Premium Partners

2026 Awards of Excellence: Merit Winners (Part 2)

Nov 3, 2026
Modern luxury home with infinity pool, fire pit seating area, and contemporary stone architecture at sunset

Over the last month, we've had the honor to present the winners from this year's PHTA Awards of Excellence program.

The designs in this final list conclude the Merit award-winning projects that have shown us what's possible in the world of pool and spa design. Take a look below, and congratulations to all of 2026 winners.

Modern luxury villa with orange tile roof, white walls, swimming pool, and mountain views in Mediterranean landscapeCategory: 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

Automation: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

Luxury rooftop pool with lounge chairs, cabanas, and city views under blue skyCategory: 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: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: Pentair

Modern outdoor swimming pool with lane markings, surrounded by lounge chairs, umbrellas, and high-rise residential buildings under blue skyCategory: 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

 

Luxury hillside villa with turquoise pool, stone architecture, wooden deck, and Mediterranean landscaping surrounded by lush greenery.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: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

Luxury backyard pool with turquoise water, spa, striped awning, and manicured landscapingCategory: Architectural Achievement | By Oak Wells Aquatics, Jacksonville, Fla.Photo courtesy Diane Michael / Callan Group Communications

Oak Wells Aquatics

Jacksonville, Fla.

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Sanitizer: Jandy

 

Modern home patio with lounge chairs, pool, and manicured lawn visible through floor-to-ceiling windowsCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | 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

Aerial view of luxury pool area with turquoise water, wooden deck, manicured lawn, and colorful flower bedsCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | 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: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Modern home with rectangular swimming pool, white decking, and manicured lawnCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By Pulliam Pools, Fort Worth, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photos

Pulliam Pools

Fort Worth, Texas

Automation: Jandy
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-up Chemicals: POOLCORP

 

Luxury backyard swimming pool with attached spa and screened enclosure overlooking manicured lawn and pine forestCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By Superior Pools of Southwest Florida, Port Charlotte, Fla.Photo courtesy Michael Sowerby / Superior Pools of Southwest Florida

Superior Pools of Southwest Florida

Port Charlotte, Fla.

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair
Start-up Chemicals: Orenda

 

Modern residential courtyard with turquoise swimming pool and contemporary stone buildingsCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | 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: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Modern luxury backyard with illuminated pool, synthetic grass, lounge seating, fire pit, and landscaped privacy screening at sunset.Category: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By Mission Pools, Escondido, Calif.Photo courtesy Dan Kirksey / KDKC Productions

Mission Pools

Escondido, Calif.

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair

 

Aerial view of residential backyard with rectangular blue swimming pool, manicured lawn, brick roofing, and surrounding treesCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By MiniPools, Bulverde, TexasPhoto courtesy Alex Lee / MiniPools

MiniPools

Bulverde, Texas

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

 

Modern backyard with rectangular swimming pool, white patio, and contemporary house with covered seating area at duskCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz.

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

 

Modern backyard with blue swimming pool, white concrete patio, artificial turf, fire pit, and desert hillside viewsCategory: Small Backyard Installation (less than 1500 sq. ft.) | By Paragon Pools, Las Vegas, Nev.Photo courtesy Mary B Vail, MBA Publicist

Paragon Pools

Las Vegas, Nev.

Automation: Jandy, Fluidra
Circulation Equipment: Jandy, Fluidra
Sanitizer: Del Ozone

 

Luxury backyard with rectangular swimming pool, hot tub, and blue solar panel under Mediterranean landscaping.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: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

Aerial view of residential pool deck with in-water loungers, white railings, and beachfront property architectureCategory: Pool Renovations | By Artisan Pools NC, Kitty Hawk, N.C.Photo courtesy Jill O'Dell / Artisan Pools NC

Artisan Pools NC

Kitty Hawk, N.C.

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

 

Rectangular in-ground swimming pool with metal handrails, surrounded by stone walls and manicured landscaping in a residential backyardCategory: Pool Renovations | By Go Designs, El Paso, TexasPhoto courtesy Brian Wancho Photography

Go Designs

El Paso, Texas

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair
Start-up Chemicals: Pentair

 

Modern luxury backyard with rectangular swimming pool, spa, manicured lawn, palm trees, and contemporary stone patioCategory: Fun Features | 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: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Luxury modern home with resort-style pool, manicured lawn, and contemporary architecture overlooking waterfront propertyCategory: Fun Features | By Cody Pools, Round Rock, TexasPhoto courtesy Ambrose Shokunbi / Cody Pools

Cody Pools

Round Rock, Texas

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair, Paramount

 

Aerial view of luxury backyard with rectangular swimming pool, patio seating, and manicured landscapingCategory: Pools with Automatic Covers | By Gary Thull Pools, Bellefonte, Pa.Photo courtesy Tyler Capozzi / TC Cinema

Gary Thull Pools

Bellefonte, Pa.

Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair
Start-up Chemicals: BioGuard

 

Aerial view of luxury backyard with rectangular swimming pool, gray paver deck, manicured lawn, and lounge seating areasCategory: Pools with Automatic Covers | By Concord Pools & Spas, Latham, N.Y.Photo courtesy Castle Photography

Concord Pools & Spas

Latham, N.Y.

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair
Start-up Chemicals: Surpass Chemical

 

Luxury backyard with rectangular swimming pool, patio lounge chairs, pergola, and modern homes under blue skyCategory: Pools with Automatic Covers | By Icon Custom Pools, Manassas Park, Va.Photo courtesy Legare Hay / In The Black Marketing & Consulting

Icon Custom Pools

Manassas Park, Va.

Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: Hayward

 

Modern backyard oasis featuring rectangular pool with water features, black pergola, lounge seating, and manicured lawn bordered by stone landscaping.Category: Pools with Automatic Covers | By Ashton Pools By Design, Rehoboth Beach, Del.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography

Ashton Pools By Design

Rehoboth Beach, Del.

Automation: Poolside Tech
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-up Chemicals: Regal Chemicals

 

Modern backyard with rectangular swimming pool, concrete patio, manicured lawn strips, and mature trees under blue skyCategory: Pools with Automatic Covers | By Claffey Pools, Southlake, TexasPhoto courtesy Serrato Photos

Claffey Pools

Southlake, Texas

Automation: Jandy, Pool Cover Resource
Circulation Equipment: Jandy
Start-up Chemicals: POOLCORP

Luxury backyard with rectangular swimming pool, turquoise loungers, concrete patio, and linear fire pit.Category: Pools with Automatic Covers | By Bi-State Pool, O'Fallon, Mo.Photo courtesy Amanda Bauer / Bi-State Pool

Bi-State Pool

O'Fallon, Mo.

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Pentair
Start-up Chemicals: BioGuard

Luxury resort pool at night with illuminated waterfall feature, lounge chairs, and mountain backdropCategory: Pools with Automatic Covers | By California Pools & Landscape, Chandler, Ariz.Photo courtesy Ethan Cooper Photography

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz.

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

 

Modern indoor Olympic swimming facility with multiple lap lanes, red lane dividers, and South Dakota institutional signageCategory: Commercial Pools | By Counsilman-Hunsaker, St. Louis, Mo.Photo courtesy Zun Zhang / Iris 22 Productions

Counsilman-Hunsaker

St. Louis, Mo.

Automation: BECS Controls
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Stenner

 

Modern indoor swimming facility with multiple Olympic-sized pools, bleachers, and industrial ceiling structureCategory: Commercial Pools | By Landmark Aquatic, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Rhonda Noggle / Grin & Barrett Photography

Landmark Aquatic

Houston, Texas

Automation: Neptune Benson, BECS
Circulation Equipment: ASC Pumping Equipment
Start-up Chemicals: Pulsar

Aerial view of modern hotel complex with turquoise courtyard, residential tower, and riverside setting surrounded by green landscapingCategory: Commercial Pools | By Silverline Pools, Lenoir City, Tenn.Photo courtesy Matt Bowers / Silverline Pools

Silverline Pools

Lenoir City, Tenn.

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-up Chemicals: Regal

 

Beachfront resort pool with palm trees, lounge chairs, and ocean viewCategory: Commercial Pools | By East Coast Pools & Spas, Ormond Beach, Fla.Photo courtesy Diane Michael / Callan Group Communications

East Coast Pools & Spas

Ormond Beach, Fla.

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Aquaworx
Sanitizer: Aquaworx

 

Aerial view of community aquatic center with Olympic-size pool, leisure pool, water slide, and parking area surrounded by landscaping.Category: Commercial Pools | By Counsilman-Hunsaker, St. Louis, Mo.Photo courtesy Vic Moss / Moss Photography

Counsilman-Hunsaker

St. Louis, Mo.

Automation: BECS
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: AccuTab
Start-up Chemicals: AccuTab

 

Aerial view of resort pool complex with multiple swimming pools, sandy beach area, lounge chairs, and surrounding treesCategory: 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: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Aerial view of public water park with lap pools, splash pad, water slides, and colorful shade umbrellas surrounded by green lawn.Category: Commercial Pools | By Landmark Aquatic, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Jennifer Stevens / Landmark Aquatic

Landmark Aquatic

Houston, Texas

Automation: Aquify, BECS
Circulation Equipment: ASC Pumping Equipment
Start-up Chemicals: Westlake Chemical Solutions

 

Colorful water splash pad with bucket dumper and slides at community park on sunny dayCategory: Commercial Pools | By Counsilman-Hunsaker, St. Louis, Mo.Photo courtesy Ely Hemnes / The Unfound Door

Counsilman-Hunsaker

St. Louis, Mo.

Circulation Equipment: Aurora, Pentair, Aquify
Sanitizer: Pulsar

 

Luxury backyard with rectangular swimming pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, and black fencing overlooking green landscape.Category: Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools | By Icon Custom Pools, Manassas Park, Va.Photo courtesy Legare Hay / In the Black Marketing & Consulting

Icon Custom Pools

Manassas Park, Va.

Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: Hayward

 

Modern luxury home with heated pool, hot tub, and terracotta tile roof surrounded by manicured landscapingCategory: Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming 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: Diffazur by Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Backyard spa with stone surround, blue cover, and wooden fence with basketball hoopCategory: Standalone Spas | By Pool Environments, Plano, TexasPhoto courtesy Jessica Kutz / Pool Environments

Pool Environments

Plano, Texas

Automation: Pentair
Circulation Equipment: Pentair
Start-up Chemicals: Startup-Tec

Illuminated resort pools surrounded by tropical plants at twilight with blue evening skyCategory: Swim Spas | By Diffazur Piscines, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-MaritimesPhoto courtesy Jean-Claude Fayet / Vision Plus Production

Diffazur Piscines

Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes

Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Modern luxury backyard with rectangular pool, stone patio, manicured landscaping, and wooded backdrop on sunny dayCategory: Swim Spas | By Watershed Pools + Outdoor Living, Marietta, Ga.Photo courtesy Jimi Smith Photography

Watershed Pools + Outdoor Living

Marietta, Ga.

Sanitizer: Jandy
Start-up Chemicals: Everclear Pool

 

Rustic stone villa with rectangular swimming pool, patio seating, and Mediterranean garden landscapeCategory: Swim Spas | By Diffazur Piscines, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-MaritimesPhoto courtesy Jean-Claude Fayet / Vision Plus Production

Diffazur Piscines

Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes

Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Modern backyard oasis with turquoise pool, pink and yellow lounge chairs, red umbrella, and lush green surroundingsCategory: Swim Spas | By Diffazur Piscines, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-MaritimesPhoto courtesy Jean-Claude Fayet / Vision Plus Production

Diffazur Piscines

Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes

Sanitizer: Hayward
Start-up Chemicals: Ocedis

 

Modern covered patio with hot tub and steps overlooking fenced backyard with green lawnCategory: Portable Hot Tubs | By Richard's Total Backyard Solutions, Houston, TexasPhoto courtesy Nick Fandino / Open House Photography

Richard's Total Backyard Solutions

Houston, Texas

Start-up Chemicals: Freshwater

 

Luxury backyard with resort-style swimming pool, stone patio, outdoor kitchen, and lounge seating areaCategory: Water/Fire Features | By Icon Custom Pools, Manassas Park, Va.Photo courtesy Legare Hay / In The Black Marketing & Consulting

Icon Custom Pools

Manassas Park, Va.

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward
Sanitizer: Hayward

 

Modern interior space with floating staircase, illuminated water feature display, and marble flooring beneath large windowsCategory: Water/Fire Features | By Fountain Blue Pools, West Palm Beach, Fla.Photo courtesy Chris Podlasek / Fountain Blue Pools

Fountain Blue Pools

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Circulation Equipment: Roman Fountains
Start-up Chemicals: Lo-Chlor

 

 

Recommended
The Chlorine Pyramid Side 2: Corrosion, Staining, Scaling and LSI
Sponsored
The Chlorine Pyramid Side 2: Corrosion, Staining, Scaling and LSI
Luxury backyard pool with stone patio, ambient lighting, and 2026 Awards of Excellence merit badge
Awards
2026 Awards of Excellence: Merit Winners (Part 1)
Six team members in casual work attire standing together by a residential swimming pool on a sunny day
Builder
Builders and Service Professionals Find Common Ground
Luxury backyard pool with fire bowls, hot tub, and 2026 Awards of Excellence bronze certification badge
Builder
2026 Awards of Excellence: Bronze Winners
Related Stories
Man in brown jacket standing at indoor swimming pool edge with lane dividers visible
Commercial
Taking a Hero's Leap Into Commercial Pool Construction
Luxury backyard pool with stone patio, ambient lighting, and 2026 Awards of Excellence merit badge
Awards
2026 Awards of Excellence: Merit Winners (Part 1)
Six team members in casual work attire standing together by a residential swimming pool on a sunny day
Builder
Builders and Service Professionals Find Common Ground
The Chlorine Pyramid Side 2: Corrosion, Staining, Scaling and LSI
Sponsored Content
The Chlorine Pyramid Side 2: Corrosion, Staining, Scaling and LSI
More in Builder
Commercial
Taking a Hero's Leap Into Commercial Pool Construction
Making the leap from residential to commercial pool construction? Learn the key equipment considerations and potential pitfalls before taking on your first project.
Man in brown jacket standing at indoor swimming pool edge with lane dividers visible
Sponsored
One System, No Sprawl: Why Growing Pool & Spa Businesses Are Moving to the Cloud
RB Retail & Service Systems
Growing pool and spa businesses are trading disconnected software and manual processes for one cloud-based system that keeps teams, data and operations connected. 
One System, No Sprawl: Why Growing Pool & Spa Businesses Are Moving to the Cloud
Awards
2026 Awards of Excellence: Merit Winners (Part 1)
Standout design meets technical skill in the 2026 PHTA Awards of Excellence Merit winners. Explore the impressive pools and spas featured in Part 1.
Luxury backyard pool with stone patio, ambient lighting, and 2026 Awards of Excellence merit badge
Builder
Builders and Service Professionals Find Common Ground
Pool builders and service professionals share a common goal, but their working relationship isn't always smooth. Here's how the two trades can prevent costly misunderstandings and create a better experience for customers.
Six team members in casual work attire standing together by a residential swimming pool on a sunny day
Builder
2026 Awards of Excellence: Bronze Winners
From stunning residential retreats to impressive commercial installations, explore the projects that earned Bronze honors in the 2026 PHTA Awards of Excellence.
Luxury backyard pool with fire bowls, hot tub, and 2026 Awards of Excellence bronze certification badge
Builder
2026 Awards of Excellence: Silver Winners
The 2026 Awards of Excellence Silver winners showcase exceptional pool and spa projects that combine creative design, expert craftsmanship and technical precision.
Modern luxury home with infinity pool overlooking landscape, featuring WAF 2026 Silver Award of Excellence certification
Builder
A Respite From the Cold
Perched above the water on Norway’s Nesodden peninsula, Hotspot Sauna pairs striking modular design with panoramic views and a community-focused approach to wellness.
Modern wooden architectural structure with cylindrical tower and open frame overlooking snowy waterfront landscape
Builder
2026 Awards of Excellence: Gold Winners (Part 2)
The second installment of the 2026 Awards of Excellence Gold winners showcases more standout projects recognized for exceptional design, craftsmanship and technical execution.
Luxury modern home with illuminated pool and manicured lawn at dusk, featuring HIA 2026 Gold Award of Excellence badge
Builder
2026 Awards of Excellence: Gold Winners (Part 1)
Throughout October, we’re announcing the winners of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s prestigious Awards of Excellence. The first installment of Gold-winning projects pairs striking design with the technical skill and craftsmanship that bring each vision to life.
Luxury modern home with turquoise pool surrounded by mature trees and manicured landscaping, featuring 2026 Awards of Excellence gold badge
Spas
Time to Heat Things Up: Designing Spas for Wellness, Not Just Water
Putting wellness first can reshape spa design, from sightlines and seating to customized therapy zones that better fit how clients live.
Modern luxury backyard with rectangular spa and swimming pool, stone patio, manicured lawn, and stone building with water features.
Business Operations
How AI is Redefining the Modern Pool Business
AI isn’t coming for the service truck. But it’s coming for everything around it, and the pros who learn to wield it are quietly pulling ahead.
Man in navy polo shirt working on laptop at desk with documents and coffee mug
Spas
One Goal, Two Standards: How PHTA-6 and UL 1563 Were Harmonized
A look at how industry collaboration brought PHTA-6 and UL 1563 into alignment, creating clearer roles for portable spa construction, certification and installation.
Modern hot tub installed on a concrete patio beside a contemporary home with dark siding and large glass doors
Sales
Down the Social Media Rabbit Hole
Social media can be a powerful marketing tool, but only if pool pros stay focused on turning posts into real business.
Person watching TikTok video of Bugs Bunny jumping by a backyard swimming pool
Page 1 of 250
Next Page
Content Library
Dig through our best stories from the magazine, all sorted by category for easy surfing.
Read More
Content Library
Buyer's Guide
Find manufacturers and suppliers in the most extensive searchable database in the industry.
Learn More
Buyer's Guide