Aquatic Technology

– some things useful, others not so much

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. ...
Fine Points: Equipment Shelves and Tables
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. ...
Stainless Watershapes (Part I)
Stainless-steel vessels have dramatically increased in popularity over the past 20 years, observes Mark Holden and Jeff Freemen. That increase necessitates a greater understanding of the material, its advantages and, as important, the potential problems associated with the manufacturing process that can lead to catastrophic failures, litigation and expensive remediations. ...
Natare Makes Underwater Windows
Natare manufacturers swimming pool windows that provide a clear view into the swimming or diving pool below the water’s surface, an invaluable aid for underwater photography, education, or the ultimate view of competition swimming. These strong rectangular windows are suitable for installation in any concrete or stainless-steel pool. The window installs flush with the interior pool wall, eliminating projections and sharp edges that can interfere with equipment or competition. Learn more here.
Clear Water Perspectives
Convention and common practice often exist to be challenged, says Steve Kenny. In his quest to understand how to consistently achieve superior water quality, he has come to what he views as a watershed opinion – one that will directly challenge the industry’s assumptions about filtration technology. ...
Square Roots & Cross Purposes
Tailoring pool designs that marry the clients’ desires with the setting is always top-of-mind for Joan Roca. Here, he describes a project on the Florida coast that stands as a perfect example of his design approach. In this case, he turned to a basic shape and a host of custom details, to create a watershape that offers function, and a striking centerpiece that unifies house, land and sea.     ...