The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge is back for its sixth year, giving designers the same client, property and ambitious project brief—and challenging them to show how they would solve it.

In this episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast, host Joe Trusty sits down with competition co-founder Mike Farley to discuss how the Challenge has evolved, why you don't have to be an elite designer to enter, and why Farley believes learning from other competitors can be just as valuable as winning.

Farley also breaks down this year's Siltstone Estate scenario in Louisiana, the challenges designers will have to solve, how design and visualization tools have changed over the years, and why competitors still need to show the thinking behind their work. The conversation also explores how the Challenge has helped designers grow their skills, gain industry recognition and, in some cases, turn a strong showing into new career opportunities.

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Scuppers have evolved far beyond simple spillways.

On this episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast, Joe Trusty sits down with Frank Vitori of AquaBlu Mosaics and Chuck Nitschke of The Outdoor Plus to explore how scuppers are transforming modern pool and outdoor living design.

From sleek sheer descents and hidden linear water effects to immersive rainfall curtains and sculptural ornamental pieces, the conversation dives deep into the newest trends shaping today’s luxury backyards. The trio discusses how designers are using scuppers to create architectural rhythm, soften noise, divide entertainment spaces, add ambience, and layer water and fire features together for dramatic visual impact.

They also break down some of the biggest mistakes builders make with scuppers — including poor flow management, improper placement, leveling issues, splash-out problems, and mismatched materials — and explain what it takes to execute these features correctly.

Whether you’re a pool builder, designer, or outdoor living professional, this episode offers valuable insight into how modern water features are evolving from decorative accents into fully integrated design tools.

Topics Covered Include:

• Sheer descent scuppers and modern linear design
• Rainfall scuppers and immersive outdoor environments
• Creating ambience and masking unwanted noise
• Using scuppers to divide and define outdoor spaces
• Layering water and fire features together
• Ornamental scuppers making a comeback
• Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them
• Custom scupper applications for luxury projects

If you’re looking to elevate your pool designs and better understand where outdoor living trends are headed, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Read more in Pool Magazine: Scuppers are Reshaping Modern Pool Design

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What does it take to build one of the wildest backyard resorts in America?

On this episode of the Pool Magazine Podcast, we sit down with Lucas Congdon — the visionary designer behind Insane Pools and the powerhouse team at Lucas Lagoons.

Known for creating over-the-top luxury pools featuring massive waterfalls, lazy rivers, hidden grottos, swim-up bars, volcanoes, and immersive resort-style environments, Congdon discusses how his projects evolved from high-end residential pools into fully themed aquatic experiences that blur the line between backyard and destination resort.

We discuss the inspiration behind one of Lucas Lagoons’ most talked-about builds — a jaw-dropping volcano pool and lazy river project that pushes custom pool construction to another level. Lucas shares insights into the engineering challenges, creative process, rock work, water features, and what it takes to bring massive conceptual builds like this to life.

We also dive into:
• The lasting impact of Insane Pools on the swimming pool industry
• How luxury outdoor living has evolved over the last decade
• Why homeowners are demanding more immersive backyard experiences
• The logistics behind building large-scale custom water features
• What separates a true luxury pool project from a standard build
• Current trends shaping high-end pool design in 2026

If you’re into luxury pools, outrageous backyard builds, extreme craftsmanship, and the business behind some of the most recognizable pools in the country, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Read more in Pool Magazine: Lucas Lagoons Volcano Pool Project is Erupting With Creativity

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