science

2020/11.1, November 4 — Fountain Synergy, Display Detail, Concrete Commentary and more
DESIGN ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND CONSUMERS WHO MAKE WATER AND OUTDOOR…
Water Wonders
I've seen two articles recently that I must share - one inspiring, the other amazing. First the inspiration:   It's tough for aquatic facilities to be recognized at all when it comes to the rigorous requirements of the
Durable Pool Plaster, Revisited
In December 2010, WaterShapes published "How to Make Durable Pool Plaster," an article filled with what I knew about making reliable, discoloration-free pool plaster - including basic information about both proper and improper plastering practices. It should come as no surprise that, since then, research has continued and our understanding of issues involved in the proper mixing and application of these cementitious finishes has continued to grow. This article will cover these developments, discussing in greater detail the
Living in Color
'Few things are as important to the aesthetic impression made by swimming pools, spas and other watershapes as the colors you select to use in and around them,' wrote David Tisherman in opening his Details column in the September 2005 issue of WaterShapes.   'Take tile as an example.  Whether it's just a waterline detail, a complete interior finish or some elaborate mosaic pattern, it serves to draw the eye into a design.  If the color and material selections work, the scene can become
Exploring the ‘Acid Column’
When I conduct seminars at pool and spa industry trade shows, I regularly get asked about the validity of a water-management technique known widely as the “acid column” approach. Those who believe in this application method say that if acid is poured into a swimming pool in a concentrated area – producing what adherents variously call a column, slug, well or cloud – the alkalinity of the water will be drastically reduced, but the pH will not drop as much as it otherwise would.  By contrast, they say, if that same volume of acid is added by walking it around a pool and evenly distributing it throughout the water, the pH will be
Technical Ecstasy
I've always found it interesting that most of us have such a clear divide in our minds between technical and aesthetic thinking. Science tells us that our brains conduct analytical and logical thought processes on one side and creative and emotional thought processes on the other - and that certainly makes sense when you consider
Color Keys
Even though color is literally everywhere, most people know surprisingly little about it.  That's a knowledge gap designers in particular should overcome, says artist, colorist and teacher Judith Corona, who adds that understanding the nature of color, how it influences moods and emotions and how a color wheel works are all useful when it comes to making valuable recommendations to clients about their watershapes and landscapes.