From Publishers Weekly
In industry expert Sanderfoot's homage to pools, hot tubs and fountains, readers are treated to a wide array of envy-inducing and sometimes awe-inspiring creations: vanishing edge pools that seem to merge into the blue seas beyond, spas ensconced in lush vegetation, fountains that pour into water lit with colored lights. From an Atlanta, Georgia, lap pool that's an integral part of the house (it's next to the bedroom on the second floor) to a tiled, modernist pool on a rooftop in Thailand, and from oases in the Arizona desert to pools built in London basements, these are the crème of the luxury crop. Sanderfoot provides "design details" for each and at least two different photographic views, plus the names of the contractors, engineers and architects responsible. He divides the book into chapters focusing on different design elements, such as pools that look like natural ponds and pools that make use of small spaces. A guidebook for would-be pool owners rather than a coffee table book for the pool fan, this somewhat pricey volume offers much in the way of inspiration. What it doesn't offer is a sense of economic or environmental consciousness (there are a lot of huge pools in desert areas, for instance)-but that's undoubtedly on purpose. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
The greatest change in pools and spas over the years has been in the area of design. The days of generic pools and one-style-fits-all designs have passed. Swimming pools and spas of the new millennium reflect their owner?s lifestyle, as well as the architecture of their home and the site?s topography. Today?s pools aren?t just about swimming?they are about setting the scene for entertainment and relaxation. From geometric shapes to natural environments that include amazing stonework, contemporary pools and spas are all about individual style. In Pools and Spas you?ll discover how to use alternative materials, bring the outdoors in, introduce unique water features such as waterfalls and fountains, use lighting to create a dramatic look, make the most of a small space, and work around a garden setting. This gorgeous tour of pools and spas provides all the inspiration you need to create your ideal body of water?indoors or out.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The greatest change in pools and spas over the years has been in the area of design -- especially above the waterline. The days of generic-looking pools and one-style-fits-all designs have passed. Swimming pools and spas of the new millennium reflect their owners' lifestyle, as well as the architecture of their home and the site's topography. Today's pools aren't just about swimming -- they're about setting the scene for entertainment and relaxation. From geometric shapes to natural environments that include amazing rockwork, contemporary pools and spas are all about individual style. In Pools and Spas you'll discover how to use alternative materials, bring the outdoors in, introduce unique water features such as waterfalls and fountains, use lighting to create a dramatic look, make the most of a small space, and work around a garden setting. You'll be introduced to all types of designs, from illusionary negative-edge pools and ergonomic spa settings to streamlined lap pools. This gorgeous tour of pools and spas will provide all the inspiration you need to create your ideal body of water -- indoors or out.

SYNOPSIS

Alan E. Sanderfoot is a fixture in the pool community, having served as editor and associate publisher of Aqua for nine years, for which the National Swimming Hall of Fame named him one of the top 100 people in aquatics. He currently runs Sanderfoot & Co., an editorial, marketing, and design firm. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly