2025 Awards of Excellence: Merit Winners (Part 1)

AQUA, in partnership with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, is proud to showcase this year’s Merit winners in the prestigious Awards of Excellence. 

These projects represent inspired design, expert craftsmanship, and the creativity it takes to transform backyards into extraordinary retreats. 

Split into two parts, this collection highlights just some of the pools and spas that impressed the judges — stay tuned as we unveil the second half of the Merit winners soon.

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photography

Pulliam Pools

Fort Worth, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Fluidra
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photography

Pulliam Pools

Fort Worth, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Fluidra
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By The Green Scene, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif.Photo courtesy Irvin Pacheco / In-View Media

The Green Scene, Inc.

Los Angeles, Calif. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Jack's Magic

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Diffazur 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
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Sanitizer: Hayward

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Diffazur 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
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Sanitizer: Hayward

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Regal Pools, Spring, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography

Regal Pools

Spring, Texas

Automation: Pool Attendant
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Riverbend Sandler Pools, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrano Photography

Riverbend Sandler Pools

Plano, Texas

Automation: Fluidra
Circulation Equipment: Fluidra
Start-Up Chemicals: Biolab
Sanitizer: Fluidra

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Pool Environments, Inc., Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith

Pool Environments, Inc. 

Plano, Texas

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare
Sanitizer: Paramount

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Pool Environments, Inc., Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith

Pool Environments, Inc. 

Plano, Texas

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Clark’s Pools, New Castle, Del.Photo courtesy Mike Peffley, Jeff Robinson / Clark’s Pools, Borsello Landscaping

Clark's Pools

New Castle, Del. 

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: Jack's Magic
Sanitizer: Pentair

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Colorado Pool + Spa Scapes, Glenwood Springs, Colo.Photo courtesy Jennifer Lafleur / Colorado Pool + Spa Scapes

Colorado Pool + Spa Scapes

Glenwood Springs, Colo. 

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: CMP

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Green O’Aces Pools & Landscape, Las Vegas, Nev.Photo courtesy Joey Franco, Jake Popek / PerXuade Marketing & Communications

Green O'Aces Pools & Landscapes

Las Vegas, Nev. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: American Pools Spa

Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Ike’s Carter Pools, Oakland Park, Fla.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography

Ike's Carter Pools

Oakland Park, Fla. 

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: Geometric | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

Category: Geometric | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Jon Hayward / California Pools & Landscape

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

Category: Geometric | By Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photography

Pulliam Pools

Fort Worth, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard

Category: Geometric | By Sandler’s Gold Medal Pools, Lewisville, TexasPhoto courtesy Justin Antwiler / Gold Medal Pools

Sandler's Gold Medal Pools

Lewisville, Texas

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Paramount

Category: Geometric | By Spartan Pool & Patio, Norman, Okla.Photo courtesy ARG Productions

Spartan Pool & Patio

Norman, Okla. 

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard

Category: Geometric | By Supreme Pools and Spas, Inc., Spring, TexasPhoto courtesy Nick Fandino / Open House Photography

Supreme Pools and Spas, Inc. 

Spring, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: Geometric | By Texas Sage & Sun, Magnolia, TexasPhoto courtesy Hannah Neville / Hype House Media/Turn Key Visuals

Texas Sage & Sun

Magnolia, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare

Category: Geometric | By A-1 Pool Service, Inc., Hilton Head Island, S.C.Photo courtesy Corey Gibson

A-1 Pool Service, Inc. 

Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair

Category: Geometric | By Diffazur 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
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Sanitizer: Hayward

Category: Geometric | By Paragon Pools, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Chris Allen / Engage Media Realty

Paragon Pools

Houston, Texas

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: SCP

Category: Geometric | By Backyard Oasis, Inc., Tomball, TexasPhoto courtesy Hannah Neville / Hype House

Backyard Oasis, Inc. 

Tomball, Texas

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: SCP
Sanitizer: Pentair

Category: Geometric | By Regal Pools, Tomball, TexasPhoto courtesy Mike Willcox / Jimi Smith Photography

Regal Pools

Tomball, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Pentair A&A
Start-Up Chemicals: Leslie’s Pool Supplies
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: Geometric | By Riverbend Sandler Pools, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrano Photography

Riverbend Sandler Pools

Plano, Texas

Automation: Fluidra
Circulation Equipment: Fluidra
Start-Up Chemicals: Biolab
Sanitizer: Fluidra

Category: Geometric | By Connected Pools, Deerfield Beach, Fla.Photo courtesy Natel & Rocha Photos

Connected Pools

Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: Jack’s Magic
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: Geometric | By Cosmic Design Studio, Atlanta, Ga.Photo courtesy Maria Smirnova / Cosmic Design Studio

Cosmic Design Studio

Atlanta, Ga.

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: Geometric | By Gary Pools, LLC, San Antonio, TexasPhoto courtesy Maggie Standerfer / Gary Pools

Gary Pools, LLC

San Antonio, Texas

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare

Category: Geometric | By Green O’Aces Pools & Landscapes, Las Vegas, Nev.Photo courtesy Joey Franco, Jake Popek / PerXuade Marketing & Communications

Green O’Aces Pools & Landscapes

Las Vegas, Nev.

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: American Pools Spa

Category: Geometric | By Hauk Custom Pools, Celina, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photography

Hauk Custom Pools

Celina, Texas

Automation: Fluidra/Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Fluidra
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard

Category: Geometric | By Hauk Custom Pools, Celina, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photography

Hauk Custom Pools

Celina, Texas

Automation: Fluidra/Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Fluidra/Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard

Category: Geometric | By Heritage Pools, LLC, North Charleston, S.C.Photo courtesy Joshua Corrigan / Ellis Creek Photography

Heritage Pools, LLC

North Charleston, S.C.

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: SCP
Sanitizer: Pentair

Category: Geometric | By High-Tech Pools, Inc., North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Hanson Photographic

High-Tech Pools, Inc.

North Olmsted, Ohio

Automation: Pool Attendant
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare

Category: Geometric | By Hilltop Pools & Spas, Inc., Jonesboro, Ga.Photo courtesy Brad Zimmerman Photography

Hilltop Pools & Spas, Inc. 

Jonesboro, Ga. 

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: Regal
Sanitizer: Pentair

Category: Geometric | By J&M Pool Company, Senoia, Ga.Photo courtesy Aubrey Alexander Photography

J&M Pool Company

Senoia, Ga. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda
Sanitizer: Hayward

Category: Geometric | By J3 Pools, Pearland, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore, Wanda James / Jimi Smith Photography

J3 Pools

Pearland, Texas

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda
Sanitizer: Hayward

Category: Geometric | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Mike and Trey Farley Photography

Claffey Pools

Southlake, Texas

Automation: Fluidra/Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Pentair A&A
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard
Sanitizer: Del Ozone

Category: Geometric | By Hilltop Pools & Spas, Inc., Jonesboro, Ga.Photo courtesy Brad Zimmerman Photography

Hilltop Pools & Spas, Inc. 

Jonesboro, Ga. 

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: Regal
Sanitizer: Pentair

Category: Geometric | By Larsen’s Pool & Spa, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Horne Architectural Photography

Larsen’s Pool & Spa

Tampa, Fla. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Jack’s Magic

Category: Freeform | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

Category: Freeform | By Sandler’s Gold Medal Pools, Lewisville, TexasPhoto courtesy Justin Antwiler / Gold Medal Pools

Sandler’s Gold Medal Pools

Lewisville, Texas

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Paramount

Category: Freeform | By Supreme Pools and Spas, Inc., Spring, TexasPhoto courtesy Nick Fandino / Open House Photography

Supreme Pools and Spas, Inc. 

Spring, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: Freeform | By The Chaikin Ultimate Group powered by Azureon, Deer Park, N.Y.Photo courtesy Todor Tsvetkov Photography

The Chaikin Ultimate Group powered by Azureon

Deer Park, N.Y.

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy

Category: Freeform | By Oasis Pavers and Pools, LLC, Saint Petersburg, Fla.Photo courtesy Cameron Richardson / Lateral Media

Oasis Pavers and Pools, LLC

Saint Petersburg, Fla. 

Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: Hydro Pros
Sanitizer: Pentair

Category: Freeform | By Rainbow Pools & Living Art Design, Fishkill, N.Y.Photo courtesy David Ciotoli / Rainbow Pools & Living Art Design

Rainbow Pools & Living Art Design

Fishkill, N.Y.

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: BioGuard