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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Public Light

As is the case in every aspect of the design of spaces intended for public use, the development of lighting systems for parks, plazas, resorts or historical sites requires increased attention to a series of creativity-thwarting factors including cost, durability and safety, says lighting-design guru Janet Lennox Moyer. Here, she offers insights into what it takes to go beyond those basic needs and truly bring public places to life once the sun goes down.

Detail: A170 (The Space Between)

User comfort and ease of movement are guiding principles in the watershape design process. As Dave Peterson explains, this edition’s Detail works as an ergonomic template applied when considering the steps users take as they move from here to there – and over the “space between.”

Modern Precision

Ben Lasseter welcomes challenging projects, especially those where watershapes are integral to the home’s design. Working as part of an exclusive project team, one that included a legendary architect, Lasseter’s firm recently completed a shimmering all-white pool that is as much a part of the property’s aesthetics as the roofline of the house itself.

Hot Water Options

While fossil-fuel heating dominates the pool market, and electric heating prevails in hot tubs, designer, builder and energy-efficiency specialist Douglas Cook sees value in keeping the alternatives in mind, especially for cost-minded and/or ecologically inclined homeowners, who might be open to sustainable water-heating solutions.

Making New Waves

Water and air quality can spell the difference between an indoor pool environment that is pleasant and healthy versus one that is far from it. The need to resolve those issues led to Steve Kenny’s escalating involvement with this high-end, all-tile lap pool; a project that has unfolded over more than a dozen years.

Detail: H101

Safe and secure chemical storage is a key concern for commercial watershape facilities, or any aquatic setting where chemicals are kept in large quantities. This handy detail from Dave Peterson addresses the list of concerns and issues that arise from the need to store and control potentially hazardous chlorine and acid supplies.

Natural Inclinations

It started out as an innovative project that pointed toward a new type of pool. Ten years later, explains Ryan Harmer, BioNova's flagship “natural swimming pool” was expanded to include multiple layers of biological water treatment, and aesthetic mastery.

Perfecting Plaster

On November 11, plasterer Rob Romano, of David Cook Plaster Co., and Bill Drakeley, WU cofounder, defined successful plaster installation in a lively Wolfpack Webinar Wednesdays presentation. The discussion was part of WU’s ongoing effort to provide basic as well as advanced technical instruction for watershape builders and subcontractors.

Splendor Beneath the Seas

Renowned sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor believes that for art to truly inspire change, it must be more than simply thought-provoking, but must also reach further and provide wide-ranging benefits on multiple levels. To clear that high bar, Taylor has decidedly aimed low, beneath the waves.

A Checkerboard Beauty

Creating works of watershaping art requires close attention to countless details and complete control over the installation process, says design and builder Joan Roca. To make his point, he recently profiled a spectacular project on Wolfpack Webinar Wednesdays.

Chemistry is for Everyone

This time, the folks at Ask the Masters and Pool Pro Podcasts delve into the many reasons why understanding water chemistry and how it can best be managed is beneficial to both watershapers and consumers.

New Products at Watershapes.com

Hayward Offers OmniPL Controller

Pools/Spas
Product information from Hayward about its OmniPL Controller

Pools/Spas
Product information from Paramount about its adjustable in-floor cleaning jet.

Pools/Spas
Product information discussing Ramuc's darmp-surface pool paint.

Pools/Spas
Product information from Pentair describing improvement to its AquaTram90+ handicap chair lift.

ControlOMatic Offers Pool Warden Controller

Pools/Spas
Product information from ControlOMatic covering its Pool Warden Controller.

Fountains
Product information from Fountain People about the company's brass scuppers

Big Achievements

WaterShapes World (blog)
Always trying to look on the bright side, Eric Herman offers a set of watershaping achievements from the past year worth noting. While such bright spots will never erase the memories of such a tough year, he points that even in the darkest times, the beauty of watershaping shines through.