2020/5.1, May 6 — Rooftop Construction, Exploring Xeriscapes, Natural Grandeur and more

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

May 6, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Elevated Ambitions

This elevated project included an eye-popping rooftop pool/spa combination, a massive entryway reflecting pond and a host of precise construction details. Making it all work, explainsRick Chafey, required detailed computer modeling as well asmultiplelayers of waterproofing. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Discovering Xeriscapes

Xeriscaping is all about creating landscapes that thrive in dry climates — but that doesn’t mean these spaces are devoid of life. In fact, writesMichael Logsdon, water-wise landscapes can be surprisingly vibrant and colorful once you think beyond the rocks and prickly pears. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Waters of Washington

Eric Hermanhas made it his business to understand how water impacts the human condition and learned a great deal in the four years he and his wife lived in Washington State amid stirring examples of water’s ability to shape lives. Here, he shares the essence of that experience.[more]

ESSENTIAL

The Hidden Source

Creating natural-looking cascades and waterfalls requires the deft handling of a range of technical and aesthetic details – the chief of which, observes watershaperBob Dews, is effective concealment of the water’s source. Here, this specialist in ultra-natural watershapes for residential and commercial clients discusses strategies he uses to hide the headwaters and conjure some distinctly ‘natural’ impressions.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin April 2002, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

SPATIAL CONNECTIONS

Small Wonders

Great things can be achieved in small spaces, writesKeith Davitt. He works mainly in the urban surroundings of Brooklyn, N.Y., and makes the most of areas that many would consider too confining by focusing on selecting and juxtaposing plants, hardscape and water. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Planting Presence

Water and plants go together like wine and cheese, notesEric Herman, which is why WaterShapes has always made a point of covering the use of plants in spaces that feature water. But unfortunately, he knows too many watershapers who still approach softscaping as an afterthought. [more]

LIVING BLUE

Finding Your Water

Drawing from the language and philosophy of Wallace “J” Nichols, author ofBlue Mind,Lauren Stackdefines the importance of water during these uncertain times. What each of us can do to bring more people to water, she assertshere, has never been more important to the physical and emotional health of our customers and society.

WOLFPACK CORNER

WU Launches

Wolfpack Webinar Wednesdays

Watershape University is now offering online instruction every Wednesday afternoon in an ongoing series of webinars called ‘Wolfpack Webinar Wednesdays.’

The idea is to provide easily consumable bites of relevant information across a range of important topics, from business strategies to technical and product-oriented subjects. For details ontoday’ssession, clickhere.

To borrow an iconic phrase ‘of the people, by the people, for the people,’ that is Watershape University. We are an ever-growing, evergreen TEAM of individuals and companies working together to ensure the long-term prosperity of the aquatics industry through an educated workforce and an educated world that knows the benefits of being near, in, on and under water for life.

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Pricey shores:From lakes and lagoons to lazy rivers and fish ponds, watershapes drive real estate values.[more]

There’s definitely a fair quantity of gold in those waters.

Is water weird?Although it is often taken for granted, in scientific terms water is simply extraordinary. [more]

You’ll be surprised by how often H2O breaks the rules.

THE SHOPPING CART

Hayward’s ColorLogic LED Lighting System

Hayward Pool Products(Berkley Heights, NJ) offers Universal ColorLogic color LED lighting to transform outdoor environments with cost savings and installation versatility for new pools, spas and fountains. Their all-plastic, low-voltage design includes thin, all-plastic UCL niches that eliminate the need for bonding, grounding or GFCIs. For details, clickhere.

Pacific Concrete Offers Coping Molds

Pacific Concrete Images(Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) has introduced Formliner. Used in fabricating poured-in-place pool copings, wall caps, stairs and countertops, the reusable forms are made of both flexible polyethylene foam and rigid polystyrene foam in 16 standard profiles with matching finishing tools. Custom profiles are also available. For details, clickhere.

2020/4.2, April 22 — Using Sightlines, Ponds for Swimming, Backyard Dynamics and more

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

April 22, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Guided by Sight

Establishing primary and secondary sightlines within a space is one of the first design tasks on almost any project, observesMike Farley. Doing so sets the stage for numerous decisions that follow and allows you to maximize visual impact from indoors — and outdoors as well.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Dawn of the Swimming Pond

Whether ponds are built for it or not, many will encourage a swim, inspire a dive or invite a cooling dip. That’s whyLarry Carnesguides his clients who want to get wet toward naturalistic pond designs that are also deliberately made for easy access, bather comfort and everyone’s safety.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Outdoor Connections

Selling dreams and making memories are at the heart of the watershaping process, saysScott Payne. Taking design from the outdoor-lifestyle perspective, he notes, is the best way to create spaces that connect with clients’ lives while also generating new revenue streams. [more]

ESSENTIAL

A Master at Work

When it comes to identifying those who’ve shaped his life and work, acclaimed landscape architectRaymond Junglesdoesn’t hesitate in naming Brazilian designer Roberto Burle Marx as a singularly profound influence. Famous for bold arrangements of plant materials and architectural forms, Burle Marx’s gardens are among the world’s most celebrated and studied — a legacy Jungles describes here as a close friend and student of the master.

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

SPATIAL CONNECTIONS

The Unfolding Garden

It’s why art museums are arranged in spatial sequences and why so many people love reading mystery novels: AsBobbie Schwartzsuggests here, surprise is a powerful tool watershapers can use to bring wonder and delight to those who approach or wander near the water’s edge.[more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Upon Higher Minds

Like most professions, watershaping has a rich history of innovations and groundbreaking achievements — but lacks a Hall of Fame to celebrate its pioneers. If there were such an institution, writesEric Herman, lots of recruits could be found right here on the pages of WaterShapes. [more]

LIVING BLUE

Meetings of Blue Minds

One of the exciting facets of Watershape University is its support for the Live Blue Foundation (LBF) and it’s high-minded ambition of promoting aquatic activities and lifestyles.

Clickhereto learn more as WU’s Lauren Stack explains the big ideas behind LBF and how promoting the “Blue Mind” in all of us will benefit not only the watershaping industry, but people in all walks of life.

WOLFPACK CORNER

A Launch

Interrupted

As is true of so many organizations working through this unprecedented time, Watershape University’s course offerings have been temporarily stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Undaunted, WU is preparing to bounce back with a dynamic set of educational offerings, both live and online. For details, clickhere.

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Healthy Waters:Research shows the ways in which geothermal waters build wellness and enjoyment. [more]

It’s looks as though it’s even better than we dreamed!

The Mystery in Tiny Bubbles: Research scientists track the strange behavior of microbubbles in pipes. [more]

There’s more to those gaseous spheres than meets the eye.

THE SHOPPING CART

Pentair Launches Line of Water Bowls

Pentair(Sanford, NC) has introduced MagicBowl Water Effects, a line of fountain bowls that bring strong visuals and soothing sounds to poolscapes. An architectural and auditory accent by day, by night the bowls combine LED lights with the flowing water to add a new tone. The durable units are available in seven finishes with round or square shapes. For details, clickhere.

Keystone Introduces Panorama Supra Pavers

Keystone Hardscapes(Minneapolis, MN) has added the Panorama series to its Supra line of pavers for outdoor applications. With rectilinear shapes, riven surfaces and rounded edges that suggest the look of cut flagstone, the units install quickly and are made of durable concrete colored with iron oxide pigments to prevent UV-related fading. For details, clickhere.

2020/4.1, April 8 — Acrylic Ingenuity, Gourmet Water, Dancing with Light and more

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

April 8, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Elegant Ingenuity

Solving tough technical challenges often takes cooperation and collaboration in a team setting, says builderWilliam Drakeley. Here, he explains how this award-winning project required innovative solutions to overcome a set of uniquely tricky hurdles. [more]

POND INSIGHTS

Smiling in the Rockyard

Pond specialistDave Gartonbelieves the effort spent maintaining happy and engaged clients is crucial to the success of almost any watershape project. Here he shares one of his favorite strategies — getting his clients excited about rocks. [more]

GOURMET WATER

The Builder as Chef

Chemistry may be the big concern for service techs, but it’s builders who determine the method of treatment during the equipment selection process. Builder/servicer (and former chef)Steve Kennybelieves those decisions set the table for creating what he calls ‘gourmet water.’ [more]

ESSENTIAL

Light Dances

Scientist, artist, inventor and glass-tile manufacturerDavid Knoxknows a lot about the nature of light and how it can be manipulated in the laboratory, in a factory or in a watershape. Here, he explores the subject of light’s physical nature, sharing his own experience in applying optical physics to glass-tile production and defining ways in which those same principles apply to the art of shaping water in harmony with the materials that contain it.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin June 2006, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Pebbles, Pozzolons & Polymers

Last year, the pool and spa industry lost one of its greatest educators, plaster expertGreg Garrett. In this vintage technical article, he shed light on three key ways that pool plaster has evolved to become more durable, as well as aesthetically pleasing. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Times of Change

Returning WaterShapes.com editorEric Hermanbelieves that embracing change with grace and optimism is the surest path to success in an uncertain future. That’s true now more than ever, he adds, as the industry undergoes significant changes in leadership and direction. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Resourceful Rays:A solar-powered desalination plant in Kenya set to provide fresh water to thousands. [more]

Is this the ultimate solution for worldwide water shortages?

Opportunistic Energy:Portland installs turbines in its network of water lines to generate free electricity. [more]

The question is, why didn’t we think of this long ago?

WOLFPACK CORNER

WhyWatershape

University?

Watershape Universityrepresents an evolutionary step in the education of professionals focused on the design, engineering and construction of recreational and decorative water — an information resource that’s both made for today and built for tomorrow.

For a quick look at the whys and hows driving the organization, along with the values that motivate and bolster our staff, faculty, volunteers and ultimately, our students, clickhere— and think about joining us to see what the future holds in store.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Degrees of Separation

Back in 2005,Brian Van Bowerwrote candidly about the fact that lots of players on one side of the watershaping business were worried about incursions from another. Do these ‘sides’ even exist today? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Crystal Fountains Offers Cooling Jets

Crystal Fountains(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) manufactures the NEJ100 Evaporative Cooling Jet — a stainless steel unit that produces an inch-and-a-half-diameter water column that arches up from a flush-mounted position on a deck. The 37 holes produce evaporative cooling for deck areas, with discharge streams angled for maximum cooling effect. For details, clickhere.

Hearth Products Introduces Fire/Water Feature

Hearth Products Controls(Kettering, OH) has launched Evolution 360, a fire-and-water feature for residential or commercial applications. Designed to add the sound of flowing, LED-lit water to flickering flames, the durable, weather-resistant, self-contained units come fully assembled and include water filters, switch controllers, water levelers and more. For details, clickhere.

2020/3.2, March 18 — Alpine Horseplay, Mirror Magic, 9/11 Memories and more

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

March 18, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

An Equine Retreat

Designing ponds for special purposes is nothing new toAnthony Archer Wills, who recently worked onthisone, meant for horses. The result, set in the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, is beyond beautiful — even though the four-legged part of the story involved a late twist. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Flooded Mirror

Turning his attention to a reflecting pool after completing two other watershapes on the same property,Steve Swansonsuggested using a detail that was new to him. This bold move involved him directly in the home’s overall visual impactandin a high-stakes learning curve. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Experiencing the Void

The twin fountains of New York’s National September 11 Memorial have been onJim McCloskey‘s must-see list for nearly a decade. He has finally checked that box — and now recommends the trip to anyone interested in water’s ability to conjure complex emotional responses. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Linear Grace

It’s an unusually large lap pool in a prime spot in the client’s yard, notes watershape artistDavid Tisherman, but there was no desire to have it dominate the space. That’s why he worked with simple geometry, recessed the pool below the prevailing grade, organized a muted color palette and used warm, beautiful stone: It was all about having the watershape blend into its environment when it wasn’t being used by its avid swimmer/owner.

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Pond Perfection

To be sure, an expanding consumer interest in ponds spells opportunity for watershapers. But a hot market can be a two-edged sword, notesRick Anderson, drawing in many who lack the basic skills needed to deliver quality results — a significant gap he begins to address here. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Humble Thanks

The occasion of writing his last WaterShapes World blog has promptedJim McCloskeyto review a decades-long list of friends and colleagues who have helped him make WaterShapes what it is — and salute a few special folks who are now committed to pushing it to all-new levels. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Uplifting Experience Dept.:Itsarchitect was the first to take a dip in Europe’s longest cantilevered pool. [more]

The views will be stunning once they polish the acrylic!

Must Be Nice Dept.: Buyers of units in NYC’s remodeled, repurposed Waldorf Astoria earn a supercool perk.[more]

The residents-only pool is an incrediblepurchase incentive.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Staying Current

In her Natural Companions column from March 2005,Stephanie Rosewrote in great detail about what she does to keep her design work from falling into any sort of rut. Want to revisit her secrets? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Jandy Offers the CXi Commercial Pool Heater

Zodiac Pool Systems(Carlsbad, CA) manufactures the Jandy CXi commercial pool heater in 500,000, 650,000 and 750,000 Btuh models. The high-efficiency units feature digital controllers, multiple venting options, propane or natural- gas operation, two-inch Schedule 80 flange connections, low-NOX performance and protection against condensation. For details, clickhere.

Aquascape Offers Protective Fish Caves

Aquascape(St. Charles, IL) manufactures faux-log fish caves as heavy-duty, natural-looking shelters that protect pond fish from predators — including herons. Designed for use in new or existing ponds as a decorative accent that doesn’t need to be hidden by rocks, the units are made from poly-resin and are 19 inches long, 12 inches wide and ten inches tall. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Delivering

Your Message

It may still technically be winter, but the 2020 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?

2020/3.1, March 4 — Island Adventures, Liner Laments, Precision Tiling and more

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

March 4, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

No Worries

Set atop a mountain on a beautiful bump in the Atlantic Ocean, this projectjumped countless supply hurdles andsurvived two hurricanes while under construction — thereby proving toShane LeBlancthatanythingis possible if you step back and learn to live with ‘island time.’ [more]

POND INSIGHTS

Your Liner Is Showing

No matter the cause, nobody is particularly happy when a once-concealed pond liner pops into view. And it’s sad, writesDave Garton, because these exposures can usually be avoided if the installer works wisely with the liner and takes the time to select and place rocks with care.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Perfecting the Look

This all-glass-tile project was about to start on the wrong foot, notesJimmy Reed. But he became involved at a point when changing directions was still possible — and the results are not only beautiful but gave his design-oriented clients just what they’d been after from the get-go.[more]

ESSENTIAL

Healing Waters

Located on a university campus in southern California, the Brown Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing students and area residents with a venue for addressing a range of physical disabilities through both water- and land-based activities. Here, aquatic-program directorBelinda Stillwelldescribes how this unique facility meets user needs and how water’s healing powers improve the lives of those who take advantage of it.

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

TRAVELOGUE

The Heart of the City

New York’s Columbus Circle is an example of urban and civic design at its best. AsClaire Kahn Tuttleshares here, the heart of the space is surrounded by a subtle rings of fountains that have turned a busy traffic hub into a prime gathering place for locals and visitors alike. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

The Perfect Trend

Of all the watershaping trends he’s watched through the years,Jim McCloskeymost enjoys tracing the increase in the number of watershapers who’ve found roles in the initial stages of multidisciplinary projects. Those assignments, he recalls, were as rare as could be 20 years ago. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Foreign Health Dept.:Hydrotherapy is gaining ground in treating osteoarthritis and much more in Sri Lanka. [more]

This is the sort of message that calls for global attention.

Domestic Health Dept.: U.S. news site hails the benefits of aquatic therapy in recovery from various injuries.[more]

Yes, the great news is spreading, both here and abroad!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Digging for Insight

It can be hard work, asBrian Van Bowerreported in his Aqua Culture column from March 2010. From his perspective, however, this important process is the key to finding out what your clientsreallywant. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

CMP Releases Its 2020 Pool-Product Catalog

CMP(Newnan, GA) has published its 2020 pool-product catalog. The 276-page digital document covers new products and offers descriptions for the Natural Wonders and Brilliant Wonders lines as well as for DEL ozone sanitizers, PowerClean conventional and salt chlorinators and various waterfeatures, LED lights, spa systems and more. For details, clickhere.

EcoSmart Fire Offers Camp-Style Fire Feature

EcoSmart Fire(Culver City, CA) manufactures Stix, a fire feature that has the look of a traditional campfire. Made up of tubular stainless steel “sticks” of varying sizes, the easily portable units come in stainless steel or black and operate on clean-burning bioethanol drawn from a hidden 2.5 liter tank with an eight-hour fuel supply – no fumes or smoke. For details, clickhereand scroll down.

WPN UPDATE

Gaining

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?

2020/2.2, February 19 — Natural Persuasion, Working Wisdom, History’s Neighborhood and more

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

February 19, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Split Personalities

There was definitely something familiar about this project: All of the principals involved knew each other well, notesKen Alperstein, and now they’d been asked to rework almost every detail of two golf courses on which they’ve all labored repeatedly for nearly a quarter century. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Voices of Authority

In listing ten more guidepostsPaolo Benedettiwishes he’d known before he started his business, this entire second set is about knowing, following and being on the right side of the rules when it’s time to work with inspectors and the codes and standards they’re sworn to enforce. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

A Chance Encounter

As they walked through Philadelphia’s historic downtown district,Jim McCloskey‘s daughter led him into a grand, old building: It held not just one, but two huge surprises that salvaged what to that point hadn’t exactly been a great wintertime adventure in a watershape-rich city. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Refreshing the Supply

In January 2008, southern California’s Orange County Water District unveiled its Groundwater Replenishment System, a treatment and reuse facility dedicated to producing water to resupply the county’s beleaguered groundwater reserves. A year later,Eric Hermantoured the facility, getting a behind-the-scenes look at a thought-provoking system that is setting new standards for water treatment, management and use.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin April 2010, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

A Stream Comes to Life

The ‘art’ of stream building is found mostly in the final stages of construction, saysRick Anderson. Here, in the last installment of his series on streamcrafting, he walks us through the concluding steps involved in transforming a raw installation into a finished masterpiece. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Just Amazing

There’s even more major news from Watershape University: AsJim McCloskeyreports, Eric Herman has joined the team and will soon take charge of WaterShapes, while Ask the Masters has agreed to add its videos and podcasts to WaterShapes.com’s home page! [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Glorious Synergy Dept.:Want to seeten buildings that owe their fame to their relationships with water? [more]

They’re great all alone, but water makes themmagical.

Tough Crowd Dept.: How would you like putting up with near-daily evaluations of your work on a web site? [more]

I guess it’s part of the joy of working at Disney World . . .

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Global Watershaping

In his Currents column of February 2010,Mark Holdenfocused on the inevitability of a major trend that was then sweeping the watershaping industry. Is this phenomenon still so irresistible today? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Solus Décor Offers Concrete Water Bowls

Solus Décor(New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada) manufactures waterfeatures that combine clean-edged metal scuppers with the look of hand-cast concrete bowls. Available with 26-, 36- and 48-inch diameters, the bowls include central ports for water connections and are intended for applications over pools, ponds or small, hidden catch basins. For details, clickhere.

Rico Rock Launches Poolside Climbing Wall

Rick Rock(Orlando, FL) offers a vertical rock-climbing wall for poolside mounting and use by bathers who can climb up, jump off and splash back into the pool. Made of reinforced, lightweight cast concrete with a structural steel frame, the kit’s components are molded from natural rock and stand nearly eight feet tall, ten feet wide and four feet deep. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Getting Ready

for a Great 2020

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?

2020/2.1, February 5 — Bountiful Views, Professional Ties, Watershaping Wisdom and more

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

February 5, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Working the Views

As soon as he arrived on site,Jason Brownleeknew the project would be all about the amazing views. But his clients had more on their minds, asking him focus just as much on entertainment and distinctive gathering spaces as on maximizing the home’s obvious visual assets. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Shaping Relationships

In his work as a watershape consultant,Andrew Kanerhas forged bonds with numerous architects. Here, he explores the nature of a solidly productive relationship he’s forged with one of them, conversing withPaul Fischmanabout how their collaboration has grown and evolved. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Life Lessons

With the many questions he’s asked in classrooms and in conversations with fellow watershapers,Paolo Benedettiis constantly reminded of things hewishes he’d known when he started his business. In the first of two articles, he begins by discussing ten of these key observations.[more]

ESSENTIAL

Field of Streams

The watershapes for the Colony at White Pine Canyon were intended to mimic nature as closely as possible. That’s not an unusual goal, says Land Expressions’ project managerClayton Varick, but it was one made more difficult by three factors: a tight schedule, the need to work at very high altitudes — and the fact that the surroundings being imitated were the staggeringly beautiful slopes of the Wasatch Mountains above Salt Lake City.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin July/August 2002, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

TRAVELOGUE

Breathtaking Beauty

For 150 years, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis has delighted those who’ve enjoyed its array of garden types and styles. Many areas now include fountains added within the past 40 years, notesKerry Friedman, making it a great stop for inspiration-seeking watershapers. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Getting Up to Speed

His recent trip to the Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show was a blast, writesJim McCloskey, giving him the chance to interact with his new working partners. More important, it also helped him see how the pieces are coming together — and just how potent all the synergies will be. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Winter Wonders Dept.:As fountains freeze, they offer a whole new pathway to appreciating their beauty. [more]

Every year, I await publication of images just like these.

‘Honey, I’m Home’ Dept.: A new Mexican development offers residents mind-blowing lives in the treetops. [more]

It’s part Gaudi, partAvatar— and aquatically breathtaking.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Inquiring Minds

Early in 2010,Brian Van Bowercovered a topic of importance to any watershaping professional — then as now — who wants to experience success in working with an affluent, demanding clientele. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Atlantic Water Gardens Launches LED Bar Lights

Atlantic Water Gardens(Auroraa, OH) now offers the Model WWBL5 Bar Light, a linear LED unit designed to wash rock walls, waterfalls and spillways with a wide-angle stream of light. Made of solid brass with dual bases for positioning on any horizontal surface, the bar rotates by up to 30 degrees in either direction to set the optimum lighting angle. For details, clickhere.

Crystal Fountains’ Sequencing Fog System

Crystal Fountains(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) manufactures NCF300, a sequencing fog jet designed for deck-level applications. The fog rises from the units to levels between two and ten feet, providing a mysterious background effect or easily animated by activating variable air and water solenoids to create puffs of fog and create a variety of visual effects. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Navigating a

Complex Process

For years now, conventional wisdom has told us that the decision to purchase a watershape of any kind is a process that takes several years from initial idea to actual commitment.

That’s why theWaterShapes Professional Networkis so important: It gives homeowners and decision-makers an easy way to begin their research and an anonymous, private means of gathering information before they reach out and make contact with professionals whose work they admire. Check it out — and get ready for your future!

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

2020/1.2, January 22 — Small Considerations, Corporate Teamwork, Helical Sweep and more

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

January 22, 2020 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Big Ideas, Small Space

The yard was quite long and narrow, and so was the tightly confined access path. ButScott Cohenhas enough experience in dealing with compact backyards that he’s always ready, as he demonstrates here, to deliver a design that suits the space — and his client’s expectations.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Team Building

He’s no stranger to big commercial projects, butKurt Kraisingerconsiders this one unique. Here’s a look at the design he developed for a plaza space that realized the ambitions of the office building’s owner while satisfying the desires of tenants who’d ultimately use the space. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Mountain’s Majesty

A detour on a long road trip through the western United States carriedJim McCloskeyto Colorado Springs, Colo. — just the place to see a watershape that had been on his bucket list for years. It’s a bold, spectacular fountain, well worth a visit if you find yourself in the vicinity. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Public Light

As is the case in every aspect of the design of spaces intended for public use, the development of lighting systems for parks, plazas, resorts or historical sites requires increased attention to a series of creativity-thwarting factors including cost, durability and safety, says lighting-design guruJanet Lennox Moyer. Here, she offers insights into what it takes to go beyond those basic needs and truly bring public places to life once the sun goes down.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin January 2006, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Stream-Lined Effects

For all of the aesthetic considerations that come with crafting a stream, the fact is that man-made waterways must function properly. Here,Rick Andersonaddresses this practical/technical part of the picture, covering liner placement, plumbing and equipment installation. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Finding Hope

Looking back on two major trends he had followed for years,Jim McCloskeycame to the sudden realization that they were actually part of one grand set of ideas — and that a newly formed foundation has the potential to focus those concepts into an all-encompassing movement. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Words to the Wise Dept.:Article defines seven healthy reasons to get yourself into a swimming pool. [more]

It’s so compelling that evenScientific Americanlinked to it.

Weird Watershapes Dept.: Manufacturer fills clear plastic guitar bodies with water and sells them for $500. [more]

Who really cares how they sound? Theylook totallycool!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Deficits of Trust

In his first Aqua Culture column of 2010,Brian Van Bowermade personal declarations about the value of trust — and invited fellow watershapers to consider ways of building it for themselves and their clients. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

CMP Offers Unblockable Ring Drains

CMP(Newnan, GA) has introduced 20-inch-diameter unblockable ring drains. Designed for VGB compliance, the high-flow units are available in white, gray, black, dark gray, tan or dark blue to blend into popular finishes, and the pipe connections (single or dual ports) are on the ring’s edge, so the interior circle is easily filled with plaster, pebbles or tile. For details, click here.

S.R. Smith Offers Fiber-to-LED Conversion Kits

S.R. Smith(Canby, OR) offers PT-6001 and PT-6002 fiber-to-LED conversion kits to update Fiberstars 6004/2004 fiberoptic illuminators. PT-6001 is a single 60-watt, one-circuit unit; PT-6002 is a dual 60-watt, two-circuit unit that features synced or independent circuit control. Both are designed for safety, easy installation and dependable performance. For details, click here.

WPN UPDATE

How’s Your

Web Profile?

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?

2020/1.1, January 8 — WaterShapes Update, Beyond Renovation, Vanishing-Edge Angles and more

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

January 8, 2020 www.watershapes.com

WATERSHAPES WORLD

So What’s Up?

Lots of questions have arisen since the announcement of the sale of WaterShapes in November 2019 . AsJim McCloskeyreports here, big changes will be few — but opportunities for exploiting the synergies between the deal’s partners areboundlessas the New Year begins. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Begin Again

When these clients originally made contact, they were after a renovation. But onceRyan Hughessaw the site and the plan and considered what the homeowners really wanted, he persuaded them to start from scratch and work with him in creating the bayfront poolscape of their dreams.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Making Edges Vanish

As a veteran watershape engineer,Dave Petersonhas reviewed plans for countless vanishing-edge projects. Along the way, he’s developed a preference for a specific approach to angling the top of the edge wall, offering guidance here that applies in nearly every case.[more]

POND INSIGHTS

Wilma’s Baubles

Of all the visual offenses perpetrated by pond installers, there’s one that upsets Dave Garton more than any other. Here, he offers several reasons for why it’s something he encounters with such frequency, then discusses ways to avoid having it happen in the first placee.[more]

ESSENTIAL

Helping Hands

As architects and environmental artists, the lateSuzanne

andRon Dirsmithalways took pride in creating spaces that nurture the spirit, mind and body. In one specific project, however, they went several steps beyond that in setting up a watershape for a special child who uses water exercise to gain strength, flexibility and freedom. Here’s a look at how they accommodated his needs — and learned a great deal about the healing power of water in the process.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin July 2003, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

TRAVELOGUE

Classical Influences

For many years,David Tishermanhas urged designers to travel and see architecture, art and ancient ruins in their own contexts. It’s a great way to pick up ideas and develop a sense of your place in design history, so why not do as he suggests, pack your bags and head to Asia Minor? [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Tour de Force Dept.:This look at 38 pools (both natural and manmade) can help you fill your bucket list. [more]

So many places to visit, so much dip-worthy beauty!

Makes You Think Dept.: This simple fountain in Budapest fires the imagination with a flood of alternate ideas.[more]

How about, for one, laminar ‘pages’ with projected images?

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

The Company You Keep

Back in 2005,Brian Van Bowerwrote eloquently about what it took (and still takes) to navigate the toughest cluster of decisions many business owners will ever have to make. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Aquatic Technologies Offers Epoxy Pool Surface

Aquatic Technologies Group(Stuart, FL) makes AquaGuard 5000, an epoxy coating designed for restoring the interior surfaces of swimming pools and spas. Stronger than plaster and easier to apply, the durable, nonporous material has its own structural integrity regardless of the substrate and keeps its color while resisting resists stains and algae. For details, clickhere.

Fire Tables from Outdoor Greatroom

Outdoor Greatroom Co.(Burnsville, MN) manufactures the Kenwood, a gas-fueled fire pit that doubles as a dining table. Set at standard dining-table height, the units have composite deck tops and bases for a warm, modern look and feature 12-by-42-inch burners, manual or automatic ignitions and a compartment in the base that hides a propane tank. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Checked Your

Calendar Lately?

It’s still winter, but the 2020 season is just about ready to break wide open — 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?

2019/12.2, December 18 — Working the Views, Fountain Precision, Inventive Mythology and more

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

December 18, 2019 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Desert Delight

Presented with great views, willing clients and a nearly blank slate,Rick Chafeytook full advantage of the opportunities the site offered while also providing the homeowners with one-of-a-kind details that captured the essence of their ambitions for a new hilltop home.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Fountain Assets

This long, narrow fountain was aimed at transforming a building’s huge atrium into a relaxing space for its collection of high-stress tenants. Executing the job took creativity, writesRobert Nonemaker— but it also required detailed planning and monumental, step-by-step efficiency.[more]

TRAVELOGUE

Elusive Meaning

Visiting the New York Botanical Garden last September,Jim McCloskeyfound himself in front of the ‘Fountain of Life.’ After studying it for a while and doing some research back home, he’s still puzzled by the sculpture — but admires nonetheless what it does to energize the space. [more]

ESSENTIAL

The Art of Finishing

No matter the scale or scope of the aquatic or landscape environment, notes master watershaperAnthony Archer Wills, the finishing touches are generally those that matter most. Here, in an article about a huge project for a lakefront Midwestern estate, he demonstrates the intricate truth of that simple assertion by discussing his approach to completing the work — and accepting the fact that things will change as the future unfolds.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin September 2010, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Cutting a Channel

Stream building can be hard work, saysRick Anderson, but it isn’t terribly complex or exotic. All it takes to be successful in creating one that looks ‘natural,’ he explains, is a good plan, a thorough understanding of the site and a generous dose of thoughtful spontaneity. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Prolonging the Thought

At the close of every December,Jim McCloskeyreviews the previous year’s concluding blog to see how he did as a prognosticator. He found some flawed thinking in his 2019 forecast, he concedes –then doubles down and reasserts the same basic prediction, this time for 2020. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Aquatic Arts Dept.:Architects show they’re seeing water’s full potential in this fascinating set of projects.[more]

These folks get it, and the results are often breathtaking.

Nailed It Dept.: Residential tower designed for Cyprus captures the pure spirit of water, level after level. [more]

It’s both original and ingenious. Here’s hoping they build it!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Designing a New Paradigm (Part 2)

Back in 1999, a meeting in Ohio brought together professionals with varied perspectives on how backyard environments come together. Here’s a look at another part of their detailed roundtable discussion. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Fiber Creations Offers Pool Stars Kits

Fiber Creations(Phoenix, AZ) assembles Pool Stars Kits to capture the universe in a pool or spa. Designed for use in new construction or in extensive renovations, the system includes a color-changing, twinkling LED light source, fiberoptic cables and termination kits that put fibers flush with a pool’s interior surface for safe, trouble-free operation. For details, clickhere.

Westminster Teak’s Double Lounges

Westminster Teak(Live Oak, FL) manufactures the Horizon double-chaise set to bring a timeless look to resorts and spas. Offered along with cushions and side tables, the sets feature minimal moving parts and marine-grade 316L stainless steel backrest supports. They can be used separately or linked as double lounges and are stackable for easy storage. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Ready for a

Strong 2020?

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?