Reviews (4)

Disappointing
I eagerly anticipated this book, since there is so little published information on the subject, but I was disappointed when it finally arrived.It appears that it was never proofread.I read a lot, and this is the worst job of editing/proofreading I have ever seen in a book.This may sound like nitpicking, but there were places where I could not figure out what information the author was trying to convey it was so garbled.It is FULL of typos, grammatical errors, and garbled sentences.
A wealth of insights and tips on how to construct - and maintain - a natural garden pool
NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS: INSPIRATION FOR HARMONY WITH NATURE offers a wealth of insights and tips on how to construct - and maintain - a natural garden pool. Surprisingly they are less costly to maintain than traditional chemical pools, save on water, and beautify a garden area more than less ecological offerings. Full-page color photos throughout illustrate such pools, surveying a range of designs and options and discussing biological conditioning, ecology, regeneration zones, and construction choice alike. It's the multitude of options and in-depth coverage on these options, paired with the color photo coverage, which makes NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS an extraordinary survey.
Long overdue book on an overdue topic
I have been keenly interested in the topic of natural swimming pools for about 5 years, but have been frustrated by the lack of information in English on the topic (there are several books in German - the homeland of the concept - but only a single manual in English).
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. House & Home    4. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    5. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    6. Swimming pools    7. Water gardens, pools   

Reviews (4)

Agreed
After doing my own research, I ended up purchasing this book. I agree completely with the other reviews - its the best book, its the only book you need, and I congratulate the author on making this a flexible yet thorough resource that guides you pictorally through every step of the process. Just plain awesome, and I just finished my deck and I love it - it exceeds my expectations and its due to the advice in these pages.

best deck building book I found
I am planning to design and build a large (40x15) deck, and I bought several books to learn about the process.This is far and away the best of the lot.Plenty of detail for each part of the deck.Great diagrams and pictures.Lots of great "tricks of the trade."Very readable.Highly recommended.
The Best Book on Design and Construction of Decks
I've been researching decks and screen porches for the last few months, with the intention of building a 16'X 34' elevated deck and screen porch on my home in Southern CT. I've done many home construction project big and small; however, I'm not in the construction business. Scott Schuttner's Build Like a Pro book on decks, is by far the best book on decks, period. It is clearly superior to the other books I've read on the subject (and I've purchase over four of them and flipped through a lot more). This one was really the only one I need to buy; unfortunately, I came across it after studying the other books and still not feeling that I had a full understanding on deck construction and design options. Schuttner's book lives up to its opening dedication: "...to all those who desire to do the best they can."Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Decks (Architecture, Domestic)    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Home Maintenance And Repair    7. House & Home    8. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    9. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Patios & Decks    10. Outdoor Structure Construction    11. DIY    12. Greenhouses, conservatories, patios    13. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction - General    3. Design and construction    4. Engineering - Civil    5. House & Home    6. Outdoor Structure Construction    7. Repair    8. Swimming pools    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Architectural structure & design    11. Building construction & materials    12. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc    13. Swimming & diving   

Reviews (1)

An awsome photographic book of pools around the world
I really enjoyed this book.There were very beautiful pictures of pools from all over the world.Every pool was an art piece in its self.I really enjoyed the pictures of the cascading pools that seemed to almost goto nowhere in particular.If you can get a copy of this book I highlyrecommend it for the photo or pool enthusiasts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections Of Photographs    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Photo Essays    4. Photography    5. Photography, Artistic    6. Pictorial works    7. Swimming pools    8. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Barbecues (Fireplaces)    3. Design & Construction    4. Design and construction    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Garden Furnishings    7. Garden ornaments and furniture    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. House & Home    10. Kitchens    11. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    12. Outdoor Structure Construction    13. Outdoor kitchens    14. DIY    15. House & Home / Outdoor & Recreational Areas   

Reviews (4)

An excellent choice for building your shed
This book takes you through the steps of constructing an attractive, functional and well-built shed.The sheds are designed for New England snow loads, so they should stand up anywhere you build it, for a long, long time.Anyone with basic carpentry skills should be able to build most of the sheds shown in the book.The gambrel shed in the book is the most complex style mentioned.The shed styles explained are aa Lean-To Locker, a Saltbox Potting shed, Colonial style (shown on cover) and the Gambrel shed.
THIS BOOK IS MOSTLY FOR THE EAST COAST BUILDER
I purchased this book and read many parts of it. I was most interested in pouring a concrete slab foundation. This book covered every foundation but concrete slab, so I was disappointed in that. The sheds that are covered are very elaborate and built to last. I thought a better job could have been done in covering things like roof slope, and altering it from the sheds built in the book. Giving other options in different phases of construction. The pictures are good but there sure could be more of them(this book is nicely printed and color pictures are expensive). I am a picture kind of guy; a picture is worth a thousand words to me. The "pro tips" highlights are good and provide very usefull info at different stages of construction.
Shed Building In a Nutshell
what separates this book from the other riff raff shed building books is its title, its author, and publishing date. shed building is an american pasttime as long as building barns. In fact Truini delineates a nice history between the shed and the barn, two architectural cousins, who, having some rough times in the past, have reconciled. Shed Building cannot be seen as anything other than the construction of a shed with four walls, a roof, an at least one entrance.Shed building is also an activity that boils down to one thing, building a shed. Truini examines the etymology of the word shed, from its incorporation into Indo-European languages by Finno-Urgic nomads in the 6th century b.c., with the word schiiedde, which meant miniature house that looks like a house. Its interesting how in chinese, the word for shed is quang xi, which interestingly enough has a pictogram that looks like a shed, interestingly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Construction - General    3. Design and construction    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Do-It-Yourself - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    9. Outdoor Structure Construction    10. Sheds    11. Building construction & materials    12. DIY    13. House & Home / Design & Construction   

Reviews (19)

Save your Money
This book was a wasste of time and money. The book focuses more on being a pool professional then the actual "how-to" a pool owner needs to work on their pool. It has more information on changing a light fixtures and on bilking wealthy Malibu folks out of cash then actual useful information.
Helpful Tool
This book is a helpful tool for any pool owner or someone interested in having a pool.

NOT the best book to buy.
This is my first Amazon review, but I feel compelled to share this experience with others.
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Subjects:  1. Engineering - Civil    2. Engineering - Mechanical    3. Maintenance and repair    4. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Pools, Water Gardens, Ponds    5. Plumbing Technology    6. Reference    7. Swimming pools    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Water-supply    11. Building construction & materials    12. Building skills    13. Technology / Engineering / Civil    14. Water supply & treatment   

Reviews (1)

Landscape Construction-David Sauter
I found this book to be very thorough and detailed in its approach to a variety of landscape construction issues. It has detailed pictures and diagrams that illustrate the processes and make it easier to understand.The information is up to date, easy to read and a great learning tool forthe student, professional or hobby person. As a landscape student, I findit a great resource book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction - General    2. Gardening    3. Gardening/Plants    4. Landscape    5. Landscape construction    6. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    7. Outdoor Structure Construction    8. Park Design And Landscaping    9. Reference    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Architecture / Landscape    12. Garden design & planning    13. Landscape art & architecture    14. Structural engineering   

Reviews (10)

Decent introduction to stonework, but better books available
This is a decent book for the novice to overcome any initial trepidation about building drystone features. It is well illustrated, and comprehensive enough to get you started. However, with a few exceptions, the stonework illustrated is of average quality. For a true photo reference on the art of drystone, I would recommend Dan Snow's "In the Company of Stone" over Reed's book any day. Combine it with John Vivians "Building Stone Walls", and you will have everything you need to enter the world of drystone work: quality pictures of excellent stonework for reference, and solid, no nonesense text to guide you.

Beautiful book with detailed how-to info
This book is full of beautiful photos and ideas for stonescaping.It includes stone paths, patios, steps, retaining walls, and even how to make an impressive stone waterfall.However, it's not only the wonderful photography that makes this book great, but it also includes information about how to accomplish these things.I would have to say this is a great "how-to" book that disguises itself as a beautiful coffee table book.

Stonescape
A good book for anyone interested in landscaping their yard with dry stacked stones. It teaches you much more than just making retaining walls. Learn how to make paths, steps, benches, pools, and how to integrate plants into the stonework. It could have used some more photos of finished projects, but overall it should be enough to help you finish any stonescaping project you take on. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Do-It-Yourself - Masonry    3. Garden ornaments and furniture    4. Gardening    5. Gardening / Horticulture    6. Landscape    7. Landscape Horticulture    8. Landscape gardening    9. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    10. Outdoor Structure Construction    11. Stone    12. Stone in landscape gardening    13. BG-FICTION OVER $5 - BG-SEC FICT $5/10    14. DIY    15. Garden design & planning    16. Gardening / Garden Design    17. Specialized gardening methods   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Buy
This book has a great variety of pool designs from contemporary to rustic designs.Fabulous book with alot of great pictures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Pools, Water Gardens, Ponds    4. Outdoor Structure Construction    5. Swimming pools    6. Building construction & materials    7. House & Home / General    8. Structural engineering   

Reviews (6)

Very nice starting point for a broad subject. Great bibliography
`Landscaping for Dummies' by Philip Giroux, Bob Beckstrom, Lance Walheim and a cast of thousands is a typically ironic example of what you will find in this huge `Dummies' series of books, which started out as a series of texts for PC subjects, where the PC had a knack of making us all feel like dummies. Since then, it has expanded to touch virtually every `practical' subject in the known universe. That is, I haven't seen any `Wittgenstein for Dummies' or `Quantum Thermodynamics for Dummies', as neither of these subjects are things the average intelligent, but uninformed person is likely to pick up to brief themselves for a weekend project of as a start to a new hobby.
Okay for the basic landscaper
I've been working in commercial landscaping off and on for nearly four years now.I borrowed this book from a friend just to check it out.I think if you are a new homeowner and don't have much experience in landscaping then this book will probably work.If you are familiar with planting tree's and shrubs, bricklaying, fencing, and bordering, then maybe you should try and find something a little more advance.I suppose it depends on how big the project is you are working on.

Landscaping For Dummies
A very informative tome, but I think its tries to achieve too much in what is a rather large and varied subject. Should focus on the basics.............but to be fair still an excellent guide ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Garden Design    2. Gardening    3. Gardening / Horticulture    4. Gardening/Plants    5. Landscape    6. Landscape Design And Planting    7. Landscape architecture    8. Landscape gardening    9. Outdoor Structure Construction    10. Gardening / Landscape    11. Landscape art & architecture   

Reviews (5)

We Borrowed Then Bought!
We also borrowed this from the library, but found we didn't want to return it.We spent hours showing each other what pictures we really liked, got great tips on thhe issues the pool owner faces and have a real idea of what we need to consider.So, since we want to use this during the planning process, we bought it!

Another Winner in Pool Books!
I borrowed this book from the library (too many pool books are not worth buying), and spent the rest of the night looking at it. Great photo examples of various types of pools that are described in detail, along with chapters on Safety, Design, Landscaping, Materials, etc... One of the best! (Same review as Pool & Spa Planner by Better Homes & Gardens, because they are both great books!)
Great info, great pictures, recommended resource
There are a lot of pretty home design books out there that have very little information tucked between the pictures.This book is full of information but also has a number of handsome photos of pools, spas, and water gardens which will give you ideas if you are planning a custom designed pool or tub.It's a great resource for someone thinking of installing these features in their backyard, and it also touches on landscaping, lighting, and even sauans. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. House & Home    4. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    5. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Pools, Water Gardens, Ponds    6. Spa pools    7. Swimming pools    8. DIY    9. House & Home / Outdoor & Recreational Areas   

Reviews (1)

Great idea and how-to book
My husband and I had a landscape plan drawn up that included a pergola.Since my husband rebuilt part of our fence, he wanted to tackle the pergola himself.So, I bought him this book and he really loved it.
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Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Design and construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Garden Design    5. Garden Furnishings    6. Garden structures    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Landscape Horticulture    10. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    11. Outdoor Structure Construction    12. Garden design & planning    13. House & Home / Outdoor & Recreational Areas   

Editorial Review

There are countless books about lifestyles that are inaccessible, either because they are engulfed by abstract ideas or are set in palaces, real or imagined. Read more

Reviews (2)

A carpenter's point of view
I bought this book as a gift for my husband, who is a carpenter. He makes furniture as a hobby and has improved our back patio with the addition of a handmade trellis, flower shelves and boxes, and--of course--plants, plants, and more plants.
Beautiful book
Loved this book.Beautiful photos-my only criticism is that I found many photos were repeated through the book in different chapters.I liked the index at the back of the book which listed sources for finding objects featured in photos.I also have Martha Baker's book, Garden Ornaments, and recommend both.These books have a permanent place on my bookshelf and bedside table. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decoration    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    7. Outdoor living spaces    8. Patios    9. Swimming pools    10. United States    11. DIY    12. Garden design & planning    13. Home furnishing & decoration    14. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (1)

Buyer Beware!
I ordered the book from Amazon, the book pictured is NOT the one I recieved. That photo is no where in my copy. I do have a book titled Ultimate Treehouses by David Clark but it isn't the same one pictured. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Design & Construction    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. House & Home    4. Nature/Ecology    5. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    6. Outdoor Structure Construction    7. Tree houses    8. Trees & Forests - General    9. Sale Books   

Reviews (3)

A GREAT Pool Book
This is a great pool book if you're contemplating building a classy pool with beautiful landscaping.

Nice pictures but..
...there is absolutely nothing on construction. It's a coffee table book at best!

The best book out!
Not just great photos and ideas.This book give details on all the pools, including geographical location, size, depth, color of plaster, type of coping and decking/terrace, etc.Although there are a lot of great books out with wonderful pictures, this one doesn't have all tropical pools, which is nice for those of us who don't have a jungle of palms!Very nice designs for those who live in temperate climates or with more traditional yards/homes. Best pool book yet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Case studies    3. Design & Drafting    4. Design and construction    5. Domestic    6. Landscape    7. Landscape Architecture And Design    8. Swimming pools    9. United States    10. Water in landscape architectur    11. Water in landscape architecture    12. Architectural structure & design    13. Residential buildings, domestic buildings    14. USA   

Reviews (3)

More Than JustBeautiful Photographs of Pools
Martha Baker's THE SWIMMING POOL is a coffee table book of some of the most beautiful pool around the world, but it is much more than that.Written with an easy style but always a poignant conciseness that makes every paragraph count, this book gives visual and conceptual ideas for creating the home swimming pool.
Packs color photos with tips on how to compliment a property with the right design
Martha Baker's The Swimming Pool: Stylish And Inspirational Ideas For Building And Decorating Your Pool is for you. From assessments of popular contemporary styles and materials to discussions of key elements which blend for a unified look, The Swimming Pool packs color photos with tips on how to compliment a property with the right design - up to and including furniture, poolside cooking and dining options, and landscaping.

Pools that belong on the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
I am so disappointed that I wasted my money on this book. I had hoped for the amount of money spent that it would have had practical ideas for how to landscape around an average pool.Unfortunately, it is more of a coffee table book that shows glamourous pictures of pools from international locations.The majority of the landscaping tips it does give cover extravagant and costly enhancements and not anything that someone with a normal budget could afford. For an average pool owner, with an average pool, this book does not give any practical advice whatsoever.Furthermore, in the opening pages of the book the author cautions against buying a kidney-shaped pool because she feels they are old-fashioned and reminiscent of the 50's and 60's.To me, it seemed very pretentious to say.We have a kidney-shaped pool and it's absolutely beautiful, as are other kidney-shaped pools I've seen.If you're looking for a book where you can "ooh and ahhh" over the pictures... this one is it.If you're looking for a practical book to help you landscape around your pool, please save your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. House & Home    4. Landscape architecture    5. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    6. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Pools, Water Gardens, Ponds    7. Swimming pools    8. House & Home / Outdoor & Recreational Areas   

Reviews (6)

Layman's Guide
This book was written in layman's terms.Everything was explained in easy to follow step by step directions.I feel much more in control of my pool after reading this book.I will definitely keep it around as a reference book.

Good Introduction To Pool And Spa Maintenance
I own a home with a large spa in the basement. When I purchased the home, the spa was not filled with water, and since I had no experience maintaining pools or spas, I read this book to give me some general operating tips. Although the book is not written to explain details concerning all complex pool and spa maintenance procedures, it is an excellent introduction for the novice pool or spa owner.
A fine homeowner's guide to maintaining a trouble-free pool
This updated third edition provides a fine homeowner's guide to maintaining a trouble-free pool, spa or hot tub. The updated edition has been completely revised and covers everything from water safety and treatment options to solar heating. Spas and hot tubs are also included in this edition, making it an excellent, practical owner's guide. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Engineering - Civil    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Maintenance and repair    6. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    7. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - Pools, Water Gardens, Ponds    8. Spa pools    9. Swimming pools    10. Home & House Maintenance    11. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Architectural Detail    3. Architecture    4. Decks    5. General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Outdoor & Recreational Areas - General    9. Outdoor Structure Construction    10. Patios    11. Garden design & planning    12. House & Home / General   

Reviews (2)

Inspirational but not instructional
The beautiful photographs in this book will provide much inspiration for those looking to design a path or walkway, but don't look for a "how to" set of instructions. The author provides some general guidelines and points to consider, but seems to believe that one should leave paving to the professionals.

Inspirational & beautiful garden path ideas
This book is about the role of paving in adding beauty and functionality to the garden. The multitude of materials and patterns presented should yield something easily adaptable to each reader's own situation.Read more

Subjects:  1. Designs and plans    2. Garden Design    3. Garden walks    4. Gardening    5. Gardening / Horticulture    6. Gardening/Plants    7. Outdoor Structure Construction    8. Garden design & planning