How do you measure greatness in the world of building pools and spas? How can you honor the time and effort that goes into making a perfect oasis? After all, it’s no easy task to take a blank canvas of a backyard and build the eighth wonder of the world just a few steps outside of a home.
The annual PHTA Awards of Excellence program serves as a way to do just that — to honor the best of the best in the industry and call attention to the great work that transforms spaces from ordinary to nothing short of sensational.
Each year, the PHTA awards Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit to the backyards that use pools and spas as the focal point of the perfect getaway. They’re the centerpiece on the largest table, the boldest brushstroke on a painter’s masterpiece, the final crescendo of a maestro’s orchestra.
“The number of projects submitted — and the caliber of those projects — highlights how far our industry has come in the past several years,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, PHTA president and CEO. “The innovation, beauty, and overall ‘wow factor’ of these pools, spas, and water features is truly amazing. We are so proud of our members for their commitment to excellence and honored to be able to recognize their work in this way.”
We start our month-long coverage of the Awards of Excellence with this year's GOLD winners. Soak up the artistry that oozes from each image and find renewed inspiration in the arrangements, the styling and the details that you can perhaps use in your own future projects.
Of course, you can always just marvel at the wonder of pool possibilities, too.
Category: Pools with a Vanishing Edge | By Florida Pool Patio Corp., Miami, Fla.Photo courtesy Claudio Valero / Florida Pool Patio Corp.
Florida Pool Patio Corp.
Miami, Fla.
Decking Material: Porcelain
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
The crew at Florida Pool Patio Corp. in Miami built this perimeter overflow pool and spa with its layers of style and uncanny, unifying simplicity. The strong visual impression is a product of the design by SDH Studios and Claudio Valero, which features a sunken lounge area (mid-foreground), elegant and reflective acrylic sectioning. A waterfall descends from a roof overhang creating sound and live action.
This unique pool project infuses the adjoining house with the dynamics of fluid, allowing the homeowners to view the aquatic area from multiple vantage points and eliminating the sharp visual distinction between the building and the poolscape. Swimming just off camera are koi in a pond surrounded by lush tropical greenery. The pool was finished in November of 2023.
Category: Pools with a Vanishing Edge | By Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping, Omaha, Neb.Photo courtesy Jeffrey Bebee Photography
Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.
Decking Material: Tiramisu Natural Travertine
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
This stunning backyard oasis has many features, including a lazy river that wraps around a swim-up bar island that separates it from the main pool. Alongside the swim-up bar is a large waterfall that doubles as a swim-in grotto, enhancing the swimming experience.
The project was designed with the guest entertainment in mind, which resulted in multiple different seating arrangements both around and within the pool. A large pavilion stands beyond the swim-up bar and houses a gas fireplace, a television and even boasts a full outdoor kitchen.
But perhaps the showstopper of this piece is the glass tile infinity edge that spills over into a main basin, giving the familiar effect of a vanishing edge. Aided by stone columns with fire bowls resting on top, this project from Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping, designed by Jason Decker, is a breathtaking transformation.
Category: Pool with a Vanishing Edge | By Paragon Pools, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Chris Allison / Engage Realty
Paragon Pools
Houston, Texas
Decking Material: Porcelain Tile
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
Nature meets the magnificence of pool design in this incredible project. To design in such a spectacular country setting can be tricky. The design needed to be simple enough as not to invade the surrounding natural beauty, but also be classy and inviting. For Paragon Pools, the end result creates an alluring mix of both.
The slight curves, fire features, and planter beds, which ornament the pool, add the right touch of flare without taking away from the serene landscape. The home and pool boast a stunning multi-level deck that leads to a welcoming fire pit area to enjoy the peaceful evenings. The earthstone material blends perfectly with the home, and the sleek negative-edge design creates a seamless view of the surrounding trees. The step and terrace lighting add the finishing touch to accentuate this amazing outdoor space.
Category: Pools with a Vanishing Edge | By Aloha Pools, Burnaby, British ColumbiaPhoto courtesy Jacob Mueller / Aloha Pools
Aloha Pools
Burnaby, British Columbia
Decking Material: Concrete
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
Breathtaking is the word that comes to mind after a first glance at this project. The builder faced innumerable challenges with slope and soil, but mastered the art of cliff-building for pools to produce this shoreline jewel. The overall plan uses simple geometric shapes and interlocking planes in a bold and fascinating design by McLeod Bovell.
The pool itself features a vanishing edge that blends with the horizon, a spa and a sunken living room. The vessel's ample size (44 feet long) fits comfortably in the large natural dimensions of the home and environment.
Category: Traditional | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Decking Material: Travertine Pavers
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
An intricately executed, traditional pool design brings a state of familiar relaxation to life on the Tampa waterfront with Fireside Serenade. Inspired by a desire to extend the home's existing design sensibilities and materials, this pool incorporates pre-cast concrete molding and traditional profiles custom made to match.
The raised edges, as well as its unique curved and linear shape creates a central statement for the outdoor living area. This is further accentuated with the adjacent spillover spa on the furthest end from the home.
The traditional theme is showcased by decorative columns found on the portico and outdoor kitchen pavilion. The pool deck surfaces and terraces were crafted to incorporate a brick and precast grid design, tying in the traditional brick of the sides and front of the home. What's left is a regal centerpiece to a lush backyard.
Category: Traditional | Heritage Pools, North Charleston, S.C.Photo courtesy Joshua Corrigan / Ellis Creek Photography
Heritage Pools
North Charleston, S.C.
Decking Material: Travertine
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
The goal of this project was to create an outdoor oasis that blended modern design with natural elements. Combining geometric shapes, luxurious materials and unique water features was the trick in creating a stunning, relaxing environment.
The use of silver travertine for coping and decking, along with the midnight signature matrix finish makes the pool look elegant, but still practical and comfortable. Fire water bowls and a waterfall spa add elements of both excitement and tranquility, making this pool a perfect retreat for both entertainment and relaxation. But it's the surrounding palm trees that complete the tropical, resort-like ambiance, turning this backyard into a true paradise.
The pool has a modern geometric design, with clean lines and a sleek, sophisticated look. The structure is made of durable concrete, ensuring longevity and stability, and the edges of the pool are finished with silver travertine, a natural stone that provides a polished, tasteful appearance.
Additionally, this project includes a spa, offering a serene and relaxing spot within the pool area. Scuppers are decorative water features that allow water to flow from one level to another, often from a wall into the pool. They add a stylish touch and soothing sound to the environment.
Category: Geometric | Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photography
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Decking Material: Concrete Color Cast Stone
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
The goal of this stunning project was to preserve both the backyard's well-established trees and views, while also seamlessly blending the design with the hillside and rustic, modern home for both family comfort and entertaining.
To start, the large turf area separates the pool zone from the house to provide a natural feel. The plant zone at the edge of the turf hides the pool equipment on the lower level. The 24-inch terraces allowed walls to become additional seating areas, creating transitions on the sight line to become steps, ensuring the view was not blocked. The pool length follows the primary sight line, giving more scale for the space. As such, less retaining was needed, which also minimized the need for tree removal. The pool's black interior also provides contrast and reflection.
The cabanas — their material and roofing were designed to match the existing home — were strategically placed on different levels to work with the existing grade and trees within the space. This area (only slightly pictured) boasts a full kitchen, bar stools, fireplace and two dining tables to host mid- to large-sized gatherings.
Additional features include the Sheer Descents: The first grouping is placed on the gentle curve, which can be seen from the house, while the second grouping is placed on the curved wall, elevating the overall natural setting and providing a consistent flow. The spa is an understated, vanishing edge located close to the cabana. The nearby ledge provides space for interaction with those in the spa, helping to create a cohesive atmosphere.
Category: Geometric | By Verde Outdoors, Roanoke, TexasPhoto courtesy Sam Wells / Big Creek Creative
Verde Outdoors
Roanoke, Texas
Decking Material: Limestone
Pool Interior Finish: Wet Edge
This newly constructed home features glass sliders and a covered patio space along the entire width of the home — which enabled Verde Outdoors, the masterminds behind this gold-winning project, designed by Colby Walding, to pull several strong sight lines for placement of different water and fire features.
Stepping off the private master bedroom patio, the homeowner is led directly into the raised spa, which is accompanied by a wrap-around linear fire pit. The main pool was designed for open swim space and entertainment, which included LED deck jets, LED bubblers in a raised tiered trough water feature, and fully tiled tanning ledges.
In addition, the contemporary living environment used the same stucco and limestone slabs as the house for a beautiful and seamless transition between the two spaces.
Category: Geometric | By Platinum Pools - A Cody Pools Company, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Rod Brady / Houston Home Photography
Platinum Pools - A Cody Pools Company
Houston, Texas
Decking Material: Turf
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
This beautiful, modern-looking geometric pool has a number of standout features. A sunken lounging area — pictured toward the back of the pool — is made complete with a fire pit, all covered by a custom pergola (one of two built for this project).
Stepping pads guide swimmers to the hot tub. The pool also includes a raised tanning area with a grotto underneath, a trickle wall, and an arbor built into the pool's beam with a swing that moves over the pool. Turf, which is wrapped all the way around the pool, completes the project.
Category: Geometric | By Master Touch Outdoor Living, Coral Springs, Fla.Photo courtesy Alexandre Jardim / Master Touch Outdoor Living
Master Touch Outdoor Living
Coral Springs, Fla.
Decking Material: Marble
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
The new owners of this gem from Master Touch Outdoor Living in Coral Springs, Fla., have a strong affinity for angles and geometric forms, and this pool delivers them all with precision, from the parallelograms in the decking to the manifold rectangles in the pool. The contemporary pool, designed by Smart Aquatics, was finished in April of this year.
All those alluring, swaying palms surround a 102-by-65-foot pool, artfully set in light marble tile. A disciplined symmetry is maintained throughout with a sunken living room matched to the spillover spa, planters at each corner, all governed by a covered swim-up bar. A grassy play area for the kids and walkable manicured grounds encase the entire blue aquatic area in green.
Category: Geometric | By Radelli Design Build, Oak Point, TexasPhoto courtesy Thomas Crosson / Full Package Media
Radelli Design Build
Oak Point, Texas
Decking Material: Porcelain Pavers
Pool Interior Finish: Wet Edge
With an expansive half-enclosed courtyard to work with, Radelli Design Build crafted this undeniably elegant modern poolscape with clean lines and multiple levels both above and below the waterline, all within a geometric format.
This thoroughly modern swimming pool features a drop-edge porcelain sunken seating area, water spheres, multiple fire features including the one in the foreground which literally presents the pool like a glass of champagne, all the accouterments of outdoor living, and LED strip lighting designed to create a completely unique point-grid pattern on all reflective surfaces. And yes, that's easy-maintenance synthetic grass outlining the deck.
Category: Geometric | By Riverbend Sandler Pools, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Kye Lee Photography
Riverbend Sandler Pools
Plano, Texas
Decking Material: Hard Trowel Concrete
This design aesthetic is not for the agoraphobic. It appeals to those who love the endless spaces under the blue Texas sky. The pavilion is both enclosed and wide open to the horizons, providing shade and shelter when the heavens do not oblige. All natural wood grain provides another natural element in an essentially nature-inspired motif.
Due to the outsized natural dimensions of its surroundings, the pool itself appears smaller in this photo, but it runs just over 40 feet in length, and up to 5 feet in depth. It features charming triangulating bubblers and a cozy step-down spa at the end, yet a spirited game of pool hoops is only a few feet away.
Matt Hitchcock designed this subtle homage to the big sky country. It was finished in June of 2023.
Category: Geometric | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Decking Material: Shellstone Pavers
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
Reflecting the beauty and presence of its surroundings, this project boasts an overflow on the entire perimeter of the pool with a crisp geometric design at its center. The waters replicate the enchanting qualities of a looking-glass with its simplicity and clean angles.
To create the "sheet of glass" appearance, the total perimeter was designed to accentuate its straight edges with an overflow via site engineering and an overflow pump. Mirroring the home's shape, this exacting pool design is complemented by geometrically designed patios and a palm-lined terrace.
Category: Geometric | By Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping, Omaha, Neb.Photo courtesy Jeffrey Bebee Photography
Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.
Decking Material: Riverstone
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
One of the challenges of this project was the original landscape, which included a heavily wooded area and a steep hill. Building the pool into the side of it allowed the grotto, waterfall and back wall to blend seamlessly into the trees beyond the structure.
Paired with a shallow spot with lounge chairs, designer Jason Decker of Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping revitalized the client's historic hanging swing, allowing for a beautiful meeting of past and future in one space.
The entire project took just eight months, transforming the space into a relaxing communal space with natural amenities.
Category: Geometric | By Red Rock Design Build, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Red Rock Design Build
Chandler, Ariz.
Decking Material: Ivory Limestone
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
With a captivating geometric design, this pool has a negative-edge spillover that exaggerates a modern finish with its black tile and stone interior. This bleeds into the futuristic with floating travertine steps at the entry. Alongside the main pool area is an elevated spa with a tanning ledge and a bar top, but it shares a matching overflow edge to encourage continuity within the entire project.
The project is complete with a custom fire and water feature, as well as a cantilevered ramada with a full dining area and an outdoor television.
Category: Elevated Pool And/Or Spa Structure | By Diffazur Piscines, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-MaritimesPhoto courtesy Jean-Claude Fayet / Vision Plus Production
Diffazur Piscines
Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes
Decking Material: Stone
This geometric-shaped pool was quite the challenge, as it sits above a garage. The design optimizes space by using the garage surface as a solid base for the pool, while creating a leisure and relaxation area above.
The pool offers an elegant and practical layout. It is covered with Italian tiles — a material that, according to Diffazur Piscines, ensures both durability and sophisticated aesthetics.
Exotic wood coping harmoniously frames the perimeter, while the decks provide comfortable lounging and sunbathing areas. The 30-foot overflow creates an elegant visual effect, enhanced by a 30-square-foot submerged beach area that invites relaxation.
Category: Elevated Pool And/Or Spa Structure | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Decking Material: Precast Concrete
This pool was designed to appear like glass, stretching from a modern deck surface and vanishing into the waters of the bay. Thanks to a dramatic vanishing edge and a raised spa, the transition from pool to bay is as seamless as can be. This space is a part of the home's second-story outdoor living space, which makes the vanishing edge even more pronounced.
Totally clad in all-glass azure blue tiles, the pool, extensive sun shelf area and the subtle rising interior spa mirror the sunsets and surroundings of the elegant exterior space. All of these elements leave behind the sensation of holding a piece of the universe right inside a stunning pool.
Category: Fiberglass | By Concord Pools & Spas, Latham, N.Y.Photo courtesy Paul Castle / Castle Photography
Concord Pools & Spas
Latham, N.Y.
Decking Material: Stamped Concrete and Concrete Pavers
Creating this august fiberglass masterpiece required veteran expertise in construction from the crew at Concord Pools & Spas. The perfect symmetry of the pool placement and decking is no accident; its classic lines are designed to create a powerful visual impact. The 30-by-14-foot pool sits at the center of a backyard universe in which water and hardscape stand in pleasing ratio.
How is this pool different from others in this gallery of exquisite backyard design? In its surface, which is fiberglass and thus more economical to purchase and maintain. Bucky Jablonski planned this open and expansive tribute to the joys of outdoor living, while Gallivan Corporation did the landscape and hardscape.
Category: Freeform | By Rainbow Pools & Living Art Designs Fishkill, N.Y.Photo courtesy David Ciotoli / Rainbow Pools & Living Art Designs
Rainbow Pools & Living Art Designs
Fishkill, N.Y.
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
"Spare nothing when creating ambiance" is a phrase that pairs impeccably well with this project, a residential freeform pool designed for entertaining family and guests. As you can see in the photo, Rainbow Pools was challenged with incorporating a variety of materials and textures into a lush, inviting whole. They succeeded admirably.
The pool itself features a delightful swirling infinity edge, a sun shelf and a spillover spa which all together act as a dusky jewel in a setting of uplit flora and elegantly textured hardscape rock. A multitude of landscape elements can sometimes be hard to control, but here, they all act in concert to produce a singular, optical experience.
Category: Freeform | By Tipton Spires Design | Build, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Tipton Spires Design | Build
Houston, Texas
Decking Material: Natural Stone Travertine
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
This sprawling freeform design on a large lakefront property features a full addition built onto the existing home with a lodge and full gourmet kitchen. A spa bar under the cabana attached to the pool is the main feature of the space.
Additionally, a secondary overflow hot tub sits on a spacious baja shelf with a vanishing edge spilling over to a lower terrace fire pit destination area. The natural stone decking and artificial turf banding complete this beautiful project, creating an engaging and charming environment.
Category: Vinyl-Lined Pools | By Concord Pools & Spas, Latham, N.Y.Photo courtesy Paul Castle / Castle Photography
Concord Pools & Spas
Latham, N.Y.
Decking Material: Techo-Bloc Blu 60 Blue Grande
Pool Interior Finish: Vinyl
This 800-square-foot swimming pool from Concord Pools & Spas in Latham, N.Y., includes a luxurious spillover spa (foreground) and three waterfall fire bowls that act as focal point for views from both the grounds and the manorial home rising high above. In this design, the home — located literally steps from the edge of the pool and visibly dominant — acts as a major portion of the aesthetic plan. In daylight, it rises like a stone mountain at the edge of an alpine lake. At night, its large glowing windows provide artistic lighting to the backyard scene.
Bryan D'Ambro designed this monument to the good life made of stone, fire and water. GSL Landscaping contributed the flora and hardscape.
Category: Vinyl-Lined Pools | By Concord Pools & Spas, Latham, N.Y.Photo courtesy Paul Castle / Castle Photography
Concord Pools & Spas
Latham, N.Y.
Decking Material: Concrete Pavers
Pool Interior Finish: Vinyl
This Rich Fenwick-designed project is all about stately living and elegant proportions in design. The total decking area is massive for a residential project, but lays comfortably beside the colossal home, and its design integrates well with the shape and color of the domicile. The expansive deck encompasses a fire pit/outdoor living room and kitchen, and a total of seven seating areas. Two large stained trellises offer partial shade, when required.
The pool uses vinyl as its waterproof surface, which performs admirably in its main role as decorative container, and can be quickly and economically replaced when it starts showing signs of wear. The 38-foot vessel features at one end a perfectly square, raised, spillover spa clad in stone. Gallivan Corporation contributed the flora and hardscape.
Category: Screened Enclosed Pools | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Decking Material: Silver Grey Marble
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
Welcome to nature's haven with modern flair. This project features a custom, multi-level outdoor living space designed — by Ryan Hughes Design and Julija Krajceva — for privacy and protection with a screen enclosure.
A sprawling pool is at the center. The exterior design holds venues for leisure, dining and entertainment — all intertwined in the professional layout crafted to be enjoyed during whatever season or weather.
Radiating out from a tiled wall with fire pots, the all-glass tile pool reaches out to coordinating lounging with a luxury spillover spa and sun shelf facing from opposite sides. Lounging continues within the space, courtesy of a step-down fire pit lounge with a creatively illuminated poolside bar.
Category: Technical/Engineering Achievement | By J. Caldwell Custom Pools, Fort Worth, TexasPhoto courtesy Russell Ware / J. Caldwell Custom Pools
J. Caldwell Custom Pools
Fort Worth, Texas
Pool Interior Finish: Wet Edge
This engineering marvel was carved out of a wall prior to constructing this one-of-a-kind beauty. The upper area is perhaps the most fun part of the pool, where the main pool and outdoor dining area stand proud, offering copious amounts of seating areas and the perfect space for entertaining guests. The lower part is the visual side, boasting an incredible set of weeping walls, fountain and spa.
Category: Pool Renovations | By Vue Custom Pools & Design, Greensboro, N.C.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Vue Custom Pools & Design
Greensboro, N.C.
Decking Material: Bluestone
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
This initial pool had a vanishing-edge catch basin that was leaking. In addition, the spa was cracked, and the subsoil was very compromised. Vue Custom Pools & Design then found out the location of the pool was formerly a retention pond that had been relocated, as the neighborhood/lot was developed.
After soil stabilization, the company, alongside designer Lea Frederick, mapped out a completely new pool to be shot inside the original pool. The spa crack was fixed, and a new spillway was designed. A ledge and a shallower deep end (still within the safe diving envelope slope) were formed, and a diving board was added. The failed vanishing edge was abandoned, and the view was replaced with fire/water bowls.
Category: Pool Renovations | By Vue Custom Pools & Design, Greensboro, N.C.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Verde Outdoors
Roanoke, Texas
Decking Material: Architectural Concrete
Pool Interior Finish: Wet Edge
This project, completed in 2023, was born when the homeowners contacted Verde Outdoors after wanting to renovate their outdated home. The backyard was filled with landscaping beds and old, broken materials on and around the pool.
The request was to create an extremely modern and low-maintenance design. In the end, Verde Outdoors could not be prouder of its team for the final outcome — which boasts a tanning ledge, stunning fire and water features, spa, an outdoor kitchen area and more — delivered from inception of design to its completion.
Category: Pools with Automatic Covers - Concrete | By High-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Eric Hanson / Hanson Photography
High-Tech Pools
North Olmsted, Ohio
Decking Material: Valdeer
This stunning pool consists of a diving well pool, a kiddie pool and a raised spa. Covered in glass tile and paired with a stainless steel slide, this masterpiece leaves a futuristic touch. Paired with many lights and two-colored bubblers, as well as features like a basketball hoop and a diving board, this pool leaves a mark on the swimmer.
Category: Pools With Automatic Covers - Non-Concrete | By JAS Aquatics, Huntington Station, N.Y.Photo courtesy Mark DiMattei / MarkD Arts
JAS Aquatics
Huntington Station, N.Y.
This award-winning project on Long Island features a full backyard renovation with a custom rectangular auto-cover pool, sun ledge and sun loungers. Some of its highlights include deck jets, a striking water feature wall with waterfalls, scuppers and a fire feature wall with fire glass.
To top it off, custom plumbing and hidden irrigation support vibrant flower displays. The design also includes a pool house with a bar, kitchen, television and outdoor audio, along with outdoor lighting, fire features, an outdoor shower and dining area, creating a luxurious and functional outdoor living space.
Category: Recreation/Leisure Pools | By Aquatic Design Group, Carlsbad, Calif.Photo courtesy Brian Davies Photography
Aquatic Design Group
Carlsbad, Calif.
Decking Material: Concrete
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
The Echo Hollow pool was originally built as an indoor/outdoor aquatic center in 1969. It featured an operable bulkhead which could raise to create two separate tanks, or lower to create one larger contiguous tank. When raised, a sliding wall system would be locked in place on top of the bulkhead to enclose one of the two tanks, leaving the other uncovered outside.
After decades of operation, the entire facility was due for several improvements due to its aging infrastructure, plumbing concerns, outdated design, energy inefficiency, and the need for an overall facelift. The community expressed a need for play areas for young children, increased ADA accessibility, and more lap lanes to provide increased programming and user capacity.
The renovation of the indoor pool added a zero-entry ramp and two new diving springboards. The outdoor portion of the original pool was demolished and replaced with a new 25-meter-by-25-yard pool capable of hosting competitive swim meets and water polo games as well as supporting 1-meter and 2-meter springboard diving.
An activity pool was also added that includes a zero-depth entry, wet play elements, two additional shallow, 25-yard swim lanes for lessons and therapy programs, water basketball, and a 19-foot-tall, 134-foot-long water slide.
The renovation required a new plumbing, mechanical, and electrical system to support the new pool configurations — and the design team had to ensure that the new system would overcome the unique challenges of an indoor-outdoor pool configuration. Constructed to LEED Silver standards, the innovative design significantly reduced carbon emissions through the use of a highly efficient electric heat pump system and indoor and underwater LED lighting. To meet the energy demand for increased pool space, money from two community center upgrade projects was combined to create the 167-panel solar array on the roof.
Category: Recreation/Leisure Pools | By Aquatic Design Group, Carlsbad, Calif.Photo courtesy Michael D. Davis / City of Medford, OR
Aquatic Design Group
Carlsbad, Calif.
Decking Material: Exposed Concrete
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
Rogue X boasts a sprawling 140,000-square-foot complex that combines innovative aquatics with versatile event spaces. At its core, the facility hosts a 13-lane indoor competition pool — the largest in the region — catering to high school and club swimming events. Complementing this is a 6,000-square-foot recreational pool featuring interactive play structures and two water slides, a lazy river, and a circular vortex, as well as an outdoor spray ground.
Central to its design are features aimed at providing both recreational enjoyment and educational opportunities. The recreational pool boasts interactive play structures and thrilling water slides, offering families and children an engaging space for leisure and entertainment as well as serving as a vital platform to promote active lifestyles and foster family bonding.
Rogue X also heavily prioritizes swimming lessons and water safety classes, particularly crucial in a region abundant with open water such as rivers and lakes.
The expansive competitive pool is home to high school and club swimming and water polo teams and events. Beyond aquatics, Rogue X offers over 75,000 square feet of flexible event space, accommodating various activities from sports tournaments — the multi-purpose event center can host up to eight basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts — to trade shows.
Category: Standalone Spas | By Verde Outdoors, Roanoke, TexasPhoto courtesy Sam Wells / Big Creek Creative
Verde Outdoors
Roanoke, Texas
Pool Interior Finish: Wet Edge
Simplistic — but definitely not simple — this oversized spa was designed with entertainment in mind. Centered with glass sliding doors off of the main living room and kitchen, this space is enjoyed from indoors as much as it is outdoors.
Sheer descents, accompanied by LED bubblers on the top step, provide ample background noise and sights from the covered patio. The changes in decking elevation around the spa are complemented by under cap lighting and add depth and visual appeal to the layout as a whole.
A linear fire pit burner spanning the width of the spa and placed within the cap of the water feature wall is the homeowner's favorite aesthetic of the project.
Category: Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Decking Material: Porcelain Pavers
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
With its slender yet stunning pool profile, this space is brimming with energy and elegance — courtesy of expert planning and custom craftsmanship.
The luxurious spa within the pool was crafted to provide leisure and entertainment for family and guests, with relaxing views and easy entry from the patio or pool. Numerous custom elements are featured in the spa to mirror the home's visual contemporary aesthetic, such as the LED lighting found within the pool and spa that creates a captivating glow in the dark-tiled interior.
Category: Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Decking Material: Travertine
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
The epitome of luxury, this incredible feat takes outdoor living to the next level. A spa lays perpendicular to the main pool area, surrounded by fire bowls to emphasize the entertainment atmosphere.
Alongside the shallow end of the pool are three Ledge Loungers, not to be upstaged by the seating outside of the pool nor the elevated pergola. All of its elegance makes for the ultimate immersive experience.
Category: Exterior/Interior Portable Hot Tubs | By Georgia Spa Company, Spain & Sons Construction, Auburn, Ga.Photo courtesy Emily Holman / Georgia Spa Company
Georgia Spa Company, Spain & Sons Construction
Auburn, Ga.
Decking Material: Composite Decking
This charming, tidy installation shows just what can be done with an 8-by-8 portable spa if it's put in a setting that plays to its strengths and complements its colors. The composite decking that surrounds the spa on three sides offers multi-level aesthetics, commodious entry, and a comfy feel underfoot. The clean, straightforward design draws bathers into the aquamarine waters and invites them to kick back and unwind. The greenery, which softens the view, completes a picture of spa-induced relaxation. This spa installation was completed in May of this year.
Category: Commercial Water Features | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photography
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec
This fountain was created for the entrance of a luxury ranch-style community. The Board wanted something larger than life for all homeowners to enjoy when coming and going from their homes, and this project accomplishes just that.
The project's shape, materials and overall aesthetic were made "to be big like Texas and match the community's ranch style." Claffey Pools used special lights, rock, stone and water features to bring the vision to life.
Category: Residential Water Features | By Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping, Omaha, Neb.Photo courtesy Jeffrey Bebee Photography
Elite Luxury Pools & Landscaping
Omaha, Neb.
Pool Interior Finish: Plaster
This stunning project features a fountain with three raised pillars that spill into the basin below. Black galaxy granite makes for a smooth overflow edge and real hand-laid Mexican Beach pebbles accentuate the outer wall.
The fountain sits in the front yard of the home, but a large part of the project was also to include cohesive greenery surrounding the fountain to create a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing accessory to the front of the home.
