Finding the perfect match
If the house is set in a rural location, pool builders should consider looking at products that resemble rustic boulders. If the home is more formal, a stacked stone look would be more appropriate, while more modern-looking products, such as a water bowl, would suit a home with a contemporary appearance.
1 m (3 ft) on either side of the feature.
Once the style is determined, it is also important to select a fountain/water feature that is in ‘scale’ with the pool area. The biggest mistake is selecting a waterfall or water feature that is too small for the area where it is being installed. A good rule of thumb is to fill approximately two-thirds of the space where the waterfall is placed. For example, if the design calls for the artificial rock water feature to be installed in the centre of a 6.1-m (20-ft) wide pool wall, the waterfall and other surrounding rocks and plants should cover at least 3.6 to 4.2 m (12 to 14 ft) with 1 m (3 ft) on either side of the feature. If a smaller rock waterfall feature is used, it will look awkward as the desired effect of incorporating the feature seamlessly with the pool is reduced. Adding accent boulders and landscaping around the water feature is essential to a successful installation.
The depth of the deck is also important. In some cases, the waterfall can sit beyond the deck by spilling over into the surrounding landscaping. However, fencing or screened enclosures might limit the client’s options in this case. Further, depending on where the feature is being installed on the pool (e.g. on a straight or radius wall), it may also limit the selection of rock waterfall features available that fit the space.
Installation
Most waterfalls are installed with an ‘on-deck’ mount application. Concrete footings can be poured into the surrounding yard or the waterfall can be fastened onto an existing deck via screws or another anchoring system provided by the manufacturer. Should the latter method be used, all screws at the base of the deck must be caulked.
For new pool construction projects, the waterfall area can act as another ‘return’ to the pool. Most builders will use the same size plumbing (generally 38.1- to 50.8-mm [1.5- to 2-in.] rigid Schedule 40 Poly[vinyl chloride] [PVC]) pipe to connect the waterfall as is used on the rest of the pool. If the plumbing provided by the waterfall manufacturer is smaller in size, a reducer bushing can be used. Most manufacturers suggest using flexible spa hose to connect the waterfall fitting. A ball valve or three-way valve is also recommended as this will enable the water feature to be turned on/off. The valve will also help control water flow as well as the sound of the water. Often, pool owners want the waterfall to mask the noise of nearby traffic or prefer the sound of heavier water flow, while others want a softer sound.
Installing on an existing pool
On existing pools, the artificial rock waterfall is connected to the pool’s existing plumbing via the return line from the filter. Most manufacturers provide detailed videos on how to install a ‘stub up’ (a capped-off pipe used to connect other water features and/or equipment). Be sure to consult these videos and installation manuals for specific time-saving tips to ensure a flawless installation.
It is also important to consider the water feature’s flow rate in relation to the circulation flow rate of the existing pool. Most waterfall features have a ‘range’ of litres per minute (lpm) (gallons per minute [gpm]), which allows the homeowner to dial in the preferred flow rate as to the sound they want to create. The waterfall should not divert too much water away from the pool as it might compromise water circulation, which could adversely affect water quality. Depending on the waterfall’s size, pool professionals might find the pump needs to be upgraded. Also, before the artificial rock waterfall is secured to the pool deck, it should be checked for any possible plumbing leaks.
Fitting the faux rocks to pool edge
Some faux rock waterfall products may have a lip that extends over the pool’s coping. In this case, the coping should be scribed out (i.e. cut out), using a jigsaw, so the waterfall appears to be part of the pool design. Manufacturer instructions and online videos offer various tips and tricks for builders on how to fit the waterfall perfectly into the pool’s coping edge. Once the waterfall has been fitted to the pool, the stub out plumbing is then attached to the waterfall fitting. In most cases, it is beneficial to connect the pipe to the stub out using flexible PVC pipe as this will make it easier for removal and/or any adjustments. Finally, before the artificial rock feature is secured, the top of the spillway should be level to ensure proper water flow.
Once the waterfall is fully functional, the water flow can then be adjusted. Too much water flow causes ‘splash out,’ thus lowering the pool’s water level. Sometimes the ‘splash out’ is not obvious because it flows out behind the water feature. Not only will the pool lose water, but it will also likely ruin any surrounding landscaping and vegetation.
