We are proud to share some exciting news! Cody Pools has been named the 2025 Builder of the Year by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA)! This prestigious recognition celebrates excellence, leadership, and innovation within the pool and spa industry, and we are truly thrilled to receive it.
Honoring Our Leader: Mike Church, 2025 Builder of the Year
We are incredibly honored to celebrate Mike Church, President & CEO of Cody Pools, as the 2025 Builder of the Year! This award is the highest honor in the pool and spa industry, and it speaks volumes about Mike’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. What makes it even more special is that it is peer-nominated, reflecting the deep respect and recognition of industry leaders across the nation. In receiving this award, Cody Pools has been recognized by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance for outstanding craftsmanship, dedication to education and advancement, and a reputation for innovation and integrity. Mike’s leadership has truly elevated not only our company, but the entire industry, setting a standard of excellence for others to follow.
Mike’s visionary leadership, commitment to collaboration, and passion for raising the bar have made a lasting impact on the pool and hot tub industry. Since acquiring Cody Pools in 2003, Mike has grown the company from two offices and 19 employees to nearly 450 team members across Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
Under his guidance, Cody Pools has been named the #1 Pool Builder in the Nation by Pool and Spa News for an unprecedented 13 consecutive years.
As a proud PHTA Board Member, Mike actively promotes industry education and encourages certifications like the Certified Builder Professional (CBP) and Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) for his team. His unwavering dedication to integrity, innovation, and peer mentorship continues to elevate our entire industry.
“On behalf of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, it is my honor to congratulate Mike Church and Cody Pools on being named the 2025 Builder of the Year. This award recognizes not just one company, but the spirit of excellence, innovation, and leadership that makes our industry stronger. Cody Pools’ dedication to quality, education, and continuous improvement inspires every builder to dream bigger and reach higher. We celebrate your achievement and look forward to seeing your continued success.” – Sabeena S. Hickman, PHTA President & CEO
Celebrating 20 PHTA International Awards of Excellence
As if that weren’t enough, our family of brands also brought home 20 PHTA International Awards of Excellence, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity our teams deliver on every project. These awards represent the highest level of achievement in the pool building industry and demonstrate our relentless commitment to excellence, unity across every market, and putting our customers first.
Here’s how the awards break down across our family of companies:
Earning 1 Gold, 7 Silver, 6 Bronze, and 6 Merit awards in total, these honors reflect the innovation, craftsmanship, and customer commitment that define every Cody Pools project.
See Our Award-Winning Designs
Want to see all of the designs that earned these prestigious honors? Check out our award-winning projects featured in the September issue of Aqua Magazine: 🔗View the digital edition here
“This honor belongs to every member of our Cody Pools family,” said Church. “Our success is built on collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to delivering world-class craftsmanship and service to our clients. The passion our teams bring to every project is what drives our continued growth and success.” – Mike Church, CEO
We’re excited to build on this momentum, keep raising the bar, and continue creating beautiful, award-winning pools and outdoor spaces for our clients to enjoy for years to come. With every pool we design and build, our goal remains the same — to create spaces where families can connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories together.
In September 2025, BBB serving the Heart of Texas recognized Cody Pools as one of six businesses headquartered within the organization’s 105 Texas counties to win the 2025 Torch Awards for Ethics. This award celebrates businesses that exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of its operations, benefiting its customers and community. With 31 years serving the Austin community, Cody Pools is proud to be recognized by BBB and serve as a role model for transparent and truthful business practices.
What Cody Pools Does:
Cody Pools is the nation’s #1 pool builder, specializing in the design and construction of custom residential and commercial swimming pools. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and personalized design, Cody Pools transforms backyards and commercial spaces into stunning aquatic environments. The company provides end-to-end service, from initial design consultation to construction and ongoing customer support, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.
“For us, this recognition is especially meaningful. At Cody Pools, we have always strived to not only build beautiful pools but to build trust—with our customers, our employees, and our community,” said Mike Church, president and CEO of Cody Pools. “Receiving this award affirms that our values of honesty, integrity, and ethical practices are being recognized at the highest level.”
“Receiving a Torch Award is more than taking home a trophy; it’s a reflection of how these businesses put their values into action every day,” said Dr. Carrie Angell, president and CEO of BBB serving the Heart of Texas. “Their commitment to their customers and communities shows that ethical business is about making a lasting difference.”
With over a century of experience establishing best practices and assisting consumers make informed decisions, BBB uses a rigorous, objective evaluation process and a panel of independent business and community leaders to judge Torch Award for Ethics applicants. Businesses selected as winners represent the strength, dedication, and resilience of their community and positively influence future business owners and entrepreneurs.
If you would like to learn more about Cody Pools, how we do business and the services we offer, please visit www.codypools.com.
ABOUT CODY POOLS: Founded in 1994 in Austin, Texas, Cody Pools has grown from a small local builder into the largest pool builder in the United States. Over the past 31 years, Cody Pools has completed more than 36,000 residential and commercial pools while expanding its operations across multiple Texas markets and beyond. Known for its commitment to integrity, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service, Cody Pools continues to be recognized as a trusted leader in the swimming pool industry.
ABOUT BBB: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities.
Adding a pool to your backyard is an exciting decision, but choosing the right type of pool is just as important as the design itself. Two of the most popular options are gunite and fiberglass pools. While both have their own benefits, they differ in important ways that can impact how your pool looks, feels, and functions over time.
At Cody Pools, we build thousands of custom pools across Texas, Florida and Arizona, and in most cases, we recommend gunite for its design flexibility, durability, and long-term value. That said, we want to help you make an informed decision by breaking down the key differences between the two.
Customization and Design Options
Fiberglass:
These pools are made in pre-fabricated molds, meaning your choices are limited to a set number of shapes, sizes, and features. While this can be ideal for simpler designs, it doesn’t allow for much creativity or adaptation to unique backyard layouts.
Gunite:
Gunite pools are built entirely on-site, which allows for unlimited design possibilities. Whether you want a custom shape, integrated spa, beach entry, or features like a tanning ledge or waterfall, gunite gives you the freedom to bring your exact vision to life.
Durability and Longevity
Fiberglass:
The smooth, nonporous surface of fiberglass helps resist algae and can make maintenance easier in the short term. However, fiberglass shells can be susceptible to warping, cracking, or surface fading over time (especially in areas with shifting soil or extreme temperatures).
Gunite:
Known for its strength and long-term reliability, gunite is reinforced with steel and concrete, making it more resistant to structural issues. With proper maintenance, a gunite pool can last for decades and can be resurfaced when needed to keep it looking like new.
Installation Process
Fiberglass:
Because they’re delivered as one solid piece, fiberglass pools generally have a faster and more straightforward installation process. However, the size and shape are limited to what can be transported and delivered to your location.
Gunite:
The gunite installation process involves more steps, including excavation, steel, plumbing, and on-site concrete application. While it takes longer than fiberglass, this approach allows for full customization and a truly tailored result.
Aesthetic and Finish Options
Fiberglass:
Most fiberglass pools offer a smooth gelcoat finish in a limited range of colors. While clean and functional, the look tends to be more uniform and less customizable.
Gunite:
Gunite pools can be finished with a wide variety of materials like plaster, pebble, quartz, tile, travertine, porcelain and glass tile, to create a high-end, resort-style appearance. You also have more freedom to coordinate the pool with your overall landscape design.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Fiberglass:
Often chosen for its lower upfront cost and shorter installation timeline, fiberglass can be a good fit for simpler projects. However, design and size limitations may impact the overall value and experience over time.
Gunite:
While gunite typically involves a higher initial investment, it often provides greater long-term value. The ability to fully customize the design, combined with its durability and visual appeal, makes gunite a top choice for homeowners looking to create a truly standout outdoor space.
Our Take
Both pool types can offer a great backyard experience but if you’re looking for a custom design, long-term durability, and a high-end look and feel, gunite is hard to beat.
At Cody Pools, we specialize in building gunite pools that are designed around how you want to live, relax, and entertain. We’ll work with you to create a pool that fits your space, your style, and your goals.
Let’s Design Your Dream Pool
Interested in exploring your options? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about what’s possible for your backyard.
Cody Pools has once again been named the #1 Pool Builder in the nation by Pool & Spa News for 2025! This marks the 13th consecutive year we’ve earned the top spot on the industry’s most respected list of pool builders.
Each year, Pool & Spa News evaluates pool builders from across the country based on residential construction revenue, industry leadership, community involvement, and customer satisfaction. To be recognized at the top year after year is a true honor—and one that we don’t take lightly.
What This Recognition Means
Being named the #1 Pool Builder in the U.S. isn’t just about volume—it’s about consistently delivering exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and unforgettable outdoor living experiences. From custom infinity edge pools and tanning ledges to fire features, spas, and outdoor kitchens, we design and build spaces that enhance lifestyles and bring families together.
A Thank You to Our Team and Clients
This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our incredible team and the trust of our clients. Our designers, project managers, and skilled construction crews pour their heart into every project, and it shows in the results. To our customers—thank you for choosing Cody Pools to bring your backyard dreams to life.
Looking Ahead
As outdoor living continues to evolve, we remain committed to leading the way in luxury pool design and construction. We’re always exploring new materials, smart technology, and sustainable practices to ensure that every Cody Pools project is not only beautiful but built to last.
If you’re ready to create your own backyard retreat with the nation’s top pool builder, we’d love to help you get started. Contact us today to explore what’s possible.
Here’s to 13 years at the top—and many more to come!
When it comes to transforming your outdoor space into a personal oasis, size doesn’t always matter. That’s especially true with plunge pools, a growing trend in modern backyard design that combines compact convenience with upscale relaxation.
At Cody Pools, we specialize in crafting pools of all sizes to suit our clients’ unique lifestyles. If you’re looking for a refreshing retreat without the footprint of a traditional pool, a plunge pool might be exactly what you need.
So, What Exactly is a Plunge Pool?
A plunge pool is a small, shallow pool designed primarily for cooling off, light exercise, hydrotherapy, and relaxation. Despite their smaller size, plunge pools offer many of the same benefits as full-sized pools with lower maintenance, reduced costs, and greater flexibility in where they can be installed.
Why Choose a Plunge Pool?
Here are a few reasons homeowners may choose a plunge pool:
Perfect for Small Backyards
Don’t have the space for a sprawling pool? No problem. Plunge pools are ideal for urban homes, patios, and tight spaces allowing you to enjoy a luxury pool experience even in limited spaces.
Great for Relaxation
Many plunge pools come equipped with built-in bench seating, heating and cooling options, and spa jets, turning your backyard into a private wellness retreat. Cold plunge? Heated soak? You can have both.
Lower Cost, Lower Maintenance
Plunge pools are generally more affordable to install and easier to maintain than traditional pools. With less water, fewer chemicals needed, and smaller filtration systems, they’re a smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Style and Versatility
Whether you’re after a modern, geometric design, plunge pools are highly customizable. They can be standalone features or integrated with other elements like waterfalls, fire features and tanning ledges.
Fitness and Hydrotherapy
A plunge pool is great for low-impact aquatic exercises, resistance training with swim jets, and post-workout recovery. Athletes and wellness enthusiasts love the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy in a controlled, compact setting.
Is a Plunge Pool Right for You?
If you’re looking for a luxurious, space-efficient, and cost-effective way to elevate your backyard, a plunge pool may be the perfect fit. Whether you’re relaxing solo, entertaining friends, or recovering after a long workout, a plunge pool delivers maximum comfort in a minimal footprint.
At Cody Pools, our award-winning design team can help you create a custom plunge pool that reflects your vision, enhances your property, and provides a daily dose of luxury.
Ready to Dive In?
Contact Cody Pools today to schedule a consultation and start designing the plunge pool of your dreams.
