Swimming Pool Expert Witness Consultant designer

Who can be qualified as a Swimming Pool Expert Witness?

A swimming pool expert witness is one who testifies in residential, commercial or resort swimming pools cases involving disputes of product liability/incorrect application, construction defects, negligence, wrongful death, injury or illness.  

A qualified swimming pool expert witnesses will possess an education and background in swimming pool design, construction, maintenance and operation.  Swimming pool expert witnesses include aquatic consultants, watershape consultants, swimming pool contractors, mechanical engineers or structural engineers.  The more diverse their training and background, the broader topics their opinions may encompass.

The testimony of swimming pool expert witnesses is governed in Federal Courts by Rule 702, Federal Rules of Evidence.  Rule 702 was established by the Supreme Court ruling in, Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals:
“A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if:

(a) the expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue;
(b) the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data;
(c) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and
(d) the expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case.”

Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.

Wet Set method causes Glass tile Problems

Glass tile mosaics are without a doubt, the most beautiful finish available for swimming pools, spas and watershapes.  However, there are standards and procedures that must be adhered to, to ensure a successful installation.

Water behind glass tiles from wet set method

      

First and foremost, you should obtain SPECIFIC installation instructions from the manufacturer of the glass tiles.  They should specify which products they endorse and recommend for their tiles.  If the instructions recommend a generic white cement and sand blend, seek specific pre-mixed product recommendations.  You do not want to risk an expensive glass tile job on such flimsy instructions.

Know the applicable standards.  While the Direct Set (aka: wet set or two-step) method of setting tiles may be okay for some stone and ceramic tiles, it is not permitted for glass tile.  Some foreign manufacturers still recommend it.  But, the 2005 ANSI A108.14-A108.16 standards are very precise about the acceptable methods of installing glass tiles.  The Direct Set Method is not one of them.  It is fast and inexpensive - that's why installers use it.  But consumers pay with issues like those shown above.

The Ceramic Tile Institute of America (CTIOA) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) also endorse the ANSI standards (ctioa.org/pdf/2008-8-12_Glass_Tile_Report.pdf).  These standards also have prescribed materials performance specifications and curing times for each phase of the installation.

While time consuming and labor intensive, properly installed glass tile mosaics will result in a spectacular finish that should last for generations.

Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. 
All rights reserved.