july 2025 pool of the month winner: the bliss 26′ with mystique spa

This stunning installation of Imagine Pools’ The Bliss 26, featuring an attached Mystique Spa, has earned Riverside Pools and Hardscapes the July 2025 Pool of the Month award. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, this project showcases the perfect blend of form and function in outdoor living design, transforming a challenging sloped backyard into a resort-style paradise.

Riverside Pools and Hardscapes is a professional full-service outdoor living company that has been serving the greater Wilmington, North Carolina area since 2007, bringing years of experience to every project. Owned by Eric and his wife Aimee, this established company has been an Imagine Pools dealer since day one and has built relationships with countless clients throughout the region.

The company values a transparent customer service model throughout the entire process from start to finish. Their dedicated team answers client questions, works hard to deliver quality products and executes each vision down to the tiniest detail. Riverside Pools specializes in comprehensive outdoor living solutions, operating dedicated hardscape crews for retaining walls, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces, alongside two specialized pool installation crews that complete around 50 pools annually.

The homeowners approached Riverside Pools looking to create the ultimate outdoor living area where friends and family could gather and beat North Carolina’s intense summer heat. They wanted a backyard pool and spa combination that would serve as the centerpiece for entertaining and relaxation. When Eric’s team first surveyed the property, they encountered a sloped yard that required creative solutions. Rather than simply installing a basic drop-off or railing, they incorporated a beautiful sitting wall that serves dual purposes: creating the necessary retaining structure while significantly increasing the patio seating area.

Working closely with the homeowners, Riverside Pools developed a complete 3D design for the project, collaborating on every selection from travertine pavers to waterline tile. The team handled every aspect of the installation, including the pool and spa construction, landscape restoration, paver installation, tile work and even building the elegant pavilion that anchors the space. This comprehensive approach demonstrates their commitment to executing each client’s vision down to the tiniest detail.

This stunning installation features The Bliss 26‘ in Storm Grey, complemented by an attached Mystique Spa with spillover feature. The pool utilizes a saltwater system with gas heating for year-round comfort. The spa area showcases beautiful tile work, including an NPT mosaic tile pattern that adds visual interest and luxury appeal. To enhance the resort-like atmosphere, the installation includes Sabal palms planted behind the retaining wall. While these palms are more indigenous to South Carolina, Wilmington’s location just 35 miles north of the South Carolina border places it within the limited North Carolina area where these tropical beauties can thrive.

Given the challenging coastal conditions and sandy soil common to beach areas, Riverside Pools cranes all their pool installations for proper handling and safety. For this project, they were able to bring the pool in from the field behind the house, demonstrating their ability to adapt installation methods to each unique site. Eric noted that one of the most rewarding aspects of this project was developing a strong relationship with the homeowners, who knew what they wanted while giving the team artistic license to offer suggestions and improvements. This collaboration between client vision and professional expertise resulted in the exceptional outdoor living space that earned this Pool of the Month recognition.

This beautiful installation perfectly demonstrates why the portfolio of pools and spas from Imagine Pools continues to be a popular choice for homeowners seeking to create their own backyard paradise. Further, it showcases Riverside Pools and Hardscapes’ commitment to transparent customer service and quality execution.

Connect with your local Imagine Pools’ dealer today to create your dream backyard.