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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Bent to Last

Locked in the middle of walls and floors in everything from tiny fountains to gigantic commercial swimming complexes, a proper cage made up of steel reinforcing bars is the hidden strength that allows a concrete vessel to hold its form, come what may. Here, veteran steel contractor Larry Long takes a look at this key shell-shaping material, explaining what it takes to set up structures that will last a lifetime – and beyond.

Rising High, Part 2

Mark and Zachary Trapani specialize in elevated, above-grade pools, mostly above the concrete canyons of New York City. As they discuss here in the second and final part of this series, it's a niche that requires careful analysis, creativity and sharp eyes for detail -- especially in existing buildings.

Detail: S032B

Preventing voids or 'shadows' during shotcrete application is always crucial -- and particularly tricky in designs in which the steel must be close together. In those cases, writes Dave Peterson, consider this detail.

A Study in Contrasts, Part 2

Here, in the second part of a dual project profile, Reid Schindler discusses the sleek, contemporary design he created right next door to a completely rustic, free-form pool he discussed in WaterShapes’ last edition. It's an entirely different (and appropriate) set of design criteria, challenges and solutions.

A Study in Contrasts, Part 1

Watershaper Reid Schindler was asked to create side-by-side designs for neighboring business partners. The kicker, he says in the first of a pair of articles, was that the two projects were direct stylistic opposites.

Detail: S032

Avoiding 'shadowing' in the shotcrete-placement process is crucial to the structural integrity of pool shells, notes Dave Peterson. Here, he shares a detail that dodges the void creation that can lead to structural compromises.

A Beautiful Wreck

Part of a team that recently completed an intricate splash pad on the shores of Washington's scenic Puget Sound, Kent Walker guides a tour of a design centered on a faux shipwreck -- and its cargo of interactive features.

Making Models Super

The project was massive: Four sets of spectacular model homes for a gated community set in the rolling hills above Newport Beach, Calif. – designed by three different landscape architects and each featuring its own creative use of water. By the time he left the site, says pool builder Kent Hart, he had installed more than 20 vessels of various types, shapes and sizes at the One Ford Road development – and found unique challenges in executing the architects’ divergent visions.

The Making of a Great Wall

Retaining walls are made to do an awesome job: High or low, long or short, upslope or downslope, they’re called on to keep earth movement from wreaking havoc on watershapes or any other ‘permanent’ fixtures installed on hillsides. Keeping these walls fr

Sweet Hospitality

Any visit to Charleston, S.C., can be fun -- even when you're there on business, writes Jim McCloskey -- if you find time in your schedule to stroll through its Waterfront Park and make your way into its heart to find the utterly charming and most welcoming Pineapple Fountain.

A Playful Art

An adult approach to designing children's spaces. 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

Pentair Offers AcuPort Control Units

Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from Pentair Pool Products on its AcuPort units, which allow for remote operation of commercial pools.

Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from FAFCO on CoolPV, a hybrid solar-energy generator and pool-water heater in which the water helps cool the panels.

Outdoor Living Systems & Accessories
Product information from Finnleo on its Summit Sauna, a system designed for outdoor installation and long-lasting performance.

Thursday Pools Introduces the Backfill Eliminator

Construction Systems & Materials
Product information from Thursday Pools on the Backfill Eliminator, a system that eases installation of fiberglass pools.

Construction Systems & Materials
Product information from Frank Wall Enterprises on AquaForms, an wall-forming system for use on vinyl-liner pools with concrete walls.

Pool/Spa Systems & Equipment
Product information from Dryden Aqua on Activated Filter Media, a direct replacement for sand in pool-filtration systems.

A Shining Takeaway

WaterShapes World (blog)
Given the industry's current struggles to keep up with the overwhelming demand for watershapes, Eric Herman suggests that it's time to consider what's driving the buying frenzy – and spend some time in the buyer's shoes.