Pools & Spas

Education Far and Wide
In its ongoing efforts to meet the industry’s demand for top-shelf education and training, Watershape University has come out strong in the first quarter of the year, and is now set for a tour de force set of offerings later this month. ...
P804: Plumbed Snorkel Detail
There’s much more to making a perimeter overflow detail work than meets the eye. What looks like a thin slot at the edge of the water surface conceals the gutter and required plumbing below. This detail shows the dropouts, main drainage line and the snorkel detail necessary for reducing noise from air being sucked into the system. ...
Reflecting the High Life
Four years in the making, this Ohio project gave Jerry Hammerschmidt and his staff at High-Tech Pools an opportunity to execute at the highest possible level, both in terms of design collaboration, and construction. Here he pulls back the curtain on a project that deftly blends modern and classic motifs in a uniquely luxurious estate setting.  ...
Watershape University Steps into Service
WU has announced a new training program for watershape service professionals. Designed to support commercial service licensing and education, the course is also aimed at elevating the work of residential service companies with WU’s unique brand of quality instruction. ...
Words of Wisdom for New Service Technicians
Independent pool service is a solitary task – an often-lonely profession built on sweat equity and skill. Veteran technician, Robert H. Foutz Jr., has made it his business to educate his fellow technicians, in classrooms, print and in conversation. Here he shares nuggets of wisdom for young technicians entering field.  ...
Indoor Water & Air Quality (part I)
Indoor pools, known as natatoriums, are notorious for bad air quality. These facilities are unique in the world of design, construction and maintenance because they contain open bodies of water. In this two-part series, Eric Knight describes the basic framework for maintaining quality water and air in these special aquatic spaces.  ...
WU Roars into 2023
Watershape University is stepping forward with a palette of educational offerings at three major industry events in Atlantic City, Houston and Colorado Springs – marking the beginning of WU’s strongest year yet.   ...
Sliding into Innovation
British design firm, Splinterworks (Bath, UK) has made a mark in the watershaping world by reimagining waterslides. Taking a truly daring design approach, the company combines form and function into structures that are as much works of sculptural art as they are pieces of poolside play equipment. ...
Teaming with History
The Arizona Biltmore is a truly historic property with a unique design pedigree. Crystal Fountains’ David L’Heureux reports that his company’s participation encompassed providing state-of-the-art fountain lighting and jet systems, as well as acting as a fountain design consultant on an elite project team. ...
Pivoting to Renovations
During times of economic strife, many watershapers have kept financial pace by focusing on renovations rather than new construction. Is it time to again start thinking in that direction given current uncertain economic conditions? Industry veteran Brett Lloyd Abbott believes so, and has advice about making a tactical shift in messaging. ...