FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Awards of Excellence?

The Central Virginia Chapter PHTA Awards of Excellence recognizes and rewards installations of pools, spas, and hot tubs that showcase the most beautiful and creative work in the industry, as well as excellence in Service and Retail. 

Who can enter the Awards of Excellence Program?

Current membership in the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is required for submissions.

The competition is open to pool, spa, or hot tub builders and installers, designers, retailers, or service companies that receive payment for the installation being submitted. A manufacturer or distributor may submit entries on behalf of PHTA member builders, installers, and designers however the recognition will go to the firm that received payment for the installation.

How are the installations judged?

Each entry is judged on 8 criteria that are each worth 10 points - for a total of 80 possible points. The criteria is as follows: 

• Conformance with applicable ANSI/APSP standards or any other mandatory code of government.
• Adherence to Awards of Excellence requirements - No logo, No cleaning equipment, No people, No drinks etc.
• Workmanship - Quality of Craftsmanship - the installation appears to have been done in a quality manner.
• The materials used on the project complement the home or surroundings.
• Overall Beauty - Aesthetic appeal of the entire installation.
• Design Creativity - (soundness of design) uniqueness of shape, deck, water features, etc. and how they blend together.
• Project Cohesiveness - blending of the entire project with the landscape and surroundings. The pool or spa feel like it belongs in the setting. 
• Unique qualities outside of usual judging consideration - please rate the uniqueness of the installation - amenities to enhance the harmony created. The WOW factor.  

Awards presented include the following: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

The judging panel is comprised of industry professionals, as well as representatives from related fields including architecture and landscape design.

Judges do NOT know the names of entrants as all entries are identified by number only.

How are the retail stores judged?

Each entry is judged on 5 criteria that are each worth 10 points - for a total of 50 possible points. The criteria is as follows:

• Store location(s) - number of many locations, any recent renovations
• Water lab/register/service Stations - Separate stations, with signage, in store for assisting customers 
• Website - engaging and easy to navigate, contact information easy to find
• Displays - big ticket items and chemicals displayed professisonally with appropriate signage
• Marketing/Community involvement - special sales, interesting advertising, supporting community

Awards presented include the following: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

The judging panel is comprised of industry professionals, as well as representatives from related fields including web design.

How are the sevice companies judged?

Each entry is judged on 5 criteria that are each worth 10 points - for a total of 50 possible points. The criteria is as follows:

• Number of vehicles - number trucks/vans 
• Equiped vehicles - mobile water labs, cleaning equipment, stocked with common replacement parts 
• Website - engaging and easy to navigate, contact information easy to find
• Marketing - vehicle wrapped or company information easily visible
• Employee(s) & Training - number of employees, professional training (CPO, CMS, CMT, CHTT, CPI)

Awards presented include the following: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

The judging panel is comprised of industry professionals, as well as representatives from related fields including architecture and landscape design.

What is the cost?

The entry fee is $100 per submission.

What is required for each entry?

Completeion of the entry form and the submission of at least three high-resolution digital photos of the installation. When submitting the photos, please include the photographer's name and a photo release if applicable.

What are the rules for the photos?

No enhancement is allowed and photos cannot be commercial images from another source. Photo must be no more than three years old.

To have your photos used in future Central VA Chapter PHTA promotional materials, you must submit a photo release document from the photographer. Entries submitted without a release will still be considered and winners' names will be listed on Chapter PHTA materials.

How are the winners’ projects promoted?

The winners are honored and presented at the annual Central VA Chapter PHTA Awards of Excellence dinner held in October of every year.

The Awards of Excellence winners are listed on the Chapter's social media. A press release is sent to winners to use in local media. 

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