World's Greatest Pools

Contest Criteria & Submission Forms

Contest Criteria

To qualify for consideration, PebbleTec pool builders must provide:

High-Quality Photography & Videography

Submit Only High-Quality Photography & Videography:

Photo Requirements:

  1. It is highly recommended that a professional photographer with a 24MP (or larger) DSLR camera and tripod be used for all photography to ensure the highest quality image possible.
  2. If a professional photographer is being used, please make sure that either: (1) you are the copyright owner of the photograph, or (2) if the photographer is retaining the copyrights of the photograph, that the photographer consents to granting PTI use of the photograph. Please see the “Legal” section on the application form.
  3. Due to the high-quality printing of this oversized book (winning pools are printed at an impressive 22 inches wide), all images must have a very high resolution. Therefore, photos must be taken with a 24MP (or larger) DSLR camera with a MINIMUM native image size of approximately 6000 pixels wide x 4000 pixels high.
  4. Photos must be provided in landscape format (not portrait).
  5. Photos must be in JPEG, TIF or RAW format. PNG files will NOT be accepted.
  6. Photos must be in RGB mode (Adobe RGB 1998 preferred). CMYK files will NOT be accepted.
  7. All submitted photos must feature pools created using Pebble Technology International finishes. (Including PTI Fire & Water or Lightstreams Tiles is a bonus.)
  8. Photos must NOT show any hoses in the pool or pool/yard cleaning tools around the pool.
  9. Photos must NOT include any people.
  10. JPEG, TIF and RAW file formats are acceptable.
  11. Up-sampling lower resolution images with Photoshop or other software does not produce a quality image and will NOT be accepted.
  12. Smartphone photos (Apple, Android, etc.) will NOT be accepted.
  13. Drone images must be taken with a 24MP Camera or they will NOT be accepted.

Shooting Recommendations:

1. Hire a professional photographer with a 24MP (or larger) DSLR camera with prime lenses to capture the highest quality and most compelling images of your project.
2. Prepare the pool by making sure the pool is clear of distractions, such as calcium stains, puddles on the deck and any water debris.
3. Observe the pool at different times of day and request the photographer shoot it at the time it looks best. (Tell the photographer to shoot for sharpness and set the camera’s aperture to f/11 – f/13 to ensure that everything is in focus.
4. Request they use a wide angle lens to capture the entire pool (18 to 24MM).
5. Photos should be taken at the optimal time of day to showcase the most appealing aspects of the pool. Typically, early morning, late afternoon or twilight provide the most dramatic light, though some pools that are surrounded by trees may need to be photographed closer to mid-day
6. Avoid shooting on cloudy or overcast days.
7. Avoid shooting late at night, as pool lights may skew the water color, distorting the beauty of the finish color.

Award Requirements for Prestigious Cover Photo:

To be considered for the book cover photo, your image must be taken with a 48MP+ camera, or you may provide an optional portrait image taken with a 24MP Camera (Minimum); Drone shots will NOT be considered for the cover. Note that all contest entries require landscape images, per our rules; if your image is chosen for the cover of the book, we will adjust the sizing to portrait format.

Video Requirements:​

1. It is highly recommended that a professional videographer is used to ensure the highest quality video possible (shoot at 60 frames per second or higher and target resolution of 4K or 1080p minimum).
2. If a professional videographer is being used, please make sure that either: (1) you are the copyright owner of the video, or (2) if the videographer is retaining the copyrights of the video, that the videographer consents to granting PTI use of the video. All videos may be used for PebbleTec Marketing use including website, displays and social media. Please see the “Legal” section on the application form.
3. Videos must be 30-60 seconds in length. PebbleTec reserves the right to show portions of the video as appropriate for application.
4. Focus on slow movement, pans, and tilts, and ensure good light quality.
5. All submitted videos must feature pools created using Pebble Technology International finishes. (Including PTI Fire & Water or Lightstreams Tiles is a bonus.).
6. Video entries should fit into at least one of four categories:
    • Videos touring backyards that include a PebbleTec pool, Fire & Water features or Lightstreams Glass Tile
    • Beautiful drone footage of PebbleTec pools
    • Videos of PebbleTec poolscapes coming together (Before to After)
    • Your own video on why to choose PebbleTec finishes for Remodel Projects
Permission to Use

Check the “Permission to Use” box to indicate that you have granted PTI full permission to freely use all images and support statements in marketing materials, social media and/or website. PebbleTec also reserves the right to use photos and videos for some Thumbstopper distribution social media with limited branding.

(NOTE: This is required to qualify for judging.)

Submission Guidelines

Provide all the information requested on the form:

  • List the builder location, NOT the pool location. If the builder has multiple locations, use the associated pool office location.
  • List finish type and color:  Standard PTI, rather than custom, colors are recommended.
  • Flag all PebbleTec Fire & Water features, Belgard pavers/hardscape, Moisture Shield decking and Lightstreams glass tile elements.
  • Check whether the pool is a new build or remodel. (NOTE: All pool remodels must be significant projects of excellent craftsmanship, affecting pool finish as well as other elements.)
  • Describe why you chose PTI for this project. (Please be specific on what you liked most—whether product beauty, durability, consistency, onsite quality assurance support, consumer request or something else.)
  • Describe your inspiration for this project.
  • Describe what was innovative or particularly challenging about this project.
  • Note: All requested information must be 100% complete or your submission cannot be accepted for judging.  All information is considered correct and final at your submission.

2024 World’s Greatest Pools Submission Forms

The 2024 submission period is now open! All submissions must be received by February 15, 2024—and must meet ALL requirements on our criteria page above to qualify for judging by our professional industry panel.

Submit a Residential Pool Photo Entry
Submit a Pool Video Entry
Submit a Commercial Pool Photo Entry

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For questions about this contest, please feel free to call us at 480-467-4006.  We’re here to help!