Pool Waterfall - LawnSite.com™

Gr8WhiteNorth · #1 07-09-2010, 07:47 PM

I'm looking to educate myself on contructing a waterfall adjacent to a pool. The plumbing is already existing and a 3 foot wide concrete skirt is in place so now I just need the know-how.

I've done waterfalls into ponds we've built ranging from 1-8 feet in height, using rubber liner. I assume most details will be the same.

My specific question is more related to how to waterproof the build so any spilled water makes it back to the pool.

let me know

tadpole · #2 07-09-2010, 08:57 PM

One tier, Two tier or ? If multi-tier, what is set back distance?

Natural rock, concrete, Faux rock?

Is decking cut out for Waterfall footprint or will build be on top of decking?

What is the "skirt" that you refer to?

More info and definitely pics of job site!

Gr8WhiteNorth · #3 07-12-2010, 04:34 PM

The design is open right now. I was hoping 2-3 tiers with natural limestone.

The term skirt must be what you are referring to as decking. I would prefer to build on the decking unless you would advise against it.

The pool is in a new development area that we sodded last year. There is a 2% grade change from the back of the house. The backyard is about 65' wide x 48' deep. The pool is centered in the backyard and measures 31' x 18'. Pool design is a "Fiji left" (kidney with larger radius deep end).

Hope this helps.

I got to figure out how to post pics on this site!!

Gr8WhiteNorth · #4 07-12-2010, 04:45 PM

Ok, so here are the what the customer has given me to work with to create my drawing and price the job. Rough, but it will work.

tadpole · #5 07-12-2010, 09:44 PM

We all like to think that we can and will build Water Features that will not leak, and most of the time we will succeed. Even so, there still lurks in the back of our minds the knowledge that the slightest certain shift in a particular rock can cause water diversion of catastrophic proportions. (At least it seems catastrophic.) So I don't blame you for wanting to incorporate an additional safeguard for leak control.

This is how I have done it and it is fairly simple You use a separate piece of EPDM as a leak catcher and diverter.

This liner should extend at least 1 foot beyond the footprint of the constructed waterfall and be graded (Min. 2 degrees) toward the Pool

Below is a pic of small one that I did 3 years ago.

Also I incorporated Faux rock coping to hide the overhang of the liner. The link for that is-
http://www.rockandwater.com/HTM%20Files/pool_coping.htm

You can dry stack or mortar.

Gr8WhiteNorth · #6 07-12-2010, 10:42 PM

Great reply!

Only one question - whats EPDM?

tadpole · #7 07-12-2010, 10:57 PM

EPDM liner. What have you used in your previous Water Features?

Gr8WhiteNorth · #8 07-15-2010, 12:57 AM

We typically use rubber liners. I've done concrete only twice.
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tadpole · #9 07-15-2010, 01:28 AM

You have probably been using EPDM. It is a synthetic rubber that is used for roofing applications and also specially formulated to be 'Fish Safe' for use in ponds. Firestone is the primary manufacturer.