2018/6.2, June 20 — Steep Solution, Dancing Water, Artful Illusion and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

June 20, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Dual Jewels

Working on a steeply sloping site above a Texas lake,Mike Farleyran into a bizarre local rule that knocked him back a couple steps –literally. But that episode didn’t keep him from providing his clients and their kids with more fun and features than they had ever imagined possible.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Shall We Dance?

Faced with what he saw as a clear need to simplify the task of choreographing dancing fountains,Scott Palamarapplied what he knew about control technology to the problem — and the result is an approach that makes both new and old waterfeatures dance to a fresh beat.[more]

TRAVELOGUE

Flowing Illusion

A chance encounter with a San Diego fountain startedJim McCloskeythinking about an interesting genre of effects used by watershapers. Here’s a look at a cool San Diego project where it all works — with a cautionary reminder of what can happen when the look falls apart. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Sculpting Edges

The art of crafting visually pleasing bodies of water is very much a matter of understanding and applying appropriate edge treatments, says master watergardener, author and teacherAnthony Archer-Wills. In this article, he shares the principles and techniques he uses to create watershapes that invite observers right to the water’s edge, where they are rewarded with dynamic and carefully balanced vistas.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin August 2005, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

All Cracked Up

Faux stones made with concrete can be a great alternative to real stone, notesScott Cohen. But you need to be aware of a key detail in their manufacturing process — a piece of information that will enable you to avoid costly consequences on the job site. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Modern Times

Two recent news items caughtJim McCloskey‘s eye — one a comical story about a Dutch artist’s inspired response to a perceived civic insult, the other a developing tragedy about San Francisco’s apparent willingness to erase a splendid part of its rich cultural bounty. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Special Treat Dept.: National Geographicoffers 31 photos that show the global value of swimming pools.

[more]

These are unusual images, some extraordinarily beautiful.

Special Treat Dept., 2:Esquireoffers a glamour-filled tour through its photo archives of celebrities and pools.[more]

From Marilyn Monroe to the Beatles, it’s a cool collection.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Communicate and Coordinate

Brian Van Boweroften wrote in WaterShapes about topics near and dear to his heart — one of which was the subject of his June 2003 column. To see what got him going (then and probably now), click here.[more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Bradford Products Offers Custom Spa Designs

Bradford Products(Leland, NC) fabricates custom spas in stainless steel. Available in any shape or size with any number of hydrotherapy jets and custom finishes, these systems are built to suit a client’s unique needs. A full run of special features are possible, including waterfeatures, lighting, waterfalls, vanishing edges, acrylic or glass sides and more. For details, clickhere.

Water Wall Spillway from Atlantic Water Gardens

Atlantic Water Gardens(Mantua, OH) offers a vertically oriented spillway to ease the installation of water walls and weeping walls by eliminating the need for valances. Made with heavy-gauge 316 stainless steel for durability under harsh conditions, the system works in wood or masonry walls and can accommodate hidden, in-wall plumbing. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Are You Ready

For Your Future?

These days, the Internet is the information resource of choice for those looking for goods and services. But it’s tough for an individual business to capture attention and interest amid the bewildering array of options facing consumers as they try to find ways to make water part of their home or working lives.

That’s why we started theWaterShapes Professional Network— a place consumers are using to get basic information about pool. pond and fountain designers and builders before they start making direct phone calls to arrange for site visits and bids. It’s a new way of making initial contacts and getting in the game.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/6.1, June 6 — All-Tile Exactitude, Overseas Logistics, Concrete Fact-Check and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

June 6, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Simple Marvel

The pool and its spa may have simple shapes, saysJimmy Reed, but when they’re finished as boldly as these are with glass and stone tile and custom-cut granite edging,you learn fast that basic contours pose unique challenges when it comes to producing visually flawless surfaces. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Foreign Correspondence

Working in remote locations is not uncommon, but asEd Beaulieurelates here, moving a whole crew of U.S. pond-installation experts to a South American city to build three huge watershapes was a test of everything he knows about people, logistics and project management. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Concrete’s Nature

Words matter, saysPaolo Benedetti, so he asks everyone to stop referring to ‘waterproof concrete.’ Yes,you can coat it or add things to the mix to make it impermeable, but no, without help, not even the best-formulated, densest batch will be able to keep water at bay — and here’s why. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Fluid Dynamics

For years, says watershaper and educatorMark Holden, landscape architects and watershape contractors have had profound difficulty in communicating about the way water should appear in given systems — whether it should flow over a weir, for example, or how much should spray from a nozzle and how far. The root of the problem, he observes, is what he describes as an addressable lack of water-defining detail in landscape architects’ drawings.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin September 2007, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TRAVELOGUE

Down to the River

The citizens of an old Colorado steel town invested heavily a few years ago in what they call HARP — the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. It’s well worth a visit, reportsDonald Brandes Jr., if only to see the extent to which the town has managed to upgrade its rusty image. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Water Warnings

With each return of summer comes another run of articles about how hazardous immersing yourself in water can sometimes be. But this year, notesJim McCloskey, there’s an odd ingredient in the media mix that has challenged his ability to let the stories roll harmlessly by. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Dog’s Best Friend Dept.: Video shows one wise dog saving another as it struggles to get out of a pool.

[more]

The amazing thing is how coaxing turns to direct action.

Take a Deep Breath Dept.:Deep-sea diver/dancer Julie Gautier performs an amazing underwater ballet. [more]

Scroll all the way down to see her truly remarkable video.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Maximizing Exposures

David Tishermanhas always taken photographs and recorded the processes with which his watershapes are built. Here’s a look at the thinking behind this passionate advocacy. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Dual-Voltage Variable-Speed Pump from Speck

Speck Pumps(Jacksonville, FL) produces ES90-II variable-speed pumps for swimming pools. Made with permanent-magnet, brushless DC motors, the medium-head units are controlled by advanced-logic electronics that reduce operating costs, energy usage and noise. Corrosion and chemical/UV resistant, they operate at voltages from 110 to 250 volts. For details, clickhereand scroll down.

Rain Curtain from Sheer Water Designs

Sheer Water Designs(Spring Hill, FL) manufactures Sheer Rain, a water curtain that features either one or two rows of streaming, falling water. One row includes 48 streams per linear foot and flows at a rate of a half-gallon per minute, per foot. The double row features 96 streams at one gallon per foot. White is the standard color, but others are available. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Putting Your

Portfolio to Work

Watershapers have a distinctive ability to produce spectacular work — but oftentimes real difficulty when it comes to calling their skills and talents to the attention of homeowners and others who are interested in making water part of their daily lives.

That’s where theWaterShapes Professional Networkcomes in:By building a collective web presence in which dozens and, ultimately, hundreds of sites participate as an interlinked colossus, it involves watershapers in a group entity large enough that the search engines can’t overlook it. So if it’s a strong (or stronger) web presence you’re after, check it out.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/5.2, May 16 — Double-Shell Pop, Pond Pandemonium, Flowing Symbolism and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

May 16, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Pop Goes the Pool

This wasn’t one of those cases where a popped pool could be coaxed back into place. Instead,Shane LeBlanchad to remove not just one, buttwoold shells — and set up a new system while easing any fears city officials might have had about their watershape ever moving again. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Nature’s Ways

When a pond’s fish shift to spawning mode, all sorts of things start happening in a hurry — in turn whipping new pond owners into a frenzy right alongside their fish. At these times,Mike Gannoncounsels restraint and helps novices recognize and follow what’s happening. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Mystical Moments

A recent trip to California’s Central Coast gaveJim McCloskeythe opportunity to spend time with a fountain that’s the key to appreciating an entire resort property. It’s well worth a visit the next time you’re in Paso Robles to savor the region’s blossoming wine culture. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Artful Ambition

In the course of expanding the boundaries of what he calls ‘themed construction,’David Longhas worked with lots of people who crave the truly special, from commercial clients to homeowners. While his main focus is on artificial rock structures and water, he and the talented artists who participate in his Idaho-based company are all about delivering the entire package — complete, expressive environments marked by a wonderful authenticity.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin November 2007, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Water Gone Wild

Among all the problems he’s observed as an expert witness,Scott Cohenis particularly aware of what can go wrong when water starts moving where it’s not wanted. Often it’s a cosmetic issue; sometimes, however, serious damage can result — and can be costly to address. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Renovation Time

The start of a new swim season has confrontedJim McCloskeywith the full extent of the deterioration of his beloved backyard pool. It’s time, he writes, to dig in, explore the possibilities and get moving with a long-delayed campaign to get things back in shape. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Gowiththe Flow Dept.: Closing a spa cover proves an impossible dream for a plucky but hapless woman.

[more]

There’s nothing like a breeze to complicate simple tasks.

Gowithoutthe Flow Dept.:Walden Pond researchers ask visitors to refrain from acting natural in the water. [more]

Pee is the culprit behind the damage to Thoreau’s retreat.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Considering Small Spaces

While every landscape professional hopes for big projects, clients’ yards tend to be small — a fact,Stephanie Rosenoted back in May 2003, that calls for more advanced skills and even greater creativity. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Intermatic Introduces Electronic Valve Actuator

Intermatic(Spring Grove, IL) has launched the ReadySet Electronic Valve Actuator for use in pool and spa applications. Designed to speed installations, the device mounts to most common two- and three-way diverter valves and allows for establishing valve-position set points without unscrewing the actuator casing. For details, clickhere.

Anoma Stone Releases Stone Pool Grates

Anoma Stone(Noida, India) has introduced Ripple Pool Gratings. Designed with a two-inch thickness that ensures structural integrity but also lightweight enough for easy removal for routine servicing, the marble panels come in two sizes — 30 by 30 inches and 30 by 72 inches — and feature rippling forms that mirror the water’s undulations. For details, click here.

WPN UPDATE

Collective

Persuasion

Those of you who design and build pools, spas, fountains, ponds, streams, waterfalls and other forms of contained, controlled water have an amazing ability to produce works of great beauty. But you also face real challenges when it comes to conveying messages about your skills and talents to consumers and prospective clients who might be interested in having you help them make water part of their daily lives.

That’s where theWaterShapes Professional Networkcan help: We’vebuilt a web presence in which dozens of designers and builders of watershapes of all types participate as an Internet colossus — a grouped entity large and interconnected enough that the search engines have to treat it with respect. So if it’s a strong (or even just a stronger) web presence you’re after, please do take a look and get involved.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/5.1, May 2 — Deep-Blue Views, Well-Dressed Ledges, Hearst Pool Revival and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

May 2, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Lake Effects

The position and basic shape of the pool may have been predetermined, writesScott Cummings, but the visual drama he added with his finishselections and aperimeter-overflow/vanishing-edge design made all the difference in optimizing the site’s cool water-on-water views. [more]

WHAT IS IT?

#30: Tiled Finger Ledge

Who says a pool’s safety features have to be visually intrusive? AsMike Farleydiscusses in introducing his brief video on an often-dull detail, even a finger ledge can, with the right client, the right pool and a bit of imagination, contribute significantly to a project’s easy beauty. [more]

NEPTUNE POOL RENEWAL

Defining Delicate Tasks

After sizing up the situation with the Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle,William Rowleytook the next step and developed an engineering plan to aid in restoring the plumbing system, structure and overall functionality of one of the world’s most recognized and celebrated watering holes. [more]

ESSENTIAL

The Power of Passion

Landscape designerMelanie Jaureguibelieves there’s much more to good exterior design than an understanding of project parameters, sound engineering and tight planning and execution. That’s why she takes time to uncover the aesthetic and thematic preferences as well as the emotional motivators of each client — a process that enables her to create landscapes and watershapes that not only function as desired, but speak to the heart as well.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin April 2001, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TRAVELOGUE

Stone Impressions

Stone, writesBobbie Schwartz, is a highly expressive material that imparts a sense of antiquity while giving impressions of permanence, security and serenity. Here’s a brisk tour of some of her favorite places, every one of which you can visit to enjoy their rock-enhanced beauty. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Water Wonders

His eyes light up when he sees cool articles having to do with watershapes or water in general. In recent weeks,Jim McCloskeywas inspired enough by two such items — one on a commercial pool complex, the other on water itself — that he felt obliged to call them to your attention. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Clumsy Me Dept.: Ace BBC sports reporter trips and falls into water while seeking to interview swim team.

[more]

No innocent microphone should suffer such indignity.

Creepy Them Dept.:Women barred from U.S. Senate’s pool because a few men act like spoiled children. [more]

The thought of seeing them swim in the nude ishorrifying.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

WeCanDo Better

Back in May 2003,Brian Van Bowerwent off on a behavior that particularly bothered him in some of his industry colleagues — and pointed out that there were (and still are!) simple ways to get things right. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Clearwater Tech Offers Compact Ozone System

Clearwater Tech(San Luis Obispo, CA) manufactures Microzone CD550, a corona-discharge ozone generator for small bodies of water, including spas, ornamental waterfeatures and aquariums. Easy to install and maintain, the wall-mounted unit requires no air preparation and reduces or eliminates chemical dosing while eliminating odors. For details, clickhere.

Aquascape Introduces Pond Filter Urns

Aquascape(St. Charles, IL) has unveiled Pond Filter Urns to provide efficient mechanical and biological filtration for smaller ponds — including preformed ponds or container-based watergardens. The decorative filter housing can easily be integrated into almost any setting, adding the sight and sound of trickling water to ponds without waterfalls or streams. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Standing Out

from the Crowd

Watershapers have a distinct ability to produce spectacular work — and, to hear you tell it, frequent difficulty when it comes to calling their skills and talents to the attention of homeowners and others who are interested in making water part of their daily lives.

That’s where theWaterShapes Professional Networkcomes in:By building a collective web presence in which dozens and, eventually, hundreds of sites participate as an interlinked colossus, it involves watershapers in a group entity large enough that the search engines can’t overlook it. So if it’s a strong (or stronger) web presence you’re after, check it out.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/4.2, April 18 — Rapid Results, Street-Level Beauty, Fountain Grandeur and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

April 18, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Peninsular Charm

Working atop a rocky prominence through a harsh winter on a short schedule? It was enough to makeKurt Kraisingertakea unique approach to the project, drawing support from near and far to get things done — from extensive site preparation through to on-time completion. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Public Pursuits

Adding three big waterfeatures to a prominent Philadelphia streetscape was a logistical challenge, reportsRobert Nonemaker, as was being among the smallest players in a high-stakes project. Handling the pressure took patience — and a self-reliant approach to project management.[more]

TRAVELOGUE

Simple Mastery

Long an admirer of Lawrence Halprin’s work,Jim McCloskeyrecalls Portland’s Lovejoy Fountain as the high point of a recent visit to the Pacific Northwest: It’s a captivating composition that gets even livelier when artists take advantage of it as a performance space.[more]

ESSENTIAL

Harvesting Rain

At a time when droughts seem to be aligning with increasing populations to ratchet up the pressure on our supplies of fresh water, the concept of using ponds and streams to capture and store rainwater is one whose time may well have come. Here, Aquascape’sEd Beaulieudescribes the installation of a prototype rainwater-harvesting system in a backyard in drought-plagued Georgia, where fresh water has recently become a precious commodity.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin January 2009, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Water on the Move

Water has a will of its own, observesScott Cohen, and takes advantage of whatever pathways it can find — quite often to go where you don’t want it to go. Unchecked, it can lead to staining that will seriously mar a watershape’s good looks, not to mention a homeowner’s good mood.[more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

A Memorable Milestone

A road trip to California’s Central Coast brought a flood of memories back toJim McCloskeyas he recalled the early days of the Genesis movement — curriculum development, good times, and the laying of foundations on which so much has been built in the past twenty years. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Cultural Vessels Dept.:Article tracks the appeal, history, influence and social role of vanishing-edge pools. [more]

The text is lengthy but sensible — and the photos are great!

Swimming Art Dept.:Web site highlights the best underwater swimming photographs taken in 2017.[more]

It’s the hidden beauty that appears when motion is frozen.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Identifying the Issue

Back in April 2008, university-level instructorMark Holdennoted that watershapes are underrepresented on the curriculum for future landscape architects. Is this a gap that still needs addressing? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

LED Pond Lights from Atlantic Water Gardens

Atlantic Water Gardens(Mantua, OH) has introduced the model SOLW6, a compact LED fixture for both submerged and open-air applications. Made with solid brass for durability and longevity, the quick-connect, warm-white units match halogen or incandescent beam intensity, have 45-degree beam angles and feature and easy-to-replace diodes. For details, clickhere.

Bellatrix Concrete Enhancer from Deck-O-Seal

Deck-O-Seal(Hampshire, IL) offers Bellatrix to enhance and protect concrete pool decks and patios. Formulated using dual-protection technology combined with unique hybrid polymers, the durable, breathable, VOC-compliant, satin-finish barrier is ideal for previously sealed swimming pool decks and patios where a clear protection system is desired. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Getting in Shape

for a Strong 2018

These days, the Internet is the information resource of choice for those looking for goods and services. But it’s tough for an individual business to capture eyes amid the bewildering array of options facing consumers as they try to find ways to make water part of their home or working lives

That’s why we started theWaterShapes Professional Network— a place consumers are using to get basic information about pool. pond and fountain designers and builders before they start making direct phone calls to arrange for site visits and bids. It’s a new way of making initial contacts and getting in the game.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/4.1, April 4 — The Wright Stuff, Pond Progression, Neptune Pool Rescue and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

April 4, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Steep Achievement

The unique, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home had a lot going for it, but it needed a truly daring addition to reach its full potential.William Drakeleywas more than ready to meet the need — despite a steep slope, a tricky stone ledge and a bold, multi-phase approach to construction. [more]

VIDEO GALLERY

Progress Report

The old pond had been around for years,but it had never been anything special. Revising it with a jolt of visual energy was a big job, reportsMike Gannon— and as this video demonstrates, reflects today’s practices while showing how far he and pondcraft have come. [more]

NEPTUNE POOL RENEWAL

Assessing a Masterpiece

Just visiting Hearst Castle’s Neptune Pool is awe-inspiring. But being asked to evaluate its condition and make recommendations toward its rehabilitation? That, saysWilliam Rowley, was like a waking dream — and a major recent milestone in his long, distinguished career. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Designing a New Paradigm

There was a time not long ago when the mere thought of pool and landscape professionals getting together on equal footing and having meaningful conversations about backyard design would have met with skepticism: There was not, it seems, much love lost between the trades. But times have changed, and one of the pivot points in that transition was a dialogue that took place in rural Ohio in August 1999 — evidence of just how much can be gained when communications channels are thrown wide open.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin December 1999, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text.

TRAVELOGUE

Back to the Fair

The subject of massive restoration projects leading up to its centenary in 2004, St. Louis’ Forest Park is famed as the site of the 1904 World’s Fair. Here,Kerry FriedmanandMike Perkowskidescribe their work on two of the park’s watershapes — and prime you for a great visit! [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

A Long, Strange Trip

The occasion of the 20th anniversary of Genesis putJim McCloskeyin mind of the origins of WaterShapes those same 20 years ago — and prompted meditations on the practical and philosophical links that have kept the two organizations in close contact from the get-go. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Bobbing Food Dept.:Purveyors of pool floats are entering the 2018 season with tasty (and often silly) ideas. [more]

Would you actuallyuseone, or just watch it drift by?

Role Model Dept.:Just shy of his hundredth birthday, this Aussie swimmer has broken a string of records. [more]

‘In the water you’re weightless,’ says an ageless inspiration.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Devils in the Details

Back in 2003,Brian Van Bowerwrote about the sorry state of the art with respect to pool plans and argued for applying commercial-level standards to residential projects. So where do things stand today? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

CMP Launches Brilliant Wonders LED Control

CMP(Newnan, GA) has introduced the Brilliant Wonders LED Lighting Control, the first such unit with an interactive, digital LCD screen. Designed to control lights, create schedules and set up custom shows with ease, the unit may be installed indoors or out in place of a standard light switch and is compatible with most LED pool lights. For details, clickhere.

LevelSmart Wireless Autofill from Kona Labs

Kona Labs(Kailua-Kona, HI) manufactures the LevelSmart autofill kit for most pools, spas, ponds, fountains and other watershapes. Easy to retrofit with no deck destruction and simple to install with new projects, the system operates with up to 1,000 feet of communication distance and has a built-in fail-safe system that eliminates overfilling. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Making

Connections

If you design and/or build pools, spas, fountains, ponds, streams, waterfalls or other forms of contained, controlled water, you have a proven ability to create projects of great beauty. But how do you spread the word about your skills and talents to those who might want you to help them make water part of their daily lives?

TheWaterShapes Professional Networkcan help you there. We’vebuilt a web site where dozens of designers and builders of watershapes of all types participate as an Internet collective — a grouped entity large enough and interrelated in ways that make search engines treat all participants with respect. So if it’s a strong (or even just a stronger) web presence you’re after, please do take a look and get involved!

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/3.2, March 21 — Inspired Participation, Illuminated Motion, Missouri Magic and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

March 21, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Seeking Engagement

Getting down to cases,Robert MikulaandSimon Gardinerconclude a two-part series by highlighting three great fountains and discussing how planning for multiple layers of community involvement have resulted in their emergence as indispensable urban resources. [more]

POOLSCAPES AFTER DARK

Flowing in Light

It’s a challenge designers and builders face every time they work with raised spas, waterfalls, grottoes or vanishing edges:Saving the best for last,Graham Ormecompletes his four-part series on underwater-lighting techniques by focusing here on various forms of water in transit. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Ozark Spectacle

While visiting friends in southwestern Missouri last year,Jim McCloskeynoticed big changes in Branson, a resort town noted for its entertainment venues. This includes addition of a must-see musical fountain intended to help broaden the town’s appeal to a younger crowd. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Making Models Super

The project was massive: Four sets of spectacular model homes for a gated community set in the rolling hills above Newport Beach, Calif., and designed by three different landscape architects with each featuring its own creative use of water. By the time he left the site, says pool builderKent Hart, he had installed more than 20 vessels of various types, shapes and sizes at the One Ford Road development — and found unique challenges in executing the architects’ divergent visions.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin January 2000, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Coping with Salt

They’re wildly popular, writesScott Cohen, but he’s seen enough problems with salt-chlorination systems in his role as a construction-defects expert witness that he thinks it’s wise to make homeowners aware of the possible drawbacks that can be associated with saline technologies. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

The Value in Sharing

The conclusion of two series — one distinctly philosophical, the other quintessentially practical — promptedJim McCloskeyto discuss how their value reaches beyond their basic topical categories. It also leads him to comment on the generosity that characterizes these articles. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Tinkling the Ivories Dept.:Piano-oriented publication surveys swimming pools with tuneful contours. [more]

They mostly look alike, of course, but it’s a cool concept.

Silly Pets Dept.:Frosty-footed feline puts on a show courtesy of an icy pond and lots of perturbed fish.[more]

It’d be cuter if the ‘prey’ knew they were completely safe.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Making Meadows

Lawns can be beautiful, saysBruce Zaretsky, but in times of drought there are alternatives to consider — including the wonderfully naturalistic approach he discussed back in 2008. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Basecrete Offers Concrete Densifier

Basecrete(Sarasota, FL) manufactures Basecrete+, a highly viscous concrete densifier for primary waterproofing of pools and other watershapes. Upon application, the material penetrates the concrete matrix on a molecular level, filling all voids within the matrix, and bonds with calcium and lime to form a dense barrier of colloidal silicate gel. For details, clickhere.

Metal Fencing Systems from BŌK Modern

BŌK Modern(San Francisco, CA) manufactures laser-cut metal panels in standard or custom patterns for use as safety fencing, railings, stair panels, wall screens, green screens and more. Easy to install and maintain, the aluminum and steel panels are made from recycled material and have thermo-cured finishes for durability and easy cleaning. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Watching Your

Calendar?

It’s still winter, but the 2018 season is just about ready to rock — an opportune time to make certain that strong messages about what you do are found where homeowners and commercial clients will see them.

One great way to spread the word is through theWaterShapes Professional Network, where increasing numbers of web searchers are finding information and support that is helping them make decisions about who to work with in adding water (and everything that comes with it) to their home and/or business environments.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/3.1, March 7 — Working for Heroes, Poolside Spaces, Safe-Water Quest and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

March 7, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Monumental Pride

Working on major projects is always good for company morale, notesDenise Housler. But in this case, the fact that it was a monument meant to commemorate veterans from their own county kicked both their emotions and their desire to nail the details up by several notches. [more]

WHAT IS IT?

#29: Cabana

Important choices must be made with smaller lot sizes. AsMike Farleypoints out in his introduction to this video, thatusually means editing things down to balance client desires with the known dynamics of outdoor spaces and factors related to utility, appearance and access.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Pursuing Toxin-Free Water

For years,John Cohenhas dedicated himself to meeting the needs of clients averse to using traditional sanitizers. As he reports in this compilation of three recent articles — gathered together here for your forwarding convenience — his quest is all about mirroring natural systems. [more]

ESSENTIAL

A Crystal-Clear Mandate

As ponds and lakes become more common amenities for large estates and commercial properties, saysGeorge Forni, increasing numbers of clients are demanding water quality more akin to that of swimming pools than to natural bodies of water — and very often, he adds, they want cleanliness and clarity to be attained without any chemicals. Here, he shows how this can be accomplished, in this case in a system of large ponds on a 100-acre estate.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin March 2005, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TRAVELOGUE

The Soul of the River

The tale of a river is often told by the life within it, observesHal Hagen.Here, he explains his unique approach to restoring these waterways, discussing the Williams Fork River in such a way that anyone traveling in the area might feel obliged to stop by to see how it’s doing! [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Pure Persuasion

Unusual requests from several readers interested in John Cohen’s articles on his pursuit of toxin-free pool/spa water ledJim McCloskeyto republish the three brief articles as one large one in this edition of the WaterShapes newsletter — and notice a cool coincidence along the way. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Never Do This Dept.:Slow-motion camera specialists stage a high-elevation belly flop for science’s sake.[more]

These guys are funny, but this is truly painful to watch.

Photo Follies Dept.:Photographer creates a disquieting poolside illusion to delight fans of special effects.[more]

It’s easy to tell what’s going on here — or so it seems?

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

The Architect Connection

Observing that watershaping was on its way to becoming an independent design discipline back in March 2008, architectGreg Danskinoffered watershapers his insights on the unique world they were joining. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Aquamatic Offers Lift Lids for Automatic Covers

Aquamatic(Gilroy, CA) manufactures the Lift Lid, an engineered system that rises to accept a retracting cover, then slowly drops to form a fixed, walkable surface. Ideal for use at pool access points, the system comes to rest on a lowered bond beam, hiding the leading edge bar of the cover and blocking almost all water from entering the cover recess. For details, clickhere.

CMP Debuts Curving LED Waterfall

CMP(Newnan, GA) has introduced Brilliant Wonders LED Waterfall 2, an illuminated waterfall system that allows for custom-cutting and use on curving walls. The cutting can be done at the factory or in the field, and the system features a sawtooth-embedded lip for interesting flow in addition to easy LED service via a front-side panel. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Working on

Recognition

If you design and/or build pools, spas, fountains, ponds, streams, waterfalls and other forms of contained, controlled water, you have likely demonstrated an ability to create projects of great beauty. But how do you spread the word about your skills and talents to those who might want you to help them make water part of their daily lives?

TheWaterShapes Professional Networkcan help you there. We’vebuilt a web site where dozens of designers and builders of watershapes of all types participate as an Internet collective — a grouped entity large enough and interrelated in ways that make search engines treat you with respect. So if it’s a strong (or even just a stronger) web presence you’re after, please do take a look and get involved.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/2.2, February 21 — Artfully to Plan, Fountains’ Foundations, Civic Prudery and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

February 21, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

All in the Details

It’s not how he usually works, notesBen Lasseter. But on this occasion, the opportunity to bring someone else’s exceptional design to fruition made taking a secondary role the right move — even with the awkward scheduling, unusual access issues and a few tricky alignments.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Sense of Participation

The circumstances in which urban fountains are created these days is complex and ever-changing, sayRobert MikulaandSimon Gardiner— a situation they discuss in the first of two articles on building a sense of multi-level participation among key groups of stakeholders. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Clothing Optional

His survey of St. Louis’s fountains finally carriedJim McCloskeyto Aloe Plaza and ‘Meeting of the Waters.’ a wonderful set of river-themed sculptures, well worth a visit. And let’s not forget all of the controversy kicked up when the composition was first unveiled in 1940! [more]

ESSENTIAL

Fluid Melodies

For the past 30 years, Toronto-based artist, scientist, inventor, professor and musicianSteve Mannhas been inventing, creating, building and playing what he calls ‘hydraulophones.’ Part fountain, part interactive waterfeature, part musical instrument and in all ways unusual, these systems enable adults, children and anyone who cares to give one a try the ability to manipulate the flow of water to create musical notes, harmonies and melodies.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin February 2008, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Overbearing Rockwork

A swimming pool is made of steel-reinforced concrete, right? So the shell will be fine if you pile lots of weight on top of it, right? Wrong,Scott Cohensays emphatically — and here he explains why no sensible builder should ever make such a potentially disastrous mistake. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Swimming’s Lessons

A bout of warm weather ledJim McCloskeyto think back on summers past and how he spent two of them as a child learning to swim at the local municipal pool. The lessons cost his parents almost nothing back then — and left him with a life skill that seems less attainable today.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Beautiful Dreaming Dept.:Travel site offers 16 breathtaking views across vanishing-edge pools.[more]

There’s enough here to make me want to pack my bags.

Sublime Silliness Dept.:Armed with water bottles, a youthful quartet makes much wet music together. [more]

Be sure to stick around for the colorful crescendo!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

On the Verge

Back in 2008,David Tishermanused his Details column to define an artful approach to coping and decking for pool projects — and offer a glimpse into his design process that resonates to this day. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Copper Tree Fountains from Blue Thumb

Blue Thumb Distributing(Saginaw, MI) offers Copper Tree Fountains for residential installations. Depending on the model, each compact, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind tree fits in a space up to 48 by 48 inches, providing an easy-to-maintain, energy-efficient focal point for either a front or backyard space without taking up much valuable room. For details, clickhere.

Air & Water Solutions Launches Air-Cleaning System

Air & Water Solutions(Nutley, NJ) has introduced BioOx Swim, a system designed to clean the air at indoor aquatic facilities. The easy-to-install units come in three sizes for placement on pool decks and in other areas; larger facilities will require multiple units, which draw air through water injected with natural enzymes that destroy harmful toxins. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Taking Hurdles

in Stride

Through the years, large numbers of watershapers have invested extensively in building their own beautiful web sites, then wondered why prospective clients haven’t been beating paths to their doors. The hold-up? It’s a simple fact that building a strong web presence as a stand-alone site is a huge, costly challenge — and addressing that hurdle is precisely why we started theWaterShapes Professional Network.

By building a collective presence in which dozens and, eventually, hundreds of sites participate as an interlinked colossus, we become a group entity the search engines can’t overlook. So if it’s a strong (or stronger) web presence you’re after, check it out.

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?

2018/2.1, February 7 — Concrete Expectations, D.I.Y. Pond Save, Sustaining Pools and more

THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS

February 7, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Color Clashes

If you don’t prepare your clients for what will almost certainly happen to the appearance of this flashy form of decking and coping, writesPaolo Benedetti, you can find yourself facing unpleasant consequences — from encounters with peevish homeowners to meetings with their attorneys. [more]

VIDEO GALLERY

Rendering Aid

Mike Gannonis always gratified when a do-it-yourself pond owner trusts him enough to seek his professional help. But as he relates in introducing this video on one such transformation, there’s a single point he keeps very much in mind as he approaches the various tasks at hand.[more]

COMMENTARY

The Future for Pools?

To gain a larger perspective on what tomorrow holds for our planet and our watershapes, writesJames Robyn, start by looking beyond our day-to-day lives to see what history, science and astronomy can tell us — then consider what it’ll take to ensure a long, safe, prosperous future. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Balancing Acts

Michael Nantzhas built a reputation for success in design work across a range of styles and settings. Here in words and images, the Dallas-based watershape designer and builder leads us through a set of projects that put him to the test, forcing him to work with challenging sites and more than a few quirky client requests — and, invariably, pushing him to balance his instincts against the needs of his projects in developing creative solutions.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin May 2009, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TRAVELOGUE

Civic Celebrations

Montréal’s arts district has long been a venue for lively performances, exhibitions and cultural events. As part of a recent revitalization process, notesDavid L’Heureux, the city commissioned thePlace des Festivals– and a spectacular watershape you simplymustsee! [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Chasing Inspiration

Reading about a residence designed by a prominent Miami architect,Jim McCloskeywas impressed — and even more so when he saw it’s vintage and began putting it in the context of inspirations and innovations that periodically sweep through the world of watershaping. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Where There’s a Will Dept.:A determined Mainer creates an ‘ice carousel’ in the middle of a big, frozen pond.[more]

The scale’s remarkable, but what about horses and music?

There’s a Way Dept.:A New Zealand sculptor cuts glass to present phantasmagorical aquatic landscapes. [more]

Be sure to scroll down to see them all — simply fantastic!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Finding Touchstones

Back in 2008,Brian Van Bowerwrote passionately about specialization, style and establishing a design signature. Have you chosen your own path? More important, is that even a good idea? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

CMP Introduces Advanced Oxidation Sanitizers

CMP(Newnan, GA) has released the DEL AOP 25 sanitizer, a unit that aligns a plasma ozone cell with an ultraviolet light chamber to create hydroxyl radicals — a powerful synergy that destroys up to 99.9 percent of harmful water contaminants (including chemical-resistant bacteria) and significantly reduces the required level of residual chlorine. For details, clickhere.

Pergola Kits from Amish Country Gazebos

Amish Country Gazebos(Manheim, PA) packages wooden and vinyl pergola kits for residential and commercial applications. Available in two styles (Classic in southern yellow pine or vinyl and Montana in cedar or vinyl), the kits arrive complete and ready to install, including posts, headers, rafters and stringers engineered so no braces are required. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Easing into

the Process

These days, the Internet is the information resource of choice for those looking for a huge array of goods and services. But it’s tough for an individual business to capture eyes amid the bewildering quantity of options facing consumers as they try to find ways to make something like a pool, pond or fountain part of their home or working lives.

That’s why we started theWaterShapes Professional Network— a place consumers are using to get basic information about pool. pond and fountain designers and builders before they start making direct phone calls to arrange for site visits and bids. It’s a new way of making initial contacts and getting in the game!

TheNetworkis working just the way we’d hoped: Time toclickaboard?