The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) purchased the rights to the International Awards of Excellence competition, formerly called the Design Awards, from Swimming Pool Weekly publisher Robert Hoffman in 1969. The first competition under the auspices of the National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI, which is now APSP) occurred in 1970.

The competition is open only to APSP member builders, designers, and service and retail firms. Many hundreds of entries are submitted each year, representing member firms across the United States and around the world. For information about becoming a member of APSP, click here.