Constructing a Natural Rock Landscape with Artificial Rocks

While many resorts, golf courses, theme parks and zoos use natural rock landscapes, a more cost effective and eco-friendly option is to use artificial rocks. Constructing natural-looking rock formations with glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), landscape options are endless. Whether you want to incorporate a man-made pond or dramatic artificial rock waterfall into the landscape design or simply weave artificial rock formations that very closely resemble Mother Nature inspired boulders between plants and flowers, the options are limitless.

In fact, designs for a combination of both natural rock landscapes and faux rock are common as well. Using natural rock and fake rocks in the construction of rock landscapes allows for complete customization while taking safety, maintenance and other obstacles into account.

Safety and Natural Rock Landscapes

During the planning stage of a natural rock landscape, the future safety of your guests and yourself is taken seriously. If it is not intended that guest be able to access the rock formation or walk into a specific area, the plan design will limit access. However, if it is intended for guests to be able to walk through or climb over the landscape, there are several considerations to take into account. For example, the flatness of each of the surface levels and their textures to limit accidents such as trips, slips and falls, and injury.

Should You Use Natural or Artificial Rock Formations?

A rock formation expert can give advice on whether to use natural rock or artificial rock in the construction of the rock landscape by assessing the construction requirements for both installation methods and use of suitable materials. He will then be able to ascertain the need for proper structure support as well as clearance needed to access the construction site with heavy equipment.

Natural Rock Landscape and Your Pool

There’s one quick point to make about using natural rock around a water feature – the maintenance issue. You may think, what types of issues do rocks have? They’re…well… rocks! While most natural rock landscapes are durable to an extent, natural rocks slowly disintegrate over time, especially if there is running water passing over them. When natural rocks are used in the construction of a man-made stream, waterfall, pool cave or grotto, small piles of sand may accumulate on the pool floor below the boulders.

Whether you are a residential homeowner, landscape company, general contractor or asset manager looking to add unique dimension to your property, be sure to consult a professional rock design and construction company to insure the highest quality in the industry.

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Add a Unique Dimension with a Pool Cave or Grotto

Are you thinking of installing a pool cave or grotto? A grotto is a natural or artificial cave often near water and often flooded or liable to flood at high tide. When talking about a pool grotto; however, while there’s no need to worry about high tide, a pool grotto is usually at least partially submerged in water at all times. Depending on the design, a rock waterfall may cascade over the top of the pool cave and spill into the main part of the pool.

Selection of the location and size of a pool cave is up to the owner and designer. The choices are almost endless. For example, a grotto can be near the shallow end of the pool with water cascading over it, providing shelter from the sun and the cooling effect of the water as it splashes down. Other pool caves have been built to create dramatic backdrops in large hotel pools acting as a focal point for the entire resort. Upon completion of pool caves, guests can swim out to the grotto, hop up on a bench built under the water and enjoy being partially submerged while tucked away from the world. Larger pool caves can include lighting features so that evening swimming is more enjoyable. As you can see, the options are only as limited as your imagination!

Artificial rockwork is often used when building a large pool cave or grotto in areas where there is limited access to the backyard or commercial installation site. Should natural rock be used instead of, or in addition to artificial rock,  heavy equipment such as cranes and skid loaders will require access and clearance to move boulders around the installation site.

When designing a grotto or pool cave, care should be taken to consult with the homeowner or property manager to determine the exact components of the water feature. Some individuals will want a big rock grotto so that swimmers can jump into the pool below. Others, for safety, insurance or other reasons will want to prevent guest access to the top of the grotto. Numerous hotel bars have been built into a pool cave where patrons can swim up, have a seat and order a drink. Having a clear view and a detailed pool design plan will facilitate the construction of your pool cave or grotto. Should you need assistance, your pool contractor can surely guide you in the right direction.

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