relationships

Smiling in the Rock Yard
Author's note: In January as part of a previous article in this series, I briefly discussed the process of selecting stone material with clients. Here we'll expand on that process with a look at why checking out rocks can be so much fun, and why it can be so important.   Smiling changes things, but what on earth does that have to do with building ponds, or any other type of watershape for that matter? That answer is simply everything! In fact, this simple truth about the power of smiling might just be the most practical idea that exists in the world of watershaping. I believe it's right there with
Life Lessons
With the many questions he's asked in classrooms and in conversations with fellow watershapers, Paolo Benedetti is constantly reminded of things he wishes he'd known when he started his business.  In the first of two articles, he begins by discussing ten of these key observations. 
Travelin’ Man
I haven't quite started packing my bags for the International Pool|Spa|Patio Expo, which begins soon in Las Vegas, Nev. Truth is, I'll actually need to unpack them first, because right now I'm in Kennett Square, Pa., awaiting the start later today of
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…
Meeting Special Needs
Ponds are often valued for being uniquely calming and comforting.  But for a child with autism, these watershapes can also be therapeutic in a number of ways.  That's wonderful news for these kids, Mike Gannon observes -- and great for their families as well.  
2017/5.1, May 3 — Artful Restoration, Stylish Tiling, Helping Autistic Kids and more
THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS May 3, 2017 www.watershapes.com FEATURE ARTICLE…
2017/1.1, January 11 — Contemporary Clarity, Using Bamboo, Navy Pier Magic and more
THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS January 11, 2017 www.watershapes.com FEATURE ARTICLE…
Spa Strategies
For almost as long as I've been in business, people who are interested in swimming pools have also usually been interested in having a spa or hot tub to go along with it.  It's always been a natural combination, and as watershapers we've found myriad ways to meet thegeneral demand. In the video linked below, I offer a quick discussion of two key factors homeowners need to consider in
Making Amends
Competence is a wonderful thing - and that was exactly the problem with the pond we were called in to replace:  The original installers had none, and kept on demonstrating their utter lack of it all through the six or seven weeks they were on the job site. Happily, competence is something my own crew has in abundance, and in two days we not only got rid of the mess our predecessors left behind, but also installed a brand-new pond and turned a shabby mess into a
Who Made This Stuff?
It doesn't happen every time, but once in a while I'll speak with a prospective client who's done some homework and has reached a conclusion about which manufacturer's equipment should be used on his or her watershaping project.It's nice that he or she is engaged in the process to that fine a level, but as I mention in the video linked below, it really isn't an issue with which a homeowner needs to get involved because