In the world of luxury pool design, Moses Campos has emerged as a standout talent, recently securing victory in the prestigious 2024 Million Dollar Pool Challenge recently at the PSP/Deck Expo in Dallas. As a design consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Campos brings a unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and client-focused design philosophy to every project he tackles. Reflecting on his journey and his winning submission, Campos shared insights into his career, his approach to pool design, and the challenges and opportunities presented by this year’s competition.
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About Moses Campos: 2024 Winner of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
“I’m a design consultant for Claffey Pools, and in our industry, that role has evolved beyond just sales,” Campos explained. “It’s about listening to what the client wants, creating a strong concept, and collaborating with various stakeholders—from homeowners to interior decorators and builders—to bring that vision to life. My role is to help vocalize good options, present scenarios, and then work towards building it.”
Campos’ entry into the pool industry was far from traditional. “I fell into it,” he admitted. “At the time, I was doing graphic design, web design, and video editing for an ad agency. A friend who worked for a pool builder asked me to help drive a technician around for two weeks. That’s how it all started. Watching and observing, I learned simple things like priming a pump and identifying a Jandy valve. It sparked my love for the industry.”
From those humble beginnings, Campos quickly advanced, transitioning into design work. “It’s been almost nine years now,” he noted. “I’ve always prioritized learning from others in the industry. Being involved in PHTA shows and earning certifications like my CBP has been pivotal in honing my skills. Now, at Claffey Pools, I’m constantly finding ways to evolve and refine my approach.”
The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge: A Test of Multiple Skillsets
The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge is widely regarded as a test of both design acumen and problem-solving ability, and this year’s competition was no exception. Contestants were tasked with reimagining a real-world property with unique features and constraints. “This property had significant elevation changes,” Campos recalled. “Some might see that as a challenge, but I viewed it as an opportunity. There was so much land to work with, but we had clear boundaries that we couldn’t cross. It forced me to think creatively about how to maximize the space while maintaining harmony with the natural surroundings.”
A Look at Campos’ Winning Entry
Campos’ winning design captured the judges’ attention with its thoughtful interpretation of the space. “The property had breathtaking views, and I made those the focal point,” he explained. “The upper level became a peaceful retreat, while the lower level offered more dynamic, activity-focused spaces. Each area felt like an extension of the home, blending modern and natural elements seamlessly.”
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The pool itself was a centerpiece of the design, offering a multi-tiered experience that reflected the property’s dramatic topography. “The upper pool was designed as a tranquil oasis,” Campos elaborated. “I wanted it to feel like a spa-inspired retreat with clean lines, infinity edges, and a soothing water feature that created a sense of calm. It’s where the homeowners could unwind and take in the panoramic views.”
The lower pool, by contrast, was designed for entertainment and activity. “The lower level was all about fun,” Campos said. “I included a rock climbing wall, a rope swing, and a sunken seating area where you could enjoy the fire feature while still being part of the pool environment. There’s also a large tanning ledge as well as in pool seating areas.”
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An Intelligent Combination of Aesthetics And Functionality
One of the standout features of Campos’ design was his use of acrylic panels. “Acrylic is a popular feature that is highly requested, but I wanted to use it in a way that felt fresh and purposeful,” he said. “I incorporated two acrylic panels: one by a fire pit in the lower level and another in an intimate seating area on the upper level. Both served to enhance the views while adding a touch of modern elegance.”
Campos’ ability to marry aesthetics with functionality was also evident in his creative solutions for the property’s unique requests, such as a zipline and additional parking spaces. “The zipline wasn’t just about fun; it was about leveraging the land’s natural elevation. I placed it in a way that felt safe and integrated into the landscape. For the parking area, I added water features that combined natural boulders with sleek, modern scuppers. It’s those small touches that elevate the overall design.”
Creating a two-minute video to showcase his design was its own challenge. “It was tough to distill everything into such a short format,” Campos admitted. “But it pushed me to be concise and intentional in highlighting the key elements of my work.”
Reflecting on the competition, Campos expressed admiration for his peers. “Seeing how other designers approached the same space was one of my favorite parts of the challenge,” he said. “The top five designs were incredible. It’s a great lesson in understanding different perspectives and solutions.”
Moses Campos: On Winning This Year’s Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
Winning the Million Dollar Pool Challenge is not only a personal milestone for Campos but also an opportunity to inspire and connect with others in the industry. “I’ve already had the chance to meet so many amazing people because of this competition,” he shared. “It’s an honor to be recognized by leaders in our field, and I’m excited to continue building relationships and learning from others.”
As for the future, Campos is looking forward to giving back. “Next year, I’ll be invited back as a judge, and I’m excited to provide constructive feedback to the next round of designers. It’s a great way to encourage growth and innovation in our industry.”
Campos’ journey underscores the value of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning. His winning design not only showcases his talent but also serves as a testament to the collaborative and creative spirit that defines the pool design community. For Campos, the Million Dollar Pool Challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the art and science of transforming outdoor spaces into extraordinary retreats.
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Listen to our entire conversation with Moses Campos, winner of the 2024 Million Dollar Pool Challenge on the Pool Magazine podcast.
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