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Subterranean Energy
Although heating water by using energy found beneath the earth’s surface is far from a new idea, watershape designer/builder Douglas Cook reports that only recently has this geothermal bounty become available for use with pools and spas. Here, he offers a primer on this emerging technology, discussing ways in which the benefits of a fully renewable energy supply are starting to turn clients’ heads – and transform the way watershapes are heated or cooled.
Entertaining Possibilities
If there's one thing he's learned in completing projects for clients who can afford whatever they want, it's that planning is the key. But before that, notes Ryan Hughes, he needs a design that makes sense, suits the site and gives him every opportunity to pursue both fun and beauty.
Monumental Pride
Working on major projects is always good for company morale, notes Denise Housler. But in this case, the fact that it was a monument meant to commemorate veterans from their own county kicked both their emotions and their desire to nail the details up by several notches.
Shaping an Environment
Wrapping up a four-part series with a look at a project he's been covering detail by detail, Kurt Kraisinger pulls it all together by unveiling the completed poolscape -- and offering some concluding observations on working with clients while keeping an eye on design integrity.
Committed to Balance
It's tough to develop a landscape design that satisfies the social needs of a family while also meeting the practical needs of a thriving home-based business, writes Colleen Holmes. Ever consider what's involved in setting up a parking lot so it also serves as an off-hours retreat?
Peeling the Onion
As part of a huge, evolving, multi-year project, Scott Christie and his colleagues were tasked with adding a pool to an estate's big backyard. In the first of two articles on what took place, he guides us through a design process filled with details, changes -- and a key surprise.
Lighting by Design
To watershape designers and landscape professionals who see lighting as uncharted territory, Bruce Dennis offers simple encouragement: Apply what you already know about artfully organizing spaces and working with contrasts and textures and you already have a big head start.
Beginnings
The water has to come from somewhere in pond/stream systems – and that, according to master watershaper Anthony Archer Wills, is precisely where many projects run off course, basically because their injection points are too obviously contrived. Here, he argues instead for taking great care in devising (and hiding) water sources to make them seem as though they’ve been shaped from time immemorial by nature’s own subtle hydrology.
Modern Movements
Moving water has an uncanny ability to soothe and refresh no matter where you find it, observe watershapers Sheri and Roger Soares II– but, they quickly add, it has a special power in arid, desert environments, where its appearance is both unexpected and reassuring. That’s why their projects almost always include water-in-transit effects, from subtle spillways or runnels to complex vanishing edges or perimeter overflows.
The Power in Partnering
On watershaping projects, even minor conflicts or disputes can lead to courtroom battles. Back in 1999, Curt Straub defined a way to avoid these lose/lose scenarios through a simple up-front agreement.
Floating in Style
His admiration for a particular architect's work led Jim McCloskey to make a pilgrimage to one of the master's most esteemed projects -- a Spanish pavilion that any watershaper should place on his or her must-visit list the next time the international-travel bug bites.
Overcoming Fear
Learning to overcome the fear of failure. Book Notes includes reviews of publications hand-selected for review by a professional watershaper/landscape designer.
CRYSTAL FOUNTAINS VIDEO SHOWCASE
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New Products at Watershapes.com
Hayward Introduces the AquaVac 6 Series
Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from Hayward Pool Products on the AquaVac 6 line of robotic, WiFi operable cleaners for swimming pools.
Product information from Hayward Pool Products on the AquaVac 6 line of robotic, WiFi operable cleaners for swimming pools.
Bobé Launches Series of Water/Fire Bowls
Outdoor Living Systems & Accessories
Product information from Bobe Water & Fire on its Builder Series of cost-efficient, single-bowl water/fire features.
Product information from Bobe Water & Fire on its Builder Series of cost-efficient, single-bowl water/fire features.
Spray Feature for Splash Pads from Water Odyssey...
Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Water Odyssey on Mushroom Maze, a play feature for splash pads that emits a dome of clear water.
Product information from Water Odyssey on Mushroom Maze, a play feature for splash pads that emits a dome of clear water.
S.R. Smith Offers Commercial-Grade Lounges
Outdoor Living Systems & Accessories
Product information from S.R. Smith on its commercial line of Destination Loungers for hospitality and commercial pool facilities.
Product information from S.R. Smith on its commercial line of Destination Loungers for hospitality and commercial pool facilities.
Pentair's Aurora 3800 Commercial Pump
Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from Pentair Water Commercial on the Aurora 3800 end-suction pump for waterpark applications.
Product information from Pentair Water Commercial on the Aurora 3800 end-suction pump for waterpark applications.
Campania Offers the Del Rey Fountain
Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Campania International on the cast-stone, 29-inch-diameter, 18.5-inch-tall Del Rey Fountain.
Product information from Campania International on the cast-stone, 29-inch-diameter, 18.5-inch-tall Del Rey Fountain.
'Big Easy' Bound
WaterShapes World (blog)
With the New Orleans pool show fast approaching, Jim McCloskey is ready to learn all he can about what's happening on a number of important fronts -- at Genesis in particular, but also at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and with a whole flock of acquaintances new and old.
With the New Orleans pool show fast approaching, Jim McCloskey is ready to learn all he can about what's happening on a number of important fronts -- at Genesis in particular, but also at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and with a whole flock of acquaintances new and old.