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Pools & Spas Design Dilemma

Pool Rock Waterfall/Slide

2 years ago

We have begun getting quotes on remodeling our pool this year. One of the features that we have considered adding is a rock waterfall and slide. It is an expensive feature, so we are trying to decide whether to include. For those of you who have rock waterfall features, what has your experience been with them? Do you use them a lot? Do you like them? Have you had problems with them? Would you do it again?

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Comments (2)

Mrs. S
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
We have all that. As an owner who had a contractor build it all, we did many things right.

Our pool was designed primarily for the kids, and we made sure we can see every inch of the pool from a seated position on the pool deck.

Our rock structure is huge and it is about 8‘ tall or so, for jumping. Our pool builder mentioned that kids tire of slides pretty quickly, but no one tires of a jumping rock. He has been proven correct, in our case. Therefore, it was important to me to have the highest part of the structure be at the front edge, so the kids dont try to jump from the back of the waterfall over 6-8’ of structure, to get to the pool. Does that make sense?

Our pool builder was very picky about aesthetics, and wanted most of the slide hidden so the slide enters on top(back of structure) and we have another waterfall over the slide exit. You can’t do that if your slide is short though. Just something to think about.

The pool has to be deep enough to allow for adults to dive from the structure, imho… unless you hope no one will. And can enforce that rule.

Another thing to know is that waterfalls are relatively noisy. So after all the kid/teen hijinks, when everyone moves into the warm jacuzzi, we can turn off the waterfalls from a remote built into the wall of the jacuzzi.

Lastly, if it is in your budget, we really enjoy the multicolored LED lights embedded in the rock structure.
smit2380 thanked Mrs. S
smit2380
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks Mrs. S. Our pool has a diving board and is deep enough for diving. We had not even considered lights for the waterfall, so that is an interesting idea.
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Cannaluver, Nice looking pool and decking. I've been around quite a few structures like what you want to build and the main thing that I could tell you is that you need a HEAVY DUTY structure underneath it. This will require some good engineering to create it. You don't want it to come crashing down with someone on the slide or in the pool. I'd recommend having the support structure designed by someone who knows what they are doing and then you'll be able to build the surround as you please. I'd also check with your insurance company too. Liability is a huge concern on something like this. If you do it yourself there is no company to fall back on to take responsibility except you. I dont mean to be a wet blanket on your idea but there is lots to consider when doing this. Good luck.
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alaskadiver: Well I printed the info on the link and showed it to the gardener. He said he is pretty sure that is the snake they found behind the waterfalls! He aksed if he could keep the information to show his crew that it was not posionous...but since it said it could climb some 40 feet up high in the trees---now he's going to have to worry about his guys staring up in the trees while they are working on the various yards! :) You mentionted "if our pool borders a river..." well,... Armand Bayou & Nature Preserve (http://www.abnc.org/, borders our neighborhood!! It is a very large Wildlife refuge and wilderness preserve (2,500 acres by us and NASA). So I guess along with the deer that come to our window, we will have to put up with a snake sometime. We have lived in this house for almost 20 years and have only seen the occasional water snake. Thank you so much alaskadiver, for sending the information regarding the snake!! barco & tresw: Thanks for the 'good' info on the pressure washer. Starting with a wide spray pattern would be the way to go...now to find someone to do it! I'm still a little 'apprehenisive' of spending any serious amount of time around the waterfalls!!! So today was the last day of school for the boys & I have a housefull of swimmers celebrating. Hands off the rocks for now. Thanks again for all the input!!!! Now some time for summer fun...oh to be a kid again!!! :)
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Hey just-a-pb Where were you when I was looking to hire out my build?! I went w/ 'the best guy in the business' according to those I asked and I got a lot more grief than I ever bargained for. All of the pools you have built/shown us thus far have been magnificent. Wish you had done mine as well... Fiksegts: your pool is awesome! I love the water color and that slide is just too cool! Enjoy! Joanne
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Check the hypertufa forum for information on how to make your rocks. Or even the Garden junk forum--lots of folks at either one have made things like this.
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