Looking and Touching

I’ve had a swimming pool and spa in my backyard since 1989.

Through 22 years of ownership, I’ve spent a tremendous amount of time in the pool – especially back in the days when my three daughters were small and we all enjoyed being waterlogged whenthe weather was nice. I’ve probably spent even more time in the spa, using the jets to ease my frequently aching back, neck and shoulders, and loving the isolation that comes from closing my eyes and letting the sound of exploding bubbles obliterate worldly cares.

Even so (and particularly now that my wife and I are empty nesters), I’ve always spent much more time looking at my pool and spa than I have actually using either of them. For all the glories of family togetherness and physical relief I’ve experienced, I must say I’ve taken at least as much pleasure in gazing out at the water through windows as I have being immersed in it.

I know some watershapers who explore this visual banquet with their clients, and I believe with all my heart that they’re on the right track. Yes, it’s great to talk about direct access to recreation and recuperation; yes, it’s wonderful to mention being able to swim laps and relieve aches and pains with so much convenience; yes, it’s good to mention that there’s no substitute for playing with the kids or relaxing with your spouse.

But in addition to all that, I think most watershapers could and should do a better job of helping their clients appreciate the emotional value of being around the water, not just being in it. Describing this overarching benefit and talking about the sounds moving water will make would boost the desirability of owning a pool, spa or other watershape to the next level.

This is one key reason WaterShapes pushed beyond pools and spas to embrace ponds, streams, fountains and all other forms of decorative water: Human beings reap intrinsic benefits from the very presence of any form of water. Thus, we wanted to explore the ability of watershapes of all varieties and sizes to enhance human environments and the human experience.

Valuing water in this way adds profound depth to the process of working with clients. Try it: You’ll like the results.