Real Advantages of Artificial Turf
Artificial turf has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years, and especially so in its use beside swimming pools and other bodies of water, says turf specialist Nick Ogilvie. Water conservation, radically reduced maintenance and great appearance are all reasons for the movement toward grass that never grows and never dies.  ...
Roman Aqueducts: Masterworks of Classic Engineering
The aqueducts it built stand as enduring symbols of the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. They are among the world’s most historically significant and celebrated man-made hydraulic structures, as they continue to inspire architects and engineers to this day. ...
Cold-Weather Tile Installation
When you consider the long-term environmental exposure every pool tile installation endures, Amy Denny explains that it merits elevating installation methods, setting materials, and the installation environment. A deliberate and planned strategy is paramount, especially when working in cold temperatures. ...
Riding the Tides (25 years of WaterShapes)
Since its debut in February 1999 as an innovative print magazine, WaterShapes has spent the past 25 years exploring the art and science of water – and the oceans of possibilities waiting to be discovered along the way. As Eric Herman shares in this special retrospective, the long journey through the world of water has been its own unique reward.   ...
Mythic Beauty
Her name is Kópakonan, but she is also known as “The Seal Wife,” a mythical figure known as a “selkie.” Immortalized in Nordic legend, a stunning bronze stature celebrates the rich oceanic folklore of remote Faroe Islands, and the power of art in a dramatic aquatic setting. ...
Portland Limestone Cement (an impactful change)
The introduction of Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) is intended to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production. That good intention may, however, come with unintended consequences, says plaster expert and educator, Jon Temple. ...
Mosaics of Experience
What started out as an Italy trip devoted to the pursuit of fine food and wine, Lea and George Frederick, wound up deeply imbibing in the world of mosaic art at a remarkable facility in Vincenza. Here they share a slice of travelogue and images that point to the remarkable possibilities of artistically arranged bits of glass tile.   ...
Fine Points: Sizing Equipment Areas
Setting up equipment areas for efficiency and serviceability stands as one of the top priorities during the planning and construction process, explains Kevin Cobabe. Getting it right means first devoting enough space for the equipment set, an important consideration that is often over looked. ...
Shuttered Reinforced Concrete
Civil engineer, Jerome Licata was interested in having a swimming pool installed at his home when he decided to try something new. He found a stay-in-place formwork system as a convenient way to create a concrete-reinforced pool structure. ...
Steps to a View
Unfolding during the heart of the pandemic, this beautiful remodel in the fabled Hollywood Hills gave JC Escudero an opportunity to work his renovation magic in a truly breathtaking and vintage setting. The result is a pool area that celebrates both the view and the property’s mid-century design. ...