2021 Editions (January-June)

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2021/2.1, February 3 – Angular Agility, Edgy Detail, Grass Action and more

February 4, 2021

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DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND CONSUMERS

WHO MAKE WATER AND OUTDOOR LIVING PART OF THEIR LIVES

February 3, 2021 www.watershapes.com

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Art of the Angle

This beautiful, ultra-contemporary southern California project featured a number of shapely features designed to harmonize with the home’s architecture. For Kevin Cobabe, it was an opportunity to apply his skills as a design-facing builder who can handle complicated equipment sets as well as the fine artistic touches. [more]

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Detail: A825

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Tectonics is defined as the science, or art, of assembling, shaping, or ornamenting materials in construction; the constructive arts in general. David Peterson often uses the term while discussing finish details he and his team have created. Detail: A825 is one tectonic solution for a stainless-steel vanishing edge. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

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The Grass Menagerie

Despite water usage concerns, grass remains a mainstay in both commercial and residential landscapes. Working with grass, explains Mike Logsdon, usually requires some level of moderation and a knack for knowing how to ply the multitudinous types of grasses for the greatest effect, based on client expectations and anticipated grassy needs. [more]]

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I am NOT the Walrus

During the chill of winter, when most pools are closed and covered, and many natural bodies of water iced over, some intrepid souls brave the cold and take the plunge anyway. It’s a form of discomfort, they say, that comes with significant benefits not found in warmer temps. [more]

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DIRECT CONNECTIONS

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Collecting & Using Survey Data

No matter how sophisticated your design software, it’s not worth much without accurate site data, explains designer Ryan Oakes. And like design, the process of information gathering on site has been dramatically enhanced by modern technology. Understanding how data and design go hand-in-hand is integral to successful design. [more]

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The True Value of Sea Turtles

In his campaign to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of an aquatic lifestyle, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols has declared 2021 “A Year of Blue Mind.” Each day he publishes a different Blue Mind-related item on his Patreon page. This wonderful essay was published on day 23. [more]

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WOLFPACK CORNER

Accurate Estimating Support

Failure to accurately estimate and price projects is a common and costly misstep. Reliable cost-estimating should be a cornerstone of all watershaping contractors, which is why Watershape University is now offering an online/on-demand version of its popular “Business 3452: Essential Cost Estimating Workshop.” [more]

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ESSENTIAL

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Graceful Reflections

The potency of water’s reflective nature is a component of watershaping that is all too often ignored or left to chance, says renowned environmental artist Anthony Archer Wills. When considered from the outset of a project, however, the brilliance and subtlety of a reflection is something he uses to completely transform the experience of viewing water in ways that become ongoing sources of delight and fascination for his clients. [more]

This article, originally published in WaterShapes in February 2007, has been digitized for all readers.

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So You Don’t Have To…

Non-Profit WaterStart Makes Connections: Matching innovative water technologies with immediate need might just point the way to a brighter future defined by more effective water treatment and distribution. [more]

Water-wise technology points to a smarter tomorrow.

Seven Dazzling Dubai Rooftop Pools: Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is famous for its wildly adventurous architecture and urban development. Naturally, it boasts some of the world’s most daring rooftop pools. [more]

The views are to die for, just don’t look down!.

Hayward Offers OmniPL Controller

Hayward Pool Products (Berkeley Height. N.J.) makes the OmniPL, a control system designed for pool builders looking for control at a mid-range price. The system controls up to eight variable-speed pumps and is saltwater chlorination ready. It also provides added lighting color options and dimming capability. For details click here.

Paramount Produces the VectorJet

Paramount Pool & Spa Systems (Chandler, Ariz.) makes the VectorJet, an adjustable in-floor cleaning system head. The fixture’s oscillating, sweeping action directs water and debris toward other in-floor cleaning jets and/or the main drain. Its adjustable angle is well suited for beach entries or vanishing edge catch basins. For details, click here.

Corporate Engagement Teammates

Watershape University appreciates the support of the following industry leaders. . .

2021/1.2, January 20 — A Diving Pond, Step Elevations, Enticing Grandkids, and more

January 28, 2021

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DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND CONSUMERS

WHO MAKE WATER AND OUTDOOR LIVING PART OF THEIR LIVES

January 20, 2021 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Diving into a Dream

There’s something liberating about jumping from a high perch then plunging into pristine waters below, a thrill that’s as old as humankind, observes Anthony Archer Wills. That’s the dream a recent client wanted for herself and family, a sensation he was all too happy to create in the form of a unique “diving pond. [more]

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Detail: A171

Vertical dimensions in floating steps can be critical to walking safety. In our last Beneath the Surface Detail, we coordinated the human stride to basic step geometry in a plan view, now Dave Peterson looks at this detail from a different angle: an elevation view. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Battle for the Grandkids

While fun has always been a big part of watershaping, there’s a relatively recent generational twist to it, explains Scott Cohen, one being driven by grandparents who are taking a decidedly competitive approach to motivating their kids’ kids to spend time with the old folks. [more]]

Fighting Thirst

Solving world-wide water supply problems might just come down answering complex materials science questions on the molecular level. According to new research, life-saving breakthroughs in the desalination process may be possible by way of understanding the way water moves through reverse-osmosis membranes. [more]

DIRECT CONNECTIONS

Eyes on Sites

Watershape University launched its 2021 online educational offerings with a detailed primer on site evaluation and surveying in a January Wolfpack Webinar Wednesdays presentation. Taught by Rob Warren, a member of the International Watershape Institute, the presentation covered what watershapers should keep in mind when gathering key site-based information. [more]

Fins of the Father

Unbeknownst to many, one of our nation’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, was arguably also our “founding” swimming enthusiast. Along with helping us win our freedom and establish the nation’s system of government, Franklin had quite a lot to say about the value of swimming – along the way, he even invented swim fins. [more]

WOLFPACK CORNER

Making the Grade

Watershape University recently secured an important benchmark in its campaign to elevate the watershaping industry with its brand of marquee educational programs – evidence that when the Wolfpack sets its sights on an outcome, it does not stop until the objective is achieved. . [more]

ESSENTIAL

Welcoming Waters

For years, watergarden specialist Bob Dews has built his reputation by designing and installing streams, cascades and ponds of remarkable beauty and extraordinary realism. Lately, as he explains here, he’s embraced a new trend by executing projects in the front yards of clients who want a bit of tranquility to ease and invigorate their daily comings and goings and greet visitors with the sort of experience previously only found behind these homes. [more]

This article, originally published in WaterShapes in April 2009, has been digitized for all readers.

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So You Don’t Have To…

Are Octopuses pH Sensitive? A recent study at Walla Walla University examined the effects of acidic water on octopuses, potentially bringing new insight into both how our activities impact the world around us, and how we’re responding. [more]

We can learn much from our eight-tentacled friends.

Invention of the swimming pool: Because man-made pools date back so far, it’s tough to pinpoint their creation, but historians do think this one in Pakistan is the probably the first. Historians believe it was used for religious rituals and not swimming.

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Although empty, it appears to have endured well through the rigors of time.

Pentair Improves AquaTRAM 90+

Pentair (Sanford, N.C.) has upgraded its AquaTRAM 90+ pool access lift. The lift rotates 90 degrees for ease of pool access, and has an increased lifting capacity of 400 pounds. The company also improved the chairs “reach” to clear spa benches and most types of gutters. It includes flip-up arm rests, a comfortable seat with a lap belt. It is fully ADA compliant. For details click here.

Fountain People Make Modern Scuppers

Fountain People (San Marcos, Tex.) offers three modern, sleek brass scuppers that are easy to install and operate. The scuppers are made of machined brass and have a natural brass finish. They emit a smooth flow of water and come in five-, 10- and 15-gpm models. Their clean and simple design complements both traditional and contemporary styles. For details, click here.

Corporate Engagement Teammates

Watershape University appreciates the support of the following industry leaders. . .

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2021/1.2, January 20 — A Diving Pond, Step Elevations, Enticing Grandkids, and more . . .

January 20, 2021

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DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND CONSUMERS

WHO MAKE WATER AND OUTDOOR LIVING PART OF THEIR LIVES

January 20, 2021 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Diving into a Dream

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Detail: A171

FEATURE ARTICLE

Battle for the Grandkids

Fighting Thirst

DIRECT CONNECTIONS

Eyes on Sites

Fins of the Father

WOLFPACK CORNER

Making the Grade

ESSENTIAL

Welcoming Waters

This article, originally published in WaterShapes in April 2009, has been digitized for all readers.

We Browse

So You Don’t Have To…

We can learn much from our eight-tentacled friends.

[more]

Although empty, it appears to have endured well through the rigors of time.

Pentair Improves AquaTRAM 90+

Fountain People Make Modern Scuppers

Corporate Engagement Teammates

Watershape University appreciates the support of the following industry leaders. . .

Uncategorized

2021/1.1, January 6 — Modernism on Spec, Detailing Strides, Heat Sources and more

January 9, 2021

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DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND CONSUMERS

WHO MAKE WATER AND OUTDOOR LIVING PART OF THEIR LIVES

January 6, 2021 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Modern Precision

Ben Lasseter welcomes challenging projects, especially those where the watershapes are integral to the home’s design. Working as part of an exclusive project team, one that included a legendary architect, Lasseter’s firm recently completed a shimmering all-white pool that is as much a part of the property’s aesthetics as the roofline of the house itself. [more]

BENEATH THE SURFACE

Detail: A170

User comfort and ease of movement are guiding principles in the watershape design process. As Dave Peterson explains, this edition’s Detail works as an ergonomic template applied when considering the steps users take as they move from here to there – and over the “space between.” [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Hot Water Options

While fossil-fuel heating dominates the pool market, and electric heating prevails in hot tubs, designer, builder and energy-efficiency specialist Douglas Cook sees value in keeping the alternatives in mind, especially for cost-minded and/or ecologically inclined homeowners, who might be open to sustainable water-heating solutions. [more]]

Big Achievements

Always trying to look on the bright side, Eric Herman offers a set of watershaping achievements from the past year worth noting. While such bright spots will never erase the memories of such a tough year, he points out that even in the darkest times, the beauty of watershaping shines through. [more]

DIRECT CONNECTIONS

Perfecting Plaster

On November 11, plasterer Rob Romano, of David Cook Plaster Co., and Bill Drakeley, WU cofounder, defined successful plaster installation in a lively Wolfpack Webinar Wednesdays presentation. The discussion was part of WU’s ongoing effort to provide basic as well as advanced technical instruction for watershape builders and subcontractors looking to elevate their performance. [more]

Designing a Design Business

Becoming a pure design firm in the pool and spa industry is not easy. The reason being, notes Mike Farley, the industry is geared entirely toward selling construction projects, rather than earning design commissions. For those looking to move into design, he suggests a book that defines the anatomy of a successful design business. [more]

WOLFPACK CORNER

Filling the Map

Despite the challenges of the past year, Watershape University’s International Watershapes Institute (IWI) has seen steady growth since the university was founded in fall 2019. As the roster of top-flight professionals increases, IWI’s values and goals are taking root and redefining the watershaping map. [more]

ESSENTIAL

A Crowning Achievement

The Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park is an ingenious fusion of artistic vision and high-tech water effects in which sculptor Juame Plensa’ s creative concepts were brought to life by an interdisciplinary team that included the waterfeature designers at Crystal Fountains. Here, Larry O’Hearn describes how the firm met the challenge and helped give Chicago’s residents a defining landmark in glass, light, water and bright faces. [more]

This article, originally published in WaterShapes in April 2005, has been digitized for all readers.

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So You Don’t Have To…

How We Use Water: In an effort address water shortage and long-term sustainability, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers insight into and guidance about way to sensibly reduce water consumption. [more]

Every drop adds up, use wisely!

Water’s Unusual Physical Properties: This insightful article from the American Geosciences Institute explores the properties of the water molecule that make it so unusual in nature, from its ability to retain heat to its role at the “universal solvent.” [more]

The H2O molecule is truly awesome!

Fountain People Offers LOTUS Escutcheon

Fountain People (San Marcos, Tex.) offers the LOTUS bronze escutcheon, a wall-mounted fitting featuring a dark-bronze finish and decorative hand-burnished details. The fixture is designed for use as a cover plate for a hidden fountain nozzle or it can be wall or deck mounted. For details click here.

Pebble Tec With Seashells

PPebble Technology (Scottsdale, Ariz.) offers Shimmering Sea pebble pool finish, an organic combination of cultivated abalone and mother of pearl shells that offers a subtle spectrum of color on the water’s surface. Shimmering Sea is included in many of the company’s PebbleFina finishes, and it can be added the company’s other lines of finish products. For details, click here.

Corporate Engagement Teammates

Watershape University appreciates the support of the following industry leaders. . .