Can I receive a concrete color sample?

• Unfortunately, no. Each of our concrete fire bowls are custom made, and while every one of our artisans follow the same guidelines for color-mixing, the pouring of the concrete will actually determine the specific hue of the finished product. Therefore, if we send you a color sample, it will not be a true representation of your concrete accent. The colors that we feature online are the closest examples of your choosen shade.
  
  
  • Rest assured that if you order multiples of one color (taupe, for example), the bowls will match each other, but there will be specific areas of each feature that debut a variance in texture and blending. For example, the complexion on the lip of one bowl may appear slightly bolder in certain areas than the next. This is not a flaw; rather, it is an indication of quality and perfection. This is 100% assurance that your concrete bowl was hand crafted.

Can my scupper or pool fire bowl be left outside year round?

• Yes. Our concrete scupper bowls are durable and are made to withstand all weather conditions. However, we highly recommend draining all of the water from your bowl. Any standing water that is exposed to freezing and thawing conditions could cause the material to undergo the stress of expansion and contraction, and this could potentially damage your bowl permanently. We also recommend purchasing a cover for your concrete scupper bowl to keep water and debris out. This extra vigilance will allow you to enjoy your concrete scupper or pool fire feature for many years to come.

Can my scupper or pool fire bowl be used indoors?

• NO. These types of bowls are only meant to be used outdoors. Keep in mind you should have a minimum 36" clearance from the sides of your pool fire bowl to any combustible structures. Never place your pool fire bowl in an enclosed structure. Opt for a pergola or open backyard seating area for display purposes.

Can fire glass be used in my scupper or pool fire bowl?

• It is not necessary to add fire glass to a scupper bowl, as this feature was designed to circulate water only. You could potentially lose/scatter fire glass into your pool or fountain due to the water flow in this bowl.
• Pool fire bowls can, however, accommodate this media. Fire glass can be used with natural gas burning features ONLY. Fireside Expressions is adamant about this for the safety of our valued customers. Because propane is heavier than natural gas, it will sink to the bottom of your feature. Small pieces of fire glass will not allow propane to circulate, and this could can lead to explosion of this particular media. Even with larger fire glass pieces, there is still not enough room for the gas to dissipate from wind and other factors. Lava rock allows propane to dissipate and is the safest choice for propane features. (In addition, it is always a good idea to incorporate lava rock into the bottom portion of natural gas burning features.)

Can wood be burned in my concrete pool fire bowl?

• No. Wood burns at a higher temperature than gas, which puts your concrete pool fire bowl at the potential risk of cracking and breaking from the heat. We recommend never using wood in your concrete feature.

What size burner insert do I need for my concrete pool fire bowl?

• We have taken care of this part for you! When you select the pool fire bowl that you are interested in, the options next to the product picture will tell you exactly what size you need to get your feature up and blazing! For our cast stone line, a match-lit ignition system is included with the bowl.

Does the height of my concrete bowl matter when choosing a burner insert?

• Yes, shallower bowls will not be able to accommodate large pan-style electronic ignition systems (EIS). Bowls with a depth of 10" or less do not have enough room to fit a burner insert and an EIS within them. This is why we pair our match lit ignition systems or flat burners for smaller depth bowls. 

Can propane be used in my pool fire bowl?

• Yes, just make sure you remember to select the this option on your pool fire bowl when customizing it. When using propane, we recommend:
  • Use lava rock as your concrete bowl media. Since propane is heavier than air, it has a tendency to sink to the bottom of the fire bowl. Lava rock creates more air pockets that allow the propane to seep through and dissipate. Glass will not allow propane to circulate and will explode!!!
  • Drill an extra hole in the bottom of your bowl to help with more effecient gas dissipation. Remember to utilize extra caution when using propane! If you smell gas - DO NOT LIGHT IT!

Can natural gas be used with my pool fire bowl?

• Yes, but you will need to run a gas line to the outdoor location of your concrete pool fire bowl. We recommend that a certified gas contractor connects the gas line to ensure it is installed correctly.

How can I light the fire in my pool fire bowl?

• There are a couple ways to light the fire in your concrete fire bowl (not all of the following are available for all concrete bowls - the ignition styles that apply are listed on each individual product): 
  • Manual Spark: This system is ideal for an instant fire at the push of a button! It is by far the easiest to install, with little time and effort involved to get your fire feature up and running. Reliable, durable stainless steel construction is maintenance-free. All the necessary components are included!  
  • Match Lit: Fast and simple to use with no electricity required! Light a long-stem match next to the burner, insert the flange key (included in the installation kit) into the value on the flex line, and slowly turn the gas on. When lighting your bowl, please remember to use caution and face away from the wind.
  • AWEIS-  Our All Weather Electronic Ignition System makes lighting your fire bowl fast and easy. They can even be lit in the rain! A quick, easy, and safe way to start your fire featurewith the option of a wireless remote control for the ignition. Other options for the Thermocouple Flame Sensing Systems include wireless wall timer and ON/OFF switch!

How much fire glass I will need?

• Though we do advise you of the amount needed when purchasing your fire bowl, you may choose to purchase more fire glass at a later time. In that case, we have a great tool for you - the fire glass calculator! Just type in the dimensions of your bowl and let the calculator do the work. IMPORTANT: We recommend using lava rock or pea gravel in the bottom of your bowl and then topping it off with 1-2" of fire glass. This will help to better disperse the natural gas in your fire bowl.

Does the fire glass need to be cleaned?

• There is no maintenance required. Your fire glass will be free of soot and odors. It will not leave any residue in the bottom of your fire bowl.

Can I get cut on sharp pieces of fire glass?

• There is always the possibility of getting cut but we do round off the edges of the fire glass for your safety. We do recommend using work gloves when handling the fire glass. REMEMBER: do not touch the fire glass while it is still hot!

How is my fire bowl installed?

• It is first wise to make sure you have what you need to accommodate the size and weight of your concrete pool fire bowl. You may need assistance from a partner and/or a pallet jack. Please see the description on the product page for the weight of your feature. 
• Measure your doorways or gateways to the outdoors to ensure the size of your pool fire bowl will clear these openings. You don’t want to get your water or fire and water feature and think you are ready to set it up, just to find out you can't even maneuver it to your backyard. It is important to look at the measurements of the products in the description and then measure your openings. A paved walkway is ideal for pulling a pallet jack to where you will be installing your pool fire bowl. If you do not have a paved walkway, you can lay down plywood to act as a secure platform for transporting. Due to the heavy weight of the bowl, the pallet jack may not be easily moved on uneven ground, and will even sink into soft ground.
• Finally, many areas require that you have a certified gas contractor install the gas lines for fire features. Please check with your local code enforcement agency. Even if your location does not require the help of a contractor for installation purposes, we highly recommend - for your safety - that you employ one.

How do I get my scupper or pool fire bowl clean? 

• We recommend using a solution of 1-part vinegar to 4-parts water and just wipe it down. If there are areas with excessive dirt, use a soft bristled brush with your vinegar solution to gently scrub the area clean, and then rinse it off. Let the bowl sit for 24 hours before applying a concrete sealer.

How can I protect my scupper or pool fire bowl from the elements?

• A great option for protecting your bowl is to apply a good quality concrete sealer. This should be done at least once a year. Remember to thoroughly clean your scupper or pool fire bowl before applying the sealer. We also recommend getting a cover to keep your product looking like brand new!

Is sealing my scupper or pool fire bowl a must?

• It is not a requirement, however we highly recommend sealing your concrete bowl. Just like anything else that remains outside, if you want to maintain its pristine look, it should be protected from the elements. Simply apply a layer of good quality sealant to your bowl once a year. Proper care and maintenance will allow you to enjoy it for many years to come.