By Zavian Camacho
Renovators of commercial aquatic facilities are always looking for ways to attract customers. This means that they are looking for ways to give the pool a “waterpark” atmosphere. A waterpark-like atmosphere can be created by rock work. However, rather than using real stones and boulders to build structures, builders can use artificial rocks. You can also design and build more efficiently. Artificial rock can be used in many ways, including around slides and climbing walls or as entertainment water features that will inspire “waterpark wow” in any aquatic facility.
Slides
New manufacturer offerings allow you to combine cast-concrete artificial rock with slides. This allows you to fill in the area around and under the slide to make it feel more integrated into the aquatic facility. It also covers unsightly support columns. Panels made of glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC), are a great option to cover ugly support columns underneath waterslides. GFRC panels can be used to fill the spaces behind, underneath, and around the slide structures. Support columns are required for longer waterpark-style slides. These columns can be made with concrete columns or cinder blocks. These support columns can be covered with GFRC panels by bolting together GFRC panels around the slide structure.
The bolting of cast-concrete panels together makes it easy to cover the area around the slide in a fraction the time that it would take if you were using real rock. Manufacturers also offer systems that allow swimmers to climb up the rock stairs. To maximize space, some builders create storage areas with doors that slide under slides.
GFRC panels can cover a lot more surface area than real rocks and boulders depending on how tall and long they are. These panels and rocks are lighter than real rock. This is one of the biggest benefits. Artificial rocks, despite their lighter weight, are concrete-reinforced with rebar and made of concrete; they are not made from foam. These steel-reinforced stones are structurally sound, but they weigh one-fifth less that real boulders. Structural engineering and weight prevent rocks from sliding into the pool or collapsing decks. Cast-concrete artificial stones are more structurally sound than natural stone and can be purchased for half the cost. Cast-concrete artificial rocks are a great choice for both builders and budgets for aquatic facilities.
The post Cast concrete accessories: Installation of artificial rock features in aquatic facilities was first published on Pool & Spa Marketing.