How to Become a Pool Designer and How Much Do Pool Designers Make?

How to Become a Pool Designer & How Much Do Pool Designers Make

Taking a plunge into the creative building sector of the pool and hot tub industry, designers are masters in bringing to life unique and beautiful aquatic spaces.  

If you share this passion for design and are wondering how to become a pool designer, this is a great place to get started! Given the multiple pathways for a pool designer career, the aquatics industry can help you navigate the waters to find your niche.  

1. Gain Experience

The first step in learning how to become a pool designer is to gain experience within the industry. This can be accomplished through: 

Even if you have limited or no experience, there are plenty of opportunities to learn while on the job!  

2. Apply for Pool Designer Jobs

Now you can begin the process of applying to design positions within the aquatics industry, such as those found on the Work In Aquatics job board 

In many cases, the typical entry-level position to begin a pool designer career is a drafter. A drafter is responsible for preparing architectural drawings, working on various projects, and collaborating with a team on design plans and executions. You can also apply for drafter positions on the job board. 

3. Collaborate and Learn from Other Teams

As you rise in the ranks, there’s frequent collaboration with construction and sales teams for projects, which will also allow you to discover new avenues for design within these other sectors. Design roles in construction might be a design engineer, whereas similar positions in sales could be a design consultant 

4. Grow Your Career

Once you have your foot in the door, the possibilities are endless! To grow your career, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) also offers an abundance of resources to enhance your knowledge and set you apart as an industry expert. 

One of the best resources offered for pool designers looking to advance their skills is the GENESIS pool designer program. This program offers many courses including Elements of Design, Architectural Styles, Outdoor Design Trends, 3D Modelling, and much more.  

How Much Do Pool Designers Make?

On average, pool designers make a salary starting from around $65,000 and up to $90,000. Salaries depend on position level, experience, location, and company. Plus, in the next few years, the pool and hot tub industry is projected to grow even more, so now is the time to dive into these lucrative opportunities! 

Stretch your creativity and develop breathtaking projects that will allow you to pursue your design passions, all within the pool and hot tub industry. Wherever you’re looking to begin your design journey, you can fully immerse yourself in the opportunities available in the growing, ever-changing world of aquatics. Discover exciting design openings and more on our Work In Aquatics job board today!