Design - Build

The "three-bid rule" is what clients have been told is the best way to get what they want for the lowest price. But it's not a good model for the pool industry. Here's why, along with another alternative.

To be a green builder/designer means more than just jumping aboard the eco-bandwagon. It means considering green processes in every step of the process, from design to materials selection and equipment choice. Here's how one builder sees it.

Beautiful design doesn't have to be elaborate. This company developed a line of pools in simple shapes to accommodate clients who want pools without the bells and whistles.

Maximizing energy efficiency in your backyard project requires thorough knowledge of the basic ways electricity and energy are used for heating. To make things simple, here's a point-by-point breakdown of basic engineering principles.

Custom pool design and construction master David Tisherman explains the business behind turning water into art.

In Part I of his 3-part series, design master David Tisherman provides a thorough explanation of one of the most challenging projects of his career.

In Part II of his 3-part series, David Tisherman discusses the construction process of one of his most challenging pool projects.

How do you make backyard waterfalls and streams look realistic? Here, a pond and stream specialist shares his key concepts and techniques.

This skyscraper in Mumbai is pushing the limits of design with more than 200 apartments and two 37-story towers, and dozens of balcony pools to go with them.

Make your project "rock" with the help of natural rock elements. Here are some tips and tricks.

While vanishing edges are gorgeous, there's a lot that can go wrong when constructing. Here, a pro shares the common trouble spots and how to avoid them.

Working in tight spots requires you to consider every inch of space with scrutiny. Here, a builder shares his advice for doing just that.

In the past, color selection for concrete pools was limited to white. Not anymore. Here we look at the various options builders have to inject color into their concrete projects.

Pool design is an art form. But who are the people that will be long remembered for this art form?

Sometimes your clients have bad taste in design. Do you give them what they want, or speak up and risk losing them? We go inside the debate in this story.

Thanks to a custom, deep purple pebble finish, this pool looks like a delicious vat of grape jelly. Here, the builder recounts the process for the perfect pigment and perfectly purple pool.

By learning from our mistakes, we can make the industry stronger.

While there are many ways to make your initial consultation a success, these are the five most important strategies I employ when creating a great client relationship.

A small space is packed with family-friendly elements and surprises.

You can heat or cool a home using energy that's stored in your swimming pool.

A designer/builder makes gates and fences an artistic pursuit.

As customers loosen their purse strings, builders see a boost in projects.

Formerly a visual blight, this Beverly Hills pool was restored to its sparkling glory.

As custom pool designs become more daring, automatic cover installations are becomng more ingenious to keep pace.

The challenge to strive for technical excellence while expanding creative boundaries.

Waterfeature designer and installer Jerry Romano creates environments that feature poins of access designed to invite close human interaction.

We celebrate the renaissance of the vinyl liner: a new birth of color and form across the backyards of North America.

Mastering both gunite and surface material installation made this business stronger.

Tile artist Stephanie Dittrick explains the origins and philosophy of her business, Agape Tile.

A design firm helps a rural town achieve its dream of having an aquatic center.