WaterShapes

The web site for all professionals and consumers who've made or want to make water a part of their lives

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PHOTO COURTESY J. BROWNLEE DESIGN, NASHVILLE, TENN.
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Powerful Grounds

It’s often said that what you don’t know can hurt you – and that’s seldom truer than when the unknown in question has to do with the soil and geologic conditions that underlie watershapes. On hillsides in particular but even on certain flatlands, say prominent engineering geologists Larry Parmelee and Larry Schick, accommodating the forces at work beneath the surface is critical for professionals working to maximize the integrity and longevity of their installations.

Design and Desire

Working with an ample budget, great clients and a large, open canvas all spelled 'opportunity' for Jason Brownlee -- a chance to integrate multiple design elements into a composition in which water, stone, tile and fire define a European look that also offers a dash of mystery.

Detail: A201

This time, Dave Peterson shares a simple, reliable way to extend stone veneer from the deck surface all the way down into the pool's interior. It's a great way, he suggests, to create a transition from dry to wet surfaces that is durable, graceful -- and visually seamless.

Art of the Waterfall

No matter whether it's a pond, stream or swimming pool, waterfalls are an appealing part of the composition -- which is why Larry Carnes includes them in most of his projects. Here, he shares some approaches to making these features both naturalistic and completely mesmerizing.

Splashing for All

Splash pads have jumped in popularity by bringing fun to a variety of public spaces. But there's one key factor to keep in mind in their design and installation, writes Chris Thomas, that helps these inviting, entertaining features serve the broadest possible spectrum of visitors.

Detail: P783

With this edition of WaterShapes, Dave Peterson introduces a new, ongoing series that will focus on plan schematics builders can use to improve, fine-tune and fortify their projects. He starts here with a simple way to eliminate visual insults to waterline tile and interior finishes.

Raising the Floor

Movable pool floors have been around a long time, but perfecting and popularizing the concept has proved an elusive goal. Here, Diego Merkenbreak explores the process of changing that situation -- and making these projects more functional, reliable and common.

A Gem from Every Angle

The shape, position, colors and textures of any watershape drive the experience to be had by those who venture near the water’s edge. That in mind, says David Tisherman, the art of managing what is seen from various points around the job site is at the very heart of the designer’s task. Here, he uses a recent project to define his approach to maximizing a space’s potential from all angles.

Standing Tall on Deck

You see them more and more often these days: Streams of water leaping from beneath paved walkways or plazas in a display that adds drama, beauty and interactive fun to any public space. In this feature, system designer and manufacturer Jon Mitovich shows how these projects, known as ‘dry-deck’ fountains, come together as projects and how their very special effects are achieved.

Straight and Narrow

His fondness for water of great subtlety makes Jim McCloskey a fan of well-executed rills -- including one you definitely should see the next time you come to Los Angeles and take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Huntington Gardens in suburban San Marino.

Exterior Collaborations

Architects and the great outdoors. Book Notes includes reviews of a wide variety of publications hand-selected by a professional watershaper/landscape designer who sees their relevance in his life and work.

New Products at Watershapes.com

Hayward Manufactures Bulkhead Fittings

Construction Systems & Materials
Product information from Hayward Pool Products on BFA Series bulkhead fittings and tank adapters for commercial pool projects.

Construction Systems & Materials
Product information from RicoRock on grotto and small cave systems available with a new, simpler installation system.

Fountain Systems & Equipment
Product information from Bradford Products on the FX line of sheeting waterfalls for pools, spas and other waterfeatures.

Living Waters Offers Portable Water Cannon

Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from Living Waters Aeration on its Portable Watercannon for aerating and cooling swimming pool water.

Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from A&A Manufacturing on the QuikPure3 system, an ozone-generation system for swimming pools.

Landscape/Hardscape Materials & Equipment
Product information from World of Bronze on fountains and statuary made from solid bronze for garden and outdoor use.

Imagination in Demand

WaterShapes World (blog)
As the weird summer of 2020 strectches toward the fall, watershapers continue to report unprecedented sales activity. Perhaps that sweltering demand justifies charging design fees, suggests Eric Herman -- and maybe kicking them up a notch or two as demand meets supply.