At first glance, it's easy to be swept up by the beauty of an exceptional pool or spa. The water, the setting, the materials and the architecture come together to create something that feels effortless.
Look a little closer, though, and another story begins to emerge.
Behind every striking finished project are countless decisions — how a pool responds to the land around it, how materials come together, how water moves through a space and how engineering challenges are solved without distracting from the design. It's where creativity and technical skill work in tandem, and where the smallest details can make the biggest difference.
Each year, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Awards of Excellence recognizes projects that demonstrate that level of thoughtful design and execution. This year's honorees span a remarkable range of styles, settings and challenges, offering a glimpse at what pool and spa professionals around the world are creating today.
The 2026 Silver winners are a true testament to what happens when creativity and craftsmanship unite. From striking modern designs to welcoming backyard havens, each project reflects the heart and hard work of talented professionals from around the world.
And the celebration continues — stay tuned as we shine the spotlight on this year's Bronze and Merit award winners later this month.
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Land Tech Group of Virginia, Lynchburg, Va.Photo courtesy Michael Patch / Property One Photography
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Land Tech Group of Virginia, Lynchburg, Va.Photo courtesy Michael Patch / Property One Photography
Land Tech Group of Virginia
Lynchburg, Va.
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
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
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Gohlke Pools, Denton, TexasPhoto courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Gohlke Pools
Denton, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photography
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: A&A Manufacturing; Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: POOLCORP
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Omni Pool Builders, Tucson, Ariz.Photo courtesy Jade Blair / JYBMedia
Omni Pool Builders
Tucson, Ariz.
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Harold Leidner Landscape Architects, Carrollton, TexasPhoto courtesy Micah Nunley Photography
Harold Leidner Landscape Architects
Carrollton, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Ashton Pools By Design, Rehoboth Beach, Del.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Ashton Pools By Design
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: Regal
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photography
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: A&A Manufacturing; Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: POOLCORP
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Keowee Pools, Six Mile, S.C.Photo courtesy Drew Peden Media
Keowee Pools
Six Mile, S.C.
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Cascade Custom Pools, Austin, TexasPhoto courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Cascade Custom Pools
Austin, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Jandy; Pentair
Sanitizer: CMP; Paramount
Start-Up Chemicals: NPS Start-Up
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
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Platinum Pools - A Cody Pools Company, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Ambrose Shokunbi / Platinum Pools - A Cody Pools Company
Platinum Pools - A Cody Pools Company
Houston, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Jandy
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By Harold Leidner Landscape Architects, Carrollton, TexasPhoto courtesy Micah Nunley Photography
Harold Leidner Landscape Architects
Carrollton, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: VANISHING EDGE | By J&M Pool Company, Senoia, Ga.Photo courtesy Aubrey Alexander Photography
J&M Pool Company
Senoia, Ga.
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda Technologies
Category: Geometric | By Verde Outdoors, Roanoke, TexasPhoto courtesy Thomas Crosson / Full Package Media
Verde Outdoors
Roanoke, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: Jandy
Category: Geometric | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Jose Serrato / Serrato Photography
Claffey Pools
Southlake, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy; A&A Manufacturing
Start-Up Chemicals: POOLCORP
Category: Geometric | By Keith Zars Pools, San Antonio, TexasPhoto courtesy Jeremiah / Driven Media
Keith Zars Pools
San Antonio, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: AquaStar Pool Products
Category: Geometric | By The Green Scene, Los Angeles, Calif.Photo courtesy Irvin Pacheco / In-View Media
The Green Scene
Los Angeles, Calif.
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Category: Geometric | By Alka Pool Construction, Burnaby, British ColumbiaPhoto courtesy Artem Zavarin, Gerry Gaviola / ishot.ca
Alka Pool Construction
Burnaby, British Columbia
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: Pentair; Hayward
Category: Geometric | By Pool Environments, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography
Pool Environments
Plano, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Paramount
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: Geometric | By Morris Pools, Mesa, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography
Morris Pools
Mesa, Ariz.
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: IPS Controllers
Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda Technologies
Category: Geometric | By Keith Zars Pools, San Antonio, TexasPhoto courtesy Ann Newstead / Maverick Marketing
Keith Zars Pools
San Antonio, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: AquaStar Pool Products
Category: Geometric | By Cascade Custom Pools, Austin, TexasPhoto courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Cascade Custom Pools
Austin, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: CMP; Paramount
Category: Geometric | By Ryan Hughes Design | Build, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design
Ryan Hughes Design | Build
Tampa, Fla.
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: Jack's Magic
Category: Geometric | By Supreme Pools and Spas, Spring, TexasPhoto courtesy Nick Fandino / Open House Photography
Supreme Pools and Spas
Spring, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy
Category: Geometric | By Pool Environments, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography
Pool Environments
Plano, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Paramount
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
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 High-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Eric Hanson / Hanson Photographic
High-Tech Pools
North Olmsted, Ohio
Automation: The Attendant by Poolside Tech
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: Freeform | By Pool Environments, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jason Moore / Jimi Smith Photography
Pool Environments
Plano, Texas
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Paramount
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: Freeform | By Claffey Pools, Denton, TexasPhoto courtesy Mike and Trey Farley / Farley Pool Designs
Claffey Pools
Denton, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: DEL Ozone
Start-Up Chemicals: POOLCORP
Category: Fiberglass Pools | By River Pools Virginia, New Kent, Va.Photo courtesy Trey Watford / River Pools Virginia
River Pools Virginia
New Kent, Va.
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: Natural Chemistry
Category: Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure | By Stainless Aquatics, A Division of Island Construction Corporation, Del Mar, Calif.Photo courtesy Stephen Neville / Stainless Aquatics, A Division of Island Construction Corporation
Stainless Aquatics, A Division of Island Construction Corporation
Del Mar, Calif.
Automation: IPS Controllers
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Westlake Water Solutions
Start-Up Chemicals: Accu-Tab
Category: Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Jon Hayward / California Pools & Landscape
California Pools & Landscape
Chandler, Ariz.
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Category: Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure | By Ryan Hughes Design | Build, Tampa, Fla.Photo courtesy Ryan Hughes Design | Build
Ryan Hughes Design | Build
Tampa, Fla.
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: Jack's Magic
Category: Elevated Pool and/or Spa Structure | By Landmark Aquatic, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Jennifer Stevens / Landmark Aquatic
Landmark Aquatic
Houston, Texas
Automation: BECS
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Category: Architectural Achievement | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography
California Pools & Landscape
Chandler, Ariz.
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Category: Architectural Achievement | 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
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Category: Architectural Achievement | By Carter Aquatics, Lewes, Del.Photo courtesy Krista Valliant / Atlantic Exposure
Carter Aquatics
Lewes, Del.
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: DEL Ozone; CMP
Start-Up Chemicals: Natural Chemistry
Category: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By Venture Custom Pools, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Premier Property Media
Venture Custom Pools
Plano, Texas
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: Hayward
Category: Pool Renovations | 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
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Category: Pool Renovations | By Verde Outdoors, Roanoke, TexasPhoto courtesy Sam Wells / Big Creek Creative
Verde Outdoors
Roanoke, Texas
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy; Fluidra
Start-Up Chemicals: Jandy
Category: Pools with Automatic Covers | By All American Custom Pools & Spas, Bridgeport, Conn.Photo courtesy Devin Krisst / Krisscendo LLC
All American Custom Pools & Spas
Bridgeport, Conn.
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: Orenda Technologies
Category: Pools with Automatic Covers | By High-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Eric Hanson / Hanson Photographic
High-Tech Pools
North Olmsted, Ohio
Automation: The Attendant by Poolside Tech
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: Commercial Pools | By Watercolor Pools, Temple, TexasPhoto courtesy Won Lee / DW Motion
Watercolor Pools
Temple, Texas
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Heritage Pool Supply Group
Category: Commercial Pools | By Counsilman-Hunsaker, St. Louis, Mo.Photo courtesy Ely Hemnes / The Unfound Door
Counsilman-Hunsaker
St. Louis, Mo.
Automation: BECS
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Accu-Tab
Start-Up Chemicals: Accu-Tab
Category: Commercial Pools | By Aquatic Design Group, Carlsbad, Calif.Photo courtesy Bill Tatham, Jr. / SWA Group
Aquatic Design Group
Carlsbad, Calif.
Automation: BECS
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: BECS
Category: Commercial Pools | By Counsilman-Hunsaker, St. Louis, Mo.Photo courtesy Chad M. Davis Photography
Counsilman-Hunsaker
St. Louis, Mo.
Automation: BECS
Circulation Equipment: Pentair; H2Flow; Neptune-Benson; Sta-Rite
Category: Commercial Pools | 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
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Category: Commercial Pools | 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
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-Up Chemicals: Ocedis
Category: Commercial Pools | By High-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Eric Hanson / Hanson Photographic
High-Tech Pools
North Olmsted, Ohio
Automation: BECS
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools | By Artisan Pools NC, Kitty Hawk, N.C.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography
Artisan Pools NC
Kitty Hawk, N.C.
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Category: Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools | By High-Tech Pools, North Olmsted, OhioPhoto courtesy Eric Hanson / Hanson Photographic
High-Tech Pools
North Olmsted, Ohio
Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-Up Chemicals: EasyCare Products
Category: Standalone Spas | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography
California Pools & Landscape
Chandler, Ariz.
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Category: Standalone Spas | By Fountain Blue Pools, West Palm Beach, Fla.Photo courtesy Chris Podlasek / Fountain Blue Pools
Fountain Blue Pools
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy
Start-Up Chemicals: Lo-Chlor
Category: Water/Fire Features | By The Green Scene, Los Angeles, Calif.Photo courtesy Scott Cohen / The Green Scene
The Green Scene
Los Angeles, Calif.
Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
