Are you thinking about getting a new fibreglass pool installed? With the sheer number of features and options available that you can add to your pool, it can be overwhelming to decide what you should get.
A feature that isn’t as well known, but that looks good nonetheless is a swimming pool grotto. If you ask your pool installer to install a pool grotto for you, they can easily help you. Do you want to add a design element to your fibreglass pool that’s unique and beautiful to look at? Then a pool grotto can be perfect for you. But what is it exactly?
What is a swimming pool grotto?
A swimming pool grotto is a large waterfall that’s designed to be hanging over a nook-like space in your pool. Imagine yourself swimming in your pool. Towards one end of the pool, you’ve had a nook designed, that’s got a large waterfall covering it. To enter the nook, you’ll need to step through the water curtain created by the waterfall. This is a swimming pool grotto.
Stone is usually used in constructing a fibreglass pools Hamilton grotto. You’ll be able to add a mystical, beautiful and unique effect to your fibreglass pool. Usually, a pool grotto is designed such that swimmers will be able to move through the waterfall to enter the nook that’s behind it.
Essentially, a grotto is an area of the pool that’s sheltered. You can add seating features to the area as well, such as pool benches. If you want a more elaborate pool grotto, then you can make use of design elements such as plants, lighting, and more. You can integrate a spa into your pool grotto as well, or create a beautiful entrance to the grotto using the waterfall. The options open to you are unlimited.
Based on what your fibreglass pool design is, there are several ways you can integrate a pool grotto into your pool. The waterfall adds an element of visual interest to your pool, while the nook is a place where you and your guests can rest and relax.
What goes into making a swimming pool grotto?
There are three ways that a pool grotto can be constructed. The first is using real stone and the second is a prefabrication option such as a faux rock that is modular. The third option available to you is making use of engineered concrete. All the options come with their advantages and drawbacks. They also come in different price ranges.
Engineered concrete
It’s most common for swimming pool grottos to be made of engineered concrete. The concrete has been specially engineered to give the appearance of actual stone. Over the past few years, the use of engineered concrete has been highly developed. Today, you can get a swimming pool grotto made of engineered concrete that looks exactly like stone. But this option is more expensive as well.
Prefabricated faux rock
If you want a cheaper option, then consider faux rock. Prefabricated rocks are created using moulds. The installation process is easy, and quick as well. However, it doesn’t look as realistic as the other options. You will be able to tell that it’s faux rock from looking at the design. But if your budget is a concern, then faux rock can get the job done. You’ll still have a beautiful-looking swimming pool grotto.
Real stone
The final option available to you, and also the most expensive option, is to make use of real stone. Real rocks that are used in adding design elements to swimming pools are rather expensive, but they do look the most beautiful among the three options available to you. The finish you’ll get is better than what faux rock or engineered concrete can provide.
With real stone used in making your pool grotto, you’ll be able to create the effect of having a waterfall that’s natural, in your very own yard.
What should you consider when adding a pool grotto to your pool?
There are four main factors that you should consider if you’re thinking about getting a pool grotto installed. These include:
Landscaping
When you want to get a pool grotto, think about how you’ll integrate it into your landscape. Consider approaching an expert in pool features, to better learn how to integrate your pool grotto into the backyard landscape. Note that many landscape designers will be unfamiliar with this pool feature, so it’s a better idea to approach a pool expert.
Functionality
While the look and the feel of your pool grotto are likely to be at the forefront of your mind, don’t discount how functional it should be. The waterfall should be designed such that it ends up flowing back into your fibreglass pool. There are pool grotto components available on the market, that can help ensure that the water from your waterfall makes its way back into your fibreglass pool.
Weight
Should you make use of natural stone to build your pool grotto, then there can be a problem. Natural stone is heavy, and if your pool grotto becomes too heavy, then this can damage your pool or the area around your pool. Alternative options you can consider include rocks that are new-cast. These weigh just around 1/5th of what actual rock weighs.
Time
It’s easier and faster to work with faux rock or engineered concrete when compared to natural stone. If you want a small pool grotto in your backyard, then this can take around a day for the pool installation crew to complete. For larger pool grottos that incorporate features like slides and even staircases, it can take as much as three weeks to complete.
Conclusion
A swimming pool grotto is a unique design element that you can add to your fibreglass pool. Depending on what your budget is, as well as what kind of a pool grotto you want in your pool, there are several options available to you. This guide should help you learn more about what pool grottos are, and the options available to you.
