Pools & Spas

Watershape University Taps Charlie Raphael for Certification Post
(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.
Renolit Introduces Marble Liner
Renolit (Laporte, Ind.) now offers a new designer PVC membrane called ALKORPLAN TOUCH-Vanity, a new textured liner membrane pattern inspired by nature. Designed to imitates the look and feel of white marble using a white base color with subtle threads of grey throughout to give the material the realistic appearance of white marble, this 80-mil thick reinforced membrane can be used for new pool construction or to completely encapsulate and renovate leaking or deteriorated pools. To learn more, click here.
Luxury Liner Notes
Once derided as “baggies,” pools with vinyl liners have now taken their place in the world of custom watershaping, due to the flexibility of shape and wide spectrum of patterns, colors and textures. This beautiful remodel stands as a perfect example, says Columbian watershaper, Christophe Garces. ...
Generations Rising
The concept of the “middle class” pool has changed, dramatically so in some ways, largely due to a set of generational and economic shifts that are directly impacting watershape designers and builders. Success in today’s market, says JC Escudero, means understanding the values and motivations of younger consumers, and the world in which they live.   ...
Understanding Borate
The use of borates in pools has gained momentum over the past few years by service techs and homeowners alike. As its acceptance grows, the data and anecdotes of borate benefits are mounting, pointing toward a very bright future for boron-based treatment products. ...
S409: Stainless Steel Wall Detail
For situations where space is tight, turning to stainless steel basins can be the best call, explains Dave Peterson. This structural wall detail can also be used to make a clean aesthetic statement, by bringing the water right up to surrounding hardscape.    ...
The Frothy History of pH
For anyone working with water chemistry, the pH scale is key to understanding a range of factors, from mineral saturation to the effectiveness of chlorine. It is essential to understanding water as the so-called “universal solvent” and the management of watershapes of all types. What many may not realize, however, is that this all-important chemical convention resulted from experimentation with beer. ...
Return of the Bathhouse
The popularity and presence of urban bathhouses are on the rise, a trend driven by post-pandemic demand for healthy communal experiences among urban consumers. A mainstay of civilized societies for centuries the world over, public bathing facilities experienced sharp decline in the second half of the 20th century, but may once again play an important role in physical, mental and “social” wellness. ...
The Clean Scene
The benefits and importance of bather cleanliness are well established. From managing water quality to preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, showering stands as one of the frontline swimmer-health measures. As Paolo Benedetti points out here, showers also represent an opportunity to add value to the watershape environment with interesting designs, materials and by enhancing the experience of getting wet. ...
D301: Fire-Fighting Hydrant Detail
As wild fires increase with frequency and intensity year after year, the idea of using swimming pool water to fight fires is gaining ground with many homeowners and general contractors. This simple detail enables firefighters to quickly access water that would otherwise be unavailable when it could be needed most. ...