A pool is never just a pool. A spa is never just a spa. In the hands of a talented builder and designer, they become something far greater — a mirror of the sky, a quiet refuge, a sculptural centerpiece where every element, from water to wood to landscape and light, works in harmony.
The Awards of Excellence, presented each year by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and showcased by AQUA, honors those who treat outdoor spaces as their canvas. These professionals don’t just construct, they compose. They blend form with function, engineering with artistry, precision with passion.
From intimate backyard sanctuaries to sprawling resort-style retreats, this year’s honorees represent the height of what’s possible in pool and spa design. Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit awards mark the pinnacle of a global field, where only the most prestigious projects rise to the top.
What follows is a gallery of excellence — installations that shimmer with vision. Let them spark new ideas. Let them stir your sense of what’s possible. And above all, let them remind us of what can happen when skill meets vision.
We are proud to announce the Gold winners, and be sure to stay tuned throughout the month as we continue publishing this year's results.
Category: Vanishing Edge| ByOzzie Kraft Pools, Las Vegas, NevPhoto courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Ozzie Kraft Pools
Las Vegas, Nev.
Automation: Pentair Circulation Equipment: Pentair Cleaner: Pentair; A&A Manufacturing Deck Material: Natural Limestone Fire Feature: Fire by Design Lighting: Pentair Pool Interior Finish: Wet Edge Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda Technologies Tile & Coping Material: NPT
This custom-designed water environment serves as both a sculptural focal point and an experiential extension of a modern desert residence. Elevated above the Las Vegas Valley, the project includes three distinct aquatic elements: a sweeping infinity-edge pool with a social spa, a secluded master suite spa, and an integrated cold plunge — each strategically placed to balance views, circulation, and privacy.
Finished with a high-polish interior, the pool and spa create a mirror-like surface that reflects architecture and light while delivering a luxurious tactile experience. A series of custom-radius fire features line the outer edge of the pool, introducing kinetic warmth and rhythm. These elements, paired with a thoughtfully tuned lighting system, create a dramatic nighttime presence without overshadowing the architectural restraint.
Lighting was precisely zoned to emphasize form, edge transitions, and water movement while preserving the purity of the palette. Tucked away in the private master courtyard, a separate spa and cold plunge offer a serene retreat. Designed for wellness and daily use, these elements are positioned to capture framed views of the golf course and skyline while maintaining privacy. Their compact scale is offset by the same attention to material continuity and detailing — flush coping, concealed mechanics, and clean-lined masonry. Every element of this project, from structural layout to lighting design, was executed to deliver visual clarity, technical precision, and environmental harmony. The result is a refined, multi-use water environment that quietly commands attention.
Category: Vanishing Edge | By Easton Select Group, Easton, Mass.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
This stunning backyard retreat channels the elegance of a personal resort, blending refined coastal architecture with luxurious outdoor living. Anchored by a striking infinity-edge pool, the space was designed for both grand entertaining and serene relaxation. Its clean geometry creates a strong focal point, complete with submerged barstools for effortless lounging and socializing.
Elegant stonework and manicured gardens frame the pool, offering privacy and visual warmth, while wide stone steps lead into the inviting space. Custom fire bowls at either end cast an ambient glow and add dramatic flair as evening falls.
Multiple seating areas — curved benches, plush outdoor sofas, and a sunken lounge — offer diverse options for connection and retreat, whether gathered around the fire or relaxing beneath umbrellas.
At the top of the terrace, a covered pavilion houses an alfresco dining area with sweeping views of the yard below. Expansive windows and French doors along the home’s traditional shingle-style facade seamlessly connect the indoors to this thoughtfully zoned outdoor oasis.
Defined by cohesive design, layered landscaping, and premium materials, this backyard embodies upscale coastal living, an everyday escape built for unforgettable moments.
Category: Geometric | ByAquaTerra Outdoors, Carrollton, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography
Aquaterra Outdoors
Carrollton, Texas
Automation: Pentair Circulation Equipment: Pentair Deck Material: Limestone Pavers Lighting: Signature Illuminations Pool Interior Finish: Arctic Coast White by Finest Finishes Tile & Coping Material: Riad Tile
Drawing inspiration from the iconic whitewashed architecture of Alys Beach along Florida’s celebrated 30A, according to the builders, this outdoor retreat blends coastal charm with a clean, modern sensibility.
The design emphasizes simplicity, texture and timeless materials to create a space that feels both relaxed and refined. At the center of the retreat stands a monumental water feature wall that immediately captures the viewer’s attention. Clad in handcrafted zellige tile, known for its subtle variation and artisanal texture, it gives the surface depth and movement.
Custom metal scuppers add an additional layer of interest, introducing the soothing sound of water and enhancing the experience from every angle. The wall is wrapped in smooth stucco, creating a sculptural form that anchors the space visually. It serves as a focal point not only for the terrace but also from within the home, offering a strong connection between both spaces.
The result is a serene, elegant outdoor space designed for both everyday relaxation and effortless entertaining, where architectural simplicity and natural beauty come together in harmony.
This geometric retreat is a masterclass in precision planning — where every line, angle, and material was driven by math and intention. The design centers on key sight lines from the home: one from the family room to the sunken fire pit and acrylic pool window, the other from the main back door to the spa. From there, every dimension was calculated around the full 18-by- 24-inch limestone pavers laid in a stack bond pattern, ensuring clean alignment throughout the space.
The sunken fire pit drops 36 inches, creating an intimate lounge experience with glowing LED strip lighting under floating benches, at the toe kick, and along the steps. The sunken design also allows for a unique underwater view, made possible by a clear acrylic window in the pool wall — a visual delight day or night.
Turf inlays soften the clean lines and add a touch of organic texture, offering contrast to the stone surfaces without disrupting the minimalist aesthetic. At the far end, a spa accented with custom sconces, tile details, and dual gushers becomes a focal point, both from within the yard and from the master suite, where a glass panel ensures visibility and function for nighttime pet access.
In the end, it’s a space where smart planning meets refined execution, resulting in a backyard that’s as considered as it is captivating.
Category: Freeform | ByBurleson Pool Co., Hampton Cove, Ala.Photo courtesy Philip Slowiak Photography
Burleson Pool Co.
Hampton Cove, Ala.
Automation: Jandy Circulation Equipment: Jandy Cleaner: Maytronics Deck Materials: Concrete Fire Feature: The Outdoor Plus Lighting: PAL Lighting Pool Interior Finish: Plaster Sanitizer: Jandy Start-Up Chemicals: Pool Season Tile & Coping Material: Pebble Tec Water Feature: Custom Cascade
This magnificent project started out as a renovation job, according to the builders, three years prior to the finish date. Once they started demo work, the team realized that the plumbing under the pool and the existing pool shell were not stabilized. Upon discovery, Burleson Pool Co. ended up demolishing the previous pool and going back with what they call a more user-friendly swimming pool, spa and recessed seating area to create a relaxing and entertaining space.
With its size suited for lap swimming, jet currents at both ends for resistance training, and space to play basketball, this pool goes above and beyond in delivering peak play and relaxation for homeowners. The added beach entry allows for easy access, and the raindrop water feature accommodates the clients’ son with disabilities and young children.
Paired with a swim-up bar, a fountain, a bridge walkway, and dramatic lighting, this backyard is one to remember. Add in the pool house, pickleball court, and lower fire pit, and the result is a space that redefines outdoor excellence.
Category: Fiberglass Pools | ByRiver Pools of Virginia, Warsaw, Va.Photo courtesy Micah Miller / Easton Outdoors
This serene backyard escape, set against the natural beauty of Virginia’s Northern Neck, is a masterclass in clean design and functional luxury. At its heart is the R32 fiberglass pool paired with a TL15 tanning ledge — both finished in a luminous Diamond Gelcoat that enhances the water’s clarity and sparkle. The pool’s rectangular shape features a corner entry and full-width shallow-end bench, offering both elegance and ease of use, while the adjoining tanning ledge provides a shallow sun shelf ideal for relaxation.
An automatic pool cover is seamlessly integrated into the coping, offering a safety and maintenance solution that aligns with the design’s streamlined aesthetic. Carefully layered hardscapes create subtle elevation changes that organize the yard into distinct, usable zones. Visitors descend from the home’s raised deck onto a spacious paver terrace that connects multiple gathering areas. A standout feature is the synthetic turf lounge framed by modern stepping stones and a low retaining wall — home to six black Adirondack chairs and a playful, resort-like feel.
Minimalist landscaping and contrasting textures define the space without overwhelming it. Clean-lined lounge furniture, a centralized seating area arranged around a modern fire table, and crisp pavers all contribute to the modern tone, while the surrounding tree line and natural lawn soften the geometry with peaceful contrast.
This project showcases the potential of fiberglass pool systems when paired with thoughtful layout, cohesive materials, and elevated details. The result is a low-maintenance, high-style retreat that offers year-round enjoyment with visual and functional harmony.
Category: Vinyl-Lined Pools | ByJ&M Pool Company, Senoia, Ga.Photo courtesy Aubrey Gall / Aubrey Alexander Photography
J&M Pool Company
Senoia, Ga.
Automation: Hayward Circulation Equipment: Hayward Cleaner: Polaris Deck Material: Kool Deck Lighting: Hayward Pool Interior Finish: Vinyl Sanitizer: Hayward Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda Technologies Tile & Coping Material: Kool Deck Water Feature: Pebble Tec
Nestled in a lush, wooded landscape, this elegant vinyl-liner pool is a standout example of thoughtful design meeting real-world challenges. Built to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, the project showcases both aesthetic refinement and technical expertise.
One of the primary challenges was poor drainage across the sloped property. Heavy runoff posed concerns for both pool placement and longterm durability. To solve this, extensive grading and subsurface drainage were completed prior to construction, setting the stage for the serene setting that now exists.
The custom-shaped vinyl pool maximizes usable space while maintaining a natural flow with the environment. A raised spa clad in hand-laid flagstone anchors the design and adds warmth and texture. The spa’s elevation also supports a raised wall with three sheer descents, creating visual movement and a calming auditory element. Integrated planters soften the stonework and connect the pool to the gardens beyond.
Despite site constraints, the design includes a spacious tanning ledge and wide coping for loungers and umbrellas. Bright, slip-resistant decking contrasts with the deep blue vinyl liner, enhancing the water’s shimmer. A swim-out bench adds comfort and convenience.
This backyard retreat strikes a seamless balance between recreation and relaxation. The thoughtful combination of natural materials and precise vinyl installation proves that with the right approach, vinyl pools can be both highly functional and beautifully refined. What began as a challenging yard is now an inviting, cohesive space that feels organic, elevated, and ready for year-round enjoyment.
Category: Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure | ByDiffazur Piscines, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-MaritimesPhoto courtesy Jean-Claude Fayet / Vision Plus Production
Diffazur Piscines
Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes
Automation: Pentair Circulation Equipment: Pentair Cleaner: A&A Manufacturing Deck Material: Stone Lighting: Hayward Pool Interior Finish: Plaster Sanitizer: Hayward Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis Water Feature: Polaris
Perched dramatically above the sea, this 10-by-5-meter infinity-edge pool delivers both breathtaking views and remarkable engineering. Built on an already occupied space, the project required exacting precision to ensure stability, visual harmony, and seamless integration with its surroundings.
Constructed using shotcrete reinforced concrete, the pool’s adaptable form was tailored to the site’s unique constraints. Its 10-meter vanishing edge creates a mirror-like surface that visually extends into the horizon, offering swimmers a truly immersive experience that blurs the line between water and sky.
Beneath the surface, an in-floor cleaning system — developed in-house by the builder — maintains pristine water clarity without disrupting the pool’s clean, minimalist design. This hidden technology enhances ease of maintenance while preserving the visual calm of the space.
Defined by both technical achievement and refined simplicity, this project turns a challenging build site into a luxury feature, one that feels as though it was always meant to be there. It’s a compelling union of innovation and the natural beauty of the sea.
Category: Architectural Achievement | ByHigh-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Eric Hanson / Hanson Photographic
High-Tech Pools
North Olmsted, Ohio
Automation: Pentair Circulation Equipment: Pentair Fire Feature: Fire by Design Lighting: PAL Lighting Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec; Glass Tile Start-Up Chemicals: Easy Care Products; Startup-Tec Tile & Coping Material: Valdeer Stone Water Feature: Oreq
Built atop helical piers to stabilize a steep, unstable slope overlooking a serene river valley, this extraordinary retreat transforms a challenging site into a luxurious multilevel oasis. The engineering behind the structure is as impressive as the design — turning the hillside into a platform for resort-caliber outdoor living.
A tiered poolscape serves as the focal point, anchored by a dramatic acrylic wall that reveals an underwater view and blurs the line between water and the surrounding environment. A glass tile sun shelf invites in-water lounging, while floating stepping stones — illuminated from below — guide guests across the water’s surface. An integrated climbing wall and hillside slide bring a sense of play and adventure to the space, while in-pool barstools, LED laminar jets, and bubbling fountains add elegant functionality.
At the upper level, a glass tile spa with a 360-degree vanishing edge delivers a show-stopping visual experience. Soft LED lighting beneath the spa and a perimeter fire feature create stunning contrasts at dusk, making the structure appear to glow and hover above the terrain.
Adjacent to the pool, a pavilion with a sweeping roofline offers shade and style, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, bar, lounge area and television. Meticulous landscaping and terraced fire pits extend the design into the hillside, drawing visitors toward panoramic river views.
Seamlessly blending structural ingenuity with aesthetic sophistication, this project sets a new standard for what’s possible on a difficult lot — delivering a riverfront resort experience in a private residential setting.
Category: Small Backyard Installations (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | ByClaffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Mike and Trey Farley / Farley Pool Designs
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Automation: Jandy Circulation Equipment: Pentair; A&A Manufacturing Cleaner: Pentair; A&A Manufacturing Deck Material: Dunes Limestone Fire Feature: Grand Effects Lighting: Jandy Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec Sanitizer: Del Ozone Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard Tile & Coping Material: Stone Avenue Water Feature: Jandy
Claffey Pools is no stranger to creating excellence in a homeowner’s backyard. This 2023 project features a spa built flush with the porch, offering a unique visual effect from inside the home. Finished in black granite, the spa appears to bleed seamlessly into the pool below, which sits 30 inches down. Stairs on either side of the spa allow for easy circulation and create a dramatic reveal of the pool.
Beyond the pool and spa, the addition of a long fire feature and bench creates yet another social space for guests to gather and enjoy the view, fostering a beautiful environment for entertainment and relaxation.
Category: Pool Renovations | ByBackyard Oasis, Tomball, TexasPhoto courtesy Hanna Nevelle / Hype House
This stunning renovation features a resort-style design that blends natural elements with luxurious amenities. The pool has a freeform shape, which creates a relaxed, organic aesthetic that complements the surrounding environment. Its clear blue water is illuminated by ambient lighting, enhancing the inviting atmosphere, especially during dusk. The entrance includes a sunshelf with rock accents, perfect for lounging or safe play for children. The pool’s edges are lined with natural stone, adding a rustic charm and seamlessly integrating with the landscaped areas. Lush greenery and strategically placed shrubs surround the pool, contributing to a tropical feel.
At the far end, there’s a beautiful stone waterfall feature that adds both visual interest and the soothing sound of cascading water. Adjacent to the pool, a wooden pergola provides a shaded area with comfortable seating, ideal for relaxation or entertaining guests. The pergola’s structure adds warmth and complements the natural stone elements. The pool deck features elegant stone tiling with ample space for sun loungers, creating a perfect spot for sunbathing. This luxurious outdoor space is designed for both aesthetics and functionality, offering a serene retreat within a private backyard oasis.
Category: Fun Features | ByRyan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Kosta Arvanitakis; Ryan Hughes Design / Surroundings Group
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Deck Material: Marble, Turf; Precast Concrete Coping Fire Feature: Warming Trends Lighting: PAL Lighting; FX Lighting Pool Interior Finish: Clay Tile Tile & Coping Material: Clay Imports Water Feature: Great American Waterfall
Sunsation was the answer to a request for a water feature that projected a calm and cool vibe, with the potential for entertaining friends and family of all ages. Who doesn’t love a swing? The structure is designed to create a modern, aqua-infused take on vintage playground elements.
The feature builds upon the midcentury modern style and soothing neutral color story of the home, while providing an element of cooling fun for young visitors and the young at heart. Returning to the swingset of days gone by, the feature provides a modern take, using durable outdoor materials to build a trio of swings that hang down from a rain wall pergola. The coloration of the water features is in perfect harmony with the 6-by-6-inch clay tile surface of the deck areas. The element is illuminated by FX Lighting features, which are also used on the landscaping and hardscapes. The hanging seats allow for conversation with those in the pool while also taking in the activity across other areas of the waterfront oasis.
It is all incorporated into an outdoor living area of over 8,170 square feet, which includes all the amenities expected of a large, luxury patio.
Category: Pools with Automatic Covers | ByClaffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photos
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Automation: Fluidra - Jandy Circulation Equipment: Pentair; A&A Manufacturing Cleaner: Polaris Deck Material: Stone Avenue - Platinum Brushed Limestone Lighting: Jandy Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec Sanitizer: Del Ozone Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard Tile & Coping Material: Fire Clay; Stone Avenue Water Feature: A&B Foundry
This stunning project, completed in 2024 by Claffey Pools, required the balance of multiple functional and safety requirements while working with a challenging sloped site. One of the top priorities, the company shares, was incorporating automatic safety covers for both the pool and spa. Their plan also had to accommodate an 8-foot elevation change, provide a fun jump-off point for the kids, and include a shaded lounge area at the highest level of the yard.
The final design features two independent automatic covers — one for the large spa and one for the main pool — ensuring both safety and ease of use. A raised beam along the pool’s edge offers an ideal spot for kids to jump into the deeper section. At the top tier of the yard, a cabana was integrated into the slope, supported by retaining walls and surrounded by strategic landscaping to manage the terrain.
The result is a multi-level outdoor living space that meets all the functional needs, while enhancing the natural contours of the site. From the timeless natural stone facades to the rhythmic sounds of water from the raised wall scuppers, every element in this backyard works together to elevate the experience — balancing elegance, safety, and playful utility in one cohesive outdoor environment.
In the heart of Bridgeland’s Prairieland Village lies Longwing Landing, found within Kaleidoscope Park — a testament to innovative urban planning and visionary design. This facility features a pool complex with a unique outdoor 24,000-square-foot aquatic center sculpted as a butterfly, alongside a three-lane lap pool and lounge pool.
The butterfly-shaped pool appears to rest gently on the landscape, its wings spanning across the grounds. Two distinct pools cater to various swimmers — one resembling the butterfly’s delicate upper wings and the other echoing the broader lower wings. The upper wings host a serene, shallow pool with gentle water jets and fountains, perfect for families and young children seeking a safe aquatic experience. The lower wings provide an expansive area for lap swimming and aquatic sports, catering to fitness enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation under the open sky. Shade canopies offer respite from the Texas sun in the children’s play area, with vibrant structures and captivating flooring.
Complementing the butterfly theme, a large climbing caterpillar emerges from the playground’s surface. An ADA-compliant swing, spinners, and a climbing web lead to a tower with a covered slide, promising hours of enjoyable play. The imaginative approach and the accomplishment of delivering a truly unique result are what set this project apart from the rest.
Category: Commercial Pools | ByMAXA Watershapes, San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California SurPhoto courtesy Enrique Hernandez / MAXA Watershapes
MAXA Watershapes
San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California Sur
This project is situated on a stunning property owned by a luxurious five-star resort. It features an impressive array of amenities, including four swimming pools totaling over 15,000 square feet, four serene spas, and a delightful lazy river extending 985 feet in length with a water surface area of 8,475 square feet.
The project was largely constructed during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. That, and the baja’s extreme summer heat, presented an imposing challenge. As is usual with projects of this nature, the pools and water features were prioritized and completed first. Designing and constructing reservoir tanks to ensure the proper functionality of the zero-edge design proved to be a critical task. The architectural solution for the project allowed for just a single equipment room to service all water features, except for the eight propulsion pumps for the lazy river, which were strategically distributed along the river’s perimeter.
The pandemic posed immense difficulties, as many of the laborers and executives fell ill, some with severe conditions. The extreme heat compounded the situation, with several workers succumbing to heatstroke while working tirelessly under the scorching sun. During shotcrete sessions inside the pools, temperatures could soar to a staggering 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
Despite adversity, the crew demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination, overcoming countless obstacles. The team adapted by developing new methods and approaches, ultimately emerging wiser and stronger — confident that with hope, hard work, and faith, everything is possible.
Category: Spas BUILT in Conjunction with Swimming Pools | ByRyan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Kosta Arvanitakis; Ryan Hughes Design / Surroundings Group
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Deck Material: Travertine; Composite Wood; Precast Concrete Stepping Pads; Turf Fire Feature: Grand Effects; American Fire Glass Lighting: PAL Lighting; FX Lighting Pool Interior Finish: Pebble Tec Tile & Coping Material: Vidrepur Tile Water Feature: Perimeter Overflow
Bay Vista is a modern backyard oasis that reflects the homeowners’ love of travel and adventure through textures, finishes, exotic sights, sounds and tropical features. The experiences offered from within provide a different feel by day and by night. Encompassing 3,700-square-feet of outdoor living paradise, Bay Vista holds at its center point a 975-square-foot, all-glass tile pool surrounded by a Travertine pool deck. Sitting at the end of the massive pool is an equally exotic all-glass tile spa with a perimeter overflow and customized jet placement. Waterline tile made of 6-by-6 porcelain planks provides additional interest to the pool’s interior.
Outdoor lighting adds as much excitement to this pool-spa combination as it does illumination. A custom-design pergola, designer umbrellas, a dining-ready outdoor kitchen as well as a sunken outdoor fire lounge enhance its enjoyment. Multiple lounging chairs are raised on a complementary sun shelf offering relaxed viewing throughout the pool and into the illuminated spa. Added sparkle comes from multiple fire bowls as well as a large American Fire Glass fire feature in the poolside fire lounge. Weather-resistant cushioned seating delivers comfort and long-lasting designer decor beside the warmth of the fire feature. Multiple terraces create the texture and unique elevations throughout the space, along with tropical palms and raised planters.
Category: Standalone Spas | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Jon Hayward / California Pools & Landscape
This stunning backyard in Arizona features a sleek and modern perimeter overflow spa that effortlessly blends luxury and function. The spa’s defining element is its glass tile finish, shimmering under the ambient lighting and water reflections. These glass tiles add a layer of elegance, catching the light during the day and glowing at night, offering a high-end, resort-style aesthetic. Surrounding the spa is a deck surfaced with contemporary porcelain pavers, offering a clean and uniform look that complements the dark tones of the spa and seamlessly connects the layout.
A striking water feature wall is covered with vertical cuts of porcelain pavers, with a linear gas fire feature built directly into the structure. The interplay of fire and water creates a mesmerizing focal point, perfect for evening relaxation or entertaining guests as the sun sets behind the desert landscape. The backyard is completed with thoughtfully arranged modern lounge furniture and a neatly manicured perimeter of tall privacy trees and ornamental landscaping. Together, these elements create a private, luxurious oasis that embodies modern design and timeless tranquility.
Category: Standalone Spas | ByIke’s Carter Pools, Oakland Park, Fla.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Ike's Carter Pools
Oakland Park, Fla.
Automation: Jandy Circulation Equipment: Jandy Cleaner: Jandy Deck Material: Porcelain Fire Feature: Grand Effects Lighting: Jandy Pool Interior Finish: Porcelain Sanitizer: Jandy Start-Up Chemicals: Jandy Tile & Coping Material: Porcelain Water Feature: Jandy
This extraordinary spa room channels James Bond–level sophistication with porcelain surfaces running from floor to wall, a built-in hot tub, and a fully integrated wellness suite — all crafted to the highest standards of modern luxury. The striking design features custom-cut marble floors, walls, and benches in the steam room, a dry sauna built entirely from hand-finished teak, and a dedicated shower room for rinsing and renewal.
At the center of the space lies a show-stopping custom spa, outfitted with 12 jets and 12 lights, and finished with custom hand-placed porcelain slabs for the spa’s sleek, reflective interior. Hidden deck gutters surround the spa, while a high-tech chiller system allows temperatures to plunge to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for recovery or rise to 102 degrees Fahrenheit for therapeutic relaxation. An electric auto-filler maintains water levels day and night, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Above the spa, a custom chandelier floats beneath a living ceiling designed to evoke an “earth-lit” effect — infusing the space with natural texture and ambiance. A towel wall built from hand-placed, ambient-lit stone adds both function and warmth, while a custom sound and lighting system completes the resort-style atmosphere. Every detail in this private wellness retreat was designed to soothe the senses and elevate everyday living.
Category: Swim Spas | ByRumo’s Pool and Spa, Atlanta, Ga.Photo courtesy Ruberson Oliveira / Rumo’s Pool and Spa
Rumo's Pool and Spa
Atlanta, Ga.
Tranquility refined: A Japanese-inspired refined: spa retreat tucked into the heart of a warm, natural courtyard, this 23-by-14-foot swimming spa is a stunning example of serene luxury and minimalist design. Enveloped by a fusion of warm cedar and stone walls, the space blends organic textures with architectural elegance, evoking the timeless essence of a Japanese garden. Every detail has been curated to create balance, tranquility, and a profound sense of retreat from the outside world. The spa itself is framed by honed travertine coping and stepping stones set within river rock beds, enhancing the Zen garden aesthetic. The water’s dark, reflective finish mirrors the surrounding architecture and foliage, lending the pool an almost meditative stillness. Gentle bubblers animate the surface, offering both a calming visual and an invitation to relax.
Framing the courtyard are clean, symmetrical sliding glass doors that seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to flood through and extend the experience beyond the spa. Strategically placed minimalist furniture invites moments of stillness — whether it’s enjoying tea, reading, or simply gazing into the water. This space isn’t just a swimming spa, it’s a harmonious escape designed for restoration, contemplation, and a deeper connection to nature.
Category: Portable Hot Tubs | ByOzzie Kraft Pools, Las Vegas, Nev.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Ozzie Kraft Pools
Las Vegas, Nev.
Deck Material: Modified Wood by Thermory Hot Tub: Hot Spring Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda Technologies
This spa design faced strict spatial constraints to ensure the automatic cover would operate seamlessly within the surrounding wall and column structure. Additionally, the spa was designed to align with the seat height of the adjacent space, requiring it to be partially sunken. This allows it to double as an architectural feature when closed — a gesture of both form and function — but this created further complexity, requiring the engineering of movable panels for equipment access and the integration of a drainage solution within the recessed vault. Balancing precise fit, aesthetic integration, and long-term functionality made this aspect of the project especially memorable.
Nestled just beyond a floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the master suite, this spa was designed to be a private sanctuary — a place where one can slip into the water and feel both completely connected to the surrounding landscape and entirely sheltered from it. The vision was to craft a Zen-inspired courtyard that offers uninterrupted views of the glittering city below, while providing a cocoon of privacy from the neighboring estates that climb the mountainside. The spa becomes the heart of this tranquil space — its edges wrapped in modified wood that complements the natural materials of the courtyard and the home beyond. An automatic motorized cover ensures effortless use while preserving the clean, uninterrupted aesthetic when the spa is not in use. An outdoor shower and surrounding deck, both clad in matching Thermory wood, complete the experience — a private, luxurious retreat that offers moments of stillness amid life’s constant motion.
Category: Water/Fire Features | ByRyan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design
Tampa, Fla.
Automation: Jandy Circulation Equipment: Jandy Deck Material: Marble Pavers Fire Feature: Grand Effects Lighting: PAL Lighting; FX Lighting Sanitizer: Jandy Start-Up Chemicals: Periodic Products Tile & Coping Material: Mosaicist; Elite Precast Water Feature: Crystal Fountains
“Over the top...” just three simple words that accurately sum up this very complex outdoor living project. Encompassing no less than five bodies of water, multiple fire features and state-of-the-art leisure elements, Caramel Estate is a one-ofa- kind venue designed for enjoyment, whether for family leisure or corporate gatherings. The project “flows” with amazing features across levels and layers, each made for enjoyment.
“Carmel Estate, in all its size and complexity, is a great example of a trend we are seeing where outdoor spaces are no longer created just to be an extension of the interiors, but a primary living area on its own,” explains the company creative director/ founder. “Using depth, texture and shifts in elevation, the overall aesthetic of Carmel Estate is defined as just that.” The estate’s distinctive front entrance (photo above) features a geometric turf design and adjacent fire bowls to welcome family and business guests. These front water features, framed in symmetry and glowing illumination, set a captivating tone that carries through the entire property. Fire elements add warmth and movement, while landscaping and architectural lighting create depth.
Category: Water/Fire Features | ByPool Environments, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography
This relaxing water feature oasis can be seen by all sides of the main living area and front office in the strikingly designed modern home. It boasts a natural, yet elegant vibe with lily pads and natural greenery juxtaposed with the dramatic, imposing, almost sculptural welcoming wall.
The client and design team had a vision for the space, and that’s what was delivered. This required a high level of creativity to produce a vanishing-edge fountain of this caliber. It begins with a large-entry body that spills into a smaller base as you approach the front door and driveway. Because of the materials chosen, the door is almost hidden within the design. The curvature of the home design is paralleled on both front and back side, elevating the view of the fountain as the first thing you see upon arrival. The collusion of geometric and freeform edges of both the fountain and edifice achieve an abstract, artistic, yet elegant design for this home.
Category: Vanishing Edge | By Ozzie Kraft Pools, Las Vegas, NevPhoto courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Category: Vanishing Edge | By Easton Select Group, Easton, Mass.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Category: Vanishing Edge | By Easton Select Group, Easton, Mass.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Category: Geometric | By AquaTerra Outdoors, Carrollton, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography
Category: Geometric | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photos
Category: Freeform | By Burleson Pool Co., Hampton Cove, Ala.Photo courtesy Philip Slowiak Photography
Category: Fiberglass Pools | By River Pools of Virginia, Warsaw, Va.Photo courtesy Micah Miller / Easton Outdoors
Category: Vinyl-Lined Pools | By J&M Pool Company, Senoia, Ga.Photo courtesy Aubrey Gall / Aubrey Alexander Photography
Category: Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure | By Diffazur Piscines, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-MaritimesPhoto courtesy Jean-Claude Fayet / Vision Plus Production
Category: Architectural Achievement | By High-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Eric Hanson / Hanson Photographic
Category: Small Backyard Installations (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Mike and Trey Farley / Farley Pool Designs
Category: Pool Renovations | By Backyard Oasis, Tomball, TexasPhoto courtesy Hanna Nevelle / Hype House
Category: Fun Features | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Kosta Arvanitakis; Ryan Hughes Design / Surroundings Group
Category: Pools with Automatic Covers | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photos
Category: Commercial Pools | By Counsilman-Hunsaker, Evergreen, Mo.Photo courtesy Jessica Mahoney / Landmark Aquatic
Category: Commercial Pools | By MAXA Watershapes, San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California SurPhoto courtesy Enrique Hernandez / MAXA Watershapes
Category: Spas BUILT in Conjunction with Swimming Pools | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Kosta Arvanitakis; Ryan Hughes Design / Surroundings Group
Category: Standalone Spas | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Jon Hayward / California Pools & Landscape
Category: Standalone Spas | By Ike’s Carter Pools, Oakland Park, Fla.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Category: Swim Spas | By Rumo’s Pool and Spa, Atlanta, Ga.Photo courtesy Ruberson Oliveira / Rumo’s Pool and Spa
Category: Portable Hot Tubs | By Ozzie Kraft Pools, Las Vegas, Nev.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Category: Water/Fire Features | By Ryan Hughes Design, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Category: Water/Fire Features | By Pool Environments, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography
