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.

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

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

California Pools & Landscape

Chandler, Ariz. 

Automation: Hayward
Circulation Equipment: Hayward

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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