Pools & Spas

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. ...
The Vermiculite Touch
In the world of concrete, vermiculite is in some ways an unusual material – a lightweight aggregate that creates a durable and ultra-smooth substrate for vinyl liner pool. (It’s also widely used as a soil amendment in agriculture.) Phoenix B. Owens has been using it in his pools for decades, and believe with the right touch, vermiculite is a perfect choice. ...
Power of Personal Connections
Watershape University prioritizes live events. There is simply no substitute for spending time in person with like-minded industry professionals. WU will be on hand at the upcoming International | Pool | Spa | Patio and Deck Expo in Las Vegas, Nov. 12-17, to not only provide top-flight education, but also spend time with friends, old and new. ...
Concrete Cancer III (a perfect storm)
As Paolo Benedetti explains in this conclusion to his series on Alkali Silica Reaction, although the problem can be avoided with basic and well-known precautionary measures, it is almost impossible to cure once the it starts. The business implications are grim for watershapers who are caught unaware. ...
PVC Membranes (a neat fit)
There’s no limit to the cost of renovating severely cracked pools. Ontario Pool Coatings recently turned to PVC membranes as a way to control those costs and most important, provide a reliable watertight renovation solution. As company president, Darren Borland, explains, the move into membranes has proved a perfect fit. ...
Informed Vigilance
Are dark clouds gathering on the economic horizon? Many people think so, and are feeling that way with growing frequency and deepening levels of concern. As Eric Herman points out, based on past experience in periods of looming financial strife, this is the time to plan for a changing business landscape. ...
Expo Education at a Glance
The watershaping industry will gather at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the International Pool | Spa | Patio and Deck Expo, Nov. 12-17. Watershape University will be on hand to elevate industry professionals with its unique brand of topflight education. ...
Improving on the Past
Renovating pools that were built in decades past often means dealing with structures, materials and mechanical systems that were installed before the industry had fully developed its technical understanding and construction standards. Here, JC Escudero describes one such renovation project in which he brought a “lagoon pool” into the modern era – all with his distinct design flair. ...