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2025 Awards of Excellence: Merit Winners (Part 1)

Sep 30, 2025
Modern outdoor pool design with minimalist furniture, surrounded by lush forest backdrop
Category: Geometric | By Cosmic Design Studio, Atlanta, Ga.
Photo courtesy Mariia Smirnova / Cosmic Design Studio

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.

Modern desert home with infinity pool overlooking mountain landscape at sunsetCategory: 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, TexasCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard with curved swimming pool, stone patio, and lush green lawnCategory: 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

Nighttime luxury backyard with illuminated infinity pool, fire pit, and covered outdoor living spaceCategory: 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

Luxurious emerald green swimming pool with stone decking beside modern white house with ivy-covered wallCategory: 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

Modern turquoise swimming pool with water features and wooden deck in green landscapeCategory: 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

Modern outdoor fire pit with flames, surrounded by dark tiles and green lawn at duskCategory: 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

Luxury infinity pool overlooking trees with vibrant orange and pink sunset skyCategory: 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

Luxurious modern home with illuminated swimming pool, fire pit, and glass-walled architecture at nightCategory: 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

Modern backyard with geometric swimming pools, green lawn, and architectural concrete structuresCategory: 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

Luxurious home with illuminated pool, stone retaining wall, and water slide at twilightCategory: 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

Infinity pool overlooking green mountain valley with forest and distant peaksCategory: 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

Luxurious infinity pool with blue lighting overlooking city lights at nightCategory: 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

Modern infinity pool with glass water feature overlooking tranquil lake and palm treesCategory: 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

Modern backyard with multi-level pool, stone steps, outdoor kitchen, and palm treesCategory: Geometric | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

Modern backyard with geometric swimming pool, water feature, and covered patioCategory: Geometric | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Jon Hayward / California Pools & Landscape

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

Luxurious backyard with infinity pool, stone fire pit, and modern patio design surrounded by greeneryCategory: Geometric | By Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photography

Pulliam Pools

Fort Worth, Texas

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

Aerial view of luxury backyard with blue swimming pool, geometric paving, and outdoor seating areaCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard with modern swimming pool, landscaped garden, and patio furnitureCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard pool with stone pergola, water features, and surrounding landscaped treesCategory: 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

Modern backyard with rectangular swimming pool, patio, and outdoor grillCategory: 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

Aerial view of modern home with blue swimming pool, stone patio, and landscaped yardCategory: 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

Infinity pool with blue water overlooking rocky coastal landscape and seaCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard with rectangular pool, fire pit, and woven patio furniture at twilightCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard with illuminated pool, outdoor kitchen, and fire pit at twilightCategory: 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

Modern backyard with geometric swimming pool, fire feature, and illuminated landscape at twilightCategory: 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

Modern backyard with illuminated swimming pool, fire feature, and landscaped trees at twilightCategory: 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

Luxurious waterfront home with curved pool overlooking marina and palm treesCategory: 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

Modern outdoor pool and lounge area with geometric design nestled in wooded settingCategory: Geometric | By Cosmic Design Studio, Atlanta, Ga.Photo courtesy Mariia Smirnova / Cosmic Design Studio

Cosmic Design Studio

Atlanta, Ga.

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy

Modern white house with geometric swimming pool featuring glass wall and blue waterCategory: 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

Nighttime aerial view of modern backyard with illuminated pool, fire pit, and palm treesCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard swimming pool with blue water, stone landscaping, and modern designCategory: 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

Modern backyard pool with waterfall feature, white lounge seats, and outdoor entertainment areaCategory: 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

Aerial view of rectangular blue swimming pool with white decking and green landscapingCategory: 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

Illuminated lap pool with blue water surrounded by stone patio and trees at twilightCategory: 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

Aerial view of luxury home with custom swimming pool, stone patio, and landscaped backyardCategory: 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

Illuminated swimming pool with poolside lighting and modern pool house at twilightCategory: 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

Backyard swimming pool with water features, lounge chairs, and blue umbrellasCategory: 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

Luxurious nighttime backyard with illuminated pool, fire pit, and modern home designCategory: 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

Aerial view of luxury home with custom swimming pool, stone patio, and landscaped backyardCategory: 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

Luxurious outdoor pool area with glass-covered patio and modern two-story homeCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard pool with stone patio, desert landscaping, and built-in lounge chairsCategory: Freeform | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

Aerial view of expansive luxury home with intricate blue swimming pool amid lush green forest landscapeCategory: 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

Aerial view of a backyard with a turquoise swimming pool, concrete patio, and blue umbrellasCategory: 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

Luxurious backyard with curved swimming pool, stone patio, and two-story beige houseCategory: 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

Tropical backyard swimming pool with curved design, palm trees, and colorful flower bedsCategory: 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

Aerial view of curved blue swimming pool with white stone border in green landscaped backyardCategory: 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

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