PSP/Deck Expo Opens Its Million Dollar Pool Design ChallengePSP/Deck Expo Opens Its Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge
Five finalists will be selected to receive a trip to the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo 2022 and vie for a first-time-ever $10,000 prize, provided by Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems. The finalists will present their design solutions to their peers during an on-floor education session.
June 7, 2022

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Las Vegas, Nevada–The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) has opened submissions for its design competition. The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge offers pool designers the opportunity to create a mock outdoor living area, with a minimum $1 million budget. For the first time, designers can win a top prize of $10,000 thanks to the lead sponsor, Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems.
Reid Schindler and Mike Farley, each with a degree in landscape architecture and a combined background of over 50 years of award-winning pool-design experience, are teaming up with the PSP/Deck Expo for the fourth time to discover the industry's top designers.
The design competition is now accepting submissions via an online form. The deadline to submit is Sept. 18. Five finalists, including a young professional (under 29 years of age) will be named in early fall.
Each of the finalists will receive a complimentary Super Pass travel stipend and a two-night stay in Las Vegas, where they will participate in the Million Dollar Pool Finalist session within the conference program and present their designs. Live voting during the session will determine the winner of the challenge, who will be named at its conclusion.
“Get ready to make your mark on the pool design industry,” said Farley. “We're looking for bold ideas that exemplify a designer’s creativity, along with a viable plan to create their pool vision.”
PSP/Deck Expo takes place Nov. 15–17, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Pre-show education occurs Nov. 12–14. The main conference education curriculum will be offered while the expo floor is open, from Nov. 15–17.
Pool Design Scenario
Background
The clients are two lawyers—a husband and wife—who live in Chicago. They are seeking a nice setting for their home, which has a lower terrace area, front approach and rooftop terrace. Their goals for the space are health, wellness and self-care. The space will be used seasonally; as a Chicago-based project, the designer should consider wind, sun direction and shade. The couple will entertain six to 12 guests maximum.
Aesthetics and View
Keep the view open, if possible, but the clients also want privacy
Prefer to have natural elements, but they love structured design
Elements to Include
The use of a Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems application (lazy river, swim current system or whitewater current)
A fire element to gather around
Cool lighting
A real or synthetic lawn space
The use of Ledge Lounger furniture
A hot tub and cold plunge are needed, possibly a sauna
An outdoor kitchen
“This is a great opportunity for designers at every level to get the recognition that they deserve,” said Schindler. “We're looking for designers who can combine the perfect amount of form and function while keeping the homeowners’ wants and needs in the forefront of their design.”
Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems is the lead sponsor of the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.
“Designing with Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems unlocks many facets,” said Phil de Tournillon, VP, Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems. “From exercise with swim current to fun and adventure with lazy river current or whitewater current while having a small design footprint.”
Additional sponsors are Ledge Lounger, EstimCad, Pool Magazine and the PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.
The winning designers will take home a cash prize of:
1st Place – $10,000 (sponsored by Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems)
2nd Place – $3,000
3rd Place – $1,250
4th Place – $750
5th Place – $500
One of the five spots is guaranteed to a young professional (age 29 or below at the time of submission), whose trip to PSP/Deck Expo will be sponsored by PHTA WAVE Young Professionals Network.
Pool | Spa | Patio Expo co-located with Deck Expo 2022
PSP/Deck Expo brings together builders, service techs, retailers and distributors. Thousands of members from the pool, spa, patio, decking and outdoor living community attend PSP/Deck Expo to engage with the latest products and services and to network. These interactions come in the form of new and existing connections, education sessions, demonstrations and more.
PSP/Deck Expo actively collaborates across the entire pool, spa, backyard and decking industries to provide participants the most comprehensive array of networking, education and technology available. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is the official Show Sponsor, GENESIS® is the official Show Endorser, Pool and Spa News (PSN) is the official Show Publication and the North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA) is the Deck Expo Show Sponsor.
For more information, go online or contact Senior Marketing Manager, Megan Magaña. You can directly submit via the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge submission form.
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