Pool News
Pool Designers Are Using AI—Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to pitching clients on the dream of adding a swimming pool to their backyard, a picture is really worth a thousand words. And in today’s world of AI-powered design tools, that picture can be generated in seconds. But which rendering engine delivers the most stunning, realistic visuals for pool and landscape designers?
Which AI Design Tools Produce The Best Results For Creating Pool Design Concepts?
While there are many tools available, for the purposes of pool and landscape design, we tested three of the top contenders—Leonardo, Sora, and Google Veo 3—to see which one reigns supreme. For our benchmark testing, we used the same set of prompts across all three platforms, evaluating both image and video rendering. While some engines were faster than others, our focus wasn’t speed—it was the quality of the final output. Google Veo 3 consistently delivered above-average results across multiple test prompts.
1. Google Veo 3 – Best Overall for Photo-Realism
Veo 3, Google’s next-gen video and image generation AI, produces renderings that are almost indistinguishable from real life. Whether you’re generating images of a modern poolscape with sleek travertine decking or a lush tropical oasis complete with swaying palms, Veo nails the realism. Lighting, reflections, textures, and even subtle environmental details feel cinematic.

✅ Pros:
- Ultra-realistic: Veo consistently produces the most photo-realistic renderings across varied settings.
- Excellent with outdoor environments: Water, sky, shadows, and vegetation look real.
- Strong prompt interpretation: With the right input, Veo picks up on architectural styles, pool shapes, landscaping elements, and ambiance better than the rest.
❌ Cons:
- Limited availability: At the time of writing, access to Veo may still be restricted, requiring signups or waitlists.
- Steeper learning curve: To really unlock Veo’s capabilities, you need to be precise and descriptive with prompts.
- More expensive to run: In comparison to both Sora and Leonardo, Google Veo 3 was considerably more expensive.
💬 Our Impression:
If you’re going for videos with realism and want to wow your clients with visuals that feel like high-end photography, Google Veo is the clear winner.
2. Sora – Runner-Up for Realism with Stylized Flair
Sora, OpenAI’s powerful video and image generation engine, isn’t far behind. It shines with cinematic depth and stylized realism. While it doesn’t quite hit the raw photographic accuracy of Veo, it delivers results that feel like something out of a luxury real estate magazine. Sora’s strength lies in its ability to capture mood and tone—think golden hour lighting, dramatic angles, and atmosphere.

✅ Pros:
- High-end aesthetic: Perfect for showing off aspirational backyard lifestyle scenes.
- Dynamic compositions: Great at producing dramatic or story-driven scenes.
- Responsive to artistic prompts: Excellent at adding emotion and tone through light and shadow.
❌ Cons:
- Still developing fine detail: Up-close realism (e.g., tile texture, pool surface) may not be as strong as Veo.
- Occasionally too artistic: Some renderings feel more like concept art than real-world visuals.
💬 Our Impression:
Sora is a strong option if you want to present an elevated, emotional version of a space—great for marketing materials and lifestyle branding.
3. Leonardo – Solid Option (3D & Photo-Realistic Rendering)
Leonardo has become a favorite among pool designers looking to quickly generate images with 3D visual style. It produces renderings that resemble the look of today’s popular design software. While it doesn’t offer the level of detail that Veo and Sora do, Leonardo delivers useful, clean, and photo-realistic visuals.

✅ Pros:
- Fast and accessible:
Easy to generate multiple angles quickly. - Consistent with 3D-style presentations:
Clients used to 3D rendering style visuals will feel right at home. - Excellent model training:
Great for designers who want branded or consistent styling.
❌ Cons:
- 3D rendering aesthetic:
Looks more like a simulation than reality. - Flat lighting:
Often lacks depth, shadow play, and realism. - Surface detail lacking:
Water reflections and materials can appear overly smoothed or plasticky.
💬 Our Impression:
Leonardo’s AI engine is a workhorse for everyday design concepts, but not ideal if you want that jaw-dropping realism.
🎖️ Honorable Mentions: Other Notable AI Modeling Engines
For our benchmark testing, we used the same set of prompts across all three platforms, evaluating both image and video rendering. While some engines were faster than others, our focus wasn’t speed—it was the quality of the final output. Google Veo 3 consistently delivered above-average results across multiple test prompts. Veo 3, Sora, and Leonardo topped our list; however, several other AI platforms are certainly worth mentioning:
- MidJourney
Great for conceptual sketches and stylistic mood boards, but not specifically tailored for outdoor realism. - DALL·E 3
Solid for advanced pool concepts but still struggles with complex perspective, depth, and realism. This can be overcome with better proprietary prompting directly inside of ChatGPT. - Runway ML
Strong in video generation and editing tools, good for presentations but not the best in still image realism. - Stable Diffusion
With the right model training, Stable Diffusion can deliver impressive results, but it requires technical skill and patience.
🗑️ Garbage In, Garbage Out: Mastering Prompt Writing for Better AI Renderings
One of the most overlooked factors in achieving jaw-dropping AI-generated designs? The quality of your prompt. You’ve probably heard the phrase “Garbage In, Garbage Out” before—nowhere does it apply more than in AI rendering. The tools are powerful, but they’re not mind readers. What you put into your prompt directly affects what comes out. If your results feel generic, inconsistent, or off-target, chances are your prompt was too vague.
Why Prompt Quality Matters
AI rendering engines don’t interpret your intent—they interpret your words. Without clear guidance, the AI fills in the gaps with random guesses, which often leads to:
- Incorrect pool shapes
- Unnatural lighting
- Inaccurate materials
- Misplaced features (like deck jets spraying into nowhere)
Getting hyper-specific is the difference between a polished, professional rendering… and something that looks like a Minecraft mod gone wrong. Google Veo 3, Sora, and Leonardo do an excellent job of polishing prompts to produce higher-quality visuals. Another platform that is an up-and-comer and recently launched in October is MyPoolDesigner.ai, a platform Pool Magazine’s parent company PoolMarketing.com developed that allows more customization and versatility in the image and video generation process.

👨💻 How Designers Are Using AI in Real-World Pool Presentations
AI isn’t just a novelty—it’s quickly becoming a core part of the modern pool designer’s toolbox. Across the industry, professionals are embracing all sorts of AI applications as a way to speed up their workflow, improve their operations, sharpen their presentations, and ultimately close more deals.
✅ Fast Concept Visualization
Designers can now generate multiple concepts in real-time, adjusting for client preferences on the spot. Want to try different tiles, change the pool shape, or see what a cabana looks like added to the layout? AI makes this easy—no 3D modeling experience required.
✅ Personalized Presentations
Many are pairing AI tools with client-supplied backyard photos to create customized, hyper-realistic previews. AI is helping bring designs to life early in the process, getting clients emotionally invested before breaking ground.
✅ Collaborative, Iterative Design
AI also enables back-and-forth collaboration, both internally between design team members and externally with clients. Prompt-based design sessions allow for rapid iteration and buy-in, a game-changer for boutique firms and solo designers alike.
🧩 Missing Piece: AI Can’t Design a Build-Ready Pool… Yet
As powerful as these tools are, there’s still a big gap between concept and construction. And that gap is critically important to understand.
No AI Today Produces Build-Ready Plans
Let’s be clear: no current AI rendering engine can generate build-ready design plans. That includes Google Veo, Sora, Leonardo, and every honorable mention.
These platforms are excellent at producing visual inspiration, but they don’t:
- Respect engineering tolerances
- Account for grade or drainage
- Provide scale drawings with accurate measurements
- Output technical specifications for plumbing, electrical, or structural work
- Consider code compliance or zoning restrictions
Why That Matters
In the real world, building a pool or outdoor living environment involves much more than a pretty rendering. It requires:
– Precise layout and elevation plans
– Hydraulic schematics
– Understanding proper setbacks and ordinances
– Soil engineering and load calculations
…and many other factors
None of that can currently be handled by AI image generators. For that, professionals still rely on vetted design software. AI can show you what it might look like, but it can’t yet tell you how to build it or produce accurate design plans a builder can use.
Which Software Are Most of The Pros Using?
🔮 The Future Is Getting Closer
Despite the limitations of creating build-ready designs, AI design tools are still a giant leap forward. They’re:
– Streamlining the early dream-building process
– Helping clients quickly visualize what a pool might look like
– Providing a sandbox for designers to experiment with in an initial concept
It’s not hard to imagine a future where prompt-based AI rendering tools are fully integrated into CAD or BIM platforms, merging realism and constructability into one seamless workflow. We’re not there yet, but every improvement in image generation and layout consistency brings us closer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re aiming for jaw-dropping photorealism that can truly inspire your clients on the spot, Google Veo is your best bet. Sora is a close runner-up for those wanting cinematic flair, and Leonardo remains a practical go-to for familiar 3D-style presentations.
Designers today are using AI not just to illustrate ideas, but to elevate their design presentations, speed up collaboration, and deliver a more engaging client experience. Just don’t mistake a pretty picture for a finished plan. AI won’t replace licensed design professionals or engineered design plans anytime soon, but it’s getting closer to becoming a more useful component for those who can leverage it as part of their toolkit.
Are you using AI in your pool or landscape design workflow? What’s your go-to tool? Drop a comment below and join the conversation.
Pool News
Landmark Aquatic Brings Poolside Adventures Attractions Nationwide

Poolside Adventures and Landmark Aquatic have joined forces to bring big-impact attractions with a small footprint to aquatic facilities across the country. The partnership pairs Poolside Adventures’ AquaClimb®, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX attractions with Landmark’s expansive nationwide reach and proven expertise in aquatic facility design, construction, renovation, and maintenance.
Poolside Adventures attractions add excitement to aquatic facilities without a major renovation because they anchor directly to an existing pool deck with no water hookups, special tools or added concrete and reinforcement. In fact, the modular AquaClimb® walls can start with one section and grow with budgets. The AquaZip’N® is rapidly becoming a new, safer alternative to diving boards as it only requires four feet of water depth, can be installed in just a few hours, and has a throughput of six riders a minute.
“Some municipalities can’t afford a new water park or perhaps cannot renovate their pool this year,” said Cherie Moy, VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for Poolside Adventures. “Our products are an easy answer: a big impact with a small footprint, adding an ‘active attraction’ that makes the pool more exciting.”
“Landmark has a large footprint across the country, and we’re especially excited about their reach into HOA communities, a growing market where our partnership has already led to multiple installations,” said Moy. “Together, we will help clients find the right fit for their space, their budget and to add action and adventure to their pool experience.”
Matt Cappello, Vice President of Design at Landmark Aquatic agrees saying, “We’re excited to collaborate with Poolside Adventures to promote the versatility, ease of installation and entertainment value their products will bring to more pools across the country.”
About Landmark
Since 1967, Landmark Aquatic has helped communities and organizations bring complex aquatic facilities to life and keep them performing. Today, we are the nation’s largest integrated commercial aquatics platform, providing design, construction, renovation, restoration, and maintenance services nationwide. Our construction-led expertise and long-term service capabilities give customers one trusted partner across every stage of a facility’s lifecycle. For the life of your pool. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com.
About Poolside Adventures
For more than 20 years, Poolside Adventures’ flagship AquaClimb® has led the market for poolside climbing walls. Its full line, including the AquaClimb® Luxe, AquaZip’N® and AquaNinja® FLX, delivers challenging, safe fun for swimmers of all ages. For more about Poolside Adventures visit www.aquaclimb.com.
Pool News
Shasta Pools Hires 30-Year Builder to Head Residential Construction

Vic Harshman brings extensive pool building experience to key leadership role
- Decades of proven pool construction experience across Nevada, Arizona and Texas
- Previously served as Shasta Pools’ exclusive excavation contractor
- Predecessor handpicked Harshman to grow position under new leadership team
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (October 5, 2026) – Shasta Pools, Phoenix Metro’s most recognized pool builder, named Vic Harshman as Head of Residential Construction. Harshman joins the new leadership team with more than three decades of hands-on industry experience and a long-standing relationship with the company to one of its most critical leadership roles.
Harshman has held senior construction leadership positions in Arizona and Texas, and worked closely with Shasta Pools, developing firsthand knowledge about the company’s standards, culture and customers. The appointment reflects the momentum Shasta Pools has built since its August 6 acquisition by Dansons Capital Group, Accrual Equity Partners, and Hydro Construction, and positions the full-service 60-year old pool company for continued growth.
Leadership Perspective
“Vic brings exactly the kind of no-nonsense, customer-first leadership our residential construction division needs,” said Jeff Thiessen, President, Dansons Capital Group. “His philosophy is deeply aligned with ours. Keeping customers’ needs as the foremost priority at every stage of the build process is at the center of everything we do, and Vic lives that every day.”
Harshman’s career in pool construction began at age 19, when he purchased a backhoe and launched a business digging plumbing trenches and footings. When the housing market declined in the late 1980s, he relocated to Las Vegas and began excavating swimming pools, a move that led to the creation of Harshman Excavating.
Harshman built and operated excavation businesses in Nevada, Arizona and Texas, primarily serving the pool industry, and served for a period as Shasta’s exclusive excavation contractor.
In 2012, Harshman joined A&A Manufacturing, serving pool builders across an eight-state region and growing annual sales by 10x. In 2020, he joined Keith Zars Pools in Texas as Director of Construction, where he brought together decades of ownership, leadership and industry knowledge.
A Return Rooted in Relationships
“I have always believed that strong relationships, hard work, accountability and taking care of people are the foundation of a successful business,” said Vic Harshman, Head of Residential Construction, Shasta Pools. “Shasta has been a meaningful part of my career for many years. I am genuinely excited to come back and help lead this team into a very exciting future.”
Harshman steps into the role with the full support of Dan Thiessen, Chairman of the new ownership team, and John Mortensen, the outgoing head of residential construction. Mortensen recommended Harshman for the position and will now serve as the company’s lead trainer. That transition reflects Shasta Pools’ commitment to investing in its people and preserving institutional knowledge as the organization continues to grow.
ABOUT SHASTA POOLS:
Shasta Pools is Arizona’s trusted name in custom pool building, proudly serving the Valley since 1966. For 60 years, Shasta has transformed backyards into beautiful, functional spaces where families relax, entertain and enjoy life. The company specializes in new pool construction, remodeling, pool service and landscape design with plans for expansion into the home services market to provide customers with complete home care solutions. Learn more at ShastaPools.com.
ABOUT DANSONS CAPITAL GROUP:
Dansons Capital Group, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a family-owned and family-managed investment firm built on shared values, integrity and long-term vision. The firm was established by the founders of Dansons, Inc., the company that launched and sold Pit Boss Grills. The company takes a hands-on approach, actively seeking opportunities across global markets and multiple asset classes. Its growing portfolio includes strategic real estate development holdings across multiple countries, oil drilling technologies, and limited partnership investments. Guided by a deep commitment to quality and the communities they serve, the Thiessen family leads with gratefulness for the blessings God has given them and in turn supports those less fortunate. Dansons Capital Group continues to identify and cultivate opportunities that reflect their family’s values and generational vision.
ABOUT ACCRUAL EQUITY PARTNERS:
Accrual Equity Partners (AEP) is a founder-led, privately funded private equity group built on the belief that every person, every percentage, and every product matters. This commitment, known as the “Power of One,” drives AEP’s mission to empower businesses and secure legacies across fragmented, service-based industries. AEP partners with founder-led and family-owned businesses to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential through strategic investment, operational performance enhancement, and advisory services. For more information, visit AccrualEquityPartners.com.
ABOUT HYDRO CONSTRUCTION:
Hydro Construction, LLC (HydroCon) was founded in 1986 to serve Arizona’s commercial pool construction and renovation market. Under the leadership of Curt Lonsdale, the company’s commercial pool construction division now manages some of the largest and most complex projects in the country.
Pool News
NTCA Welcomes Jennifer Ibe and Rachel Smith to the Team

Flowood, MS, October 1 – The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is pleased to announce the addition of Jennifer Ibe as Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager and Rachel Smith as Membership Marketing Manager. The two new positions strengthen NTCA’s focus on membership growth, retention, engagement, and delivering greater value to members.
“Growing and strengthening our membership is a key priority for the NTCA, and Jennifer and Rachel bring the experience and expertise to help us do that,” said Jeremy Sax, Deputy Director of NTCA. “Their complementary skills will allow us to take a more strategic approach to both membership development and the overall member experience.”
Jennifer Ibe, Membership and Sponsorship Sales Manager
Ibe brings more than 10 years of experience in association events, sales, sponsorships, relationship management, and strategic growth. Most recently, she served as Director of Sponsorship and Sales for the Global Workspace Association, where she led major conferences, sponsorship development, budgets, and initiatives that increased attendance by 33% and profitability by 30%.
At the NTCA, Ibe will lead membership recruitment, retention, re-engagement, and relationship development while supporting sponsorship and partner revenue opportunities. She will also represent the NTCA at major industry events and help strengthen relationships with members and prospective members.
Ibe holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Rachel Smith, Membership Marketing Manager
Smith brings extensive association experience in membership, communications, digital engagement, and member programming. Most recently, she served as Digital Communications Manager for the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. Previously, as Director of Membership for the Texas Economic Development Council, she managed more than 1,000 members and developed programs to increase member engagement and networking. She also served as Membership Coordinator for the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, where she managed more than 5,000 members and led new-member onboarding and retention initiatives.
At NTCA, Smith will focus on member onboarding, retention campaigns, communications, digital engagement, webinars, events, and community development. She will also support membership analytics and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening the member experience.
Smith holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Social Justice from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“Jennifer’s focus on relationship-building and membership development, combined with Rachel’s experience in member communications and engagement, gives us a strong team focused on every stage of the member journey,” Sax added. “We’re excited about what this means for our members and for the future growth of NTCA.”
About NTCA
Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors’ association in the world. For those seeking to improve their tile business, NTCA provides unparalleled educational experiences, supportive peer interaction, unique cost-savings programs, and a commitment to help develop the skills needed to improve your work, recruit, train, and manage your employees, and ultimately, make your business more profitable. Find out more at www.tile-assn.com.
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