The Pool Factory Photo Contest: Real Backyards. Real Families. Real Memories.

Discover Real Customer Backyard Transformations

When you’re shopping for an above ground pool online, it’s easy to find polished marketing photos. What matters more is seeing how a pool looks in a real backyard after a real family has spent months or years enjoying it. That’s exactly why The Pool Factory’s Annual Photo Contest has become one of our favorite traditions. Every year, customers from across the United States submit photos of their completed backyard projects, showing how their above ground pools and semi-inground pools have transformed their homes. From first-time DIY installations to beautifully landscaped backyard retreats, these photos tell the real story behind every pool we sell. More importantly, these aren’t professional models or staged photography. They’re our customers, their families, and the memories they’ve created. If you’re looking for inspiration before purchasing an above ground pool, there may not be a better place to start.

Why We Created Our Annual Photo Contest

Buying a pool is a major investment. Customers want to know:

• Can homeowners really install these pools themselves?
• Will it become something the whole family enjoys?
• Is The Pool Factory really as highly rated as customers say?

Instead of simply telling you the answers, we let our customers show you. Each year, homeowners enter our photo contest by sharing:

• Photos of their finished backyard
• Why they chose The Pool Factory
• Their installation experience
• Their favorite part of owning a pool

Those photos don’t just inspire future customers they’re featured throughout our website, including many of our individual product pages, helping shoppers see our pools in real-life settings instead of computer renderings.

Real Customers. Real Stories.

One of the things we love most is that every family’s story is different. Some customers wanted a backyard their grandchildren would never want to leave. Others dreamed of creating a private backyard resort. Many simply wanted a place where family could spend more time together.

One customer shared:

“Our pool has become the heart of our backyard, bringing us together for family time, cookouts, celebrations, and countless summer memories.”

Another customer described the investment perfectly:

“Choosing The Pool Factory wasn’t just about buying a pool—it was about investing in quality time, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Those are exactly the kinds of stories that remind us why we do what we do.

Thousands of Families Have Built Their Own Backyard Paradise

One of the biggest misconceptions about above ground pools is that installation is overwhelming. Our customers consistently prove otherwise. Many of our photo contest winners installed their own pools with family members.

One customer explained:

“My wife and I installed it ourselves. It was the first time ever doing a pool…all the parts were there and it ended up awesome.”

Another shared:

“Me, my wife, and our two kids installed it in one day.”

While every installation requires planning and preparation, hearing directly from homeowners gives future buyers confidence that a DIY installation is achievable with the right preparation.

More Than a Pool A Backyard Transformation

The comments we receive aren’t just about swimming. They’re about transforming an unused backyard into the favorite part of the home.

Customers describe their backyards as:

• Their private resort
• A peaceful retreat
• The centerpiece of family gatherings
• Their favorite place after work
• A place where children and grandchildren make lifelong memories

One homeowner said:

“We transformed our backyard to feel like a resort.”

Another described it simply:

“Our backyard is becoming a mini vacation daily.”

Perhaps our favorite comment came from a customer who said:

“We would rather be home enjoying the pool than go on vacation.”

That’s exactly what backyard living is all about.

Why Customers Continue Choosing The Pool Factory

Reading through hundreds of photo contest entries, several themes appear over and over again.

Competitive Pricing

Many customers compared local pool stores before purchasing. One customer noted local retailers wanted more than twice the price for a similar pool. Another simply answered:

“Price, price, and price.”

Outstanding Customer Service

Buying online doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Customers repeatedly mention our knowledgeable staff, fast responses, and willingness to answer installation questions before, during, and after delivery. One homeowner wrote:

“Customer service is amazing.”

Another shared:

“Whenever I called with questions they were always friendly and helpful.”

Fast Shipping

Many customers commented on how quickly their pool arrived. Pools are carefully packaged and delivered on pallets, allowing homeowners to begin planning their installation immediately.

Quality Products

Whether customers chose one of our premium resin pools, a semi-inground pool, or a traditional above ground pool, the feedback consistently focuses on quality, durability, and long-term satisfaction. Many customers also appreciate being able to customize complete pool packages with the equipment, liner, filtration system, and accessories that best fit their backyard.

Helping Future Customers Make Better Decisions

One reason we feature photo contest entries on many of our product pages is simple: Nothing builds confidence like seeing hundreds of successful installations from real homeowners. Every submitted photo helps answer questions such as:

• How does this pool look with landscaping?
• Can I add a composite deck?
• What does a semi-inground installation look like?
• How does this pool fit into different backyard sizes?
• What can I expect after installation?

Instead of imagining the possibilities, you can see them.

Enter Our Next Annual Photo Contest

Already purchased your pool from The Pool Factory?

We’d love to see what you’ve created. Whether your backyard features a simple family pool or a complete outdoor oasis, your experience could inspire the next family looking to transform their backyard. Share your photos, tell us your story, and show other homeowners what’s possible. Who knows? Your backyard could be featured on one of our product pages, in our marketing materials, or become one of our next Photo Contest winners.

Create Your Backyard Story with The Pool Factory

At The Pool Factory, we don’t just sell above ground pools we help families create places where memories are made.

For more than 30 years, we’ve helped homeowners across the country find the right pool for their space, budget, and lifestyle. Our annual Photo Contest is a celebration of those families and the incredible backyards they’ve created. Browse our customer gallery, explore real backyard transformations, and discover why so many homeowners trust The Pool Factory to bring their dream backyard to life. Your backyard could be next.

Real Customers. Real Backyards. Real Memories.

Every backyard has a story. Every family has a reason they decided to invest in a pool. Our Annual Photo Contest gives homeowners the opportunity to share their experiences, from why they chose The Pool Factory to how their backyard has become their favorite place to spend time. These are just a few of the stories our customers have shared with us over the years.

Patrick C. — Indiana

Patrick spent months researching above ground pools before making his purchase. Like many homeowners, buying a pool online was a big decision.

"Spending almost $8,000 online is a bit nervy, but if it worked out—which it most definitely did—it'd be well worth it in the long run. Everything was delivered on a pallet, every question I had was only a phone call away, and the finished pool turned out better than I imagined."

Today, Patrick says his pool has completely transformed his backyard.

"The pool is 100% the centerpiece of the backyard now."

Michele S. — New York

For Michele, the goal wasn't simply installing a pool—it was creating a backyard destination for family and friends.

"We transformed our backyard to feel like a resort. The pool put the final touches on making our backyard look beautiful. We throw pool parties, barbecue together, and everyone is blown away by how it all came together."

She credits The Pool Factory's customer service with helping every step of the process.

"Whenever I called with questions, everyone was friendly and helpful. Great experience. Thank you Pool Factory for EVERYTHING!"

Mariela C. — Texas

Mariela wanted a pool that would bring her family together for years to come.

"Our pool has completely transformed our backyard into our favorite place to spend time together. Whether we're relaxing after work, hosting family gatherings, or enjoying the Texas sunshine, it has become the heart of our home."

Her favorite part?

"Watching family and friends gather, laugh, and make memories together."

Angela V. — Florida

Living in Florida meant Angela wanted a pool that could withstand saltwater while fitting perfectly into her backyard.

"I researched for quite a while before discovering the Aurora resin pool. It wouldn't rust with saltwater and came in exactly the size I needed."

She says delivery and installation exceeded her expectations.

"Having our own sparkling clean saltwater pool in the Florida heat is priceless."

Bob P. — Wisconsin

As a first-time pool owner, Bob wanted guidance just as much as he wanted a quality pool.

"The Pool Factory helped guide me to everything I needed for my vision. Their staff was prompt, professional, knowledgeable, and shipping was fast."

Today, his backyard is exactly what he envisioned.

"We'll have many years of enjoyment with our kids and grandchildren."

Sheila F. — Virginia

After purchasing her first pool from The Pool Factory several years ago, choosing them again was an easy decision.

"The website is easy to navigate, customer service is amazing, and maintaining the pool is simple."

Her backyard has become a peaceful retreat.

"We love floating in the pool while listening to the birds around the gardens."

Peggy F. — Louisiana

Peggy wanted a premium semi-inground pool and appreciated having knowledgeable support whenever questions came up.

"Customer service was always friendly and helpful. Great experience."

Her backyard has become the family's favorite gathering place.

"Everyone loves coming over to spend the day barbecuing and relaxing by the pool."

Nicole P. — West Virginia

Nicole and her husband tackled their installation themselves.

"Take your time. Level, level, and level. Every time we called The Pool Factory with questions, someone helped us."

The result speaks for itself.

"Our backyard is becoming our own vacation spot—a mini vacation every day."

Lester R. — Georgia

Lester made his pool installation a true family project.

"My wife, our two kids, and I installed the pool in one day. I built the deck the following week."

Now his family spends more time at home than anywhere else.

"We'd rather be home enjoying the pool than go on vacation."

Madelene F. — Pennsylvania

Madelene was initially skeptical about ordering a pool online, but the experience quickly put her at ease.

"I took a chance. Everything showed up perfectly, and ordering online was so easy."

Today she enjoys more than just swimming.

"The landscaping around the pool makes the backyard feel peaceful and welcoming."

Why One Family Chose The Pool Factory

One family shared that choosing The Pool Factory came down to reputation, quality, and trust.

"Our pool has become the heart of our backyard, bringing us together for family time, cookouts, celebrations, and countless summer memories."

Looking back, they believe the investment was about much more than a swimming pool.

"Choosing The Pool Factory wasn't just about buying a pool—it was about investing in quality time, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime."

Another Family's Story

Another customer encouraged anyone considering an above ground pool to take the leap.

"If you're thinking about getting a pool, don't hesitate. It's been one of the best investments we've ever made for our family."

Their favorite place at home is now easy to identify.

"Our backyard is where we relax, grill, swim, and create memories together every summer."

A DIY Success Story

One homeowner had never installed a pool before purchasing from The Pool Factory.

"My wife and I did all the work ourselves. It was our first pool installation, every part was there, and it turned out awesome."

Now, there's only one place the family wants to spend their time.

"Our grandkids love it, and we love how beautiful it made our backyard."

A Repeat Customer

After moving to a new home, one customer didn't even consider another retailer.

"We bought our first pool from The Pool Factory in 2020. When we moved, they were our only consideration."

Their advice for prospective buyers is simple.

"Take your time choosing the right pool, follow the instructions, and enjoy every moment with the people you love."

Price Made the Difference

Another customer compared multiple local pool retailers before purchasing.

"Local stores wanted more than twice as much. The Pool Factory gave us the quality we wanted at a price that made sense."

Delivery and installation went exactly as planned.

"Everything arrived on a pallet, every part was there, and installation went smoothly.”