Expert Insights

On this large Thousand Oaks hillside project, we chose cast concrete to easily match the freeform pool shapes with the steps, coping, swim-up spa bar, and firepit cap.

Cast Concrete Coping Around Swimming Pools

Originally published by The Green Scene, July 23, 2024 My Favorite Cast Member: Cast in Place Concrete The Green Scene is a high-end design-build Landscaping and Swimming Pool firm in sunny California, specializing in developing custom designs for our clients. For decades, we have worked with cast concrete, guided by

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Medium shot of a small, luxry inground pool with blue trim tiles embedded near the edges of the pool's stairs. One of the most avoidable injuries that occur around pools include slips due to a lack of the visual cues provided by trim tiles.

Avoid This Often-Overlooked Source of Injuries

An argument for placing step-trim tile on every pool and spa By Scott Cohen. Originally Publised in Pool and Spa News, July 2024. I have served as an expert witness consultant for more than 16 years now. An interesting side benefit to this work: It really opens my eyes to

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Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) in Shotcrete Swimming Pools

Cracking in shotcrete swimming pools can stem from multiple sources, including defects in planning, execution, construction, or the materials used. A critical issue to consider when examining cracks in shotcrete swimming pools is the Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). What is Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)? ASR is a chemical reaction in concrete between

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What is a Bond Beam in a Shotcrete Swimming Pool?

In the world of swimming pool construction, the bond beam represents one of the most crucial elements, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of a pool. A bond beam is a horizontally reinforced concrete beam that forms the top edge of the pool walls. This structural component is vital for

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The Critical Role of Safety Trim Tiles in Swimming Pool Design

When it comes to swimming pool design, aesthetics often take the forefront. However, thesignificance of safety features, such as step trim tiles on the edges of steps and benches,cannot be overstated. Scott Cohen and his team at The Green Scene prioritize both beauty andsafety in their designs, treating safety trim

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Caution: Don’t Forget the Tape

For all of the complexity and sophistication of watershape construction projects, some of the most important considerations are also the simplest. Chief among those, says Scott Cohen, using caution tape to help prevent jobsite injuries is an essential measure, but also one that can be all too easy to forget.

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