Adding fire and light to GFRC
Adding fire and lighting to GFRC rock is easier than adding fire and light to real rocks. Fire features are popular and can be built into the GFRC using either natural gas or propane. Builders simply need to run a gas line on the inside of the GFRC panels, which is much easier than working with real rock.
“Most of the time, we place a stainless steel fire feature on the GFRC rock and fill it with either glass or lava rocks, and it creates a nice ambiance,” says Lambert. “That said, fire features should not be placed too close to the slide, slide staircase, or near areas where users might walk.
“You need to be sure it’s not too close to the flume so when kids come down the slide with their arms stretched out, they can’t get hurt.”
Some builders, including Lambert, have created stand-alone pillars using GFRC panels and rocks, upon which fire features can be placed to create stunning backyard ambiance.
In some cases, it is much easier to install landscape lighting on GFRC rock and, like landscaping lighting, it makes the rock features pop.
“Most of the time, we use light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and set it up so the homeowner can use a wireless remote to control the colours and timing,” says Lambert. “We also put lighting on the slide staircase so users can see where they are going in the dark.”
Stand out from competitors with custom GFRC
Pools builders looking for ways to create unique designs for both new and existing pools should consider using GFRC panels and rocks. Some builders prefer to use water feature kits which are easy to install and provide a predicable finished look, while others are attracted to the customization options of using GFRC panels and rocks. In either case, the use of GFRC allows builders to create unique one-of-a-kind water features that can lead to referrals and keep installation crews busy year after year.
Bruce Riley is the managing director of RicoRock Inc., makers of cast-concrete rock, including component systems for building caves/grottos, waterfalls, and waterslide products for use in pool applications. Riley focuses on developing new products and managing commercial installations. He has built rock-type pools in southern California for more than 25 years and now uses this experience to design standard waterfall kits for the company. He can be reached via email at bruce@ricorock.com.
