Block, hide, and cover
Pool builders and designers often use water features to block out neighbours and cover the sounds of nearby roads. Hiding equipment pads and creating adjacent structures can be the inspiration for taller water features, waterslides, rock pool houses, grottos, and caves. It is also easier to create these cover ups using lightweight, cast component rock systems. In the past, the only way to create a grotto or cave was to use heavy, expensive natural boulders or freehand-carved artificial rock. However, both these options are labour-intensive and can be stressful for builders as the finished look cannot be guaranteed. Clients need to be shown exactly what they are getting in advance, and pool builders need to be able to provide a cave or grotto with a consistent, predictable look at a reasonable price. To meet this demand, suppliers have created component systems or ‘kits’ that are standardized, allowing builders to propose a product and guarantee it will look the same once it is built. These kits also make it easier for builders to design around, block, and cover equipment pads or other unwanted sights from the homeowner’s view while enjoying the backyard.
Also, builders prefer installing artificial rock waterfalls, grottos, and other water features as they are lightweight—at about 10 per cent the weight of real rock—and provide a consistent, finished look, so homeowners can get what they are looking for. Even if the client does not specifically ask for any of these features, builders should consider presenting these options to them, especially when there is a need for a sound or visual barrier. Not only does this strategy apply to new pool construction assignments, but also to renovation projects. Once again, it is important to remember many homes are situated on small lots where neighbours can often look into each other’s yards. When tall fences and walls are not an option, water features are the perfect solution.
One must understand homeowners are going to spend as much time sitting around the pool as they will swimming in it; therefore, creating a complete backyard retreat is key to making the customer happy. Grotto/cave water features create a tranquil, natural setting for any pool. Most clients that prefer such features either have children or grandchildren and are looking for a structure that is fun as well as esthetically pleasing. Children immediately want to play under, jump off, or slide down these water features. Of course, some of these will require the addition of a slide or a staircase. Further, climbing walls that are nearly 2.1-m (7-ft) tall with built-in water features make perfect visual barriers and also provide loads of fun for pool users. These work well for both renovation and new projects.
Compared to working with natural rock, the labour savings alone make component systems extremely price competitive in the marketplace. Today’s builders can offer a grotto with a staircase for about half the cost of an elaborate custom design by controlling the cost of the rock structure. Prior to component systems, these projects could easily go beyond their original quotes because of the unpredictable nature of using natural stone. Further, modular slides are designed to fit into component grotto and cave systems, giving the customer an option to add a slide around the pool.
