DIY Pools With Artificial Rocks

Measure you existing pool space. Sketch out this pool space on graph paper to create a scaled representation of the area that you plan to outfit with rocks.

Sketch a planned artificial rock layout. Draw rocks surrounding the entire perimeter of the pool or create a rocky oasis only on one side of the pool. Spend some time looking at your sketch before proceeding. To play with several different potential rock layouts, create multiple copies of your scaled pool outline and produce several potential plans that you can check yourself or run by others as you try to decide what course to take.

Order custom artificial rocks to fit the space or purchase pre-made rocks to suit your needs. While more expensive, you can have custom rocks craft to fit your plans. If you don’t wish to invest this much capital in your pool redesign, buy mass-produced rocks. Though less distinctive than the custom-made options, mass-produced artificial rocks are available from nearly all hardware stores and, as a result, are easy to procure.

Cast your own rocks. If you want to create your own rocks, you can do so by buying silicone molds and filling them with concrete. Once the concrete has dried, peel off the molds, creating your own customized rocks.

Position your rocks as you planned in your sketch and, using mortar and a putty knife, mortar them into place. Because you will have to hold the rocks in place as you mortar, you should have a helper. Fill the crevasse between the rocks with mortar as well. However, don’t fill them completely because that will reduce the natural look of your design.

Seal the rocks. Because artificial rocks are porous, they do best when sealed. After allowing the mortar holding your newly added rocks in place to dry, apply a concrete sealer to the entire creation to ensure the water doesn’t weather it prematurely.