Construction Systems/Materials
As Paolo Benedetti explains in this conclusion to his series on Alkali Silica Reaction, although the problem can be avoided with basic and well-known precautionary measures, it is almost impossible to cure once the it starts. The business implications are grim for watershapers who are caught unaware.
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There’s no limit to the cost of renovating severely cracked pools. Ontario Pool Coatings recently turned to PVC membranes as a way to control those costs and most important, provide a reliable watertight renovation solution. As company president, Darren Borland, explains, the move into membranes has proved a perfect fit.
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AquaStar Pool Products (Ventura, CA) has introduced the Perfect Circle drain, an unblockable drain option designed for use in concrete pools and spas. It has four ports which gives designers the ability to use multiple pumps and a hydrostatic relief valve with this one single unblockable drain cover. The unique open center design allows the cover to blend seamlessly into the pool or spa finish. Read more.
Mistcooling (Houston, TX) makes Pool Cooler, a simple fixtures designed to decrease pool water temperatures up to 10 degrees. It's easy to install, made in the USA, and operates without additional electricity, a cost-effective method of cooling a swimming pool compared to pool chillers, the company says. It does not require any Freon or gas to operate, and attaches to a pool return jet fitting. Read more.
Thursday Pools (Fortville, IN) now offers a flat-bottom sports pool designed to accommodate lounging as well as active play for all ages! This pool offers full width generous steps with a long bench area that adjoins the steps providing more seating options. The flat bottom is great for volleyball, basketball, water aerobics or lap swimming. The vessel is auto-cover-ready and comes with the company’s non-skid, gel coat finish. The pool is 13’-5” wide by 40’ long with a 4’-6” depth, and holds 13,500 gallons of water. To learn more, click here.
Renolit (Laporte, Ind.) now offers a new designer PVC membrane called ALKORPLAN TOUCH-Vanity, a new textured liner membrane pattern inspired by nature. Designed to imitates the look and feel of white marble using a white base color with subtle threads of grey throughout to give the material the realistic appearance of white marble, this 80-mil thick reinforced membrane can be used for new pool construction or to completely encapsulate and renovate leaking or deteriorated pools. To learn more, click here.
Once derided as “baggies,” pools with vinyl liners have now taken their place in the world of custom watershaping, due to the flexibility of shape and wide spectrum of patterns, colors and textures. This beautiful remodel stands as a perfect example, says Columbian watershaper, Christophe Garces.
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For situations where space is tight, turning to stainless steel basins can be the best call, explains Dave Peterson. This structural wall detail can also be used to make a clean aesthetic statement, by bringing the water right up to surrounding hardscape.
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Meridian Tile (Phoenix, Ariz.) makes modular tile for in-pool barstools and tabletops. The modular tile for barstools is available in glass and porcelain mosaics, sized for 12, 16 and 18-inch Sonotube columns. Table top mosaics are sized for 36-inch tables. The company’s line of barstool and table tops come in a wide range of colors. To learn more, click here.
Biodesign (Farmingdle, N.Y.) offers an alternative method of swimming pool construction that features a structural coating, consisting of resins and quartz sand molded over an EPDM liner, eliminating the need for structural concrete. The pools can be constructed in a variety of sand colors with molded beach entry edges that blend into surrounding hardscape. To learn more, click here.
