Using artificial rock waterfalls to alter the dynamics of a pool

by jason_cramp | March 18, 2015 10:26 am

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By Kathryn Varden

When a backyard includes a swimming pool, it is typically the focal point. However, what happens when the pool is a ‘plain Jane’ feature in the backyard? What should a homeowner do to spice up their outdoor living space and how can pool professionals help? One way to achieve this is by adding an artificial rock waterfall, jumping rock, or planter to the mix to elevate a simplistic backyard into an oasis-like retreat.

The use of artificial rock features, also called faux rock, is not a huge market because many pool dealers do not understand the concept of the product, how to install it, or sell it. On the other hand, those builders who do appreciate the product realize they can not only separate their business from the pack, but also earn additional profits on each pool sale by adding minimal time and/or labour to each project.

Artificial rock features can be added to new or existing pools and can be used on various pool types (e.g. fibreglass, vinyl liner, and gunite). In some cases, depending on the installation, they can be incorporated into above-ground pool projects as well.

Faux rock features are made in a variety of materials: fibreglass, concrete, glass fibre-reinforced concrete (GFRC), or a polyurea/foam combination. They also come in an assortment of shapes and sizes to fit any budget and/or backyard. In fact, these products can tie into other kit accessories to complete the entire pool.

Advantages over real rocks

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Faux rock features are easy to install because they are modular, durable, and are generally lightweight in design. Builders simply take them out of the box, plumb them, and set them in place. This gives installers peace of mind as they can be easily duplicated on every job they sell. The customer will also know what it looks like before they purchase one of these accessories (except if they chose a different colour).

For most artificial rock waterfalls, no extra deck support is required, which makes the product easy to use on renovation projects. Most faux rock accessories are made from moulds that are impressions of real rocks. Each mould is handcrafted to create a certain look and is designed to ensure the water flows in the right spot. For example, some waterfalls are designed for straight edges, while others fit different pool radii. After each waterfall is built, they are tested to ensure there are no leaks.

Selling faux rock waterfalls

When deciding on which waterfall style to present to the homeowner, pool builders should consider the different styles of rock first (e.g. natural rock formations, stacked stone, or fountain-like). It is important to find something that will complement the client’s home and/or existing backyard environment.

These waterfall kits can then be sold to customers similar to a car package: base model, semi-loaded, or fully-loaded. For example, a base model installation could be a small waterfall, while a semi-loaded installation package would comprise a bigger waterfall with additional flanking landscape boulders. By adding extra landscape boulders to a package it can lengthen the waterfall along the pool edge. Finally, a fully-loaded installation could include a large waterfall, additional flanking landscape boulders, and a matching pool accessory (e.g. a jumping rock).

Profit summary

The profit earned per job can range between $500 and $3500 with minimal extra work involved. A builder who installs 20 of these accessories per year can add roughly $10,000 to $50,000 (or more) in profits without selling any additional pools.

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

Maintenance

Another benefit to using faux rock waterfalls is they can be easily removed and stored for the winter. Unlike real rock features, the homeowner does not need to worry about altering, special ordering, or installing a complicated winter safety cover to close the pool. To enable the removal of an artificial rock waterfall, a union should be installed at the stub out location, where the flex hose goes to the water feature. During installation, some extra flexible spa hose should be used to allow the waterfall to be easily lifted up for removal purposes.

In terms of cleaning, most artificial rock waterfall features are resistant to pool chemicals. However, homeowners should be told to keep an eye on their water balance (e.g. PH, alkalinity, and water hardness [calcium]). If calcium build up is an issue (depending on the region), most of the time a soft-bristle brush along with an off-the-shelf cleaning product (e.g. CLR) or a mild soap-and-water mixture should do the trick. However, a small area in an inconspicuous spot should be tested first before the entire faux rock waterfall is cleaned.

Add the finishing touches

One of the most common mistakes made when adding a pre-formed artificial rock waterfall to the side of a swimming pool is failing to soften the edges of the waterfall-to-deck interface. By incorporating natural elements such as potted plants or pockets of plants into the mix, it helps to soften the edges, thus creating a more realistic appearance. Plant pockets that are shaped into the decking around the waterfall can also create seating areas near the water feature.

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When softscaping around an artificial rock waterfall it is important to at least three layers of plants (e.g. tall, medium, and short) are used as this will create visual interest around the water feature. A variety of leaf colours and textures should also be used. Plants such as ornamental grasses, ferns, and palms are good choices. A local nursery could also be contacted to find out what plants grow best in the project’s vegetation zone. Most importantly, plants that drop their leaves close to the pool’s edge must not be used as it will add unwanted debris to the pool.

Also, pool builders should keep in mind many manufacturers offer co-ordinating planters, and water features with incorporated planters. These are great options to consider as they can be an easy up-sell for pool renovations.

Faux rock features can not only help enhance the esthetics of the pool, but can also be used to create visual barriers. Further, many pool professionals also use smaller slides with faux rock waterfalls, planters, and vegetation to create privacy in the backyard by blocking out neighbours.

 

Kathryn Varden is the western regional sales manager for Inter-Fab Inc., in Tucson, Ariz. She has worked with pool builders for 14 years providing them with tips on selling and installing artificial rock water features, slides, and diving boards for new construction and renovation projects. Varden has a masters in landscape architecture and a B.Sc. in regional development from the University of Arizona. She can be reached via e-mail at kathryn@inter-fab.com.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/using-artificial-rock-waterfalls-to-alter-the-dynamics-of-a-pool/

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