For Homeowners
Industry-leading quality you can trust.
Industry-leading quality you can trust.
IWI members not only care about creating a beautiful end product – but also delivering outstanding customer service start to finish.
This comprehensive approach to the client experience includes creating a design that responds to your style and setting needs, clear communication, and following best practices that give you lasting satisfaction.
Professional advantages of hiring a watershape professional
Transparent contracting practices
Timely work executed over established schedules
Adherence to all applicable standards and best practices
Safe and efficient system operation
Innovative design solutions
A beautiful end product that is reliable, and safe to enjoy
Transparent contracting practices
Timely work executed over established schedules
Adherence to all applicable standards and best practices
Safe and efficient system operation
Innovative design solutions
A beautiful end product that is reliable, durable, and safe to enjoy
Hitting those critical benchmarks requires an educated and certified professional working to the industry’s highest standards.
In addition to meeting a list of internationally recognized qualifications and experiences, IWI members engage in ongoing education to stay up-to-date with industry standards, best practices and the newest and best technology.
Client satisfaction
Austin, TX
Greensboro, NC
Solana Beach, CA
Broomfield, CO
Chandler, AZ
Chesterfield, MO
Transform your home with a dream project today.
IWI certified skillsets
IWI professionals have been trained in key design, engineering and construction disciplines, having earned all of the following certifications:
INTERNATIONAL WATERSHAPE INSTITUTE
Has reached a globally-recognized premier standard in design, engineering, construction, and business practices.
CERTIFIED WATERSHAPE
FOREMAN
Can supervise the construction of basic pools, spas, and watershapes.
CERTIFIED WATERSHAPE
BUILDER
Can operate a watershape construction company, document proposed designs, and estimate projects.
CERTIFIED WATERSHAPE
DESIGNER
Can professionally design basic pools, spas, and watershapes.
CERTIFIED WATERSHAPE
PROFESSIONAL
Can operate a design/build firm that can execute complicated pools, spas, and other watershapes.
These certifications are established by Watershape University, the industry’s leading education provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
IWI
What is the IWI?
The International Watershaping Institute (IWI) is a consortium of the world’s most accomplished and reputable watershaping professionals, specializing in the design, engineering and construction of pools, spas, fountains, and other man-made bodies of water.
Why should I choose an IWI member for my pool project?
Pools and other types of watershapes represent a significant investment, oftentimes second only to your house itself. Pools and their surrounding environments typically become prominent features in your home, and they are often surprisingly technically complex and expensive. Designing and building correctly to the highest possible standards is the only way to protect your investment, and to ensure you’ll have the perfect watershape environment for your family.
What sets IWI members apart?
IWI members have attained the highest education level available in the watershaping industry, as defined and taught by Watershape University, the industry’s leading and most prestigious educational provider. They are part of a community of professionals devoted to, and defined by, excellence. They are, quite simply, the best of the best.
What are the risks of turning to a less-qualified pool builder?
Creating any structure designed to contain water, and especially swimming pools, requires mastery of multiple technical disciplines, from hydraulics, to structural, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as a construction techniques, project management and water chemistry. Simply put, there’s a lot that can go wrong in the hands of inadequately trained companies. Mistakes can range from annoying aesthetic issues to catastrophic structural failures. IWI exists to make sure those costly defects and missteps don’t happen to you.
When should I contact an IWI member?
As early in the planning process as possible. Because of the complexity and scope of many pool projects, proper planning and coordination with other trades is a main ingredient for success. Bringing in a qualified watershape professional late in the process can lead to delays and disconnects that are otherwise easily avoidable.
Will IWI members work with other types of professionals on my project?
Yes. IWI members know that effective collaboration is a key to success. They are experienced at working in a team setting that might include any combination of architects, landscape architects, general contractors, interior designers, engineers and other professionals. In fact, Watershape University employs many of these types of professionals as faculty, providing critical training that cuts across multiple disciplines.
How long will it take to design and build my pool?
Project time lines vary dramatically, from several weeks to many months or longer, based on project complexity, equipment and materials availability, project location and even the weather. Again, starting early with an IWI member will always work to your advantage, and will typically accelerate the time it takes before you can go for a swim.
How do I find an IWI member for my project?
IWI members are spread out across the US and in parts of Canada. Additionally, many IWI members design, build and consult on projects around the globe. To find one closest to you, click here.
Pool Design and Construction
How long before I am swimming should I contact a pool professional?
Different pool installations vary in length of start to finish time. Most custom work will be a year+ in construction if there is more than just a pool. Many quality builders are several months out from start after a design is done. All surrounding efforts (hardscape, landscape etc) should be completed before finishing the pool if they are in the same vicinity of the pool.
I’m building a new home, when should I get the pool designer involved?
The sooner the better. A pool designer can collaborate with architects and builders very early on to be sure everyone has the same vision and the entire project is cohesive. All too often the backyard/pool is brought in after the initial home design development is done and often costs the homeowner more because thinks like grading, electrical requirements, gas or water were overlooked for the pool and outdoor living needs.
I’m paying my architect/builder/interior designer/landscape architect to design everything, why do I need a pool designer?
Pool design is not taught in any segment of collegiate education other than the pool industry-advanced education platforms (such as Watershape University) The visual importance of the pool design, audible considerations, hydraulics, equipment placement (and equipment pad size), pool lighting (for safety and effect), safety barrier code requirements and construction details are all a vital part of a pool construction package. A qualified pool designer has the education to discuss these important elements early on in the design process so the final product matches what the conceptual/intent of the project. Construction documents are necessary for building a pool just as they are for a house. Only a qualified pool builder/aquatic engineer can produce those drawings for a successful construction project.
I’ve seen some great ideas in magazine and on HDTV shows, how do I know my builder is qualified to do some of these features?
Qualifying a builder is important. Look at their credentials, references and any industry related involvement. Not all pool builders are versed in advanced construction and not understanding if your builder is qualified to do some of of these more creative features could be a very costly mistake.
What does a pool design cost?
There are different ways professional designers charge for their time. Like other designers, architects, interior designers, you are paying for their expertise. So it may be a flat rate or an hourly rate. It should be understood what the deliverables are for what you are paying for. Some designers only provide conceptual plans and no construction drawings, some do both.