Concrete Pools With Waterfalls
A swimming pool is one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make in her backyard. Swimming pools are an effective way to create an enjoyable, comfortable atmosphere and may add value to the home upon selling. One primary concern in choosing the composition of the pool -- a solid concrete or vinyl liner -- is the first consideration. Concrete is a favorite choice and often invites more options for things like water features. Does this Spark an idea?
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Concrete Benefits
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Concrete is a durable material that has become a favorite among modern home builders and designers. Its modern applications and decorative techniques mean that it can be customized for just about any home and style, the pool being no exception. Not only can the color be altered to fit the design needs of the homeowner, but a whole selection of textures, patterns and designs can be created to make it more visually interesting than a vinyl pool. Additionally, a concrete deck is water absorbent, meaning less slipping, and can be sealed to prevent cracking and other problems. Concrete can be customized into a variety of shapes and is durable enough to include a large or small waterfall if desired.
Styles
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Compared to their vinyl counterparts, concrete swimming pools are much more diverse in their shape and size options. Standard shapes, including rectangular, oval and kidney, are available from most pool companies, but there are many more options to choose from. Homeowners can look at one of several geometric styles -- L-shapes, Grecian and the lazy-L -- all of which are variations on standard styles, or can opt for a freeform style. These are generally installed with concrete only and can be made to fit any space and yard. They are normally made to resemble a lagoon or oasis, which leaves plenty of options for water features.
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Waterfall Materials
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Waterfalls created for a pool are usually made from natural materials. The most common material is some kind of stone or rock but can also include manufactured products and cement painted to look like rock, which is an important aspect in maintaining a relaxing and visually appealing look to your swimming pool and works especially well with a freeform cement pool. One option is the boulder style waterfall, which uses cement to form two or three stacked boulders; water flows down much like a natural waterfall. A smaller alternative is the natural rock waterfall, which uses real or fake river rock to form a mound which allows water to trickle from holes throughout the structure.
Waterfall Styles
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The style of a waterfall is as important as its materials. Homeowners should carefully consider their poolscape prior to making any final decisions, taking into account the amount of space available, budget and possibly what natural features are already present. For small family pools, go for a natural rock fountain, which can be compact but attractive and can utilize local pieces. For a more extravagant option, a ledge or flagstone waterfall may be a possibility. Both will produce a sheet of water that cascades like a natural waterfall into the pool, and both are complicated constructions involving small pools of water built on top of stacked rock or flagstone.
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References
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- Photo Credit A swimming-belt in a swimming-pool. image by Saskia Massink from Fotolia.com
