Equipment-pad design often requires making the most of the available space, which in many situations is far too small. Kevin Cobabe faces tight confines in at least half of his projects, he says, which leads to the use of tables and shelves to fit in the needed equipment without compromising efficiency or serviceability.
St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain is one of the world’s most unusual and luxurious resorts, a renowned masterwork in the organic architecture tradition opened since 2006. One of its unique finishing touches involved creating sculptural glass-tile spires atop the building, an artistic task David Knox enthusiastically embraced in the spirit of the place, and the man who created this entirely unique resort.
Years in the making, the American Concrete Institute has published the definitive guide for shotcrete applications in swimming pool construction—a document aimed at unifying application practices and quality standards.
The Wolfpack is proud to announce that Eric Knight, vice president of education and training at HASA, Inc. and Orenda Technologies, has accepted a new role as executive director of Watershape University (WU).
Knight has been with Orenda for the past nine years (including two years since the HASA acquisition of Orenda in March 2023). Since joining Orenda in 2016, the company has grown from a small specialty chemical manufacturer into one of the world’s leading brands for both water chemistry and swimming pool education. Eric was instrumental in the creation of the Orenda Calculator, blog, videos, Orenda Academy, and the Rule Your Pool Podcast. He has traveled extensively, teaching pool professionals new and innovative ways to think about pool chemistry.
In an effort to raise awareness about common jobsite missteps, Scott Cohen returns with his Lessons Learned series, which previously ran for several years on WaterShapes online resulting in Cohen’s book, The Candid Contractor. Here he dives back in with a simple look at the importance of closing the pool gate.
Chuck Baumann believes that the process of designing and installing custom swimming pools and their surroundings is best served with a personal touch, not unlike the experience of enjoying a great meal in the comforting warmth of his favorite Italian restaurant.
From years working a pool-service route, to a new direction as an architectural photographer focusing on custom pool projects, Danny Riley, has built a life and career at the water’s edge. Here he looks at the journey with an eye toward the art and craft of creating images that capture the experience of being there.
The pandemic may be in the rearview mirror, but its impact on the pool industry continues to be felt. Pools built too fast, by inexperienced contractors with lack of supervision, has led to a stream of construction defects and in some cases, costly litigation.
The water gardens at Giverny have inspired visitors since the turn of the 20th Century. Home to Impressionist master, Claude Monet, the legendary landscape has been the subject of countless paintings and photographs, not only by Monet, but numerous artists famous and obscure—and it features what is arguably the world’s most famous pond.
As consumers trend toward smaller pools, and contractors seek streamlined installation solutions, custom designer/builder Mario Abaldo decided to start a line of prefab concrete pools, based on leading-edge engineering and manufacturing standards.
The Rhythm of Design
Designing beautiful outdoor spaces that feel welcoming and harmonious is oftentimes a matter of self-editing, says Kirk Bianchi. Here he delves into the design process with the idea of creating rhythm and visual balance, when making decisions about what to include and leave out.
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