Reflecting Pool

See Reference Guide under All Cases: Only wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space and the side slope gradients avreage 1:4 or less and are vegetated. Seems like reflecting pools do not count as they don't provide biodiversity to the site.

Susan,
and what about swimming pools? I do get that it won’t count as a “natural pond”, but it definitely should count as pedestrian oriented area, I read above in birds´eye view part: “promote biodiversity and recreation” and: “vegetated open space, plazas, picnic areas, or outdoor recreational activities” As far as I understand - a swimming pool is recreation area and it definitely is an area for outdoor recreational activity, or how should I interpret this?
--

I don't think a swimming pool would qualify. The 'recreation' language is consistently tied to land type of uses. The pool would not contribute to biodiversity plus it contains and uses harsh chemicals. It also doesn't do anything for stormwater management or reducing the heat island effect which are also listed. The credit talks about water only in the sense of ponds and wetlands.

If you are achieving SSc2 you maybe able to count the surrounding concrete as 'pedestrian oriented landscape'. Anyone else have any thoughts?

My rule for all our LEED Projects, "When in doubt, let the reviewer decide." Since everything is paid for upfront, I might as well pick the Reviewer's mind. Most of the time, I don't get the credit. The take away is, I get a step wiser. About pools, it's not a pedestrian oriented; people don't walk on them and certainly (not) contributing to heat island effect. Unless you will treat the water and recycle it for your landscape use, WEc1 is out. In case of SSc5.2, Maximize open space, it has to be vegetated.