Commentaries, Interviews & Profiles

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. ...
Ripple Effects: Pandemic-Era Pools
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. ...
Firescaping: Designing Landscapes and Hardscapes to Reduce Fire Risk
The recent fires in Los Angeles have left behind widespread devastation. Implementing measures that help prevent fires and reduce their severity going forward is now at the forefront of landscape and pool professionals working in fire-prone areas. Here, Scott Cohen outlines the key features in “Firescaping”—the practice of creating spaces that do not burn. ...
Pool Concerns: After the Fire
It’s an ironic and unsettling sight: a swimming pool full of water on a property where the house has burned down. What to do with the water in fire’s immediate aftermath is a question that confronts both homeowners and their pool professionals.   ...
For the Love of Art and Swimming Pools
Swimming pools have become a compelling subject for painters and photographers, resulting in an artistic subgenre that has built a growing audience over the past several years. Here Laura Carew of AQUA Magazine, profiles the work of one artist who is taking pool-based art in a fresh direction. ...
Building the Atlantic City Show
George Kazdin has worked in the pool and spa industry for more than 50 years, and is one of the industry’s most experienced business leaders. A New York City native and founder of Kazdin Pool & Spa on Long Island, Kazdin has marched from the trenches to the boardroom. He was also instrumental in founding The Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City. ...
Short-Term Rental Questions: Long-Term Answers?
Should pools at short-term rental properties be subject to commercial pool standards and codes? It’s a question that begs serious consideration, says Scott Cohen, given the nature of pools that are residential in scope and scale; but, in some respects, more like commercial watershapes in the way they are used. ...
Voices of Vision
It’s hard to say goodbye. That’s been especially true this past year as the watershaping world bid final farewells to a remarkable group of industry leaders whose influence will no doubt live on. Their WaterShapes contributions featured here, we honor their lives and contributions with our hearts and sights set on tomorrow.    ...
Swimming in Gravy
Kevin Cobabe knows how to enjoy the good life. Among his favorite indulgences, gravy stands alone. A self-described gravy connoisseur, as well as an accomplished pool designer/builder, he sees a parallel between his favorite culinary pursuits and his work creating places devoted to liquid luxury. ...
Limestone Solutions
With the intensification of global climate change, reducing atmospheric and oceanic carbon dioxide levels has become a unifying pursuit that has given rise to innovative approaches. Including one based entirely on dissolved limestone to combat acidification. ...