Aquatic Technology

– some things useful, others not so much

Reimagining Pool Automation
Control technology for swimming pools has come a long way since the days of the mechanical timeclock. From the simple on/off function of yesteryear, to the sophisticated multi-faceted automated control of today, manufacturers continue to push the envelope of functionality and integration. ...
Are Waterparks Just Getting Started?
Although they’ve been around for decades, waterparks remain a dynamic and innovative industry focused on delivering a spectrum of aquatic experiences to consumers of all ages. After more than 25 years in the business, Craig Nielsen has had a front-row seat to the evolution, and he’s says with confidence, waterparks are only at the beginning. ...
Water Odyssey Introduces New Dinosaur-Themed Spray Features
Water Odyssey introduces a new dinosaur-themed line of spray features for splash pads and spray parks. The new Dinosaur Fun Forms collection features the Dino Cera, Dino Lil Raptor, and Dino Diplo themed sprayers that deliver dynamic spray effects that encourage splashing, exploring and imaginative aquatic play. Using a simple connection and anchoring system, it’s easy to update and transform any facility into a prehistoric, immersive aquatic play environment. The features are coated with Aqua Armor, the most durable chlorine, UV, and vandal-resistant coating in the industry, the company says. They are ASTM compliant, interchangeable with other Fun Forms spray features, made in the USA with custom designs available. Learn more here.
Precision as a Competitive Advantage
Installation discipline Is redefining pool renovation, says commercial pool specialist, Zack Tanner. Here he pulls back the curtain on his approach to renovating large watershape environments using discipline, innovation and common sense. ...
Snowing on Demand
The ability to make snow on demand effectively transforms the winter-recreation industry in areas where snowfall is scarce, inconsistent or even non-existent. Simple in concept, spraying atomized water under the right conditions can transform a barren slope into a skier's paradise. ...
Creating an Illusion
The “floating faucet” sculpture pictured here has become a popular type of feature with numerous iterations around the globe. In this case, Chris Trevathan and his team from Underwater Glazing International discovered that making the slight-of-hand watershape effect stand up and function was deceptively tricky.   ...
The Secret Life of Hot Tub Covers (Redux)
Did you know bears love hot tub covers, specifically the smell and taste of vinyl? For hot tub owners in rural settings, it’s true that bears will sometimes steal covers and take a dip in the war water while they’re at it.   ...
The Language of Plaster
Pool plastering veteran and instructor, Jon Temple, believes the industry needs to rethink its approach to the cementitious surface installation process. That transformation, he says, should start by changing some of the language used to describe how plaster and exposed aggregate finishes are formulated, placed and maintained. ...
Concrete Chronicles: A Legacy in Layers
Bill Drakeley is passionate about shotcrete, and has spent his professional life becoming a leading authority on its proper use—a pursuit that has led him into a world of concrete that goes far beyond the comfortable confines of swimming pool construction. ...
The Spirit of Avalon (Part I)
Although completed in 2003 and outlandishly opulent, the story behind this project by designer/builder Mario Abaldo has never been told out of respect for the client’s privacy concerns. More than two decades later, he’s finally ready to share arguably his most magnificent work. ...