Swimming Pool Designer & Consultant Watershape Architect

Because someone calls themselves a "pool designer," "aquatic consultant," "watershape consultant," or "aquatic architect" does not mean that they have the requisite background to really contribute value to the overall project.  Internationally acclaimed swimming pool designer Paolo Benedetti, discusses why an aquatic architect needs to be a member of the initial design team when integrating water elements, fountains or pools with a structure.

Architects

Property owners often hire architects to design their palatial estates.  The owners often buy into a design concept.  The client also needs to ask the architect, "shouldn't we include an expert in this field in the design development."

A WISE architect will already know the answer.

Why do I need an "aquatic designer" ?

A qualified aquatic designer should be more than a "pool designer."  They should have a background in architecture, world history, art and most of all - construction.

An aquatic designer will be sure that you allow sufficient chases in the walls for the appropriate sizes pipes & plumbing, that humidity is controlled to preserve artwork and to prevent mold, mildew, rot and corrosion.  

A background in waterproofing is paramount, to ensure that water does not leak into the structure.  Knowledge of the acoustics of water is also important, to prevent splashing water from creating annoying background noise.

Experience with materials and water surface tension, is important to ensure that water is not splashing onto areas that could create a slip & fall hazard.

Practical construction experience and management is critical in developing interface details that do not require extensive fabrication of custom parts.

Knowledge of construction practices and how temperatures variations in various components may cause condensation to develop.  Condensation in walls can lead to the growth of mold, corrosion of wiring and fasteners and dry rotted wood.

The BIG picture

Just because someone calls themselves a "pool designer," "aquatic consultant," "watershape consultant," or "aquatic architect" does not mean that they have the requisite background to really contribute value to the overall project.

Being able to draw pretty pictures, but not knowing hot to develop plans for a commercial grade equipment room does not add value.

Being able to identify potential issues, BEFORE they become catastrophes and offering creative cost effective preventative solutions adds the value clients demand - AND DESERVE!

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish.  A few dollars spent doing extra planning will save you a lot of stress and tens of thousands of dollars later! 


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

Don't rely on the CSLB Swimming Pool Expert Witness

Why you don't want to use the expert witness provided for free by your state's contractor's licensing board... it's simple, they ARE not the best available!

You get what you pay for!

The most experienced forensic experts in the swimming pool & spa construction field, pass on the frequent invitations from the State to become an expert witness.  

There are a multitude of reasons.. the first is the pay.  It is peanuts compared to what these experts can make in the private sector inspecting projects for insurance companies, wealthy property owners and contractors.

The second major reason, is that if the findings from the State arbitration is appealed to a civil court, the expert is not compensated by the State.  The expert will find themselves sitting in depositions, hearings and a court trial for FREE!

Finally, they are not compensated for the time it actually takes to complete a thorough report.  The report for a complex project (vanishing edge pool) may take 20-40 hours to research and prepare.  The State simply does not have the resources to investigate your case thoroughly.

Limited Scope of Investigation 

The State's expert is limited in what they can investigate.  If the State's expert is only licensed to build swimming pools, then he may not be able to comment on other work that may be deficient.

Additionally, the State's expert is not allow to  completely investigate the project's compliance from "heat to toe."  They are limited to only commenting on the issues in the homeowner's complaint.  In other words, they are not allowed to analyze the entire project - only those items that the homeowner is aware or complaining of.  Most homeowners are not experts, so they may not be aware that there were problems with the soils, shotcrete (gunite), plumbing, electrical, concrete deck steel, etc. 

Though there may be more serious underlying problems - the homeowner will never be made aware of them.

An independent expert will issue a thorough report that addresses the entire project.  That report can be included in the homeowner's complaint to the State Contractor's Licensing Board.  That is usually all that will be required for them to issue a finding.

Should the dispute ever progress to litigation, the expert will be compensated for their time.  And, if the homeowner prevails in court, they may be entitled to reimbursement by the contractor for the costs associated with the expert witness.

So, don't you deserve the most thorough evaluation of your project possible?  It may disclose structural or safety issues that you weren't even aware of!


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