POOL builder Joe Spelta has been recognised internationally for the $250,000 pool at the Mantra Trilogy Resort on the Cairns Esplanade.

He has been awarded a gold medal for the pool in the commercial pool category outside of the US and Canada at the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals International Awards of Excellence in Las Vegas last week.

He also received a gold and a silver medal for natural pools outside of North America.

Mr Spelta, who has been constructing pools in the Far North for 35 years, said it was the pinnacle of his career.

More than 400 pool, spa and hot tub projects were entered in the awards.

The association is the world'[s largest international trade association representing the pool and spa industries with more than 4500 members.

"Isn't it amazing that a little Cairns builder has beaten some of the best in the world," Mr Spelta said.

He said the judges were impressed with the design, backdrop and the construction of the Trilogy pool which had to be done in two stages, the first in 2004 and the second in 2007 following the demolition of the former All Seasons Hotel and the construction of one of the three towers at the resort.

Mr Spelta also won a gold for a pool at Kuranda and silver for a Brinsmead pool.

He said the Americans could not believe he used natural rocks in the construction and landscaping of pools.

"They use fibreglass. They were blown away that we used natural river rocks."

Mr Spelta started Placid Pools 31 years ago and has built more than 6000 pools in the Far North and now averages 200 a year.

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