Pool of the Year

Winning Pool of the Year isn't just about how a pool looks, though that's certainly part of it. It comes down to innovative design, usability, materials, landscaping and how it all comes together as one cohesive space. This year's winners span curved courtyard showstoppers, a bold black beauty that took out both Gold and People's Choice, a clever double-infinity build that's really two pools in one, and renovations that turned structural headaches into family favourites. From full custom builds to sub-$100k transformations, here's what made this year's standouts so special.

Congratulations to Mayfair Pools Northland – Ultra Custom Pools, this year’s winner of the 2026 Platinum Pool of the Year award. A beautifully curved custom pool brings flow and contrast to this expansive courtyard.

A bold, design-led poolscape by Mayfair Pools Manawatu to match the striking character of the home balancing high-impact aesthetics with easy entertaining and everyday family use. The final result is a striking design that balances sophistication with practicality.

This innovative double-infinity design turns a sloping riverside site into a flexible poolscape that offers two pools in one. A novel and really quite sensible use of infinity pool technology. This innovative pool build by Mayfair Pools Waikato can operate as two separate pools, creating a novel layered effect through the landscape.

A modern, welcoming spa pool designed for relaxation and connection. Beautiful by day and inviting by night, this is a space made to be shared. Soft curves, fresh tones, and warm timber screening make it a calm oasis in a busy holiday park — while thoughtful accessibility features ensure enjoyment for all. By Mayfair Tauranga & Whakatane

The Fulton Swim School pool got a full transformation by Mayfair Pools Wellington & Kapiti. Working closely with the team at the swim school, Mayfair resurfaced and revitalised the existing pool with a sleek new fibreglass finish that's durable, hygienic, and easy to maintain, with the updated surface enhancing water clarity while improving safety and comfort for young swimmers.

This tranquil Manawatū family retreat — built by Mayfair Pools Manawatū — proves that the best pools aren't just beautiful, they're built for connection. The client wanted a space that would draw their two school-aged boys outside, away from screens and schedules, with the pool designed to become that anchor for family life.

Tucked into a terraced garden by Mayfair Pools & Spas - Taupo & Rotorua, this project has a small footprint but big impact.

This elevated pool and spa transform a terraced garden into a private retreat, combining clean lines, warm decking and geothermal heating for year-round enjoyment.

Reshaped and refreshed, this once-awkward pool has been transformed into a cleaner, more practical space that feels better connected to the home and courtyard. The result is a pool area that works far better for everyday living. Congratulations to Mayfair Auckland Central.

Another refurbishment project that no one else wanted to deal with. This pool was fully re-engineered with new reinforcing and concrete work. Once again, the Mayfair Nelson team were up for the challenge – the pool had significant structural defects but the location of the pool was stunning with expansive views and deserved a major overhaul.

Winning Pool the Year is not just about aesthetics (though of course that's one of the key considerations). Other factors that are considered include innovative pool design, usability, materials, landscaping, and cohesiveness. So let's round up this year's Pool of the Year winners – and what makes them so special.

A treetop oasis, where bold engineering meets pure elegance, wins the Platinum award at this year’s Pool of the Year awards.

Limited space, a gorgeous architectural home, a spectacular view, and a wish to keep the home cohesive with the surrounding nature all combined to inspire this incredible design.