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

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

April 4, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Steep Achievement

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

VIDEO GALLERY

Progress Report

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

NEPTUNE POOL RENEWAL

Assessing a Masterpiece

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

ESSENTIAL

Designing a New Paradigm

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

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

TRAVELOGUE

Back to the Fair

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

WATERSHAPES WORLD

A Long, Strange Trip

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

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

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

Would you actuallyuseone, or just watch it drift by?

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

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

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Devils in the Details

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

THE SHOPPING CART

CMP Launches Brilliant Wonders LED Control

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

LevelSmart Wireless Autofill from Kona Labs

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

WPN UPDATE

Making

Connections

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

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

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

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

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

March 21, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Seeking Engagement

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

POOLSCAPES AFTER DARK

Flowing in Light

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

TRAVELOGUE

Ozark Spectacle

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

ESSENTIAL

Making Models Super

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

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Coping with Salt

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

WATERSHAPES WORLD

The Value in Sharing

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

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

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

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

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

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

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Making Meadows

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

THE SHOPPING CART

Basecrete Offers Concrete Densifier

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

Metal Fencing Systems from BŌK Modern

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

WPN UPDATE

Watching Your

Calendar?

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

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

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

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

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

March 7, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Monumental Pride

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

WHAT IS IT?

#29: Cabana

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

FEATURE ARTICLE

Pursuing Toxin-Free Water

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

ESSENTIAL

A Crystal-Clear Mandate

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

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

TRAVELOGUE

The Soul of the River

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

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Pure Persuasion

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

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

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

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

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

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

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

The Architect Connection

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

THE SHOPPING CART

Aquamatic Offers Lift Lids for Automatic Covers

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

CMP Debuts Curving LED Waterfall

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

WPN UPDATE

Working on

Recognition

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

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

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

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

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

February 21, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

All in the Details

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

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Sense of Participation

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

TRAVELOGUE

Clothing Optional

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

ESSENTIAL

Fluid Melodies

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

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Overbearing Rockwork

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

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Swimming’s Lessons

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

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

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

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

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

Be sure to stick around for the colorful crescendo!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

On the Verge

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

THE SHOPPING CART

Copper Tree Fountains from Blue Thumb

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

Air & Water Solutions Launches Air-Cleaning System

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

WPN UPDATE

Taking Hurdles

in Stride

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

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

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

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

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

February 7, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Color Clashes

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

VIDEO GALLERY

Rendering Aid

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

COMMENTARY

The Future for Pools?

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

ESSENTIAL

Balancing Acts

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

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

TRAVELOGUE

Civic Celebrations

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

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Chasing Inspiration

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

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

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

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

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

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

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Finding Touchstones

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

THE SHOPPING CART

CMP Introduces Advanced Oxidation Sanitizers

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

Pergola Kits from Amish Country Gazebos

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

WPN UPDATE

Easing into

the Process

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

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

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

2018/1.2, January 24 — Tile Precision, Mastering the Plaster Phase, Odd Fountain Fix and more

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

January 24, 2018 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Perfection, Please

Perfection in tile application is an attainable goal, writesJimmy Reed, but as a look inside this magnificent project conveys, achieving that ambition takes time, patience, skill, precision and a day-to-day awareness on site that every last detail can (and will) make all the difference. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Plastering ‘Watch List’

Taking control of the plastering process is within reach of any quality-oriented designer or builder, declaresKim Skinner. To help you on your way, he offers this step-by-step guide to managing what should happen on site before, during and after plaster application takes place. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

A Monumental Fix

One of the most prominent public fountains in Venice, Italy, features a bold repair solution to what must have been a thorny problem. It may not be optimal in aesthetic terms, writesJim McCloskey, but at least it keeps a towering, historically significant composition in service. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Hearts of Stone

SculptorAlan Hochmanhas carved out a unique niche for himself by using the visual drama of natural stone and combining it with subtle flows of water. These works of sublime beauty and expressiveness draw inspiration from nature, eastern philosophy and a lifetime of study, but he carefully tailors each piece to suit a specific site and the needs of clients who share his passion for sculptures that play with contrasts and even contradictions.

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

Edgy Issues

Beyond doubt, vanishing-edge pools can be spectacular. But asScott Cohenreports, there are some all-too-common design defects that can lead to a variety of distracting performance issues — and some of these problems aren’t so easy to address! [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Satisfying Feedback

Once each WaterShapes newsletter is released,Jim McCloskeyusually hears quickly from readers with comments and criticisms. Two of his own recent articles drew fast responses — one of a personal nature, the other filled with fascinating additions of historical detail.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Ouch Dept.:Man relaxing in a spa gets smacked in the face, and it had nothing to do with anything he said.[more]

This isnotthe sort of surprise guest that usually drops in.

Irresistible Temptation Dept.:Pedestrians and skaters take advantage of a frozen pool in Washington. [more]

And it had nothing to do with the government shutdown!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

The Main Ingredient

All watershapers should be conscious of one huge fact, wrote Brian Van Bower back in 2003: Water plays such profound role in our lives and well-being that we should avoid doing this one thing like the plague.[more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Pebble Technology Adds Shimmering Sea

Pebble Technology(Scottsdale, AZ) offers Shimmering Sea, a combination of cultivated abalone and mother of pearl that brings subtle color to a pool’s water surface. The material is standard in ten of the company’s PebbleFina finishes and five of its PebbleSheen finishes, and it can be added to any other PebbleSheen and all PebbleTec finishes. For details, clickhere.

Hydrorider Introduces Aqua Treadmills

Hydrorider(Biscayne Park, FL) manufactures the Professional Aqua Treadmill for use in serious exercise or recuperation regimens. Combining adjustable resistance and a selection of three incline angles, the unit provides lower-body exercise without strain or pressure, features full-length handlebars for easy gripping and has a shock-absorbing platform. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Sliding into

the Process

For years now, conventional wisdom has told us that the decision to purchase a watershape of any kind is a process that can take upward of five years from initial thought to actual commitment. That’s where theWaterShapes Professional Networkis so helpful: It gives homeowners and decision-makers an easy, private 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?

2018/1.1, January 10 — Toxin-Free Results, Vacant-Lot Vision, Channel Drains and more

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

January 10, 2018 www.watershapes.com

THE NON-TOXIC POOL

Toxin-Free Choices

Wrapping up a series in which he’s previously defined all of the reasons why he wants to offer his clients healthier pool water,John Cohengoes into great detail this time in describing possible system components — then narrows things down to those he’s now using in his projects.[more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Clean Slate

If he ever had any doubts about the value of updating and maintaining his extensive portfolio, writesKurt Kraisinger, this project — and the fact the site had been stripped bare — showed him the value of those images as his clients weighed possibilities and honed in on his ideas. [more]

WHAT IS IT?

#28: Channel Drain

Minimizing design disruptions is a keen desire among watershapers these days. That’s whyMike Farleyis happy to share this video — and so enthusiastic about the channel drains that have come along to help him dodge the visual and physical intrusions of traditional drain covers. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Designs on Edge

From standard coping and cantilevered decks to boulders and plants and rock veneers, watershapers are using an ever-broadening palette of edge treatments to accentuate and refine their designs. In this photo-essay, veteran landscape architectPeter Whiteillustrates the boundless possibilities that present themselves when it comes to setting up boundaries at water’s edge.

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

TRAVELOGUE

Timeless Impressions

Most people know Maya Lin for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., but watershapers in particular should become familiar with a range of her other works as well. Here,William Hobbstravels the country in highlighting a few of her fascinating watershapes. [more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

A Toxin-Free Future

John Cohen’s series on devising toxin-free pools has openedJim McCloskey‘s eyes to the importance of thinking about pool/spa water in more healthful contexts — and to exciting opportunities the comprehensive nature of the task opens for equipment suppliers and buyers.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

‘Tis the Season Dept.:Winter’s a great time for those who enjoy the delicate dynamics of frozen fountains.[more]

This one, in New York’s Bryant Park, is a frosty stunner.

‘Tis the Season Dept., Pt. 2:A broken pipe has awesomely awful results for a building in China. [more]

I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but it has a unique beauty!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Sustaining Quality

Sustainability was mostly a novel subject among watershapers back in 2008 — andBruce Zaretsky, long an advocate of the approach by that time, jumped right in to tell his colleagues like it was (and still is). [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Oceanside Glasstile Publishes Catalog

Oceanside Glasstile(Carlsbad, CA) has released its Tile Specification Guide and Design Book — a volume available in both printed and digital formats. After illustrating a range of applications (including pools and spas), the idea book becomes a comprehensive catalog of glass and stone tile products, most of them suitable for submerged applications. For details, clickhere.

Product Catalog Available from Ledge Lounger

Ledge Lounger(Houston, TX) has issued a catalog on its complete line of durable, comfortable, UV-resistant lounges designed for in-pool and poolside use. The 44-page booklet comes in both printed and digital formats and includes photographs of applications as well as color charts and dimensional suggestions for in-pool lounging areas. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Shortening

the Distance

When homeowners or facility managers start looking for watershapers to help them realize their ambitions and dreams, where do they start? Some are lucky enough to have business contacts or friends who can refer them to reliable 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 are able to convey uniformly formatted, comparable information in an easily navigated template,WPNgives consumers initial access to the marketplace in an easygoing environment that guides them comfortably and confidently through the earliest stages of a significant purchase decision.

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

2017/12.2, December 20 — Healthful Analogies, Intricate Lighting, Regal Waterworks and more

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

December 20, 2017 www.watershapes.com

THE NON-TOXIC POOL

Interventions

Tireless in his quest for information about and approaches to the creation of toxin-free pools and spas,John Cohenhasspent years weighing observations of nature and the human body and figuring out ways to use what he’s learned to help people swim in pure, clean, safe water. [more]

POOLSCAPES AFTER DARK

Shaping with Light

Lighting the various planes, elevations and contours of today’s swimming pools is a challenge: It takes familiarity with the capabilities of modern LEDs, notesGraham Orme, but it’s also important to think about safety, angles, intensity and the goal of producing a warm, beautiful glow. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Water as Power

A masterful feat of hydrology and engineering, theMachine de Marlyfed water to the Gardens of Versailles for 130 years. It’s no longer around, but asJim McCloskeysuggestshere, it’s worth a ‘visit’ because of its role in creating an awesome collection of watershapes. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Good Aerations

The health and welfare of a typical pond or lake depends on a long list of factors — not the least of which, says engineerErich Altvater, is proper aeration. If you get it right, he says, you can improve water quality; miss the mark, however, and many man-made ponds or lakes will fall into an unwelcome imbalance. Here, he explains what it takes to understand the water’s needs and guide clients to the proper aerating system.

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Raising the Floor

Many renovation projects include lifting the floor of an old pool to make it possible to play games such as volleyball, notesScott Cohen.So it’s a good idea to know what’s really involved in the process — and learn how to avoid the serious errors he describes in this article.[more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Reciprocal Energy

His usual year-end exercise in reviewing recent trends, events and personal perspectives takesJim McCloskeyto a happy place this time — and leads him to pay tribute to professionals who, one and all, make him proud and pleased to bear witness to their progress. [more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Santa’s Helper Dept.:A guy in a red suit rides a red sled to rescue a young deer caught on a frozen lake. [more]

OK, so he’s not Santa — but try telling that to the deer!

Santa’s Helper Dept., Pt. 2: ALondon firm repurposes its floating hot tubs to spread chilly holiday cheer. [more]

It’s creative, but I’m not sureMrs.Claus would approve!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Stepping Up

Back in 2007,Brian Van Bowerobserved that landscape designers and architects were gravitating toward the water to an unprecedented degree. Are those design professionals still moving in that direction? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Hayward Debuts Smart Controller for Pools

Hayward Pool Products(Elizabeth, NJ) has released the VS Omni variable-speed pump system. Designed as an easy way to add scheduling and smart control to pools, the units work with existing equipment and control up to four devices from almost all suppliers. The systems include a hub, a relay and a control pad, all manageable with a smart phone. For details, clickhere.

Vortex Arranges Water Journey for Kids

Vortex Aquatic Structures(Montreal, Quebec, Canada) offers Water Journey, a collection of four moveable, touchable, low-water-depth “events” that may be used individually or collectively to provide different play experiences for toddlers and young children in water parks, municipal parks, urban spaces, hotels or family entertainment centers. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Getting a

Jump on 2018

Manywatershapers have, through the years, invested heavily in building their own beautiful web sites, then wondered why prospective clients haven’t been beating paths to their doors. The hold-up? It’s a simple fact that building a strong web presence as a stand-alone site is a 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?

2017/12.1, December 6 — Distant Design, Toxin-Free Pools, Fountain Evolution and more

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

December 6, 2017 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

A Faraway Hill

Designing watershapes for construction by others in remote settings isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The keys to success, reportsAndrew Kaner, include specific, multiple forms of contact and communication — as outlined here in a profile of a breathtaking project in the U.S. Virgin Islands. [more]

THE NON-TOXIC POOL

Nature’s Blueprint

For years,John Cohenhas dedicated himself to meeting the needs of clients averse to using traditional sanitizers. As he reports in the first in a series of articles, his quest began with a narrow-minded ‘expert’ and has since pulled him toward a biologically inspired set of solutions. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Making Spaces

Emerging technologies have changed the ways designers look at fountains. This makes it an opportune time, writesRobert Mikula, to step back, survey the evolving state of the art and figure out the best ways to make water a must-have component for our public places. [more]

ESSENTIAL

Perfected in Place

California’sSkip Phillipshas been a vocal advocate for excellence in swimming pool design, engineering and construction for the past three decades. In recent years, he has pressed his point far away from home, collaborating with Canadian builder Gene Brown in producing watershapes that exemplify what he calls true excellence in construction and, from his perspective, show just how good watershaping can and should be.

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

TRAVELOGUE

A Window into Nature

Microsoft’s corporate campus near Seattle features a watershape with a scope and complexity that reflect the scale and grandeur of the giant software company, notesJon Mitovich–andis something you can see for yourself the next time you travel in the Great Northwest.[more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Thank Goodness

Celebrating Thanksgiving far away from home ledJim McCloskeyto experience a pool in a suspended state he’d never directly experienced before. The encounter gave him a fresh sense of regional distinctions and an admiration for those willing to own watershapes in cold places.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

Odd Prank Dept.:Fountain at New York’s Lincoln Center runs bright yellow as police seek those responsible.[more]

I don’t condone the act, but the new look is startlingly vivid!

Odd Award Dept.:Image of vaulted pool in China wins honors as architectural photograph of the year. [more]

I’m biased, but I see nicer watershape images every day!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Finding the Look

Ten years ago,David Tishermanresponded to a reporter’s question by making a strong case for watershaping as being about more than her inquiry implied. Was he on target with his response? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Blue Thumb Now Offers LiquidArt Products

Blue Thumb Distributing(Saginaw, MI) has acquired the LiquidArt line of pondless fountains, including the Round Ripples Pottery Fountain. Handcrafted by clay artisans, the units are 36 inches in diameter and come with 70-gallon water reservoirs as complete, ready-to-install packages. They’re available in two colors — sky blue or oil green. For details, clickhere.

Slot Drain Offers Deck-Drainage System

Slot Drain Systems(Manitoba, Canada) manufactures the 6000 Series of one-piece, built-in, sloped, open floor/surface drain systems. Featuring a linear design that eliminates grates that can be weak, trap bacteria and are difficult to clean, the units are available in stainless or galvanized steel and come in four-foot, ten-inch or nine-foot, eight-inch sections. For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Making Headway

on the Internet

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?

2017/11.2, November 15 — Tiny Spaces, Lazy Rivers, Public Waters and more

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

November 15, 2017 www.watershapes.com

FEATURE ARTICLE

Pushing Limits

Working with great clients in their tiny backyard,Tanr Rossfaced a choice: Erase items from their wish list, or find creative ways to includeeverything. Here’s how he pulled it all together — and ended up making a compact space seem a good bit larger than it really is. [more]

FEATURE ARTICLE

Making a River Flow

The architect wanted a pool with a long lazy-river to highlight the hotel’s big deck area, andBuffy Neumannknew just how to approach the task: She did her homework, called in a key supplier for technical assistance and executed the project in award-worthy style. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Water Everywhere

While he didn’t see the grand fountains and water displays he was expecting to find during his time in Venice,Jim McCloskeywas nonetheless fascinated by thefontanasthat grace more than 100 plazas, both great and small, that dot this hauntingly beautiful Italian city. [more]

ESSENTIAL

On Common Ground

When a homeowner in suburban Chicago asked for a waterfeature and swimming pool that were aesthetically linked to one another and their surroundings, watershaperLou Downesknew that close collaboration with the landscape architect would be crucial. The resulting composition offers a perfect testimonial to the value of getting client, designer and contractor all squarely on the same page.

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

TECHNICAL BRIEFING

Gophers Got You Down?

Gophers may be cute, but they can also wreak havoc on slopes with ponds installed atop them. And it gets even worse, explainsScott Cohen, when the client expectsyouto pay for the resulting damage, even though you’ve given fair warning about the risks of rodent infestations.[more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Breakout or Breakdown?

Conversations he had at the International Pool|Spa|Patio Expo encouragedJim McCloskeyto a strongly positive attitude about 2018 — but also had him wondering whether businesses still smarting from past traumas will be entirely ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities.[more]

WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .

High and Wild Dept.:A technical look at the structure holding up the world’s most breathtaking pools. [more]

The water’s great, but the three towers are a true marvel.

Wedding Day Heroics Dept.:The groom spots a child in distress and starts married life in an unusual way. [more]

My guess is that it’s a day the couple will never forget!

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Ready, Set, Goal

Setting and pursuing goals has long been a key to his business success, wroteBrian Van Bowerback in November 2002. Is his brand of goal-setting still a valuable exercise in today’s business environment? [more]

THE SHOPPING CART

Deck-Toned Skimmer Covers from CMP

CMP(Newnan, GA) manufactures Natural Wonders Deck Covers as a custom design element intended to keep skimmer covers from becoming unwanted visual distractions. The heavy duty units are available in four natural finishes — White Stone, Sand Stone, Gray Stone and Brick — selected to complement common decking systems. For details, clickhereand scroll down.

Grand Effects Offers Illuminated Bowl Bases

Grand Effects(Irvine, CA) supplies illuminated stone bases for use with its lines of fire bowls, fire-and-water bowls and water bowls. The units are hand-crafted in translucent quartz using special techniques that beautify the effect when they are lit from within by white or colored LEDs that can be synchronized with a pool’s lighting system For details, clickhere.

WPN UPDATE

Getting in

onthe 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 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?