Frequently Asked Questions

Steel reinforced concrete is stronger than fiber reinforced concrete but is that important for waterfall construction?

RicoRock® is strong enough for any normal pool use including climbing and sitting on and will last for decades. How thick is the stucco on a house? Less than one inch but no one worries about their house falling apart. Sculptured concrete is a great technique for larger projects that have a rounded granite look but the finish product is controlled by the rock artist and each has his own style. It is amazing that homeowners would never dream of hanging a painting by one of these artists but would gladly let them sculpt 10 tons of concrete in their backyard.

Over the years we have seen many sculpted concrete waterfalls torn out and replaced by RicoRock®. We have never heard of a RicoRock® project replaced with hand textured rock.

Product can be picked up at any company office and we ship by truck every weekday, usually palletized product sent to a truck terminal or distributor; residential delivery with lift gate is sometimes available at extra charge.

The sheet falls are not too loud but there is some echo if it falls from a cantilevered rock. The cascades like the 24 inch and 4 Ft Double models make more noise, especially with more volume.

Our Products page has recommended water flow for each individual product. Click here to visit the Products page.

RicoRock® might cost more than urethane or fiberglass rocks because it is harder to manufacture and install. If you only plan on using your waterfall or rocks for only a few years and do not plan to sit on them, there are cheaper products out there that may work but will not increase the value of your property like concrete products.

Modular products are finished cast pieces that are mortared together. Several waterfalls are available as multiple piece kits that can be moved around—so they are called modular. Structural waterfalls have a rebar cage and must be backfilled with concrete. More time and skills are required to waterproof and hand texture some of the water course areas. Both cost about the same installed but the cost is mostly in the product for Modular and mostly in the labor for Structural waterfalls.

Most RicoRock Waterfalls and products are compatible with lighting. Click here for lighting tips.

We have three different waterslide options. Click here to learn more.

We have several different spa options. Click here to learn more.

Click here to learn how to repair or maintain your RicoRock® products.

Click here to learn how to use RicoRock® Coloring/Stains.

In theory they do but they are not practical. Some sealers will make the surface slippery, others will turn milky, all of them only last a few years and all are expensive compared to just recoloring the rock down the road.

Our acrylic stain is designed to add accent colors or antique artificial rock, but can be used for stamped concrete and other concrete products. It is not to be used as a base coat and then have other colors added. When that is done the lifetime of the coloring will only be a few years at most.

No, many installations are done by independent installers with no previous experience. Some have gone to our half day clinics but most just use basic masonry skills and our installation guides to complete the projects.

Click here to download our Installation Guide for Modular Products

Click here to view our Modular Waterfall Installation Videos.

Click here to view cutsheets/diagrams for our products.

Click here to read our Coping/Waterline installation procedures. 

RicoRock® has independent tech support guys that train new companies in using our product and build projects in areas we do not have dealers.