The Best Rock Waterfalls for Pools

Choosing Waterfall and Pump Size

• Consider the height and width of the waterfall and the purpose it will serve. For example, if you want swimmers to be able to play under it, the waterfall needs to be high enough for that purpose. If you want a waterfall only for its aesthetic value, choose a height that pleases your eye. Once you have decided the measurements of the fall, you can calculate the size pump you need. For example, according to Garden Pond Solutions, if the waterfall's vertical height is 3 feet and the overflow lip is 9 inches, you need a pump that can pump 1,200 gallons per hour. Consult a weir chart where pumps are sold. The chart lists pump sizes according to the waterfall's height and width.

The Naturalness of Rock

• Your waterfall should fit the setting and design of your pool. For example, if you want a rock waterfall, your pool design and landscaping should also emphasize a natural look. However, all rocks aren't the same. For an accurate replica of the scene you want to project, the rocks you choose should be typical of rocks found in the geographical area your scene suggests.

The Sound of Falling Water

• Include an echo chamber in your design for the waterfall. This space behind the falling water adds an audible dimension. The sound is amplified according to the size and shape of the chamber. The higher the fall, the greater the sound, although the sound also depends on the amount of water and the depth into which it falls. Water that falls onto a solid surface such as a flat rock sounds different than water that drops directly into a pool or basin. According to New World Landscape, unless the pool was designed for it, a high falls should drop into a separate basin.

Real Rocks or Faux

• The rocks of the waterfall should be natural or look natural. Faux rocks can look very natural, and they are cheaper and lighter than the real thing. However, depending on their construction and the material from which they are made, they can show wear over time. Most faux rocks are made of a sand, cement and water mixture sometimes containing vermiculite, crushed volcanic rock or peat. This mixture coats the rock framework, which is usually steel rebar, although that can rust. The faux rocks are hollow and eventually may crack or crumble, especially those made only of sand and cement. According to Global DIY, it is critical that the sand and cement be well mixed. The hollow rocks also can provide protective housing for an unsightly pump.