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🏆 2026 WINNERS

The Pool Factory Annual Customer Photo Contest

Meet the backyards that stole the show

From sparkling water to beautifully finished backyard spaces, these customer photos stood out for composition, creativity, natural light, and the way they made the pool the centerpiece of summer.

See the WinnersView  Customer Stories
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1

Grand Prize Winner

2

Second Place Winners

3

Third Place Winners

10+

Honorable Mentions

GRAND PRIZE

The 2026 First Place Winner

The photo that best captured the feeling of a complete backyard oasis earns the top prize.

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🥇 FIRST PLACE • $1,000 GIFT CARD

William Rankin

  • Conestoga, Pennsylvania
  • Intrepid Oval Pool / 18' x 33' x 54"
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Customer Story

William found The Pool Factory while searching online for an above ground pool and felt the available options were a good fit for both his backyard and his family.

Since installing the pool, it has become much more than a place to swim. William says it has brought his family even closer together, especially when his granddaughters come over to enjoy it. The pool has also become a favorite gathering place for close friends, giving everyone another reason to spend time together outdoors.

Today, the pool is without question the centerpiece of William’s backyard and the part of the space his family enjoys most.

“The pool has brought our family even closer together. It’s become the place everyone looks forward to gathering, swimming, and spending time together.”

Runner Ups

Second Place Winners

Two standout entries each receive a $500 Pool Factory gift card.

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🥈 SECOND PLACE • $500

Jody Smaglis

  • Portland, Connecticut
  • Boreal Round Pool / 24' x 52"
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Customer Story

Jody chose The Pool Factory because the combination of competitive pricing, strong customer reviews, helpful service, and an appealing selection of pools made the decision feel easy and exciting.

Once the pool was installed, it became the starting point for a larger backyard transformation. Jody and family added a new deck and patio around it, creating a space that feels comfortable, inviting, and made for enjoying warm days outdoors.

Now, the pool is at the heart of the backyard and a favorite place to relax, cool off, and enjoy the space they created together.

“It all started with the pool, and from there we created a backyard space we love spending time in.”

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🥈 SECOND PLACE • $500

Lee Ann Martin

  • Stuart, Virginia
  • Saltwater 8000 Oval Pool / 12' x 24' x 54"
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Customer Story

Lee Ann chose The Pool Factory because of its reputation for reliability, quality products, and strong customer service. She felt confident knowing she was purchasing from a company with a proven track record and support available when needed.

When it came time to install the pool, Lee Ann found that carefully following the instructions made the process much smoother. Once everything was in place, the result was well worth the effort and quickly became a favorite part of the backyard.

What she enjoys most is how naturally the pool fits into the surrounding landscape. The finished setup feels cohesive, inviting, and beautiful throughout the summer.

“I love how the pool blends into our backyard. It’s something beautiful to look at and enjoy all summer long.”

More Winning Backyards

Third Place Winners

Three more customer backyards earn recognition and a $200 The Pool Factory gift card each.

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🥉 THIRD PLACE • $200

Kirk Holsapple

  • Greenville, Ohio
  • Quest Oval Pool / 21' x 43' x 54"
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Customer Story

Kirk chose The Pool Factory for the competitive price and the ease of ordering. He also appreciated that the pool arrived right on schedule, making the purchasing process simple from start to finish.

The pool arrived packaged together on a single pallet with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. For Kirk, this project was also a chance to refresh the backyard after replacing a pool that had been there for 12 years.

Now, the new pool has given the family a fresh space to relax, spend time together, and enjoy their backyard again.

“It was nice to bring the backyard back to life and have a new pool for everyone to enjoy.”

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🥉 THIRD PLACE • $200

Steve Zeis

  • Redding, California
  • Hampton Oval Pool / 8' x 16' x 52"
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Customer Story

Steve and his family had been searching for a pool that would fit a smaller backyard space without sacrificing style. They wanted something simple, attractive, and practical, and The Pool Factory had the right option for their needs.

After installation, Steve decided to go with a saltwater setup and says it has been well worth it. He appreciates the easier upkeep, lower ongoing maintenance costs, and the flexibility of a pool that works well in a compact space.

The best part, though, is how the pool brings the family together. Steve especially enjoys watching his seven grandchildren swim and spending warm summer evenings together in the backyard.

“Our favorite part is watching the grandkids enjoy the pool and making summer memories together.”

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🥉 THIRD PLACE • $200

Ricky Millwee

  • Wildomar, California
  • Tribeca Oval Pool / 15' x 30' x 54'
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Customer Story

Ricky chose The Pool Factory because of the quality and look of the pools. He felt the design and overall construction stood out from other options he had considered and gave him confidence that he was making the right choice for his backyard.

When it came time to install the pool, Ricky says patience and following the step-by-step instructions made all the difference. Taking the time to do each part correctly paid off, and he was very happy with the finished result.

Today, the pool has become a favorite place to relax, entertain, and spend time with friends and family. Whether everyone is swimming or gathering for a backyard barbecue, it has become a central part of how they enjoy the space.

“The pool has become our go-to place to relax, barbecue, and spend time together with friends and family.”

Customer Video Stories

See the backyard stories behind the photos

Contest participants also shared short vertical videos about their pools, installations, and favorite parts of their backyard. Swipe through a few of their stories below.

Bob Polzin

  • Wisconsin Rapids, WI
  • Saltwater LX / 12' x 24' x 54"
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Connie Murer

  • Columbia Falls, MT
  • Melenia / 27' x 54"
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Carson Jackson

  • Douglasville, GA
  • Saltwater LX / 24' x 54"
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Bernadette Todd

  • Washington, DC
  • Saltwater 8000 / 12' x 18' x 54"
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Daniel Kutnink

  • Farmington, MN
  • Melenia / 12' x 24' x 54"
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Anthony Martinez

  • Willis, MI
  • Intrepid / 18' x 33' x 54"
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Debi Clem

  • Shawnee, KS
  • Tribeca / 30' x 54"
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Michele Swital

  • West Islip, NY
  • Intrepid / 15' x 30' x 54"
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Steve Zeis

  • Redding, California
  • Hampton Oval Pool / 8' x 16' x 52"
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Alma Gutierrez

  • Magnolia, TX
  • Saltwater LX / 12' x 18' x 54"
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Dawn Hartman

  • Swartz Creek, MI
  • Signature RTL / 15' x 26' x 54"
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Doreen Matone

  • Cliffside Park, NJ
  • Signature RTL / 12' x 18' x 52"
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Gage Lightner

  • Shermans Dale, PA
  • Saltwater Aurora / 18' x 3' x 54"
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Mary DiGangi

  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Melenia / 10' x 16' x 54"
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Leslie Wardrep

  • Greeneville, TN
  • Saltwater LX / 18' x 33' x 54"
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Kevin Edwards

  • Houston, TX
  • Saltwater LX / 21' x 43' x 54"
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Chris Smith

  • Winter Haven, FL
  • Signature RTL / 18' x 52"
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Brian Graham

  • La Marque, TX
  • Boreal / 16' x 32' x 52"
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Melissa Crew

  • Lexington, AL
  • Saltwater Defender / 12' x 24' x 54"
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Honorable Mentions

Backyards we had to recognize

These entries earned a $100 Pool Factory gift card plus recognition in our 2026 contest recap.

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Elizabeth Christensen

  • Lawrence, Kansas
  • Saltwater LX Oval Pool / 12' x 20' x 54"
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Customer Story

Elizabeth and her family are now on their second pool from The Pool Factory. They chose us again because of the product quality, durability, and the way the pool holds up to daily use from their large family.

Installation was straightforward, and after getting everything level, the finished result came together just as they hoped.

Their favorite part is how the high deck and lower pool work together to create a backyard that feels like an oasis. For them, an above ground pool delivers a stylish and luxurious backyard experience at a fraction of the cost of an inground pool.

“Our backyard now feels like an oasis.”

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Lori Phillips

  • Basehor, Kansas
  • Hampton Round Pool / 33' x 52"
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Customer Story

Lori chose The Pool Factory for the combination of competitive pricing and quality pools, but what has stood out most is the service that followed. Five years after purchasing her pool, she says the customer service continues to be exceptional, with a team that is friendly, helpful, and always willing to answer her questions.

Her pool has become a favorite part of everyday life at home. She enjoys spending time in her backyard and appreciates having a space that continues to bring value and enjoyment years after the original purchase.

“I love my backyard home oasis. I enjoy spending time in my backyard every day.”

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Corey Cook

  • Greencastle, Indiana
  • Intrepid Oval Pool / 15' x 30' x 54"
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Customer Story

Corey and his family were looking for a pool that would last. After their previous steel-wall pool rusted and collapsed, they wanted something more durable, so they chose an Intrepid above ground pool from The Pool Factory and installed it themselves over a few weekends.

They took their time with the installation, making sure the ground was level and each step was done correctly. Corey says that careful preparation made all the difference, and he is glad they did not rush the process. The finished pool, paired with their new deck, has completely transformed the backyard.

Today, the pool is the centerpiece of their outdoor space and the highlight of the backyard oasis they built themselves.

“We love our pool, it’s the highlight and centerpiece of our new backyard oasis.”

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Chris Semerau

  • Llano, California
  • Signature RTL Oval Pool / 12' x 24' x 54"
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Customer Story

Chris wanted a complete pool package that could be delivered to his remote Hi-Desert property and make the installation process as straightforward as possible for a first-time pool owner. The Pool Factory gave him the confidence to take on the project himself, with everything arriving together and plenty of information available ahead of time so he knew what to expect.

After retiring, Chris decided it was finally time to transform a terraced dirt area behind his patio into the backyard retreat he had imagined. He chose a spot near the Joshua trees, then added decorative solar lighting before installing the pool and building a cantilevered flush deck around it. The project took planning, patience, and plenty of hands-on work, but he says online resources helped him work through the challenges along the way.

Today, the pool and deck have become the centerpiece of his Southern California backyard. Chris enjoys swimming, watching the sunset poolside, and sharing the finished space with family and friends.

“I’m proud to tell family and friends I did most of the work myself. From the pool to the deck, it has become the centerpiece of our backyard.”

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Clay Huffman

  • Loma, Colorado
  • Saltwater Twilight Round Pool / 18' x 54"
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Customer Story

Clay’s experience with The Pool Factory started before he ever placed an order. While researching above ground pools, he reached out with questions and received quick, helpful guidance that gave him confidence in both the purchase and the support he could expect afterward.

Because the project was completely DIY, Clay wanted to feel prepared before getting started. Between the answers he received directly from The Pool Factory and the information available in the FAQ section, he felt ready to move forward with the Saltwater Twilight. Shipping was fast, everything arrived together, and the pool installation itself was straightforward.

The project went far beyond just installing the pool. Clay and his family also reworked a large portion of the backyard, moving sprinklers, adding rock and plants, and building a deck around the pool. The result is a completely transformed outdoor space with the pool as the centerpiece.

“Our favorite part of the yard now is absolutely the pool. It brought the whole backyard together.”

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Gerard Filicko

  • Lancaster, Virginia
  • Saltwater LX Round Pool / 15' x 54"
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Customer Story

Gerard was looking for a pool that balanced value, convenience, and easy maintenance. The Saltwater LX stood out because of its price, one-stop shopping experience, and saltwater sanitizing options, which fit well with a lifestyle that does not allow for constant pool upkeep. He also appreciated the detailed setup, maintenance, and winterizing instructions, along with the support available online for new pool owners.

Getting the backyard exactly where the family wanted it took time. Over the course of three years, Gerard moved the pool location twice, worked through county approvals in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, dealt with multiple contractors, and ultimately took on much of the construction and preparation work himself. This season, everything finally came together with a new pool, deck, and entertainment area.

Today, the backyard has become a complete retreat for family and friends. The pool is surrounded by a comfortable deck, an attached converted boathouse, a grilling station, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the coastal Virginia setting. It has become a favorite gathering place, especially for Gerard’s six grandchildren.

“It’s finally the complete family retreat we envisioned, a place to swim, gather, grill, and enjoy the view together.”

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Jessica Bevier

  • Moravia, New York
  • Saltwater Aurora Oval Pool / 15' x 30' x 54"
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Customer Story

Jessica and her family chose The Pool Factory because it made their DIY pool project feel manageable from the start. They were able to find everything they needed in one place, and whenever questions came up, the knowledgeable team was there with helpful answers and guidance.

They knew they wanted an oval saltwater pool and liked the idea of installing it semi-inground. The Saltwater Aurora checked all the boxes, and Jessica says they could not be happier with the finished result. Beyond the look of the pool, they have also appreciated how simple it is to maintain.

The biggest reward has been seeing their entire backyard come together. After looking at other semi-inground installations for inspiration, they created a space of their own that feels polished, inviting, and exactly what they had envisioned.

“We absolutely love how our backyard came out. The pool turned our semi-inground vision into a backyard we couldn’t be happier with.”

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Terrence Richard

  • Broussard, Louisiana
  • Melenia Oval Pool / 15' x 30' x 54"
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Customer Story

Terrence chose The Pool Factory because the ordering process was straightforward and the team provided the guidance he needed to feel confident about his purchase. He appreciated having knowledgeable support available to help with installation best practices and product selection, and he says that same level of service continued after the sale.

Installation took a few people and about a day to complete, and Terrence has been very happy with the overall quality of the pool. He later upgraded the original liner to a thicker pattern liner from The Pool Factory and was equally satisfied with the result.

Today, the pool has become a favorite place to spend time with family. Terrence especially enjoys relaxing on the deck, reading, and simply enjoying the backyard.

“The pool has become our place to relax, spend time with family, and enjoy the backyard.”

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Lawrence Gardezi

  • La Mirada, California
  • Saltwater LX Oval Pool / 12' x 18' x 54"
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Customer Story

Lawrence originally purchased his pool during the COVID years, when his young son was eager for a pool and options were limited. With help from The Pool Factory, he was able to create a backyard setup that fit the space and matched the look he wanted, including counter-sunk installation details, river rock, and carefully hidden equipment.

Over the years, The Pool Factory has continued to support the pool with replacement parts and supplies, including a new liner in 2023. Lawrence says the team has always been helpful and easy to work with whenever he has needed assistance.

Today, the pool blends naturally into the backyard alongside the outdoor kitchen and surrounding hardscape, creating a clean, finished space the whole family can enjoy.

“The pool fits right into the backyard and feels like it was always meant to be there.”

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Laura Jeffer

  • Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
  • Saltwater Titan Oval Pool / 10' x 16' x 54"
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Customer Story

Laura loves how naturally her pool fits into her backyard and patio area. The sturdy construction, reliable pump, and filtration system have helped keep the water clear and made the pool easy to enjoy throughout the season.

She especially enjoys spending time in the pool and appreciates how well it complements the rest of her yard. Even when she is not swimming, Laura says she loves looking out at the pool from her deck and seeing it as part of the overall backyard setting.

“My pool is my favorite part of the yard. I love swimming in it, and I love looking at it from my deck.”

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Annette Pellegrino

  • Conway, South Carolina
  • Quest Oval Pool / 12' x 20' x 54"
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Customer Story

Annette chose The Pool Factory after speaking with the customer service team and getting the answers she needed before making her purchase. She was impressed by how helpful the support was and how quickly her pool was delivered, which made the entire buying experience feel easy from the start.

She also appreciated having a wide selection of pool styles to choose from and was able to find a design that fit the look she wanted for her backyard.

Today, the pool and surrounding deck have become the centerpiece of the space and the part of the backyard she enjoys most.

“My pool is, without a doubt, my favorite part of the backyard, especially with the deck built around it.”

Tell us about your pool and your experience.

Add the customer’s answer here.

What Made Them Stand Out

Winning photos made the pool the hero

Judges looked for thoughtful, high-quality images that help future pool owners picture a backyard like this at their own home.

Bright natural light

Sunny conditions make the water, pool wall, and landscaping feel vivid and inviting.

Entire pool visible

Wide compositions clearly show the shape of the pool and the surrounding installation.

Clean surroundings

Polished decks, yards, landscaping, and uncluttered scenes keep attention on the pool.

Strong composition

Thoughtful angles and centered framing turn a backyard photo into a showcase image.

Get Inspired

Ready to build your own backyard oasis?

Explore The Pool Factory’s above ground pools and start planning a backyard worth photographing.