2019/2.1, February 6 — Redressed Ravine, Stepwell Wonders, Urban Retreat and more

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

February 6, 2019 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Digging Deep

The project started with all the stress of figuring out how to satisfy regulators angered by the homeowner’s previous attempts to beautify a protected streambed.Colleen Holmessaved the day by jumping through countless hoops — then left her client with a lovely, hard-won haven.[more]

EASTERN INSIGHT

Everyday Serenity

This amazing structure sits just off the route toward a more prominent tourist attraction, notesVictoria Lautmanin the last of her series of articles on India’s stepwells. But as is true of so many of these marvels, Peena Mann ka Kund is more than worth a detour off a well-beaten path. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Easing Transitions

It’s always fun working with clients who know what they want but don’t think they can have it, writesShane LeBlanc. And that’s particularly true when they’re great collaborators who’vealready taken steps to set the tone and prepare the space for a crowning aquatic touch.[more]

ESSENTIAL

Senses of Direction

MarthaandRandy Beardhave achieved watershaping success by executing sophisticated design programs for a variety of high-end architects and landscape architects in southern California. Here’s another in their series of articles about these collaborations — in this case a look at their work with architect David Tardiff, a cutting-edge designer of homes and spaces for affluent customers who demand beauty and excitement in their surroundings.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin February 2004, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TRAVELOGUE

Refreshing the Supply

In 2008, the Orange County Water District unveiled its Groundwater Replenishment System, a treatment and reuse facility dedicated to resupplying a California county’s beleaguered groundwater reserves.Eric Hermantoured the completed facility — and you can, too! [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Unusual Blowback

A recent blog about his WaterShapes-related New Year’s Resolution drew an unusual quantity of reader comments, reportsJim McCloskey. Some volunteered to help; others just hated the idea. But there was also a third sort of response — a set of observations that made his day.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Party Animals Dept.:Raccoons know a good thing when they see it, taking advantage of cool, clear water.

[more]

I’m convinced this happens in my pool every other night!

Partying Fool Dept.:Man fined $575 for stripping down and ‘baptizing’ himself in a famed Roman basin. [more]

I have to ask: What did Trevi Fountain do to deserve this?

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Finding Ways

In 2004,Brian Van Boweropened up in his Aqua Culture column with observations about the direction of the watershaping industry. Are his observations as relevant now as they were back then? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

CMP Debuts Powerclean Salt Chlorinator

CMP(Newnan, GA) has introduced Powerclean Salt Ultra, a chlorinator that uses common salt to produce pure chlorine for use in sanitizing pool water. Designed for durability, affordability and serviceability, the compact units feature clear housings that make it easy to see when it’s time to clean the cells, which remove easily for cleansing without acid. For details, clickhere.

Fountain People Offers New Scuppers

Fountain People(San Marcos, TX) has introduced Mediterranean-style scuppers for use on pools and other waterfeatures. Based on forms found in ancient fountains, the units feature a dark-bronze finish with green highlights that accent the decorative surface etching. They also have 1.5-inch plumbing connections and project out more than five inches. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Are You Ready

for the Spring?

The 2019 season is about to get into full swing — definitely 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 find information and support that helps them make decisions about who to work with in adding water –and everything that can come with it — to their home and/or business environments.

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

2019/1.2, January 23 — Curative Power, Reflective Fixation, ‘Inclusive’ Fountain and more

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

January 23, 2019 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Healing Art

Healing gardens are now playing important roles for healthcare facilities of all descriptions, noteJ. Wickham ZimmermanandChris Roy. Here’s a look at a particularly prominent example of the genre — complete with a tricky site, an elaborate sculpture and 15 watershapes.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Evocative Mirror

Called in to rescue a troubled project,Jeromey Nauglefigured outwhat the client really wanted in no time at all — then had to cope with starts, stops and delays while delivering all of the features the homeowner craved to complete an impressively reflective backyard. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

An All-Comers Fountain

The Old Town District of Portland, Ore., boasts a 19th-century fountain with an odd functional twist — and enough charm that it stoppedJim McCloskeyin his tracks. It’s a classic in an interesting part of town, so do plan on spending time in its vicinity on your next visit. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Soothing Sounds

The sound of water moving through the landscape adds something special to any backyard, offering a powerful aesthetic component to even the simplest of designs. These auditory enhancements evoke strong images, emotions and associations even from casual or occasional observers, notes landscape designer and watershaperRick Anderson, who suggests that the ‘aural factor’ should be considered from the very beginning of the design phase.

This article, originally published inWaterShapesin June 1999, has been digitized for all readers. Clickhereto see the full text and enlarge the images to study them in detail.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Retaining Wall ABCs

Before retaining walls can be aesthetic triumphs, they require a foundation of technical excellence. The key to complete, balanced, enduring success, writesBruce Zaretsky, is a systematic approach that encompasses a wide range of fundamental site-specific factors. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

A Beautiful Partnership

A televised news story about an innovative alliance that reopened a school pool in East Boston has been much onJim McCloskey‘s mind since he first watched it last fall. He shares it now because it offers a creative, collaborative message of hope as the New Year begins. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Postal Display Dept.:New York City’s historic Bethesda Fountain appears on a new expedited-mail stamp.

[more]

At $25.50, it’s the most expensive peel-and-stick ever.

Uncharitable Thoughts Dept.:City of Rome threatens to keep coins thrown into Trevi Fountain for itself. [more]

It was a bad idea — and a key figure eventually agreed.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

In Service of Trees

Back in 2009,Bruce Zaretskywrote with uncommon urgency about the way trees are often treated on job sites and used his column to advise watershape and landscape professionals to mend their ways. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Hayward Introduces Pleated-Element D.E Filters

Hayward Pool Products(Elizabeth, NJ) has launched the DEP 500 series of pleated-element diatomaceous-earth filters. Designed to trap more dirt with less maintenance, the units combine cartridge technology with the superior water clarity and low head loss of D.E. filtration using elements that can be backwashed or quickly removed and rinsed. For details, clickhere.

Skimmer Lids Unveils the Hide System for Pool Decks

Skimmer Lids(Yatala, Queensland, Australia) has introduced the Hide skimmer lid for concrete swimming pools. Made of 316 stainless steel and offering a range of depths to accommodate various filler materials, the unit comes with a safety key, height adjusters and an edge-protection system that keeps surrounding material from chipping or breaking. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

The Hunt for

Excellence

When homeowners or facility managers start looking for watershapers to help them pursue their ambitions and dreams, where do they start? Some are fortunate enough to have business contacts or friends who can refer them to worthy professionals. But these days, many start their searching on the Internet — a great but indiscriminate resource filled with blind alleys, dead ends and sometimes unreliable information.

That’s where theWaterShapes Professional Networkcomes in: By offering a credible, unified web presence in which numerous watershapers convey uniformly formatted, comparable information in an easily navigated template,WPNgives consumers initial access to the marketplace in an easygoing environment that guides them through the earliest stages of a significant purchase decision.

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

2019/1.1, January 9 — Evolving Vision, Simple Shade, Fit for a Queen and more

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

January 9, 2019 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Up from the Ruins

After leaving us with a cliffhanger last month,Scott Christiefollows up here with information on the clients’ surprise request and on the process of bringing the backyard into final form with — in addition to the original pool and spa — a new pond system and, oh yes, a crumbling ruin. [more]

WHAT IS IT?

#32: Umbrellas

If you want to add a charming touch to a project, writesMike Farleyin introducing this brief video, you need look no further than a classic shade provider — easy to place, easy on the budget and, perhaps best of all, a timeless mood-setter and cue to complete outdoor relaxation. [more]

EASTERN INSIGHT

Hail the Queen

India’s ancient stepwells were about much more than providing their thirsty communities with water. AsVictoria Lautmandiscusses in the second of three articles on these structures, facilities including Rani ki Vav also served both men and women as multi-purpose gathering spots.[more]

ESSENTIAL

Spheres of Influence

During the past decade or so, fountains that feature rotating granite balls have become familiar in myriad settings, from theme parks to upscale backyards. The trick of floating weighty rock spheres on thin sheets of water in rounded sockets is actually a simple one, says fountain expertAnne Gunn, but it’s nonetheless an effect that is utterly fascinating to children and adults who enjoy moving hugely heavy objects with the slightest of touches.

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

TRAVELOGUE

The New American Garden

The gardens ofJames van Swedenhave influenced an entire generation of landscape architects and designers. Few are more influential than the Great Basin at the Chicago Botanic Garden: It’s well worth a lingering visit the next time you find yourself in the Windy City. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Hello, 2019!

In his first blog of this brand-new year,Jim McCloskeyis announcing his intention to devote more and more space to a certain type of editorial and product content in upcoming editions of this newsletter. While on the subject, he also has an important, related favor to ask of all of you.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Dazzling Display Dept.:These portraits of exotic fish treat us to a seldom-seen world of amazing beauty.

[more]

For all that, these guys relentlessly fight among themselves.

Higher Art Dept.:Photographer Milan Radisics captures images of water as you’ve probably never seen it. [more]

There’s exceptional beauty even on our troubled planet.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Hard Choices

Early in 2004,Stephanie Rosewrote passionately in her column about the effective use of rocks in landscapes and gardens. Do you think you know why she assigned so much importance to these materials?[more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Fire & Water Bowls from Grand Effects

Grand Effects(Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) offers 360° Fire & Water Bowls for outdoor living spaces. The products combine fire and water effects and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and finishes with certified burner assemblies for natural gas or propane operation. They generate 60,000 to 80,000 Btus per hour with 30 to 50 gpm water flows. For details, clickhere.

Daldorado Launches Pool-Grate Support System

Daldorado(Naples, FL) has introduced the DalLUX stone and tile grate-support system for use on straight, parallel pools. The system features 12-inch-wide supports and mitered corners to which cut-to-size stone or tile pieces are attached using a supplied adhesive and spacer lugs. The resulting grates have load capacities in excess of 5,000 pounds. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Expanding

Influence

The rationale for banding together in a web network is simple: By creating a mass of companies — every single one of them with its own Internet presence and all of them effectively aligned to one another by virtue of reciprocal links with the hosting site — an entity such as theWaterShapes Professional Networkmakes every participant seem larger and inherently more interesting to search engines. This leads to more exposure, more leads, more clicks, more prospective clients.

To see what this kind of community looks like, have a look by clicking below.

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

2018/12.2, December 19 — Evolving Details, Year-Round Impact, Garden Gem and more

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

December 19, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Peeling the Onion

As part of a huge, evolving, multi-year project,Scott Christieand his colleagues were tasked with adding a pool to an estate’s big backyard. In the first of two articles on what took place, he guides us through a design process filled with details, changes — and a key surprise. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Splashy Statement

It’s a play pad with a difference: While offering ample opportunities for vigorous summer fun, notesPeter Arnold, the area’s looping set of spray rings are the visual heart of this Canadian housing development — even in winter when there are multiple feet of snow on the ground.[more]

TRAVELOGUE

Cold Comforts

A big advocate for spending time in botanical gardens,Jim McCloskeyhas developed a special fondness for those that are relatively compact. The one in Bellevue, Wash., fits that bill expertly and is well worth a visit the next time business or pleasure carries you to Seattle. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Winter Delights

Fountains have long been purposeful testimonials to the beauty of moving water and the effect it has on associated sculpture and landscaping. Less deliberate and controllable but still beautiful, say landscape architects and environmental artistsSuzanne Roe DirsmithandRon Dirsmith, is what occurs when a fountain and its patterns of mist and oversprayfreeze– effects that open a fresh, unique set of options to watershapers.

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.

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

The Forensic Landscaper

Finding lessons in project failures,Bruce Zaretskydiscusses cases in which landscape professionals have made messes of things to such an extent that he’s been called in to determine the causes of the problems — including the collapse of one big retaining wall. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Farewell, 2018!

As the old year winds down,Jim McCloskeyreflects on the progress he’s seen in the watershaping industry during 2018 — and suggests that its momentum will carry on into a bright future no matter what might be happening with the economy as we bump along into 2019. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Humble Abode Dept.:Creative, determined gents build a home with a moat-like pool in an amazing hurry.

[more]

And they did it all with no more than primitive hand tools!

Hot Market Dept.:Australian engineers use what looks like a bell buoy to kick up beautiful, surfable waves. [more]

Never figured there’d be so much competition inthissector.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

On the March

Back in December 2013,Jim McCloskeydiscussed the process of turning printedWaterShapesarticles into digital versions — and shared his sense that there was no going back to the old way of doing things.[more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Bobé Offers Cannon Scuppers in Multiple Sizes

Bobé Water & Fire Features(Phoenix, AZ) makes Cannon Scuppers for use in raised pool walls and decorative waterfeatures. Available in copper and stainless steel with three other color finishes, the units have 1.5-inch inlets welded to the back and come with 1-, 1.5-, 2-, 2.5- and 3-inch outlets. Custom sizes are also available, as are escutcheon plates. For details, clickhere.

S.R. Smith Launches Updated Lighting Control

S.R. Smith(Canby, OR) has introduced poolLux Plus2, a lighting controller that manages up to two zones with independent or synchronized operation. It comes in a corrosion-resistant polycarbonate housing (ideal for pool environments), features a wireless remote control and, when used with the company’s lights, has one-touch color sync. 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?

2018/12.1, December 5 — Generic Plan Issues, India’s Stepwells, Aquatic Trends and more

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

December 5, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Weighing the Options

Instead of using soils and structural engineers to prepare plans tailored to a site’s specific needs, builders sometimes ordergeneric engineering plans and hope everything will work out for the best. That’s a debatable decision, writesPaolo Benedetti, for reasons he lays out here. [more]

EASTERN INSIGHT

Paths of Discovery

India’s stepwells are truly amazing, but relatively few people know anything about them.Victoria Lautmanwants to change all that, reporting on their long history in a book –andin a series for WaterShapes on three of the country’s most wondrous architectural and cultural treasures.[more]

COMMENTARY

Water Wisdom

Our human attraction to water is well documented, observesLauren Stack, but none of us are automatically comfortable around it, nor do we often learn to swim without access to lessons. That’s a pair of issues this article addresses while pointing toward a compelling aquatic future. [more]

ESSENTIAL

The Finishing Twist

In the long-awaited conclusion to our coverage of a grand, comprehensive exterior-design project in Texas, landscape architectMichael Percyguides us through a property where his firm dealt with every conceivable detail, from the entry drive and graciously secluded courtyard to the beautiful swimming pool with its unusual spiraling backdrop; the lavish dining and recreation areas; and the wonderfully hidden rock-lined spa.

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

TRAVELOGUE

The Power of Flowers

The renovation of San Francisco’s historic Conservatory of Flowers was a once-in-a-career opportunity forGeorge Forniand his colleagues to preserve and sustain fabulous aquatic plants while also salvaging a part of California’s rich history. It’s a place you definitely should see! [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Engaging Ideas

This edition of WaterShapes includes a pair of unusual articles, notesJim McCloskey— one about a form of watershaping that blew his mind when he first encountered it a couple years back, the other filled with detailed information of significance to all watershapers. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

If Plastic Could Speak Dept.:Hurricane Michael’s winds started this portable spa on an incredible journey.

[more]

After a 20-mile trek, it was found in unexpected repose.

If Paint Could Speak Dept.:One of David Hockney’s pool-centered paintings just sold for 90 million bucks. [more]

It’s a lovely canvas and a great setting, but holy cow!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Reindeer-Proof Holidays

The holiday season is a time for caring and sharing, notesScott Cohen— but feeding Santa’s reindeer when they stop by is asking too much. Here are planting suggestions that will help keep them moving. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Hayward Launches OmniHub Smart Controller

Hayward Pool Products(Elizabeth, NJ) has introduced OmniHub, a smart, expandable controller that brings system management to existing pool/spa systems without the need to replace major equipment. It installs easily and offers remote operation of pumps, heaters, pool/spa and landscape lights, salt chlorinators, booster pumps and more. For details, clickhere.

W.R. Meadows Introduces Hardscape Sealer

W.R. Meadows(Hampshire, IL) has released Decra-Seal Natural, a water-based, non-yellowing, low-VOC, matte-finish sealer that enhances the appearance of decorative concrete, pavers, unglazed tiles and porous natural or artificial stone. The penetrating, salt-resisting material bonds to the substrate to help increase the hardscape’s service life. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Easing into

the Process

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned in the past 20-odd years, it’s that the decision to purchase a watershape of any kind is a process that takesyearsfrom initial idea to installation.

That’s why a web forum like theWaterShapes Professional Networkis so important: It gives homeowners and other decision-makers an easy, anonymous way to gather information and, eventually, reach out to 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?

2018/11.2, November 21 — Glass-Tile Finesse, Revising a Legend, Calming with Water and more

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

November 21, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

An All-Tile Adventure

As glass-tile specialistJimmy Reedsees it, the earlier he gets involved in a project, the better. In this case, however, he joined the project team a bit late — which led to some unusual and expensive consequences as well as tough decisions having to do with layout and visual flow.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Wabash Cannonballs

Reimagining a classic pool is a tall order, especially when the original was a legendary regional favorite. But that’s the task that confrontedGary Novitskiand his colleagues, who started by cleaning the slate and then delivering four new watershapes to meet modern-day aquatic needs. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Roundabout Ingenuity

The once-suburban Barnes art collection has completed a move to Philadelphia’s Franklin Parkway. It’s now a worthy pilgrimage for watershapers, saysJim McCloskey, if only for the clever way the design team used water to help ease the transition from noisy streets to quiet galleries.[more]

ESSENTIAL

Eastern Influences

For the past 30 years, landscape artist/architectJim Robinsonhas pursued his projects with a distinct focus on creating subtle and complex beauty. Based on traditions of Japanese gardens, the resulting sites range from the monumental to the decidedly intimate — but in all cases, his approach to the placement of plants, stone and water is directed to establishing spaces that speak to visitors with a timeless, sublime tranquility.

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Walls of Stone

He has a passion for stone walls, notesBruce Zaretsky, especially when they’re stacked and made without mortar. But there’s a fine line between those that endure beautifully and those that are just expensive heaps of rock, he adds, explaining here how to make the durable kind. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Viva Las Vegas!

His recent visit to the International Pool|Spa|Patio Expo was a special treat, writesJim McCloskey— one filled with opportunities for reunions with old friends and great conversations with new ones. But there was, he concedes, at least one disappointment as well.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Ready-Made Dept.:German town tips a cap to a local firm, using its products as part of a cool water organ.

[more]

Never thought I’d see pressure washers in an artistic light.

Nature Wins One Dept.:Large, colorful fish take over a water-filled basement in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard.[more]

Photo shows how powerful the urge toward life can be!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

It’s Always Something!

You need to take care in selecting plants, advised Stephanie Rose in her November 2003 Natural Companions column, because making the wrong choice can lead to misadventures of the ‘invasive’ kind. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Zodiac Introduces HydroCool LED Lights

Zodiac Pool Systems(Vista, CA) now offers nicheless LED lights featuring HydroCool technology through its Jandy Pro Series. The energy-efficient, water-cooled units are designed to fit in standard 1-1/2-inch return fittings, operate at lower wattages with high light outputs and have diffuser lenses to delivers consistent color with fewer hot spots. For details, click here.

Great American Offers Flexible Spillway System

Great American Waterfall Co.(Spring Hill, FL) manufactures Aqua Zero Edge, a two-piece spillway system that adds detail to and speeds completion of raised pool walls. Available as standard two-foot-long units for geometric and some freeform applications, the system consists of a mounting plate and a trough dam that can be modified on site. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Gaining Ground

in the New Year

Ifyou 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?

2018/11.1, November 7 — Updating Views, New-Pond Adventures, Waterfront Work and more

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

November 7, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Expansive Vision

The homeowners had waited decades to revamp their backyard and cameto the project with high expectations about how their new spa, fountain and deck would look. Now it was up toGrant Smithto solve a few tricky technical issues while makingthe most of the distant views.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

The New-Pond Blues

It doesn’t happen every time. But asMike Gannonreports here, new ponds will head in this disturbing direction often enough that he preparesallof his clients to deal with a distressing transformation that can occur within weeks after a pond has been filled with water for the first time. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Working at Water’s Edge

Designing and buildinganypool in close proximity to a body of water has its challenges. But if you start by focusing on one primary goal, writesWilliam Drakeley, you’ll find that the rest of the tasks involved in these technically demanding projects will become much more manageable. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Opening a Shell

For nearly six years, this was a project that occupied most ofJames Atlas‘ working life, challenging him and the staff at Platinum Poolcare Aquatech with pursuing development of a watershape complex marked by great ambition, shifting needs and innumerable revisions. Now that his work is complete and the site is finally ready for its close-ups, he guides us through a masterpiece he justly sees as his firm’s crowning achievement.

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.

TRAVELOGUE

Welcome to Paradise

When it comes to listing the most ambitious uses of water in recreational settings, the resort property known as Atlantis should quickly come to mind, saysSteve Kaiser. Withits multiple swimming pools, waterslides, fountains and marine exhibits, it’s a must-visit paradise in the Bahamas. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

An Event to Remember

After returning from the recent ‘Designing Water’ symposium at Longwood Gardens,Jim McCloskeysorted through all of his impressions of attendees, presentations and Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden before whittling the list down to three thoughts he wants to share.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Confirming the Obvious Dept.:UKstudy shows positive effects of swimming on anxiety and depression.

[more]

Seems to me like a better option than doctor visits or drugs.

Sensible DIY Dept.:Australian gent builds a hot tub from a pile of rocks, a bunch of clay and a supply of wood.[more]

It doesn’t stress comfort, but it’s ingenious just the same.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Nature’s Way

Back in November 2008,Brian Van Bowerturned his attention to the natural side of watershaping — and elaborated on a familiar set of constraints he’s encountered along the way. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Water-Level Controller from Pentair

Pentair Aquatic Systems(Sanford, NC) makes the IntelliLevel water-leveling system. The units allow for accurate addition of water through pressure sensing, ultrasonic water-level detection and an electro-mechanical microventing system to measure and add water to an accuracy within a quarter inch, measuring added water to ensure the correct ﬁll. For details, click here.

Cor-Ten Fire Pits from Paloform

Paloform(Brampton, Ontario, Canada) manufactures Bol fire pits made from Cor-Ten steel as a dramatic centerpiece for any outdoor space. The wide, shallow, heavy-gauge vessels have 42-inch diameters and may be used with natural gas or propane burners in either manual or automatic versions — or with a steel grate insert for wood-burning fires. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

On the Lookout

for 2019 Leads?

Manywatershapers have, through the years, put large sums toward 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 daunting challenge — and that’s precisely why we started theWaterShapes Professional Network.

By building a collective presence in which dozens and, eventually,hundredsof sites participate as an interlinked colossus,WPNbecomes 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?

2018/10.2, October 17 — Montana Splendor, Corporate Assertion, Transforming Flows and more

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

October 17, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Big Sky Statement

Given the opportunity,Raymond Junglesjumped at the challenge of surrounding a home far from his usual base with water and native plants. As he discusses here, making it work was about identifying a new palette and using it in ways that harmonized with his design instincts.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Sweeping Beauty

The logistics were tough and the technical challenges even tougher, notesRobert Nonemaker. But a systematic approach (and a supportive general contractor) helped him and his staff develop a hydraulically complex fountain system for a corporate client with big ambitions. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Calming Undulations

The area across the street from Santa Monica’s City Hall was once mostly parking lots. But now, notesJim McCloskey, it’s been transformed into Tongva Park — an extraordinary, rolling landscape complete with a line of rill-linked waterfeatures that reward a relaxing stroll. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Garden Tea

With equal doses of patience and understanding, observes environmental artistRick Driemeyer, great watershapes and gardens can emerge from extended periods of close interaction between designers and their clients. A case in point is the project shared here, where long acquaintance with his clients’ wants and needs enabled him to transform a compact teahouse/pond/waterfall composition into a finely decorated, highly personalized sanctuary.

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

The Making of a Great Wall

Retaining walls are made to do an awesome job: High or low, long or short, upslope or downslope, notesBruce Zaretsky, they’re called on to keep earth movement from wreaking havoc on watershapes or any other ‘permanent’ fixtures installed on or below their hillsides. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Travelin’ Man

The start of trade-show season always makes this abusy time of year forJim McCloskey. But this fall, his schedule also includes a special pilgrimage to Pennsylvania in addition to all of the preparations related to attending the International Pool|Spa|Patio Expo in Las Vegas. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Dream Dip Dept.: A fortunate few will be allowed to swim in Hearst Castle’s fully restored Neptune Pool.

[more]

Those fifty lucky people will pay big bucks for the privilege.

Life Imitates Art Dept.:Two guys use a swimming pool to conjure visions of a classic Michelangelo scene. [more]

It’s not aliteralrendition, but it’s still pretty impressive.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

The Trouble with Liners

Most pond builders rely on liners to create their bodies of water, observedDouglas Rothin October 2003. But when it comes to creating high-quality naturalistic waterfeatures, he wrote, there’s a better way. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Speck Offers Special Pump for Waterfeatures

Speck Pumps(Jacksonville, FL) has launched its Model 21-80/30G, a high-efficiency pump that moves water to feed vanishing edges, waterfalls, fountains or slides. Designed for quiet operation with four-inch suction and return ports, the all-plastic unit provides maximum flow at low head and is non-corrosive, salt-tolerant and chemical/UV resistant. For details, clickhereand scroll down.

Fire/Water Columns from Grand Effects

Grand Effects(Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) manufactures fire-and-water columns that operate automatically and are compatible with pool/spa controllers. Fabricated in black concrete to resemble basalt, the easy-to-install columns come in three heights — 20, 28 and 30 inches — and can be used individually or as combined multi-tiered compositions. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Have Any

Questions?

TheWaterShapes Professional Networkwill be represented in Las Vegas from October 31 through November 2 at the International Pool|Spa|Patio Expo. Please do stop by Booth 1646 — right in the heart of the Genesis Pavilion — to learn more about theNetworkand discuss its future plans.

Participants in the program have shared their listings with thousands of the consumer-oriented site’s visitors in the past year — and those encounters have resulted in significant traffic from theWPNsite directlyto the listed companies’ own web sites. It’s a marvelous marketing opportunity — inexpensive and ‘consumer-friendly’ in the richest sense of the term.

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

2018/10.1 — Hilltop Hideaway, Pond Tuning, Piers in Place and more

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

October 3, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Champion’s Pool

The project started with a touch of mystery, saysChuck Baumann, but not knowing the name of the client up front was no barrier to defining the site’s potential — or to asking for an expanded budget that would take full advantage of breathtaking views of San Francisco and its bay. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Shared Vision

As his watershaping career has progressed,Dave Gartonhas learned the value of finding ways to help his clients fully express themselves. It makes business sense, he says, but it also leads to odd little challenges that have fostered the constant expansion of his technical capabilities. [more]

WHAT IS IT?

#31: Piers

His projects don’t often require them, reportsMike Farley, but as he writes in a brief introduction to a video on the subject, there are times when piers are an essential construction detail — one that requires expert guidance in finding the right response to local soil conditions. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Affairs of the Art

Completing projects of singular beauty for high-end clients is a passion for Arizona watershaperSteve Oliver, and those clients return the favor by granting him a tremendous level of creative freedom. That’s surely the situation with the watershape seen here, where he has sifted through a range of rich and contrasting elements to create a composition that’s as much a work of art as it is a pleasant place to go swimming.

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

TRAVELOGUE

When Music Meets Water

Water that dances in time to music has become the key to success in fountain design in recent years — and for good reason, writeKen MartinandGerald Tester. As a prime example, you should seek out this tuneful watershape the next time you’re visiting the New York area. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Look Back, Move Forward

As WaterShapes’ 20th anniversary approaches,Jim McCloskeyrecalls a couple of key events and what they meant to the old magazine — then catches up by starting a discussion of recent transitions and what they’ll mean as the enterprise moves toward its bright future. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Personal Precision Dept.: Parking practice results in a car getting a bath in a Maryland public pool.

[more]

Nobody was hurt, but the driver’s foot needs a talking-to.

Dreamy Vision Dept.:DavidHockney’s painting ‘Pool with Two Figures’ poised to smash auction records. [more]

It may well become the first-ever $80-million swimmin’ hole.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Planting Places

Back in October 2008,Brian Van Bowershared his thoughts on looking beyond the narrow boundaries of pools and spas to encompass the potential of the rest of the site — especially in one key area. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Paramount Offers Telescoping Water Effects

Paramount Pool & Spa Systems(Chandler, AZ) makes the Parascope, a telescoping waterfeature that rises when actuated and then drops down flush with the pool surface when it’s time to play or swim. The adjustable-height units feature three flow patterns (flower, bubbler and fountain) and may be installed on steps, benches, sun shelves or floors. For details, clickhere.

Greenscreen’s Plantable Mesh Columns

Greenscreen(Los Angeles, CA) manufactures Columns, a free-standing vertical section or a cover for an existing post. Part of the Elements line, the units come in standard or custom diameters for easy installation and in standard or custom lengths in two-inch increments up to 14 feet tall. Units can be stacked and combined with other Elements modules. For details, clickhereand scroll down.

WPN UPDATE

Building for

Tomorrow

TheWaterShapes Professional Networkis all about building a credible, unified web presence where numerous watershapers can convey uniformly formatted, readily compared information in an easily navigated consumer resource. By doing so,WPNgives consumers initial access to the marketplace in an environment that guides them comfortably and confidently through the earliest stages of a significant purchase decision.

True, some homeowners and facility managers are lucky enough when they start looking for watershapers to have friends or colleagues who can refer them to suitable firms. But more often these consumers are on their own — and most start their hunt by searching on the Internet, where finding individual watershapers is a hit-and-miss process.WPNtakes frustration out of the quest by offering a common, neutral web resource filled with possibilities.

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

2018/9.2, September 19 — Revealing Potential, Weaving Waterways, Inspired by O’Keeffe and more

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

September 19, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Perfect Perch

The homeowner saw his backyard as an incurable disaster, butShane LeBlancfound great potential on its open slope — as well as a golden opportunity to test out some unique design concepts he figured he could use in transforming the unadorned space into something truly spectacular. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Dressed for Success

Set deep in the mountains of South Korea, this golf course is a monumental achievement in land contouring and water management. In his concluding article about this enormous undertaking,Ken Alpersteincovers what it took to go from compacted rubble to water-laced dreamscape.[more]

TRAVELOGUE

Looping Petals

It’s a beautiful sculpture mirrored by a grand reflecting pool, writesJim McCloskey, proud of the fact that his daughter had a role in making it possible. If you want to see it — and the paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe that inspired it — you’ll need to get yourself to the Bronx sometime soon![more]

ESSENTIAL

Subterranean Energy

Although heating water by using energy found beneath the earth’s surface is far from a new idea, watershape designer/builderDouglas Cookreports that only recently has this geothermal bounty become available for use with pools and spas. Here, he offers a primer on this emerging technology, discussing ways in which the benefits of a fully renewable energy supply are starting to turn clients’ heads — and transform the way watershapes are heated or cooled.

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Expansive Errors

If there’s one big mistake on a pool/spa installation, writesScott Cohen, correcting the situation can be painful. But if there aresevenmajor errors — as there were in the ill-fated project discussed here — you can bet the pain will also include close encounters with attorneys. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Unruly Times

ForJim McCloskey, the summer of 2018 featured way too many stories about people doing really dumb things around watershapes. Here’s a sampling of what’s been happening — and some thoughts on the threat these incidents pose to the enjoyment of significant public resources.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Permanent Wave Dept.: Kelly Slater’s artificial breakers are shaking up the world of competitive surfing.

[more]

Here’s a deep paddle into a truly transformative technology.

No Thanks Dept.:Norwegians clamber up a diving tower to outdo one another with amazing bellyflops. [more]

Nobodyreallygoes for it, but it’s still highly cringe-inducing.

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

On a Wire

The Internet has been with us for some time, observesBrian Van Bower— but that doesn’t mean that everyone was fully on board (or satisfied) when he wrote this evaluation of the state of the art in September 2008. [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Little Giant Introduces Pool-Cover Pumps

Little Giant(Oklahoma City, OK) makes pool-cover pumps that prevent the accumulation of rainwater or melted snow. They attach to standard garden hoses for easy water removal; are equipped with a removable intake screen for easy cleaning; and clear 1,700 gallons per hour with a 1/3-horsepower pump. Manual and automatic versions are available. For details, clickhere.

Basecrete Launches Crack-Repair System

Basecrete Technologies(Sarasota, FL) offers SlabStitch for the repair of concrete cracks. Designed to transfer load and stress away from the fracture while producing tensile strength across the crack for a permanent structural solution, the system includes anchor wedges, concrete-repair mortar and mesh to seal the crack and prevent water penetration. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Are You Truly

Prepared for 2019?

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned in the past 30-odd years, it’s that the decision to purchase a watershape of any kind is a process that most often takesyearsfrom initial idea to installation.

That’s why a web forum like theWaterShapes Professional Networkis so important: It gives homeowners and decision-makers an easy, anonymous way to gather early, basic information before reaching out to make direct contact with professionals whose work they admire. Clickhereto check it out — and get ready for your future!

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