Pool News
Mosaic Swimming Pools – Art in the Pool
We discuss Mosaic Pools with one of the leading pool tile artists in the industry.
![Mosaic Swimming Pools - Leading Pool Tile Artists in the Industry](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Manzi-Hotel-indoor-pool2.jpg)
When you think of Mosaics, you immediately think of stained glass windows and complex tile floors. Today we will be looking at some of the leading designers and discussing the future of Mosaic Pool Art with one of the industry leaders Danilo Bonazza, owner of Art & Mosaics. Ever since the swimming pool was first conceived of, people have been customizing the interior to be truly unique and one-of-a-kind. When you think of how intricately designed some inground pools can be, it isn’t really such a stretch to consider adding a mural or mosaic art to the interior. Folks have been doing it for hundreds of years.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/hand-painted-pool-art-1024x768.jpg)
Swimming pool interiors provide a great blank canvas for some artists to truly convey how creative and skilled they can be. Mosaic pool tile itself is considered to be an artform in the swimming pool industry and a niche skillset is needed to achieve the elaborate and intricate designs seen here. Each design can take hundreds of man hours spent painstakingly assembling the mosaic artwork.
For hundreds of years skilled craftsmen have been applying their trade in finer residential homes and commercial buildings. Over the last few decades however, the art form has taken on a new meaning as pool designers look for new and modern ways to incorporate mosaics into the pool interior.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/mosaics-horses-blue-swimming-pool.jpg)
The number of mosaic tile artists has dramatically increased over the past ten years. A new generation of multi-talented pool designers / mosaic tile artists are elevating the level of complexity and creativity that can be expressed in the pool interior. It’s a signal of how far pool tile technology has progressed to allow such ingenuity in assembling such vivid images. Manufacturers like Tile Doctor and Litokol are rapidly advancing their product lines to keep up with the high demand in the pool industry.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/3-D-city-swimming-pool-designs.jpg)
In the sphere of luxury inground swimming pools, there are many examples to be found that simply inspire and visually delight. Some of the most remarkable examples that truly captivate our imaginations are Mosaic Pools. There is just so much time and labor and experience required to pull off the effect with dexterity. In many instances pool builders avoid doing mosaic tile interiors simply because they are aware of how painstakingly difficult the designs are to properly achieve.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/mosaic-tile-artist-1024x372.jpg)
We spoke with leading mosaic pool tile artist – Danilo Bonazza. An industry veteran with over two decades of experience designing pool interiors all over the world. We had the opportunity to catch up with Danilo between projects and discussed the future of Mosaic Tile Art in swimming pools.
I think it’s remarkable where the industry is headed. Pools provide the type of canvas that tile artists dream of. There is something almost angelical about someone swimming over my artwork that is truly surreal.
Danilo Bonazza – art & mosaics
We asked Danilo how the industry has changed over the years since he first got started applying his artwork in pool interiors. “Mosaics used to be very rare in swimming pools. You only really found them in resort hotels or really high end homes” said Bonazza. “In the last ten years or so the artform has definitely caught on. I think pool designers in general are eager to adapt the skillset as part of their repertoire because of the sophisticated look the effect achieves” he continued.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/mosaic-pool-tile-1024x372.jpg)
We asked Danilo what most inspired him to begin working with mosaics. “I’ve always drawn to them. Where I grew up in Ravenna, in Italy I was surrounded by beautiful artwork my entire childhood. My hometown is famous for it’s mosaics. It’s just something I’ve always been enormously passionate about my entire life”.
When asked how he correlated swimming pools with mosaic art Bonazza replied “They really go hand in hand when you think about it. A swimming pool is an extravagance in itself. Mosaic art is simply taking that extravagance to the umpeenth degree”.
We certainly agree, adding mosaic artwork to the interior of a swimming pool is an indulgence that many simply can’t afford. The average price tag for installing a mosaic artwork interior can cost more than the swimming pool itself. Certainly not your run of the mill pool feature, and one that is still typically requested by folks looking for a more classic and refined look.
Pool News
French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool
![French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/french-diver-flops-at-olympics-pool.jpg)
French Olympic diver, Alexis Jandard, created a memorable moment at the grand opening of Paris’s new Olympic pool, though not quite in the manner he had envisioned.
A startling video captured during the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Paris Aquatics Center on Thursday showcased the 26-year-old Olympian’s unfortunate landing on his right foot while gearing up to dive alongside two fellow athletes. Adorned in a Speedo reflecting the hues of the French flag, Jandard’s discomforting descent saw him landing on his back, ricocheting off the nearly 10-foot-high dive board, and somersaulting into the pool in a rather ungraceful manner.
The incident unfolded in front of a sizable crowd of onlookers, including French President Emmanuel Macron and various dignitaries. Jandard later displayed his scraped back on his Instagram account, maintaining a light-hearted approach to his embarrassing mishap by quipping, “For your information, my back is fine, but my ego…”
Sharing a photo of his reddened back, courtesy of the encounter with the diving board, on Instagram Stories, Jandard assured followers of his well-being. Speaking to RMC Sport, he recounted the unexpected turn of events, stating, “I’m fine. I didn’t hurt myself; unfortunately, these things happen. It happened at a time when I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
![Alexis Jandard injured his back at the inauguration of the new Olympic Pool in Paris. Photo Credit: @alexis_jandard - Instagram](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/alexis-jandard-back-1024x576.jpg)
Reflecting on the incident, Jandard humorously noted, “I’ve broken boards before, but the board had never broken me before. Now it has.” Despite the hiccup, he maintained an optimistic outlook, remarking, “I would have preferred this ceremony to have gone well from A to Z. There was that little hitch. If it made people smile a little, so much the better.”
Explaining the mishap, Jandard clarified that his leg gave way upon landing but denied any slippage, emphasizing, “It’s a non-slip [board], and what’s more, the board was new, beautiful, and I think there’s still [some of] my back on the board there.”
With a silver and bronze under his belt at the 2022 and 2023 World Aquatics Championships, respectively, Jandard took the incident in stride, admitting, “It’s a shame, but it’s funny. When you take a step back, it’s funny.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Games this summer, where he is set to compete, Jandard acknowledged the inevitability of such occurrences in his sport, jesting, “These things happen,” while playfully lamenting, “It had to happen in front of the president and the whole of France. I think we chose the right moment.”
Despite being inundated with supportive messages and playful jabs, Jandard maintained a good-natured stance, urging his followers on Instagram, “Enjoy yourselves, make fun of me. I seriously deserve it!”
Pool News
Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
A massive earthquake in Taiwan transforms a rooftop pool into a waterfall. View viral footage.
![Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/taiwan-earthquake-pool.jpg)
In a harrowing turn of events, Taiwan was struck by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, leaving devastation in its wake. The quake, the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, shook the east coast of Taiwan, particularly affecting the city of Hualien and its surrounding areas. With a depth of 34.8 kilometers, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 18 kilometers south of Hualien, according to the US Geological Survey.
As rescue efforts are underway to free those trapped under rubble and debris, the toll of the disaster continues to rise. At least nine individuals have lost their lives, while over 900 others have sustained injuries. The aftermath of the earthquake has left over 100 buildings damaged, with reports of landslides and collapsed structures adding to the chaos.
The force of the quake was so immense that it caused a surreal sight—a rooftop swimming pool overflowing and cascading down the side of a building, creating an impromptu waterfall. Footage captured during the earthquake also shows the sheer force as a man inside a pool struggles to maintain balance, the water swaying violently from side to side.
The region of Hualien County, with a population of approximately 300,000, faces immense challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage. Many inhabitants reside in remote coastal or mountain communities, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach them promptly. The precarious situation is exacerbated by the expectation of aftershocks, with 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 already recorded near the epicenter.
Compounding the crisis are reports of miners trapped in two mines in Hualien, adding urgency to the rescue operations. Furthermore, over 91,000 households are grappling with power cuts, amplifying the difficulties faced by residents in the aftermath of the disaster.
Despite the widespread destruction, medical facilities in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei City, are functioning, albeit damaged. The Municipal Government has confirmed that hospitals are operating normally, providing critical care to the injured.
The international community has responded swiftly to the catastrophe, with the Biden administration monitoring the situation closely and expressing readiness to offer assistance. In the face of adversity, Taiwan is rallying its resources and resilience, demonstrating solidarity and resolve in confronting this natural disaster.
As the dust settles and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, questions arise about the effectiveness of early warning detection systems in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Despite Taiwan’s investment in advanced seismic technology, including early warning systems designed to provide crucial seconds of alert before an earthquake strikes, many residents were caught off guard by the sudden and violent tremors. Reports indicate that the early warning detection system, while operational, did not reach a significant portion of the population in time to take preventive action
Pool News
Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings
![Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/apple-watch-sos-drowning-prevention.jpg)
A forthcoming feature potentially destined for the Apple Watch, as detailed in a recent patent application, could serve as a lifesaver for swimmers at risk of drowning.
Outlined in the patent is a capability for the Watch to identify “irregular behavior” and automatically trigger a distress call for assistance.
Apple underscores the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly its prevalence among children, as a leading cause of accidental fatalities.
In the United States alone, drowning claims the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually, ranking as the fifth most common form of accidental death. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are children.
Emphasizing the critical importance of swift intervention during water emergencies, Apple highlights the dire consequences of prolonged submersion without resuscitation, which can result in brain damage and ultimately, drowning.
A Growing Need For Cost-Effective Wearable Solutions
While acknowledging existing underwater camera systems in some swimming pools aimed at detecting distressed swimmers and alerting lifeguards, Apple notes their costliness and unreliability.
Consequently, there’s a pressing need for a simpler, more cost-effective drowning prevention solution suitable for all types of water bodies, including public and private pools, as well as natural settings like lakes and ponds where installing underwater cameras is impractical.
The patent proposes leveraging wearable devices such as the Apple Watch for broader applicability, increased reliability, and the ability to detect various types of emergencies.
Alerting When Swimmers Are In Distress
For instance, if the Watch detects a wearer who is not proficient in swimming entering deeper water, it can promptly dispatch an alert instead of waiting for signs of distress.
These alerts can be transmitted to nearby devices, including those of friends and family, and seamlessly integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems to ensure lifeguards are promptly notified.
Apple Watches already boast capabilities to detect and respond to falls, vehicle accidents, and cardiac irregularities. Heartwarming testimonials featured in Apple’s “Dear Apple” video series show individuals whose lives were saved by these functionalities.
As with many patents from Apple, it’s important to note that not all concepts may materialize into actual products. Nonetheless, this innovation stands as a promising addition for potential integration into future watchOS updates.
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