Aquarius Pools has built a strong award record, yet water feature honours are a separate matter. Published results list its wins in commercial, sustainable, and Pool of the Year categories. Aquarius Pools’ industry awards do not include a dedicated water feature title in the public sources reviewed. Nevertheless, the company builds striking water features into many projects, and this article explains both the awards and the design work.
Key Takeaways
- SPASA runs Best Water Feature categories at both state and national level.
- Published lists show other builders won those titles in 2012 and 2017.
- Aquarius Pools won Pool of the Year at SPASA Victoria in 2012 and 2016.
- The company also earned national commercial and sustainable awards in 2012 and 2023.
- Aquarius projects include overflow walls, ponds, sculptures, and LED-lit spas that act as water features.
- A well-designed feature does not equal an award in that category.
- Buyers should check every award claim against the awarding body’s published winners list.
What the Published Record Shows
Public records give a clear picture of Aquarius Pools’ wins. The company took Pool of the Year at SPASA Victoria in 2012 and 2016. In addition, it won national gold for Best Commercial Pool over $250,000 and for Sustainable Pool in 2012. Moreover, 2023 brought two national commercial awards from SPASA Australia. However, none of the lists reviewed shows a Best Water Feature title for Aquarius Pools. Accordingly, this article treats water features as a design strength, not as a claimed award.
How Water Feature Categories Work
SPASA recognises awards for water features as a distinct class. At the state level, SPASA Victoria includes a Best Water Feature category. The national program used a similar Water Features category in 2012. Furthermore, state gold winners advance to the national round. Entries usually showcase fountains, spillways, ponds, or sculptural elements beside or inside a pool. Therefore, the category rewards creative use of moving water as much as sound construction.
Past Winners in Water Feature Categories
Other builders have claimed these titles. In 2012, Aloha Pools won Best Water Feature at SPASA Victoria. At the national level that year, AVP Commercial Pools of Western Australia took gold, whereas Aquastone Pools and Landscapes won silver. Subsequently, Neptune Swimming Pools won gold in 2017, and Cookes Pools and Spas earned Highly Commended. Consequently, the field changes from year to year, and no single builder owns the category.
Water Features in Aquarius Pools Projects
Aquarius projects often include moving or illuminated water. For instance, one Melbourne pool uses a sleek overflow wall that sends water into a pond. Chris Jackson describes the effect as both visual and audible from the living areas. Additionally, an architectural courtyard pool works as a family pool and as a water feature visible from inside and outside the home. Furthermore, a family pool and spa glow with LED lights at night and form a feature of their own.
Where Aquarius Pools Has Won Instead
The company’s strongest results sit in other areas. Its commercial work earned two national awards in 2023, and its sustainable pool won national gold in 2012. In addition, the 2021 Master Pool Builders Association awards named the firm Pool of the Year. Indeed, water-saving tools fit that sustainability record. Specifically, one profiled pool uses water tanks and an automatic slat cover to cut evaporation and hold water temperature steady.
Judging Signals Buyers Can Apply
Buyers can treat award criteria as a design checklist. Not only should a water feature look striking, but it should also run reliably and quietly. For example, an overflow wall needs correct levels and well-sized pumps. Moreover, lighting, cleaning access, and water use all matter. Therefore, ask any builder how each feature handles maintenance. Accordingly, a feature that photographs well but needs constant repair adds little value.
Checking Claims Before You Rely on Them
Always check award claims against the source. SPASA and trade outlets such as SPLASH Magazine publish winners after each event. Furthermore, a builder’s own listing should show the year, the awarding body, and the category. In particular, search the winners list for awards for water features and read the exact category name, since similar titles can mislead. Readers who want accurate details on Aquarius Pools’ industry awards can compare these sources with the company’s own listings.
