2013/3.2, March 20 — A Costa Rican Edge, Buying a Pool, a Great Japanese Garden and more

Set high on the bluffs overlooking Costa Rica’s Pacific shoreline, this composition in water, tile and spectacular vanishing-edge drama is his best work to date, asserts watershaper Joan Roca. When it first appeared on the magazine’s cover late in 2005, it was still under construction. Now it is complete, he says, which leads him to share new images of this masterpiece of modern design and high-caliber watershaping.

Buying a pool shouldn’t be a casual process, observes Paolo Benedetti. Here, in the first of two articles on the subject, he advises that reaching the best possible outcome takes persistence, homework — and a clear ambition to build a solid information base. [more]

Mike Farley keeps his ears open when talking with homeowners about their projects, and the result is brief videos (including this one) in which he answers their often-unusual questions. But who would ever think that humble mastic joints would be the subject of curiosity? [more]

PLATINUM REFLECTIONS

Liquid Layering

In his designs, Steve Oliver finds steady inspiration in the grandeur of water as it flows from one level to another. Here, he uses an array of vanishing edges and gentle cascades to enhance views from an art-enriched home high on the rim of the Arizona desert. [more]

When the latest issue of a regional consumer-awareness magazine crossed his desk, Jim McCloskey cringed — but soon discovered that the article on pool construction and service made sensible points after taking the usual obligatory swipes at the industry’s rough image. [more]

WHAT’S NEW?

Now at WaterShapes.com . . .

The archives of all items run in Across the Internet and Aquatic Health, Fitness & Safety are now available — a treasure trove of odd and interesting information you can share with your contacts. We roam the web to find this stuff so you don’t have to! [click here for a test drive]

Shark in Swimming Pool Dies
During Ad Shoot for Retail Giant

TRAVELOGUE

Beauty Within Reach

In Jim McCloskey‘s 50-plus years of exploring his home town’s highways and byways, he’s come across some underappreciated Los Angeles gems — including this amazing garden sanctuary located just a short distance away from two major freeways. [more]

1. Beginning on April 21, U.S. Olympic swimming champion Ryan Lochte will have a reality show on the E! television network. What will the program be called?

a. “What Would Ryan Lochte Do?” b. “What Makes Ryan Swim?”

c. “Ryan Lochte: All Wet and Lovin’ It!” d. “Speed Swimming with Ryan Lochte.”

2. A lone sea creature has been spotted swimming up New York’s East River – and of this writing, it appears to be healthy and doing well. What creature was seen?

a. Shark b. Whale c. Dolphin d. Manatee.

3. Legendary open-water swimmer Petar Stoychev – who has won world swimming championships, participated in four Olympic Games and been inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame – has been named Sport Minister of his native Eastern European country. What country is Stoychev from?