Monday, March 25, 2013

Watershape Consulting, Aquatic and Swimming Pool Design Services

Your watershape consultant should have your interest at heart!  Custom swimming pool designs should be for YOU, your lifestyle and your property's architecture. 

Custom Designed Swimming Pools

Open any yellow pages or browse any swimming pool builder's website and they all tout "custom designs."  But what really is a custom design?

"Designer"

A commissioned sales man is not a designer.  Assembling options from a list and placing them around a predefined shape is not design either.

Being a book smart engineer does not simply qualify someone either...  they must have "street smarts" and practical experience as well.  They must be creative and offer innovative solutions to design dilemmas.

A designer is someone who truly has the clients best interest in mind.  A designer will seamlessly meld the architecture of the site with the landscaping.   

They will consider the prevailing winds, neighbors views, primary lines of sight, shifting seasonal sun, scope & scale of the property and the clients lifestyle.  They will even plan for forecasted changes in the clients lifestyle - whether it be the addition of children, soon to be empty nesters, teenagers or just clients who want something beautiful to look at.

Architecture 

Swimming pools have graduated from mimicking body parts plopped aimlessly in the center of the yard, to architectural wonders.

A designer is one who can create the sense of "belonging,"  as if the yard would be missing something if the pool was absent.

Knowledge

It takes decades to develop the knowledge and background to become a designer.  Merely drawing well or being able to select harmonious colors does not qualify one as a designer.

One must understand the mechanical and hydraulic designs as well.  Being able to draw a pretty picture without understanding how to actually build it, is a waste of the clients' time.

Qualified Designers
 
There is only ONE accredited course of aquatic design study in the world - the Society of Watershape Designers.  Only those that have completed the course of study and who maintain their continuing education, can display the S.W.D. certification.

In selecting the Best of the Best, one would naturally hire S.W.D. course instructors.  After all the best could only learn from those that are better!


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

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

Forensic group of experts really seeking a pool resolution?

Is your group of forensic experts really seeking a resolution to your swimming pool or spa related case?

Thoroughness

When hired to perform a complete analysis and investigation of a project, the forensic expert needs to be thorough.

The investigation will begin with a thorough review of all of the construction documentation (e.g. contracts, images, video, engineering, receipts, laboratory testing, inspectors evaluations, etc.).  These can reveal what was supposed to occur and oftentimes what was actually was built.

Applicable Codes, Industry Standards and Workmanship Guidelines 

Next a review of the codes that were adopted by the local & state governments at the time the permit was applied for, are gathered and compared to the project specifications and execution.

The finished work product is compared against the published industry standards and workmanship guidelines.  Each sub-trade, from concrete to finish masonry has their own set of standards for minimum acceptable workmanship.

Finally, the manufacturer's installation instructions are compared to the actual installation & application.

Deviations

Anything that is located in the finished project's workmanship or practices that deviates from any of the above is identified.  The relevant code or standard that was violated is cited along with the deviation.

Some deviations may be minor and can easily be corrected by the contractor.  Others may be so egregious that they warrant further exploration or analysis.  The worst, may simply be so severe that testing is merely performed to document the severity of the violation.

Prompt Resolution

A thorough and detailed report should identify all of the evident violations and the standards that were violated.  

Faced with such a well organized report that clearly outlines the violations, most contractors are willing to reach an immediate resolution.  It is virtually impossible to refute clear violations of the building codes and trade standards.

Isn't this what you were after in the first place - clear and concise proof of errors and violations, so that you can reach a prompt resolution to your swimming pool issues?

Be careful with "expert witness referral" websites, they are all about billable hours.  Inquire if they can get you to this report stage for a "guaranteed flat rate" or a "not to exceed cost."  You'll find that most are unwilling to provide such a guarantee.


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

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Qualifiing a swimming pool expert witness

Qualifying a swimming pool expert witness

Measuring up qualifications

First you need to determine the expert's level of experience and education.

Is the expert recognized by others in their industry as an expert?  Anyone call call themselves an "expert."  But when their peers call them an expert, then the title carries some weight and meaning.  Has their state designated them as a "subject matter expert" in their trades?

Has the expert had local, regional, national, or international experience?  The greater their travels, the more likely their value as an expert.

Position

Has the expert taken a public stance on the controversial topics in their industry?  Do they advocate the dumbing down of standards, or the enforcement of the published regulations and standards?

Published Articles & Editorial Coverage

Has the expert been published?  How many times and how recently have they appeared in print?

Are they regularly feature in industry and consumer magazines?  Have they appeared in the mainstream national press (CNN, HG TV, USA Today, Wall Street Journal)?  Have they received international media coverage?

Educator

Does the expert teach & consult others in their trades?  Do they moderate construction forums to assist newer, less experienced individuals in the trades?

Those that are still active in their trades and teach are the most valuable instructors.  The practical experience they can share is immeasurable. 

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

Selecting a Swimming Pool Expert Witness

Swimming pool expert witness selection should be by Juris Prudence, HG TV, Juris Pro or Referral Experts.

Pay a Premium

Do not leave it to chance... websites that promote expert witnesses charge a premium for their services.  The "expert" either pays to be listed on their website or the referral firm performs the billings for the expert and adds on a premium.

Either way, the referral firm has a set of non-negotiable terms.  If the case will be protracted, the expert on standby or a back-up expert, you will pay full price plus their included premium.

Deal Direct

Contacting an Expert Witness directly allows you to fetter out the "wanna be's" from the "I am's."  You are not stuck with an expert the referral firm trying to push onto you.

Having direct contact with the expert, allows the both of you to adjust the terms of a consulting agreement to fit your needs.

Qualified experts are rare...  good ones that are willing to speak with you are even harder to find.

1-408-776-8220
paolob@aquatictechnology.com

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

Friday, March 15, 2013

Swimming Pool - Minimum Concrete Strengths & Special Inspections

4,000 PSI Shotcrete - there ought to be a law...
aah, but there is and it is rarely adhered to or understood.

Code Requirements 

Variations of the International Building Code (IBC) have been adopted in every state of the US, except Minnesota.  The IBC has many sub-books, the most popular being the International: Residential Code (IRC), Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, and yes, Swimming Pool Code (ISPC).

No one code addresses everything one needs to comply with in order to build anything, whether it is a wood framed house, steel barn, concrete bridge or swimming pool.  Instead, one needs to comply with the various portions that apply to their project that are found in the different areas of various codes.

Concrete & Shotcrete Codes

The IRC contains sub-chapters on concrete construction and shotcrete.  Shotcrete (wet or dry mix methods of pneumatically applying concrete) is concrete construction.  The code recognizes this, so the shotcrete chapter specifies that the chapter on concrete shall also apply to shotcrete.

The concrete chapter specifies that the MINIMUM strength for the construction of any concrete structure is 3,000 PSI.  But, the chapter also directly references and incorporates ACI 318-96 (1996), which specifies that shotcrete shall be 4,000 PSI.

Further complicating matters, the chapter on shotcrete makes direct reference to and incorporates ACI 506R-90 (1990), which also specifies that shotcrete shall be 4,000 PSI.

So, merely by reference and inclusion in the IRC/IBC, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) has set the minimum building code standard for shotcrete construction at 4,000 PSI. 

Special Inspections & Testing

The IRC sub-chapter on shotcrete also requires special inspections of the following (not a totally inclusive list):
reinforcing steel
shotcrete process and placement
initial curing process
mix design
testing and sampling
28 day compression testing (laboratory)  

A special inspection, is not the regular city building official's inspection.  Rather it is a qualified inspector from an independent observation and testing firm.  The special inspector (sometimes called a deputy inspector) is required to stand and observe the entire shotcrete placement process.

They are also required to monitor the mix designs and obtain test panels for later compression testing.  This does not mean that the shotcrete company shoots material into a test cylinder.  Instead, they must build panels of a prescribed size and actually shoot the material just as if they were creating the structure.

Structural Engineers  

In an effort to "save" contractors the expense of special inspections and worse yet, the oversight of an independent inspector, some structural engineering firms specify only 2,500 PSI shotcrete.

The code requires that concrete specified over 2,500 PSI be subject to all of the above special inspections.  But, because the code specifically states that shotcrete shall be a minimum of 3,000 PSI, this maneuver is no longer valid.  Special inspections and testing can no longer be danced around - they are the law.  While not every state has included the specific shotcrete chapter in their adopted versions of the IRC, it becomes included through the inclusion of the ACI standards.

So, now if your structural engineer specifies only 3,000 PSI, they can still be in violation of the building code.  Because, through the reference of the ACI standards, the IBC/IRC (and the even more restrictive California Building Codes) now make 4,000 PSI shotcrete and special inspections THE STANDARD.


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

Swimming Pool Hydraulic Design Expert Witness

Swimming Pool Hydraulic Design & Plumbing

Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa expert witness Paolo Benedetti discusses proper hydraulic design and the benefits for the end user.

Safety

The paramount issue in proper hydraulic design of a swimming pool plumbing system is safety.  The system must be designed to maintain low line velocities at the suction inlets.  Lower line velocities result in a lessened chance of an entrapment or entanglement accident.  The suction at the drain is so low that any vacuum force can easily be overcome.

Efficiency and Energy Savings 

In order to lower the velocity of the water traveling through a piping system, the size of the pipes must be increased.  Lowering the restrictions that the pump must overcome, allows the pump to work more efficiently.  That efficiency results in a direct energy savings, as smaller pumps can be used to move more water.  Sounds simple, doesn't it?  But most of the swimming pool industry "doesn't get it."  Larger pipes, smaller pumpsNOT larger pumps, smaller pipes!

By increasing the size of the pipes, the requisite amount of water can be circulated with a smaller pump, resulting in a saving of electricity (and money).  Additionally, the pumps operate much quieter and cooler.  Builders will charge more for the larger plumbing.  They are actually doing the owner a favor, as the owner will quickly recover that added cost and the compounded returns on that investment, over the life of the project.  And the savings will be compound even further as electrical costs continue to rise.

Hydraulically Sound Principals

The process of designing a hydraulic system is not difficult.  It does however, require that one possess the basic knowledge of fluid mechanics and some simple line velocity/head loss charts.

1.  Determine the required flow in GPM (to meet turnover rate or flow demands of jets, water features, etc.).
2.  Layout the system design, starting with an estimate of the pipe size required.  Select a pipe size on the suction side that will not exceed 6 FPS (nationwide standard/law).  4 FPS is ideal, as it will provide a margin of error and still scour collected debris from the piping.
3.  Calculate the feet of pipe & number of fittings - use the head loss charts to convert & calculate the head loss of the suction piping.
4.  Determine the equipment to be installed at the equipment pad (filter, heater, chemical controls, valves, etc.).  From the various manufacturer's information sheets, add all of these component head losses to the total from #3.
5.  Do the same for the return plumbing, as you did in #3.  Aim for no more than 8 FPS (nationwide standard/law).  6 FPS is ideal on the return side.  The piping size may be slightly smaller to create this slightly higher line velocity, but not always.  Add the return plumbing head loss to the total from #4.
6.  This grand total is the total head loss (restrictions) in the system.  This is called total dynamic head (TDH).  TDH really includes more than just the system loss, but we don't have time to discuss the other variables (e.g. static head, suction lift - positive or negative, etc.).
7.  NOW, the pump can be sized.  Utilizing pump flow curves, seek the desired flow in GPM at the calculated TDH (from #6).  The two values should meet in the middle of the pump's curve.  If they are at either extreme of the pump curve, either up or down size the pump.  Choosing a pump in the middle of the curve will allow for operational variations in the system, such as a dirty filter.
8.  National safety standards require that the line velocity at the suction inlets (e.g. drains) must be much lower than the line velocity in the main suction pipe (trunk line).  The national standard is 3 FPS, though some states and municipalities have a more restrictive 1.5 FPS standard 
     Dropping the line velocity at the suction inlets is child's play.  The trunk line is merely divided into multiple balanced branch lines, until the applicable FPS standard is achieved.  This can be achieved in a number of manners.  
    The first method, requires that the trunk line be divided as many times as it takes to get below the required FPS standard.  The branch lines diameter is kept the same as the trunk line, so that the division applies evenly to all suction inlets.
    The second method, is a little more complicated to plan, but easier to install.  The diameter of the branch lines are increased larger than the main trunk line.  Utilizing the line velocity charts, one selects the larger diameter pipe required to drop the velocity to below the required standard.  Since a minimum of 2 suction inlets are required for each pump, this could greatly reduce the number of inlets required over method #1.

Prefabricated Drain Channels and Covers
    
   The next hurdle is confusing to most swimming pool builders, designers, state and local health departments, building inspectors and even many drain manufacturers - the compatibility of GPM and FPS through an unblockable drain, suction sump or cover.  Though drain sumps, channels and covers in compliance with the national Virginia Graeme-Baker Safety Act (VGBSA) list a maximum GPM flow rating, it does not mean that the pipe connections below that cover is permitted to flow at that rating.  
   The maximum line velocity standards still apply to the connected piping.  Simply stated a 2" pipe can only flow 28 GPM at 1.5 FPS, or 43 GPM at 3 FPS where it connects to a drain sump.
    What the drain cover rating does allow are the grouping of different suction systems.  Multiple branch lines from different pumping systems may be grouped together under a cover, until their cumulative GPM flowrate meets the cover's rating.  This allows multiple system inlets to share a drain cover.
    Pre-fabricated drain channels pose another design obstacle.  They are classified under the VGBSA as "unblockable" drains due to their shape and size.  The VGBSA allows these drains to function as a single point suction, meaning that split drains are not required.  They can be ordered with various quantities of connection points for plumbing/
     Most of these channel drains only provide 2" connection ports that are limited (by law) to a mere 1.5 or 3 FPS (depending on the local standard).  That equates to ONLY 28 or 43 GPM per connection!  
1.   Single inlet unblockable channel drains are available with 196 GPM ratings.  When installed in compliance with the FPS standard, it only has a maximum flow rating of 28 or 43 GPM.
2.   Dual inlet unblockable channel drains are available with 227 GPM ratings.  However, when installed in compliance with the FPS standard, it only has a maximum GPM rating of 56 or 86 GPM.
3.   Triple inlet unblockable channel drains are available with flow ratings of 320 GPM.  Yet, when installed in compliance with the FPS standard they are limited to 84 or 129 GPM.

When you are considering the purchase of a swimming pool, require that the hydraulic calculations (head loss and line velocities) and the plumbing schematics (line drawings) be included in the plans.  Require that the builder note in the plans or specifications, the pipe sizes and the maximum allowable line velocities of branch, trunk and return piping.   This will ease in the verification of the system performance and compliance, by any project inspectors or consultants.  The next hurdle is getting them to actually build it that way!

The design of swimming pool circulation and piping systems are not rocket science.  But, it does require that one be familiar with the basics of hydraulic design, the idiosyncrasies of the codes, what component ratings really mean and the limitations of component applications.

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