Sometimes the most impressive transformations happen where you least expect them. Take the March 2025 Pool of the Month winner: a sprawling 10-acre property in Franklin, Indiana that sits quietly off a country road, where what was once a blank canvas has become a masterpiece of thoughtful pool design.
The homeowners had a clear vision: create a space where friends and family could gather, relax and make lasting memories. What they got was something that exceeded even their own expectations, thanks to the skilled hands and generational expertise of Pools by Cory and the stunning fiberglass pool design by Aviva Pools.
THE FOUNDATION: working with nature’s canvas
When owner Cory Brooks and his team first surveyed this property, they saw opportunity everywhere. The backyard presented itself as the ultimate blank slate. There were no existing structures to work around and no compromised sightlines. They simply enjoyed creating with the pure potential waiting to be shaped.
Working alongside trusted landscape partners, Cory approached this project with the kind of measured enthusiasm that comes from nearly three decades in the business. The goal wasn’t just to install a pool; it was to create an integrated outdoor living experience that would feel both natural and extraordinary.
DESIGN DETAILS: where form meets function beautifully
At the heart of this installation sits The Apex 30 in Seychelles Sand, a choice that immediately establishes both elegance and practicality. The neutral tone works harmoniously with the natural surroundings while providing that clean, sophisticated backdrop that makes everything else pop.
The technical specifications tell their own story of thoughtful planning. Saltwater chlorination keeps maintenance simple and swimming comfortable, while the gas heating system ensures the season extends well beyond summer’s peak. Further, an automatic pool cover provides both safety and efficiency. Finally, Hayward’s full automation system puts complete control at the homeowners’ fingertips.
But it’s the artistic touches that really set this installation apart. Three LED-lit sheer descents flow gracefully from beneath the Trex composite decking, creating both visual drama and soothing water sounds. The wooden composite material under the metal structure provides that perfect balance of durability and warmth, which is practical enough for Indiana weather and beautiful enough for daily enjoyment.
THOUGHTFUL ADDITIONS: details that make the difference
Cory’s attention to detail shows in every corner of this project. Poured concrete steppers, carefully colored and textured, anchor each corner of the pool while artificial turf provides year-round green appeal without the maintenance headaches. The substantial paver deck wrapping around the front and side creates generous space for lounging, entertaining and those spontaneous gatherings that make pool ownership so rewarding.
The sunken fire pit area, positioned to create natural flow between water and warmth, transforms this space into a true four-season destination. It’s these kinds of integrated design decisions that separate thoughtful planning from simple installation.
GENERATIONAL EXPERTISE: three decades, three generations
What makes Pools by Cory truly unique isn’t just their craftsmanship. It’s also the living legacy of knowledge that flows through three generations. Cory began working alongside his father in the pool business at age fifteen, absorbing techniques and insights that can’t be learned from manuals or training programs
Today, twenty-eight years later, that same dedication continues. Cory’s father, though technically retired, still drives dump trucks for the team several days a week. Meanwhile, Cory’s son represents the newest generation, ensuring this wealth of experience continues forward.
Since establishing Pools by Cory in 2022, this Indianapolis-based team has been serving Central Indiana and surrounding counties with the kind of measured expertise that comes from genuine passion for the craft.
PROJECT EXECUTION: when experience meets opportunity
For all its impressive features, this Franklin, Indiana installation presented relatively few challenges, a testament to both careful planning and seasoned execution. When you combine decades of experience with quality materials and clear communication, projects tend to flow as smoothly as those LED-lit water features.
The result speaks for itself: a backyard transformation that honors both the property’s natural setting and the family’s vision for gathering and connection. It’s the kind of installation that makes neighbors curious and friends eager to visit.
This March 2025 Pool of the Month winner represents everything Aviva Pools values in thoughtful pool design, including technical excellence balanced with aesthetic appeal, innovative features grounded in practical benefits and most importantly, a finished product that enhances daily life rather than complicating it.
Whether you’re working with ten acres or a more modest backyard, the principles remain the same: respect the space, understand the vision and execute with the kind of expertise that only comes from true dedication to the craft,
Ready to see what thoughtful pool design can do for your space? Connect with your local Aviva Pools dealer and start planning your custom installation today.
