Expert Swimming Pool & Watershape Consulting Design and Engineering

Why do I need a Swimming Pool Design Expert?

Human nature being what it is, people simply do not want to admit that they do not know something.  Ignorance being what it is, people do not know what they do not know.

Ignorance is bliss!

Pride and ego's are the reasons many people refrain from asking for help.  They want to be something that they are not and are afraid to admit it - especially to a client.

Thoughtful Design

Design professionals know what questions to ask the clients.  Without the right information, a project simply cannot be designed for a client.  Anyone can ask for the elements that a client desires in their project.

An insightful designer will know what detailed questions to ask to ensure that the clients do not outgrow the project in future years.  This will save the clients tens of thousands of dollars in the future, by not having to remodel the project to fit those future lifestyle needs.

Knowledge is Power!

Because a designer works on projects around the world, they are constantly exposed to new technologies, construction practices, materials and design trends.

Their exposure to cutting edge technologies on high-end projects ensures that they are familiar with the latest and greatest construction methods and products available.  These could translate into a major cost savings on your project!

Their multinational and regional travel, advanced and continuing education and training ensures that they are familiar with the ever changing and evolving building codes, industry regulations and trade standards.

Installation technologies and methodologies are evolving as quickly as electronics technology.  Many of the new products and methods offer extended warranties and labor savings.

Industry Involvement

Most design professionals are actively involved in the industry at a national or international level.  This keeps them abreast of the proposed and pending changes to codes and regulations.  By designing ahead of the code changes, your project is surely to breeze through the plan check phase of your local building department.

All, simply because your project was design to codes that won't be adopted and enforced for a few years.  This also ensures that you will not run into an inspector or official who will misinterpret or apply the codes - your project is already ahead of the curve!

Cutting Edge

The lead designers in the field are always involved with state of the art projects.  This exposes them to the latest design trends, ideas and material applications.

Your project can only benefit because of the depth of their knowledge and the resources available to them.



Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com

Vanishing & Infinity Edge Swimming Pool Expert Witness, Watershape Consulting

Why would I need an Expert or Consultant?

There are actually many reasons... but, plan review, contractor competency evaluation and quality control are the primary reasons.

Plan Review

The more complex a project, the greater the need for an independent expert consultant.  The consultant will bring an objective voice to the evaluation of the plans and design.  The primary designer may have spent months developing a project plan.  Small details are easily overlooked on complex projects.  It simply avoids costly errors in the future by having the plans reviewed by a second set of "fresh eyes."

An evaluation of the plans can actually save the client money.   More economical methods or practices may be suggested that can save time and money.  The expert may have actually constructed or consulted on a project with similar details.  They can lend valuable insight and experience that will avoid cost overruns and delays.

Contractor Evaluation

The plans for many complex projects are developed by teams of designers and consultants.  The selection of the swimming pool contractor is usually left up to the general contractor on the project.  They will have their usual cast of characters, whom they will have bid on the project.  However, they may not have the competency to actually build the project.

An outside expert can evaluate the skills of potential contractors before contracts are signed.  If there are no local contractors who possess the necessary skills, then there are alternatives...

Ongoing Construction Consultation

The consultant can assist and guide the local contractor through the processes of construction where they lack the requisite skills.  The consultant is in effect, "teaching as they go."  The client has a local builder, yet the builder has the resource to guide them through the project.

Most don't know what they don't know... and the owner's of many failed or substandard swimming pools are living proof of contractor incompetence and ignorance.

Quality Assurance - Owner's Representative

As the  "Owner's Rep" (OR) the consultant ensures that the project is actually constructed as per the plans and contracts.  The OR ensures that the best industry and trade practices are adhered to.  The consultant documents the progress of the construction through digital imaging and written reports.

The OR will also ensure that the required independent inspections and materials testing are performed.  Since most owners do not know how to build a pool properly, the OR will ensure that their interests are protected.

Investing in an expert consultant to oversee the construction of your complex swimming pool project can actually save you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in future litigation, repairs, loss of property value and lost sleep.


Paolo Benedetti -  Consultant, Expert Witness, Construction Management
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com

Why INDUSTRIAL DESIGN? Infinity Edge swimming Pools and Spas

Italian Swimming Pool Designer Paolo Benedetti on "What is Swimming Pool Design?"

What is INDUSTRIAL DESIGN?

Industrial design is the formulation of an aesthetic and functional plan that considers the humanistic interaction with an object over it's lifespan.

Simply stated, it is the creation of a unique object with purpose, that evokes emotion and a sense of desire.

Why is industrial design important to your swimming pool?


Anyone can draw a shape on a piece of paper and then place manufactured products into the plan.  Simply arranging manufactured products around within a space does not take any talent.

Buying manufactured fire features, fountains, spillways or water spouts and placing them into a project is not design.  It is simply product placement.  And a monkey can do it.

Industrial design incorporates ergonomics, how the space will be utilized, lines of sight, color theory, both daily and seasonal natural lighting, shadows and highlights, demographics of the users and many other factors.

Evoking Emotion and Desire

A well designed project will seamlessly integrate with the architecture of the space and structures.  It will automatically evoke a sense of belonging... as if something would be missing if the elements were not there.

The selected colors and materials will evoke a sense of welcoming and warmth.  The viewer should want to become a part of the space.  It should silently extend an invitation to the viewer to want to investigate and explore the space.

The configuration and features of the space should slowly reveal themselves as the viewer meanders along.  The explorer should discover a new secret with each change in direction or view.

The elements should not be "in your face," over-whelming the viewer with sensory overload.  It should not be so busy, so as to confuse the viewer as to where to look next and where to go.

Confusion and Conflict


The improper use of color and materials can easily cause mental confusion.  The scene will become busy and conflicted... creating a space that makes the viewer feel uneasy.  Though they may not be able to "put their finger on it," something about the space makes them feel uneasy.

Colors that conflict with one another are the most common visual ulcers.  Bright red bricks or terracotta adjacent to green grass and plantings are the most commonly culprits.  But the use of any complementary colors near each other will cause this this same visual conflict.  Complementary colors are any colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel:




Yet, most people who design and build swimming pools do not understand these basic principals of design.  Busy red brick patterns abut white precast coping stones.  Bright green plantings, furniture or umbrellas stand as a stark contrast against the bricks.  It quickly becomes visual vomit... yet the viewer does not know why.

Designing with a Mission

Again, anyone can select products from a catalog and arrange them within a space.  But to be able to understand the client, what is emotional to them and what is of importance to them is the basis for the creation of the space.

Many clients are not even conscientiously aware of what is important to them.  By that I do not mean the inclusions of a pool, patio, bbq or fireplace... but rather the sense of emotion that they want the space to say about themselves.  A designer has got to get to know the clients, their interests and what "pushes their emotional buttons."

Additionally, the details incorporated into the project need to support the clients use of the space.  And the use of the space changes by the day of the week and the season of the year.

During the week, most residential spaces are not physically utilized.  They are however viewed...  Yet, on a weekend, the space comes alive with physical activity, parties, bbq's, children and the associated toys, umbrellas, chaises and chairs.


The seasonal use of a space should also be considered as well.  The type and placement of trees & shrubs may need to create privacy during the swim season.  Yet, during the winter months they may need to "open up" to allow light and sunshine.

Cast shadows and lines change with the seasons as well.  The strategic placement and angles of structures or elements of the design can create unique shadows.  Shadow also change the colors that we perceive as well.  These can all be used to create dynamic changes to the seasonal perspective.

Your designer and builder has to got to know a lot more about design, than merely drawing shapes and specifying parts from a catalog.


Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa©
www.aquatictechnology.com