Remember that adage - you get what you pay for?
Any swimming pool contractor's add that you see in the yellow pages or on-line offer's free design. Do you wonder why?
Free Plans
It is because they are in the business to sell and build pools. They want to quickly present you with a shape, so that they can get on with the building.
There is no thought put into the utilization of space, the interaction of people with that space, shade and sun patterns - even during the various seasons or the lines of sights and primary and secondary view angles.
They will create for you a "design" using templates or prepackaged design software. Their goal is to get as quickly as possible past this stage, so that they can get to the construction phase.
Thoughtful Design
An international aquatic designer will create a project that is both useable and beautiful to look at.
The seasonal patterns of the sun and shade will be carefully considered. The angles from which the project will be viewed will be accounted for.
A talented designer will be able to create details that conceal the manufactured products (e.g. light fixtures, drains, remote controls, railings, etc.), so that the project is clean and uncluttered.
Value and Money Savings
It may seem counter intuitive to develop a good well thought out plan - a road map if you will.
But the smoothest journeys are always those that have the flight plan developed before take-off. Developing a plan during flight always results in flying off course, wasted time, money and energy.
Future developments and growth in the outdoor environment can be planned, and the utilities for those can be installed now.
This is the true definition of "value engineering." Spending a little more now, so that you can save a lot more in the future... by not having to tear out plants, concrete, stonework or planters in order to retrofit the required utilities or foundations.
Paolo Benedetti - Artist, Aquatic Consultant, Watershape Designer, Expert Witness.
©Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa - 2014
www.aquatictechnology.com
408-776-8220
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