WaterShapes World Blog

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.   ...
Working in Water
While watershaping is very much about adding fun, health and beauty to our lives, it’s impact on society is far more all-encompassing. The control, treatment and distribution of water is arguably the true yard stick of civilization, one of the main ingredients in human existence. ...
WU’s “Essential” Atlantic City Curricula (Elevate Your Skills and Success)
Watershape University is set to roll into Atlantic City, NJ, for the 2023 edition of The Pool & Spa Show with a dynamic slate of courses emphasizing essential information for builders and subcontractors, with a number of advanced courses on tap, as well. ...
End of the Endless Summer
The lives of beach bums, surfer girls and hodads everywhere have become less comfortable in recent years, observes Eric Herman. In fact, the summer of 2023 might stand as the most unpleasant beach season ever, and one that sadly concluded with the passing of summer's high priest, Jimmy Buffett.  ...
Treasures in the Sand
There are many ways to enjoy a visit to the beach. From surfing to sunbathing, the sand’s edge encompasses some of the most enjoyable human experiences. For some, the preferred activity involves little more than wandering the shore with a pair of keen eyes looking for treasures in the form of sea glass. ...
On the Steps of Freedom
Celebrating the birth of the United States is for many both a joyous and somber occasion. At least it is for Eric Herman, who shares memories of his first childhood trip to Washington D.C. and the pride he takes in our nation’s history, as well as the lessons of the great “American Experiment.” ...
A Question of Intelligence
Is AI changing the world as we know it, and is that change for the better? While many people see only positives in the form of instant efficiencies and capabilities, others are not quite so hasty in their assessments. ...
Barrier Busting
Access to swimming pools is an essential factor in learning to swim. As obvious as that may seem, social and economic barriers have for decades prevented many underprivileged groups from sharing in the benefits of aquatic sports. Swim instructor, Robert Trotman, spent more than a half century working to change that. ...
Old West, New West
The most beautiful bodies of man-made water aren’t worth much without the people who maintain them. The profound importance, and enduring nature, of the traditional independent pool service industry was on Eric Herman’s mind as he attended this year’s, forty fifth edition of the Western Pool & Spa Show. ...
Add Water, Live Better!
The towering importance of health and wellness is manifesting in the skyrocketing value of the global market. The short and long-term implications for the watershaping industry could be far-reaching and lucrative for those who embrace the healthful power of an aquatic lifestyle.  ...