiful sky reflections upon entering this modern home, custom fountains give life and sound for those coming and going.
The stunning design includes an acrylic step as well as two panels by Art Designer Alex Turko that matched perfectly with the interior finish. The fountains are made more beautiful by the material used for the decking: a special porcelain laid in bigger pieces that required careful precision to install.
