Should pools at short-term rental properties be subject to commercial pool standards and codes? It’s a question that begs serious consideration, says Scott Cohen, given the nature of pools that are residential in scope and scale; but, in some respects, more like commercial watershapes in the way they are used.
Returning to his Lessons Learned series, Scott Cohen revisits one of the simplest yet most critical safety practices: always closing the pool gate. Drawing from real-world cases as an expert witness, Cohen illustrates how a single overlooked step can lead to devastating consequences. His message is clear—safety isn’t just procedure, it’s a professional responsibility.
In the high-stakes business of building custom outdoor living spaces that feature swimming pools and associated amenities, success is driven by creativity, craftsmanship, and client satisfaction. But behind the artistry and engineering lies a legal framework that contractors sometimes ignore at the risk of losing everything.
By Scott Cohen, Chairman of the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA). Originally published on WaterShapes.com When designing landscapes around swimming pools, trees are among the most valued elements. They provide shade, scale, greenery, and privacy — all hallmarks of luxury backyard design. But the wrong tree in the wrong location
By Scott Cohen, Past Chairman, California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA) California is leading a new wave of restrictions on natural gas appliances—and the outdoor living industry is directly in the crosshairs. A recent federal court ruling upholding SCAQMD’s Rule 1146.2 could pave the way for future bans on gas
In California, a General Building Contractor (B license) may build a swimming pool only if they hold a C-53 Swimming Pool license or subcontract the work to a licensed C-53 contractor. Otherwise, it’s considered unlicensed activity. The question comes up regularly in my expert witness work and in conversations with
Elder Abuse Alert! Why California Contractors Must Know About the 5-Day Right to Cancel for Seniors If you’re a contractor in California, you have probably used the three-day notice to cancel in your contracts for decades, but many contractors are not aware of the five‑day right to cancel requirement for
By Scott Cohen, Chairman of the California Pool and Spa Association (CPSA). Originally published on WaterShapes.com When it comes to concrete curing, cutting corners today often leads to serious problems tomorrow. Observing proper curing practices is a hallmark of professional craftsmanship—and a commitment to delivering a quality product that homeowners can
When it comes to building swimming pools, few details are as overlooked — yet as critical — as how the underground plumbing is protected. As an expert witness specializing in construction defects, I’ve seen my share of expensive failures that trace back to one simple oversight: improper bedding, shading, or
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) has named Scott Cohen, President of The Green Scene Landscaping & Pools, as its 2024 Volunteer of the Year. This prestigious award highlights Cohen’s exceptional contributions to advancing professionalism in the aquatic industry through his extensive volunteer work with the organization. Cohen currently
