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THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS
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| April 22, 2015 www.watershapes.com |
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LESSONS LEARNED
Water Gone Wild
Among all the problems he’s observed as an expert witness, Scott Cohen is particularly aware of what can go wrong when water starts moving where it’s not wanted. Often it’s a cosmetic issue; sometimes, however, serious damage can result — and can be costly to address. [more]
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 TRAVELOGUE
Walking into a compact space in Petaluma, Calif., called Theater Square, Jim McCloskey found himself literally face to face with the town’s citizenry — a wonderful experience that will enhance any watershaper’s trip to Sonoma County’s wine district. [more]
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WHAT IS IT?
#18: Eased-Edge Coping
Occasionally, notes Mike Farley, a client will want to achieve a different look than is ordinarily offered with a given material. This calls for extra creativity and skill on the job site, he notes, but it’s just the sort of detailing that can pay off in the form of beautiful results. [more]
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ESSENTIAL
Designs on Edge
From standard coping and cantilevered decks to boulders and plants and rock veneers, watershapers are using an ever-broadening palette of edge treatments to accentuate and refine their designs. In this photo-essay, veteran landscape architect Peter White illustrates the boundless possibilities that present themselves when it comes to setting up boundaries at water’s edge.
This article, originally published in the very first issue of WaterShapes in February 1999, has been digitized for all readers. Click here to see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.
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TECHNICAL BRIEFING
Keeping it Clean
To make water-in-transit systems work, more and more watershapers are finding themselves in need of external tanks that give these systems the surge capacity they need. Here, Paolo Benedetti discusses how to make these tanks both reliable and serviceable. [more]
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WATERSHAPES WORLD
The Swimming Imperative
A long string of news stories about water-related misadventures was on Jim McCloskey‘s mind when an item in an Irish newspaper caught his eye: It reminded him of an idea that’s intrigued him for years — one he believes should be applied just about everywhere. [more]
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WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .
Totally Cool Dept.: Hungarian architect relies on ‘liquid engineering’ to regulate indoor temperatures. [more]
Water-filled walls do all the work in these buildings.
Totally Uncool Dept.: Kansas wants to keep poor from using aid money to visit swimming pools. [more]
Why would legislators stop such a healthy pursuit?
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WATERSHAPES CLASSIC
Degrees of Separation
Ten years ago, Brian Van Bower wrote candidly about the fact that lots of players on one side of the watershaping business were worried about incursions from another. Do these ‘sides’ even exist today? [more]
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Jewels for Pools from Universal White Cement
Universal White Cement (Glendale, AZ) offers Jewels for Pools with Pebble Radiance. This blend of iridescent, multihued, gem-like glass — combined with mini-pebbles, abalone shell and pigments — adds new dimensions to pebble pool finishes. Strong and durable, the material includes the company’s pozzolanic-enhanced cement in each formulation. For details, click here. Zodiac Unveils Jandy Pro Series VS PlusHP Pump
Zodiac Pool Systems (Vista, CA) now offers the Jandy Pro Series VS PlusHP, a variable-speed, mid-sized, high-head pump for both renovations and new construction. Available only to pool professionals and brick-and-mortar retailers, the 2.7 total horsepower units feature large strainer baskets and an auxiliary circuit to control another device. For details, click here.
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THE AQUATIC QUIZ
Swimmers ‘Make the Best Lovers’
According to New British Study
Many water-related stories have been in the news of late — including reports connected to the three questions below.
1. A recent study by the British Heart Foundation and Mindlab, a market research company, surveyed 2,000 people in the U.K. regarding their sports activities. Among many other findings, reports cnn.com, the researchers determined that those who swim regularly make the best lovers. Which of the following attributes did the study not ascribe to swimmers?
Swimmers . . .
| a. are charitable |
b. tend to be happy |
| c. are good at keeping tidy |
d. don’t like drawing attention to themselves |
2. Earlier this month, an engaged couple — both of whom have physical disabilities — were set to take their wedding vows in a swimming pool following a more traditional church ceremony. The groom has balance problems due to a car accident; the bride, who normally is in a wheelchair because of a stroke, noted, “In the water we will be able to kiss and cuddle afterwards like other people.” In what country were the nuptials — both dry and wet — going to take place?
| a. France |
b. United Kingdom |
c. Germany |
d. Italy |
3. Residents of one U.S. seaside town have asked local authorities for help after sharks started swimming right next to their properties. As told by fox8.com, some misguided individuals had thrown food to the sharks, which may explain the animals’ unusual ongoing behavior. In what town did this happen?
| a. Georgetown, S.C. |
b. Darien, Ga. |
c. Bonita Springs, Fla. |
d. Lincoln City, Ore. |
To find out how many you got right, click here.“
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