Pool Fireplace

An outdoor fireplace needs to look great, especially in Florida where most of the year it is more of a "garden ornament" than it is useful.  But the form of a fireplace lends itself to defining an area (or room) in your garden, or in this case, on the pool decking.

For this fireplace, a preformed, concrete fireplace box was used.  The masons first set two courses of concrete block to raise the fireplace up off the ground.  This will allow the hearth to function as a seat.

The box was then built out with concrete board to create a more appropriate shape for this setting.  This form was then clad with the same field stone that will be seen on the spillway and surrounding the spa.  Tying these two areas together by using the same material is an important part of the overall design.

Today, it's almost all complete.  The interior has been lined with fire-brick which will weather perfectly.  Just a few more pieces of stone to go, then carefully selected pieces will be set for the hearth.

I can't wait to get the landscaping and lighting around this, and see it all come together.  But first, the decking has to go on.  If the rain stays away, and the pool company stays on course, we should be looking at that piece of the project next week!