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A Special Collection of Dramatic Pools‌Built to Inspire
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AwardWinning Pools
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hether your backyard is barren, overgrown, or just plain dull, a well-crafted swimming pool can really make a splash. Beautiful pools often look like they are
one with the environment, appearing as a natural entity rather than a manmade work of art. Talented builders and designers around the world are recognized for their impressive watershapes with awards presented by pool-building guilds, societies, and educational groups. These award-winning pools go to show that a backyard pool is much more than convenient place to swim——it is the result of a well-executed design and construction process. With some inspiration from the pools featured in this book, you’ll be ready to start finding a pool builder. During your search, you are likely to come across builders who have been recognized by——and/or are members of——leading associations in the industry. While you certainly shouldn’t choose a builder based solely upon the awards he or she has won, it’s helpful to understand who the membership groups are and what they represent. Aquatech Society,® a National Society of Pool-Building & Retailing
Professionals, has over 400 members, which include more than 235 pool-building professionals and 200 retail store operators. Its membership grows through invitation only, and each candidate must pass significant standards. Once inducted, all members continue attending training sessions along with society meetings
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Vibrant, yet relaxing, this backyard setting has something for everyone, including an outdoor kitchen, cozy seating area, and elevated vanishing-edge spa. Photographed by Balfour Walker for Cimarron Circle Construction Company, Tucson, Ariz. Aquatech Society, a National Society of Pool-Building & Retailing Professionals Award
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The designer used custom-blown glass tile to create a 360-degree negative edge, that in turn, gives the pool’s surface a mirror-like effect that captures the surrounding environment in its magic. Alderete Pools, Inc., San Clemente, Calif. Association of Pool & Spa Professionals Award
and seminars to keep abreast of the most current updates, innovations, and advanced pool-building techniques in the industry. The most important goal of all Aquatech pool builders is customer satisfaction; approximately 80 percent of all Aquatech customers are by referral. Aquatech honors outstanding pool and spa projects across the country with its annual Design Awards. These awards showcase some of the most expertly crafted pools in the industry and provide consumers with countless ideas. Master Pools Guild,® Inc., is a global network of elite custom pool builders who freely share ideas and information with each other——from creative designs to construction techniques and technology. Membership is by invitation only and is earned by
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Falcon Pools, Ltd., Addlestone, Surrey, U.K. Master Pools Guild Award
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being a top custom builder in a respective area. Established in
builders and designers around the world for APSP’s
1962 by builders from across the continental U.S., the Guild is
International Awards of Excellence. Only those worthy
now the largest international network in the industry with over
of distinction are granted these awards.
115 members in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican
The Northeast Pool & Spa Association (NESPA) is the
Republic, England, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand,
northeast affiliate of APSP. Made up of five regional chapters,
Spain, South Africa, and across the U.S.
NESPA’s members serve Conn., N.Y., N.J., and Pa. NESPA
The guild celebrates amazing pool projects throughout the world with its Awards of Excellence held every year. Members receive an infusion of new ideas while benchmarking their
runs its own annual design awards, honoring brilliant pools submitted for one or more of the 34 different categories. Florida also has its own industry trade association, dubbed
work with their peers. Frequent meetings and seminars ensure
the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), which runs
that members keep up with the latest trends.
educational courses for professionals in the industry and is
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the
an excellent consumer resource for finding local members,
world’s largest international trade association representing
which include pool builders, installers, service companies,
the swimming pool, spa, and hot tub industry. For 40 years,
and other industry professionals. Its annual Design Awards
APSP has be awarding recognition to some of the most
recognize impressive projects from Florida pool builders.
beautiful and creative work in the pool and spa industry.
Challenges, technical achievements, design, and aesthetic
Every year, hundreds of entries are received from pool
value are all taken into consideration during judging.
Full of sharp angles and soft curves, this poolscape takes a cue from the home’s elegant architecture and stone façade: blue stone finishes the coping and the decking. The cozy seating area to the left features a firepit, while to the right, a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen awaits guests Melissa Hoágkinson, CLA, landscape architect. Photographed by Lyn Atkins for National Pools of Roanoke, Inc., Roanoke, Va. Aquatech Society, a National Society of Pool-Building & Retailing Professionals Award
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The materials used to craft this elegant poolscape are what transform the venue from ordinary to spectacular. Travertine decking, all-glass custom blend finish, and the black granite at the perimeter overflow and vanishing edge give the setting a mysterious vibe that is multiplied by the surrounding nightscaping. Photographed by Scott Sandler for HydroScapes, LLC, Fountain Hills, Ariz. Luxury Pools magazine Pinnacle Award
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You can find members/dealers in your region or more information about these industry associations by visiting their official websites: Worldwide Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) www.apsp.org Master Pools Guild,速 Inc. www.masterpoolsguild.com National Aquatech Society,速 a National Society of Pool-Building & Retailing Professionals www.aquatechpools.com Northeast Pool & Spa Association (NESPA) www.nespapool.org Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania Florida Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) www.floridapoolpro.com It takes an educated builder and an innovative designer to craft a breathtaking pool. In this book, you will see pools, spas, and water features that have won awards from one or more of the associations listed above and/or have been honored with a Pinnacle Award from Luxury Pools magazine, the World Registry of Elite Pool Designers & Builders. The builders of these projects have been honored for their expert techniques in design and construction, as well as their quality craftsmanship. Overall, these photos will help to inspire your own swimming pool design and give you a wide selection of options, themes, and styles for your new backyard.
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Acuarium Piscinas Y Spas, Costa Rica. Association of Pool & Spa Professionals Award
Lehmann Pools & Spas, Mahway, N.J. Association of Pool & Spa Professionals Award
Distinctive Pools, Inc., Lewisville, Texas. Association of Pool & Spa Professionals Award
Pristine white gives this indoor poolscape its character while the blue glass tile that finishes the pool and elevated spa gives it its charm. Falcon Pools, Ltd., Addlestone, Surrey, U.K. Master Pools Guild Award
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