About Pool Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a way to add style and design to a pool, adding a focal point as well as a functional part to the pool. The flow of water can act as a pool pump, keeping water clean and flowing, and can also offer swimmers a place to interact physically with the fall of water. Pool waterfalls come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, and can be custom-made according to the pool owner's specifications. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Pool waterfalls are used in pools for as an additional scenic water feature to provide a flow of water that drops onto the pool from above. Some waterfalls have LED lighting that shines through the waterfall at night. Pool waterfalls can be used throughout the summer season as well as in warmer climates in which pools are used year-round. Typically built on one side of a pool, the waterfall becomes the main focal point of the pool area. Most rock or fiberglass foundations conceal the water pump and other plumbing behind or underneath the rock, making the waterfall appear natural.
Types
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Pool waterfalls generally come in three types: modular, structural and custom. Modular units are made out of fiberglass or foam, making them lightweight and easy to implement into designs. Although they are secured by concrete foundations, they are less expensive than custom concrete designs and come in a variety of affordable design options. Structural pool waterfalls are made into working parts of the pool such as grottos, bars and caves, and combine both modular units with custom units. Custom pool waterfalls can consist of elaborate designs such as slides combined with the waterfall or custom-layered walls created from real concrete and stone.
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Features
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Some of the features of pool waterfalls are the color variations in the rock structure. Shades of gray, white, blue, black or natural stone are popular in many custom built designs. Tiered rock formations teamed up with pump speed make for a variety of water flow amongst the falls, with everything from a strong, steady flow to a minimal, tranquil trickle effect. Lighting can also appear in different locations behind or nearby the falls so the pool and the waterfall can be enjoyed at night. Some waterfalls have small nooks for plants in order to create a tropical atmosphere.
Size
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Pool waterfalls can vary in size from 3 feet across all the way to 24 or more feet. The height is typically1 to 3 feet. Some pool waterfalls are tiered on different-sized platforms that gradually decrease in size as they get taller. Pool waterfalls generally pump around 200 to 250 gallons per hour and also have adjustable settings to increase or decrease the water flow, making them very energy efficient.
Considerations
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Consider the type of pool that you have before you decide to purchase or build a waterfall. Above-ground pools as well as some smaller fiberglass pools are not suitable for waterfalls due to their size and shape. In-ground gunite or concrete pools are the perfect foundation for waterfalls, since the waterfalls can be strategically placed to mesh into the sides of the pool for a more conforming and natural look.
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Resources
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