AquaStar Introduces New Line of Valves & Actuators
AquaStar Pool Products, Inc., is pleased to announce the launch of a new product category with the introduction of FlowStar valves and actuators. The line includes two- and three-way valves, a check valve, and a valve actuator designed to meet the diverse needs of the pool industry. FlowStar series products are made in the USA using raw materials sourced within the country.  The valves and actuators feature a lifetime warranty. ...
Cold-Weather Tile Installation
When you consider the long-term environmental exposure every pool tile installation endures, Amy Denny explains that it merits elevating installation methods, setting materials, and the installation environment. A deliberate and planned strategy is paramount, especially when working in cold temperatures. ...
Mosaics of Experience
What started out as an Italy trip devoted to the pursuit of fine food and wine, Lea and George Frederick, wound up deeply imbibing in the world of mosaic art at a remarkable facility in Vincenza. Here they share a slice of travelogue and images that point to the remarkable possibilities of artistically arranged bits of glass tile.   ...
Fine Points: Sizing Equipment Areas
Setting up equipment areas for efficiency and serviceability stands as one of the top priorities during the planning and construction process, explains Kevin Cobabe. Getting it right means first devoting enough space for the equipment set, an important consideration that is often over looked. ...
Shuttered Reinforced Concrete
Civil engineer, Jerome Licata was interested in having a swimming pool installed at his home when he decided to try something new. He found a stay-in-place formwork system as a convenient way to create a concrete-reinforced pool structure. ...
Turning to Revit
As design and construction become ever more dependent on sharing accurate information among project team members, the Revit platform has come to represent the state-of-the-art in modeling and plan-sharing software platforms. Here Rick Chafey shares his company’s journey using the program, and its broad implications. ...
Streetlife Makes Pedestrian Bridges
Streetlife’s Solo CorTen Bridges are small pedestrian bridges that are designed with a slight arch. The entire load-bearing deck structure comprises a thick-walled CorTen steel plate: maximum dimensions are 3 m – 10 ft wide and 8 m – 26 ft long. After prolonged exposure to the elements, the horizontal CorTen sheet will develop a dark brown patina.
PVC Membranes from Renolit
RENOLIT offers reinforced PVC commercial-grade membranes that provide a watertight surface finish for residential and commercial swimming pools, decks and splash pads. The membranes provide a solution for customers dealing with pools and decks experiencing chronic repairs such as cracking, flaking, peeling and de-lamination, the company says. Suitable both for new builds and renovations, and compatible with any surface, making the finish watertight and slip resistant.
Structure Studios Software Update
Structure Studios has updated its 3D-design software with new tools and assets aimed at  transforming the experience of designing outdoor living spaces for clients. Upgrades include an intuitive faster real-time 3D gizmo, new Smart Snaps, a reimagined Camera, expanded design tools, and 1400 new assets overall. The update is available now for Vip3D, Pool Studio, and VizTerra. ...
A Breakthrough in Fountain Flow Control?
With the introduction of its SplashValve, manufacturer SplashBotix believes the device has the potential to revolutionize the way show fountains and interactive water features are designed. In this Q&A discussion, Ronn Garland, the company’s program director and the valve’s creator, explains how it works. ...