California Pools & Landscape Wins Fifteen 2025 PHTA Awards

California Pools & Landscape received fifteen 2025 Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) International Awards of Excellence, the most of any pool builder in Arizona. 

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Awards of Excellence program recognizes and rewards installations of pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features that showcase the industry’s most beautiful and creative work.

The 15 award-winning projects span a wide range of project scopes and serve as a testament to the diverse design and build expertise of the California Pools & Landscape team. Whether it’s a traditional backyard, a mountainside masterpiece, or an enormous community pool, our 2025 PHTA International award-winning projects are a source of inspiration.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate our 15 International Awards of Excellence from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance this year. These awards are a testament to the talent, creativity, and passion our team pours into every project. We work hand in hand with our customers to bring their dream backyards to life, creating spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional, and delivering an experience that’s just as exceptional as the final result.”

— Nicole Shoppach, Executive Director of Marketing & Business Strategy

Gold Award, Standalone Spa

This stunning backyard in Phoenix features a sleek and modern perimeter overflow spa that effortlessly blends luxury and function. The spa’s defining element is its glass tile finish, shimmering under the ambient lighting and water reflections. These glass tiles add a layer of elegance, catching the light during the day and glowing at night, offering a high-end, resort-style aesthetic.

Surrounding the spa is a deck surfaced with Frontier Vintage Slab 12×24 porcelain pavers, offering a clean and uniform look that complements the dark tones of the spa and seamlessly connects the layout. A striking water feature wall is adorned with vertical cuts of porcelain pavers, featuring a linear gas fire built directly into the structure. The interplay of fire and water creates a mesmerizing focal point, perfect for evening relaxation or entertaining guests as the sun sets behind the desert landscape.

Designer Paul Swirski continues to earn accolades for this modern spa, which was also awarded a 2025 Masters of Design Award from Pool and Spa News.

Silver Award, Freeform

If you asked Siri to show you a dream desert oasis, chances are this breathtaking backyard in Gilbert, Arizona, would top the results. This meticulously designed outdoor retreat features a stunning freeform pool that gracefully mirrors the curves of the surrounding desert landscape. At its heart is a striking elevated perimeter overflow spa, which not only draws the eye but also invites total relaxation with its seamless, modern aesthetic and soothing water flow. Adjacent to the pool, a large cantilever shade structure provides a stylish and functional reprieve from the Arizona sun, making this space enjoyable throughout the day.

The homeowners, who recently relocated from Southern California, sought to capture the beauty and tranquility of their former coastal lifestyle while embracing the rugged charm of the Sonoran Desert. Their vision was clear: to create a backyard paradise with multiple areas for gathering, entertaining, and above all, unwinding. The result is a true desert sanctuary.

Designer Joshua Turnbull added to the ambiance with dramatic water bowls with integrated fire features; an elegant fusion of the elements that enhances both day and night enjoyment. Lush, desert-adapted landscaping completes the space, blending texture, color, and sustainability to thrive in the harsh climate. Together, these elements form a resort-style escape perfect for hosting or simply savoring the serenity of the desert.

Silver Award, Geometric

Tucked into the foothills of Scottsdale, Arizona, this modern retreat redefines contemporary outdoor living by blending sleek design with the natural elegance of the desert. At its center, a striking geometric pool features integrated benches, a spacious baja shelf, and precision step-trim tiling that mirrors the spa’s palette, creating a seamless visual connection.

Anchoring the poolscape are two cantilevered shade structures, each adorned with a captivating rain sheer that spills gracefully from the canopy above. These water features do more than just catch the eye; they create a tranquil, multisensory experience, infusing the space with the soft sounds and fluid motion of falling water, enhancing both ambiance and relaxation.

At the heart of the design is a stunning elevated zero-edge spa clad in shimmering glass tile, offering a luxurious focal point that invites year-round enjoyment. Surrounding the entire space, 24×24 Frontier African Beige porcelain pavers deliver a clean, modern finish.

Purposeful lounge areas and drought-conscious landscaping complete the composition, transforming the space into a resort-worthy escape. Recognized with a 2025 World’s Greatest Pools award, designer Matt Sauer’s creation is a true Scottsdale sanctuary for entertaining, unwinding, and savoring the view.

Silver Award, Vanishing Edge

This striking zero-edge pool in Scottsdale, Arizona, epitomizes modern backyard luxury, showcasing the pinnacle of a minimalist aesthetic paired with cutting-edge design. Elevated above the ground, this geometric pool is wrapped in sleek, black Carbon 12×24 tile that delivers a bold contrast against the surrounding landscape. 

The zero-edge design allows water to spill gracefully over every side, creating a mirror-like surface and the illusion of infinite depth. This seamless flow enhances the serene atmosphere while reflecting the vivid desert skies and architecture in a truly captivating way.

The interior is finished with Onyx PebbleSheen, which not only elevates the visual appeal with its rich, dark hue but also offers a refined texture underfoot. Complementing the pool is a zero-edge spa, perfectly integrated into the design. It provides a calming retreat with powerful jets and the same sleek finish, offering a separate space to unwind in style. 

Surrounding the entire space is a precisely laid porcelain paver deck, featuring Frontier 20 Series 24×48 pieces of Cross Cut Silver, chosen for its durability and modern tone. The uniform color and clean lines echo the home’s architectural style, tying the entire backyard together into a sophisticated, resort-like escape.

This modern showcase, designed by Matt Sauer, also received the 2025 World’s Greatest Pools Award for its photography and the 2025 World’s Greatest Pools Video Award.

Silver Award, Spas Built in Conjunction With Swimming Pools

This modern Scottsdale, AZ backyard is a striking example of luxury desert living, combining sleek contemporary design with resort-style amenities. At the center of the space is a stunning geometric pool, offering clean lines and a sophisticated, dark Onyx pebble interior finish that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding light travertine decking. 

The pool features an expansive baja shelf, perfect for lounging in shallow water under the sun, as well as a raised water wall with three sheer descent water features, adding a dynamic and tranquil element to the design. Floating travertine step pads offer a stylish and functional way to navigate the pool area, enhancing the overall symmetry.

Adjacent to the pool is an elevated spa, positioned slightly above the main water level and surrounded by elegant hardscaping. This spa not only offers relaxation and hydrotherapy but also visually anchors the corner of the yard with its bold, elevated presence. 

This outdoor living area also includes a custom fire feature, sleek built-in seating, and a spacious outdoor lounge under a covered patio, all perfect for entertaining. Every detail, from the lighting to the architectural lines, is carefully designed to create a refined and functional outdoor retreat that is perfectly suited for elevated outdoor living in Scottsdale.

Silver Award, Water/Fire Features

This zero-edge reflection pool is a stunning example of minimalist elegance and modern landscape design, nestled perfectly in a serene desert backdrop. The pool’s sleek geometric form and dark, mirror-like finish create a calm and contemplative surface that reflects the surrounding natural beauty, including the sculptural agave centerpiece and expansive desert sky. The dark tones of the Onyx pebble interior finish enhance its reflecting quality, making it feel like a piece of liquid glass seamlessly integrated into the environment.

Surrounding the pool is a bed of smooth river rocks that provide organic contrast to the pool’s sharp, architectural lines, while the adjacent stacked-stone pillar and overhang offer architectural cohesion with the home’s modern exterior.

As day turns to night, concealed fiber-optic floor lights activate beneath the water, adding an extra sparkle and twinkle in the pool, which pair wonderfully with the lighting that illuminates the sculpture with a dramatic flair. This elegant touch transforms the reflecting pool into a glowing art installation, enhancing the tranquil ambiance and making the space an ideal retreat for peaceful evenings under the desert stars.

Silver Award, Architectural Achievement

Nestled into the rugged terrain of Fountain Hills, this modern pool and backyard retreat is an incredible feat of engineering and design. Built directly into the side of a steep mountain slope, the space maximizes breathtaking desert views while transforming a previously unusable hillside into a luxurious and functional outdoor living area. Constructing this pool required extensive grading, custom retaining walls, and foundational support to ensure stability and long-term durability. This project is an impressive example of how vision, architecture, and engineering can come together in perfect harmony.

The pool itself features a sleek, geometric design, lined with modern stacked stone and tile, and accented by an elevated sit-and-spin spa that spills gently into the main pool. Multiple tiers of lounging and gathering spaces are expertly integrated into the slope, connected by elegant travertine steps and surrounded by custom metal fencing for safety and style. Native desert landscaping complements the design, while soft lighting throughout the yard creates a magical ambiance at night. This backyard isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a transformation of the land itself into a resort-worthy escape high above the valley floor.

Bronze Award, Commercial Pools

Welcome to the Radiance community pool in Apache Junction, a sprawling, resort-style aquatic retreat designed to enhance neighborhood living. Set against the stunning desert landscape, this beautifully planned community amenity features three distinct water zones to cater to a wide range of recreational and relaxation needs.

The centerpiece of the space is a massive main pool featuring crystal-clear water, bold tile inlays, and striking branding with “Radiance” and the community’s initials elegantly tiled into the pool floor. Along one side, dedicated lap lanes provide a space for dedicated swimmers to stay active. In contrast, the opposite end features a gradual beach-entry design, ideal for families with young children or those who prefer to wade into the water at their own pace.

A third section of the pool features built-in underwater benches, perfect for lounging and socializing while staying cool under the Arizona sun. Shade structures and cabanas line the perimeter, providing ample comfort and relief from the heat. Radiance’s community pool combines functionality, beauty, and recreation, creating an oasis in the heart of Apache Junction.

Bronze Award, Small Backyard Installations

This stunning Maricopa backyard proves that even a compact space can be transformed into a luxury retreat. Designer Christian Pierre thoughtfully created an outdoor living space for both relaxation and entertainment.

The yard features a small cocktail pool anchored by a stylish baja shelf and an elevated spa. The sit-and-spin spa is beautifully finished with sleek stacked stone and eye-catching blue tile spillways that cascade into the pool, adding a tranquil visual and auditory element. 

Another showstopper is the sunken outdoor kitchen and swim-up bar. Covered by a sleek aluminum shade structure, the sunken area features a built-in grill and ample prep space, allowing guests to remain in the water while enjoying a cold drink. It’s a clever integration of form and function, maximizing entertainment without sacrificing space.

Framed with Arctic Gray travertine pavers and artificial turf, the yard maintains a clean, geometric aesthetic. Tall, slim trees line the walls, offering a bit of greenery and privacy. Altogether, it’s a masterclass in compact luxury design.

Merit Award, Geometric

This stunning modern geometric pool design in Fountain Hills transforms a challenging multi-level backyard into a breathtaking luxury retreat. With clean architectural lines and a creative use of vertical space, the design centers around a sharp-edged pool and elevated spa, beautifully integrated into a series of tiered retaining walls and planters. 

The pool itself is a statement of contemporary sophistication, with sharp angles and a raised, centrally positioned spa that spills into the surrounding water. The sleek 12×24 Le-Malte-Cenere tile on the face of the spa contrasts elegantly with the surrounding white stacked stone materials, creating a refined palette that blends seamlessly with the desert tones of the natural landscape. The steps and sun ledge areas provide both form and function, allowing for multiple gathering and lounging zones within the pool.

Anchoring the lower level is a custom outdoor kitchen and BBQ island, featuring high-end appliances and ample prep space, perfect for entertaining. Vertical plantings, minimalist modern privacy fencing, and a thoughtful layout make this backyard not only visually stunning but also highly functional. It’s a true example of how innovative design and thoughtful materials can transform elevation into inspiration.

Merit Award, Geometric

This stunning modern backyard in Queen Creek is a masterclass in geometric design and innovative outdoor living. From the moment you step into the space, you’re greeted with clean lines, crisp contrasts, and a layout that balances contemporary elegance with resort-style relaxation. 

The centerpiece is a sleek, rectangular pool that features an integrated baja shelf and several modern water features. The sunken structure on the far end of the pool has an attached rainsheer water feature that cascades down to the swim-up bar, creating the ultimate staycation vibe in this backyard. The pool is wrapped in Perla Blanca limestone pavers that add a polished, upscale feel, while artificial turf inlayed between them creates striking green-and-white striping that adds rhythm and movement to the landscape.

A standout element of this backyard by Designer Dave Grau is the dramatic angled water wall along the back edge of the pool, finished in black quartz ledgestone for rich texture and visual depth. Built-in scuppers deliver soothing streams of water into the pool below, adding both ambient sound and motion. The level spa adds another popular destination for relaxation, brilliantly tied together in the project with striking glass tiles, creating a spot for year-round enjoyment.

This backyard seamlessly blends sharp architectural forms with luxurious finishes to deliver a private oasis that’s equally suited for entertaining or quiet retreat, all with the breathtaking Queen Creek sky as a backdrop.

Merit Award, Vanishing Edge

Perched on a hillside in scenic Fountain Hills, this modern backyard retreat features a stunning negative-edge pool that appears to spill effortlessly into the surrounding desert landscape. The architectural design of the pool creates an illusion of seamless connection between water and sky, making it a dramatic centerpiece that perfectly complements the clean lines of the contemporary home.

The outdoor space is thoughtfully designed by Cody Risdon, with multiple tiers that step gracefully down the slope, enhancing both form and function. Each level serves a distinct purpose, from elevated lounging and entertaining areas to more intimate spaces for dining and gathering. These zones are visually tied together by expansive porcelain paver decking, which adds sophistication with its smooth texture, neutral tones, and exceptional durability.

Strategic landscaping softens the structured geometry with lush green hedges, vertical cacti, and low-maintenance desert plantings that echo the natural terrain, creating a harmonious blend. Accent lighting is integrated into the stairs and garden beds, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere as the sun sets over the mountains.

This backyard isn’t just an aesthetic statement; it’s a dynamic, modern, resort-style environment designed for relaxation, entertaining, and soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views that Fountain Hills is known for.

Merit Award, Commercial Pools

Nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, the Mountain Shadows sunset pool is a breathtaking example of refined desert luxury. This commercial pool was designed not only as a place to cool off and relax, but as a true visual experience, offering an iconic, unobstructed view of the majestic Camelback Mountain that rises dramatically in the background. The setting sun reflects off the rugged red rock, casting golden hues across the water and creating a serene, almost surreal atmosphere.

The pool itself is finished in a high-end Electric Blue Sea Glass Pebble Sheen interior, known for its durability and elegant shimmer. This premium surface brings a rich texture and a radiant sparkle to the water, enhancing the tranquil blues and reflecting the vivid Arizona sky above. Surrounding the pool, clean-lined concrete pavers offer a modern walking surface, while sleek stainless-steel railings and custom glass fencing ensure safety without compromising the majestic views of the golf course and iconic mountain.

This modern pool is surrounded by rows of loungers and white umbrellas, providing a chic, spa-like ambiance perfect for sunbathing or sipping cocktails. Whether you’re taking an early morning dip, relaxing at sunset, or enjoying a full day of resort living, the Mountain Shadows pool is a crown jewel of luxury hospitality in the Valley.

Merit Award, Freeform

This stunning Arizona backyard oasis perfectly blends natural desert beauty with refined, resort-style living. The focal point is a curvaceous, freeform pool that gracefully mirrors the surrounding landscape. Its organic shape softens the angular architecture of the home, providing a more relaxed and natural feel. At the shallow end, two stylish in-pool loungers are nestled on a Baja shelf, offering the perfect spot to soak in the sun while staying cool.

Wrapped in luxurious Noce Nuevo travertine paver decking, the entire pool deck feels both elegant and natural thanks to the neutral tones that complement the surrounding desert palette, seamlessly tying the built space to its environment.

A raised spa sits above the pool, finished in rich stonework, with spillway water features that gently cascade into the main body of water, adding a soothing sound and motion. The surrounding xeriscape is thoughtfully crafted by Designer Mike Lillis, with towering saguaros, barrel cacti, and native shrubs that require minimal maintenance while celebrating the Sonoran Desert’s rugged charm. With its balance of luxury and nature, this backyard captures the essence of upscale desert living.

Merit Award, Fun Features

This modern geometric pool is a vibrant, family-centric oasis that seamlessly blends style and functionality. Designed with clean lines and contemporary finishes, the pool features an eye-catching design element: a custom modern grotto and waterslide structure located at the far end. Clad in stacked stone and topped with sleek Frost travertine coping, this architectural centerpiece houses a built-in waterfall that adds a soothing auditory element to the space. It also features a great elevated surface for launching into the pool and performing your best cannonball, as well as a bench inside the grotto area for classic games like Marco Polo…Polo! 

The white slide emerges from the grotto’s sheltered area and curves into the main pool, offering endless fun for both children and adults. It transforms the sleek modern design into a playful destination ideal for creating lasting family memories. 

Designer Dave Grau also incorporated a nearby fountain jet in the shallow entry area, which adds another layer of interactive water play, making this space as dynamic as it is relaxing. The built-in baja shelf adds another destination for family fun, whether you’re relaxing in the water or splashing around in the shallow depth.  

A pergola structure adjacent to the spa zone offers shaded lounging, while the cozy built-in sectional seating area under the umbrella completes the resort-like feel. This backyard exemplifies modern outdoor living with a splash of adventure.

Arizona Award-Winning Backyard Designs

California Pools & Landscape holds the distinction of being one of just two builders to win 15 PHTA International Awards of Excellence in 2025.

This year, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance received a 22% increase in submissions compared to 2024, the highest number of submissions since 2017, and the judges had the difficult task of selecting the most outstanding projects. You can see the rest of the 2025 award winners in the October issue of Aqua Magazine. 

Since 1988, California Pools & Landscape has built award-winning backyard environments in the Phoenix metropolitan area. These 15 awards add to CPL’s legacy and demonstrate its continued commitment to being Arizona’s most trusted backyard builder.

Designing Your Own Backyard Oasis

Hopefully, these award-winning pool designs helped you identify elements you might enjoy in your dream backyard design. Selecting pool and backyard elements, as well as design features, is a fun part of the process! 

The elements in these award-winning pool designs are just a few of the many design options available at California Pools & Landscape. We’ve built a page that houses all of the ideas that could create the ultimate backyard experience. To see more design ideas, visit our Photo Galleries. 
Did any of these backyard designs leave you inspired? If you’re ready to start with your dream yard design, get started with one of our award-winning designers today.