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Typically, after any vacation or trip going out to see a waterfall is high on everyone’s list for fun things to do. However, an artificial waterfall could have you searching for a pool deck contractor near me. Because they can make your pool experience one you’re not soon to forget.
You’re most likely wanting to add a waterfall feature to your inground pool that’s why you are reading this blog. Here you can learn about the different elements of a pool waterfall and what you can expect if you decide to get one.
What Is A Pool Waterfall?
Waterfalls that are artificial that are connected to an inground swimming pool are sometimes referred to as a grotto. However, the two terms are typically interchangeable. Every functional pool waterfall has a number of features that are common as well as functions. Which include the following:
# Pool waterfalls start above the swimming pool’s waterline
# The water flows over the waterfall by the use of powered pumps
# Any kind of functional waterfall will have to have extra maintenance
Typically pool waterfalls can come in all different shapes, designs, and sizes and they are often made out of natural materials or just artificial materials, usually bricks, concrete, or synthetic structures. Sometimes certain builders can actually install pre-formed waterfalls that are constructed out of molded concrete.
Artificial waterfalls utilize powered pumps that can pull up the water to the top level part of the fall structure. However, sometimes the waterfalls are simply built into what’s called the upper lip of the swimming pool, it’s built at ground level, which can make the structure a part of the pool itself.
Other types of falls flow from walls that are raised or more substantially designed structures that overlook the pool. No matter how the waterfall is designed, all functional waterfalls must use a pump to move the water up against the overall pull of gravity. Without the pump there is no waterfall.
And waterfalls can be put into elevated tanning ledges or even spas too. However, integrated waterfalls could sacrifice some of the natural aesthetics, however, they actually provide much more functionality than the natural stone waterfalls.
You can also make a natural design right around a functional waterfall too, however, this will cost more than if you just placed the pump systems in the correct places within pool designs that have different elevations.
What Are The Many Benefits Of Pool Waterfalls?
Not only do pool waterfalls look great, but they can make you feel great too. Just the sound of the water gently rushing down into the pool can be somewhat therapeutic. However, they have other benefits as well, and they include the following:
# Overall aesthetics
# Therapeutic, very calming sounds and visuals.
# Blocks out background sounds when in operation
# Water circulation, has cooling effects and can help with filtration reducing algae buildup
# Can increase the play area
# Can add value to your home overall
Having a waterfall in your pool can muffle the sounds of the less attractive noises around your home such as traffic, this can be ultimately therapeutic because you won’t have to listen to all of the sound pollution around you.
And since the pumps keep the water moving over your waterfall ledge, they can have functional benefits. The primary pool filter in your pool uses the pumps to circulate the water through the various mechanisms, which can help to trap gunk and helps to keep the water from becoming stagnant.
The waterfall can be connected to the filtration system or it can be used to essentially augment it, which will add extra circulation and that can help to sweep more of the gunk out of your pool before it becomes an issue.
And the flowing water takes a lot longer to heat up, then the flat water, so homeowners use the waterfalls features to moderate the heat buildup during the heat of the summer time. ANd the falling water can essentially oxygenate the pool.
This works with the overall movement of the water inside of the pool which can in the long run reduce the harmful particles and end up preventing the algae buildup inside of the pool. However, this will not be able to replace the primary filtration system.
Though it can actually prolong the overall lifespan and make it possible for you to not have to use so many chemical treatments. And larger waterfalls for pools can be used to hide equipment and the machinery.
You can even install entertainment features such as lighting or a sound system, which can help you to build an instant party atmosphere. However, the more features you add to your waterfall installation the more expensive it will be.
What Else Can You Do With Your Waterfall Pool?
Depending on your budget your waterfall for your pool can be as big and lavish as you want it to be. It all just depends on what you can afford. The following are some features and different functions you can add to your pool.
Tanning Ledge
Having a tanning ledge can create a huge range of creative ideas for different designs. You can have your pool waterfall spill into the shallow tanning ledge part of your swimming pool. Or there’s another option where you build the tanning ledge right into the waterfall in your pool itself.
Retaining Walls
Sometimes pool owners will have their waterfall built into the walls that surround their pool. You can have a retaining wall that has a higher elevation, and it can provide separation between the yard and the pool.
High-Elevation Spillways
Sometimes pool owners want their waterfalls to drop down from a higher second story spillway. Having an elevation waterfall can be a great addition to your backyard. It’s something to behold, that’s for sure.
Integrated Spa Or Hot Tub
Having a spa or hot tub addition can be a natural way to complement your pool waterfall. You can actually have your waterfall spill into your spa or hot tub. Or you can even have the waterfall spill from an elevated spa or hot tub to the main pool part of the swimming pool.