Pools & Spas
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.
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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.
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Lazy rivers have become a mainstay in countless waterparks and resort pool facilities. As Eric Herman points out here, it is vitally important that when properties advertise the presence of a lazy river, that it actually fits the definition. As he recently discovered, it’s a surprisingly big disappointment when that turns out to be untrue.
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Watershape University is not taking the summer off, but we are easing up on the comprehensive educational programs we present the rest of the year. WU’s Summer Series offers brief but useful educational tidbits that watershapers can incorporate into their work providing top-shelf design, engineering and construction services.
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Pool start-ups have long been recognized as a key phase where the construction process gives way to service, a time where the curing process is crucial to the appearance and longevity of pool plaster, and by dent also critical to keeping customers happy with the appearance of their new pool.
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The Wolfpack is preparing a perfect summer-school offering, presenting its popular Construction 2111: Essential Pool Construction live and online over six evenings in July. No need to travel or take time away to elevate your understanding of the industry’s most essential construction knowledge.
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Generating quality water conditions should be a primary objective in all watershape designs, asserts Steve Kenny. Raising the bar, he says, means turning to a systems-based approach to water treatment that involves all aspects and components of watershape systems that move, filter, test, heat, balance, sanitize and contain water.
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Although this project was developed and installed back in 2014, it remains one of Kevin Cobabe’s personal favorites for a handful of unusual and special reasons he explains here. Featured in Sunset Magazine's “Idea House” program, the property gained widespread attention with a design that was most certainly ready for its close up.
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Artificial rock can be used to great effect across a spectrum of watershape settings, especially when the design is inspired directly by nature, explains Bruce Riley. Case in point, this elaborate project is designed to recreate the magic of cenotes, the legendary watery caves of the Yucatan peninsula.
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(May 19, 2022, Solana Beach, Calif.) Watershape University is happy and proud to announce the addition of Charlie Raphael, who will serve as Director of Certification and Licensing
He joins the “Wolfpack” as WU continues to develop and promulgate education programs and accreditation for the design, construction and engineering segments of the watershaping industry.
Raphael previously served as director of online education and certification at The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a position he held since October, 2020. A 15-year veteran of professional education, licensing, certification, marketing and communication, from 2017 to 2020, he was director of education for RESNA, a not-for-profit interdisciplinary membership association for the advancement of globally recognized assistive technology professional certifications, among a variety of other key position across a spectrum of organizations.
Raphael is a 1990 graduate from George Mason University Department of Communication with a Bachelor’s degree in mass communication and media studies, where he was also on the men’s soccer team. He is a licensed credentialing professional from the International Credentialing Institute.
“I’m thrilled to join the Watershape University team,” he said. “My 20-plus-year journey has led me through public, private, minority owned and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes and industries. I look forward to my role developing and promoting licensing based on the WU curricula.”
“Certification and licensing are keys to elevating the watershaping industry,” added Dave Peterson, co-founder of WU. “Charlie will play an important role in advancing the cause of education in our industry.”
For more information contact Watershape University Co-Founder, David Peterson, P.E., IWI ([email protected])
About Watershape University:
Watershape University is an IACET-approved provider of quality instruction -- live and online -- targeting the business of watershaping with design, engineering and construction programs for students of all levels in the pool, spa, aquatics and outdoor living sectors. WU supports and promotes the use of recreational and decorative water through accredited education and fosters a greater understanding of the benefits and value of aquatic activities and lifestyle.
