Thriving Beyond Recession
Who are the companies that thrive after times of economic hardship? The Harvard Business Review conducted an extensive study of that very question during the peak of the last “great” recession. As we now face a growingly uncertain economic picture, considering what they found may be of use today.    ...
Considering Service
All watershapes require service and maintenance. How easy or difficult the needed maintenance tasks are for the service technician is largely due to decisions made by the build. Here Steve Kenny explains how his years of service experience, and running a service division, influence his company’s approach to engineering and construction. ...
Losing the Language Wars
Does the language we use to describe watershapes matter? Eric Herman thinks so, but he also admits that as a long-time industry editor, he might care a bit too much. Should it be “infinity edge” or “vanishing edge”? Or should “spa” be replaced with “hot tub”? ...
Crafting Impressions
Swimming pool tile specialist, Jimmy Reed, is passionate about his work installing breathtaking tile surfaces in swimming pools. He’s also succeeded in featuring his artisanal works in a variety of media settings promoting his artistic excellence. Here he offers advice and perspective for others who endeavor to elevate their reputation by way of today’s accessible communications landscape. ...
Wellness by Design
The Wolfpack values health and wellness, which is why Watershape University is debuting a new advanced construction course this year in Las Vegas, a unique offering that brings the world of watershapes, wellness and design together. ...
Detail S129: Coffer Coordination
Creating containment vessels, i.e. coffers, on hillside pools often requires building the coffer far head of the pool itself. As Richard C. Kremer points out in this latest Beneath the Surface detail, doing so requires careful design coordination with general contractors before the coffer is built, as illustrated by this clever containment solution.  ...
Why Pools are Worth Their Weight in Water
Ongoing drought is always an existential threat to the watershaping industry, even though, as industry veterans, Scott Cohen and Eric Herman point out, pools use little water compared to planted landscapes and provide a spectrum of benefits that bolster individual health and society at large. ...
Broken Mountains
Eric Herman recently returned to southern California’s San Bernadino Mountains only to find an alpine region reeling from drought, over population and a diseased forest. Despite the environmental devastation, tens of thousands of weekend vacationers were on hand elbowing their way in and around what little remains of the mountains that were once so welcoming. ...
Crucial Start (the importance of plaster start-ups)
In WaterShapes’ June 2nd edition, we ran a description of plaster start-up procedures as taught by chemical manufacturer, Biolab. Always an attention-grabbing topic, the piece drew a strong response. Among those offering feedback, service veteran Jerry Wallace, felt that the story fell short, and offered this piece to add to the discussion. ...
The Case for Covers
As the drought drags on through the summer months, concerns over saving water are rising, and are now prompting southwestern cities and counties to implement water-conservation restrictions targeting pools. Fortunately, argues Tom Dankel, solid covers dramatically reduce evaporation and are a front-line asset in the fight to keep pools in use. ...