Pool News
Pool Designers: Million Dollar Pool Challenge Now Accepting Entries
The Million Dollar Pool Challenge is now accepting entries. The best designers in the industry will compete for the title of Top Pool Designer.
![Pool Designers: Million Dollar Pool Challenge Now Accepting Entries](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/million-dollar-pool-challenge.jpg)
In the heart of the bustling city of Las Vegas, the PSP Deck Expo is set to host an exciting and innovative event this fall – the 4th Annual Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge. Renowned figures in the pool design industry, Reid Schindler and Mike Farley, are teaming up to push the boundaries of creativity and expertise, inviting participants from across the spectrum of design to compete for the coveted title. The event promises a fascinating clash of design philosophies as new technology-driven approaches vie against the tried-and-true methods that have defined generations of pool design.
The Million Dollar Pool Challenge Unveiled
At the center of this exhilarating challenge is the question of whether the contemporary technological wave led by millennials can surpass the established and proven techniques championed by baby boomers. The Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge sets the stage for this competition, calling upon individuals, students, teams, and companies to submit their visionary pool designs for evaluation by a panel of industry experts.
Million Dollar Pool Challenge: Backstory and Inspiration
The challenge’s scenario revolves around a couple building their forever home on the picturesque intracoastal waterways of Miami Beach. As recent empty nesters, they envision a space that seamlessly caters to grand gatherings while retaining an intimate ambiance for family moments. The design must reflect their affinity for Latin-inspired art and decor, evoke warmth, and offer a nod to modern aesthetics. Their cherished pastimes, including visits to the local country club and leisurely boat rides to favored dining and shopping spots, serve as inspiration for the competing designers.
Submission Guidelines
The competition welcomes a broad range of participants, including individuals, students, teams, and companies, inviting them to submit their interpretations of a dream pool design.
To participate, submit a meticulously crafted scaled 2D plan. The heart of this challenge lies in the presentation and intricate detailing of the 2D plan, demanding your utmost creativity.
Supporting your plan are a maximum of eight supplementary graphics, all rendered using your chosen media. These graphics play a pivotal role in enhancing your presentation and providing additional insights into your vision.
Accompanying your design, provide a comprehensive paragraph that illuminates your design process or offers insightful explanations of the solution details you’ve woven into your creation.
Judging Criteria
The competition’s judging panel, comprised of six to eight industry experts, uses a point-based system to assess entries across four key criteria.
1. Aesthetic Quality
- Evaluate the comprehensive visual appeal and execution technique of the 2D plan. Does it effectively and vividly present all components in a clear manner while maintaining the standards anticipated by a high-end clientele?
- Appraise the supplementary components, including the 8 supporting graphics, videos, and presentation materials. Do these materials resonate with the expectations of a discerning high-end client? Do they successfully convey intricate details that transcend the scope of the 2D drawing?
2. Differentiation
- Consider the designer’s adept utilization of materials. Do they harmonize seamlessly with the home’s essence and align with the desires and needs of the homeowners?
- Assess the integration of modern design elements intertwined with Latin flair. Do these elements emanate a sense of novelty and vitality?
- Examine the uniqueness of project areas, encompassing the Front Entry, Back Yard, Side Yard, and the transition to the Boat Dock.
- Gauge the designer’s vision in utilizing the Riverflow Current System and Lazy River, pinpointing the synergy between concept and execution.
- Critique the incorporation of the following features by the designer:
- Art Displays
- Sunken Firepit
- Acrylic Glass
- Splash Pad
- Fire & Water
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Putting Green
- Glass Tile Mural
- Front Drive with Fountain
3. Functionality
- Scrutinize the seamless interplay between the pool and home architecture. Does the design facilitate a harmonious integration of these elements?
- Assess the fluidity between outdoor spaces, emphasizing their scalability and cohesiveness.
- Reflect on the design’s accommodation of the client’s intent to host gatherings of 25-30 guests. Does the project successfully cater to this requirement?
- Examine the project’s adept incorporation of the customer’s primary desires and needs, executed in an efficient and effective manner.
- Evaluate the project’s success in preserving captivating vistas from within the home.
4. Practical Feasibility
- Contemplate the design’s adherence to national and local safety and construction codes, to the extent of your knowledge.
- Reflect on whether the design would garner the endorsement of an engineer, given its structural and executional integrity.
- Gauge the overall potential of the presentation to captivate a clientele investing substantially in a backyard, exceeding $1 million.
Considerations for Enhancement
For those aiming to elevate their submissions, optional elements can be included:
- A captivating two-minute video flythrough, available in either .mp4 or .mov format, offers a dynamic visual journey through your design.
- A 3D physical model or any distinctive presentation support that amplifies the impact of your concept.
Important Notes About The Million Dollar Pool Challenge
- The deadline for entries is September 21, 2023.
- Entries are limited to a maximum of four individuals or teammates. However, only one representative from the group will receive airfare, accommodation, and per diem during the competition.
- The evaluation process transcends the quantity of renderings, instead focusing intently on the quality of craftsmanship and the ingenious utilization of design to cater to the client’s aspirations.
- To maintain an impartial judging process, the identity of the designer and their associated company remains confidential until the initial judging phase concludes. To facilitate this, kindly refrain from naming your plans or perspective renderings.
- All design entries and accompanying videos become co-property of “The Million Dollar Pool Challenge,” allowing them to be disseminated across electronic and print platforms. Additionally, the design’s owner retains the right to distribute their design materials.
As each entrant’s creation journeys through these discerning categories, the judges wield their expertise to select the designs that exemplify unparalleled excellence, innovation, and potential. The criteria encompass a comprehensive spectrum, illuminating the many facets of design brilliance within the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge.
Winners / Finalists
The top 5 finalists will receive a cash prize. The winner of the competition will receive a customized 1st place trophy.
$10,000.00 – 1st place (Sponsored by Riverflow Current Systems)
$3,000.00 – 2nd place
$1,250.00 – 3rd place
$750.00 – 4th place
$500.00 – 5th place
On Top of Prize Money, 5 Finalists will receive:
- Up to $350 credit for airfare.
- Up to $150 reimbursement for travel incidentals & meals.
- Free Conference Super Pass for the 2023 PSP Deck Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Two-night hotel stay (November 13 – November 15)
- Design presented in “The Million Dollar Pool Challenge” Conference Program Session
- Exposure in leading industry print & digital publications. Finalists will appear in a future issue of Pool Magazine with the winning entry and project highlighted.
- Link to company and design featured on www.themilliondollarpoolchallenge.com and www.poolmagazine.com
Sponsors:
This year’s Million Dollar Pool Challenge is proudly sponsored by Riverflow by Current Systems, Inc., Ledge Lounger, PHTA Wave Network Young Professionals, and Pool Magazine.
Why Enter The Million Dollar Pool Challenge?
Participating in the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge offers design enthusiasts an unrivaled opportunity to showcase their innovative prowess, gain industry-wide recognition, and elevate their professional credibility. By competing among the finest minds in the field, entrants not only have the chance to have their designs evaluated by industry experts but also to establish themselves as trailblazers in the world of pool design. With the potential to have their winning creations featured in esteemed publications and a global platform, this challenge is a gateway to unveiling fresh perspectives, forging meaningful connections, and leaving an indelible mark on the future of design.
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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