Plastering When It’s Hot?
In several of the articles I've prepared for WaterShapes, the point has been made that it's not a great idea to apply plaster as the interior finish of a swimming pool (or any other watershape, for that matter) in spells of hot, dry weather - and I thought it was time to dig in a bit deeper and explain the reasoning behind that assertion. Basically, when a layer
Ripples #100
Shakespeare Classic Performed In U.K. Edwardian Pool Complex  
The Aquatic Quiz #10
Sloshed Brit Swims in River Directly in Path of Cargo Ship  
Stunted Expectations
Back in 2007, I helped a friend through part of the process of updating the exterior of his five-unit horseshoe of courtyard apartments.  I was mostly there for moral support as he reviewed drawings and sought feedback on features for the common space. He had a vision - a small bowl fountain toward the back, a large
Custom Packages
When vinyl-liner pools first appeared more than half a century ago, they were offered as "standard" pools for middle-class consumers - plain, simple and relatively inexpensive compared to their concrete cousins. Back in the 1950s and '60s, these vinyl-liner packages had squared-off shapes, but as time passed and consumers demanded greater variety, models emerged with oval forms or Grecian-style ends; before long, there were kidney-shaped packages and even some
The HazMat Pond
This is a case where the client said it best:  In describing his backyard pond as "a HazMat spill," he put it more bluntly and succinctly than I ever would or could have.  And he was right:  The little pond was a complete, total, unholy mess. For starters, the waterfall and skimmer had been placed within inches of each other in a hard-to-access corner, thereby obliterating
A Wild Retreat
The untamed profusion of the South Florida landscape informed the design of this expressive garden.  Filled with native plants and deep, inviting waters, it's a haven for abundant local wildlife as well as a luxurious retreat for the homeowners and a haven for their pet pig. Set on a historic road in a protected-wildlife area of Coral Gables, Fla., the property had been a mango and avocado grove until Hurricane Andrew changed everything in 1992.  The home, fortunately,
Ripples #99
Two Dudes Turn '69 Coupe de VilleInto Rolling Hot Tub, Plan to Race It
2014/9.1, September 10 — Reinventing Paradise, Gutting a Pond, Customizing Vinyl and more
THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS September 10, 2014 www.watershapes.com PROJECT PROFILE…
The Aquatic Quiz #9
Aussie Long-Distance SwimmerDetained by Brits in Mid-Race