Pool waterfalls can make your backyard really special. They add beauty, help you relax, and make your pool worth more. Let’s look at different pool waterfalls and how they can change your outdoor space.

Key Facts About Pool Waterfalls

AspectDetails
TypesSheer descent, rock, cascade, and grotto waterfalls
MaterialsNatural stone, artificial rock, concrete, and glass
Maintenance1-3 hours monthly
Cost Range$5,000 to $50,000
TrendsNatural designs and smart technology integration

Types of Luxury Pool Waterfalls

Sheer Descent

Rock

Cascade

Grotto

Types of Pool Waterfalls

There are different types of pool waterfalls, each with its own look:

1. Sheer Descent Waterfalls

Sheer descent waterfalls are the most common, making up 42% of all waterfalls. They create a smooth sheet of water that falls into the pool. These waterfalls look modern and clean, and fit well with many pool designs. You can choose how wide you want them, from a small 12-inch stream to a big 8-foot wide curtain of water.

Sheer descent waterfall in a modern pool design

2. Rock Waterfalls

Rock waterfalls make up 28% of all waterfalls. They look like waterfalls you’d see in nature, using real or fake rocks. These waterfalls can make your pool area feel like a tropical getaway. You can have them with multiple levels to make the water cascade down, which looks really cool.

Rock waterfall in a pool remodel

3. Cascade Waterfalls

Cascade waterfalls make up 18% of all waterfalls. These have multiple levels where the water falls, often using steps. They can make your pool look more interesting and natural, like a stream. You can add rocks, ledges, or even small pools within the cascade.

4. Grottos

Grottos make up 12% of all waterfalls. These are like small caves with waterfalls, which can be really fun to swim in. Kids love them, and adults can enjoy them too. Some grottos even have seats, lights, and sound systems inside!

Check out our custom pool designs in Gilbert to see these waterfall types and more.

What Waterfalls Are Made Of

The materials used can change how your waterfall looks and how much it costs:

1. Natural Stone

Natural stone is used in 56% of waterfalls. It looks really nice but can be expensive. People often use granite, limestone, or slate because they last a long time and look great.

2. Artificial Rock

Artificial rock is used in 32% of waterfalls. It’s cheaper than real stone and can be shaped however you want. Modern fake rocks look very real and are lighter, which can make them easier to install.

3. Concrete and Glass

Concrete and glass are used in 12% of waterfalls. These materials can create modern-looking waterfalls. Concrete can be shaped to look like stone or left smooth. Glass waterfalls look really cool, with water flowing over clear or colored glass.

Modern pool design with waterfall feature

Learn about how we can update your pool with these materials.

Taking Care of Your Waterfall

To keep your waterfall looking good, you need to take care of it:

  • Monthly: Spend 1-3 hours cleaning and checking your waterfall. Remove leaves and stuff, check for green algae, and make sure water is flowing right.
  • Yearly: Have a professional clean it really well once a year. They might use a pressure washer, check for loose rocks or cracks, and look at the pump.
  • Water balance: Keep your pool water clean to prevent buildup on your waterfall. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm.
Pool and landscape design blueprint

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How Much Waterfalls Cost

The price of a pool waterfall can be different based on a few things:

Average Cost Ranges for Pool Waterfall Types

Sheer Descent

Custom Rock

Grotto

Maximum Cost

Minimum Cost

The final cost depends on:

  • How big and tall the waterfall is
  • What it’s made of (real stone costs the most)
  • How complicated the design is (like if it has multiple levels)
  • If it has extra features like lights or smart controls
  • How easy it is to install in your yard

Get ideas for updating your pool to find a waterfall that fits your budget and style.

What’s Popular Now

Here’s what people like in pool waterfalls right now:

1. Natural Looks

64% of people want waterfalls that look like they could be in nature. This means using real or fake rocks to make it look more natural. Designers also use plants and big rocks from the area to make the waterfall blend in with the yard.

2. LED Lights

Adding LED lights to your waterfall can make it look amazing at night. You can change the colors to set different moods for parties or relaxing evenings.

3. Smart Home Control

Many new waterfalls can be controlled with your phone. You can turn them on and off, change how much water flows, and control the lights from anywhere. You can even set them to turn on automatically at certain times.

Modern pool with swim-up bar and waterfall feature

See popular pool designs in Arizona to make sure your waterfall will look good for a long time.

Technical Stuff to Think About

When planning your pool waterfall, remember these things:

  • Pump size: This decides how much water your waterfall can move. A good rule is to have 1 gallon per minute for every inch wide your waterfall is.
  • Edge design: How the edge of the waterfall is shaped changes how the water flows. A smooth edge makes a sheet of water, while a rough edge makes it bubbly.
  • Sound: You can make your waterfall louder or quieter by changing how high it is and how much water flows. Higher falls with more water are louder.
  • Saving water: Use a system that recycles the water to save water. New systems are really good at this and don’t waste much water.
Comprehensive pool and landscape design

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Picking the Right Waterfall for Your Pool

When choosing a waterfall, think about:

  • How your pool and yard look now: The waterfall should match, not clash.
  • How big your pool and yard are: A big waterfall might look weird in a small yard, and a tiny one might get lost in a big yard.
  • Your budget: Remember to think about both how much it costs to build and how much it will cost to take care of.
  • How much work you want to do: Natural rock waterfalls might need more care than simple, modern ones.
  • What kind of mood you want: Do you want a quiet, peaceful trickle or a big, exciting rush of water?

Remember, a good waterfall should make your pool area better, not take over. Get tips on making your pool area awesome for more ideas on making everything look good together.

Luxurious pool with integrated waterfall and landscaping

Conclusion

Pool waterfalls can make your backyard really special. They look great, help you relax, and can make your home worth more. Whether you choose a smooth, modern waterfall or one that looks like it’s in nature, the right waterfall can make your pool the coolest part of your yard.

It’s important to have professionals design and install your waterfall to make sure it looks good and works well for a long time. Think about how your yard looks, how much you want to spend, and how much work you want to do when choosing your waterfall. If you plan carefully and get experts to help, you can create an awesome backyard that you’ll enjoy for years.

Talk to our pool experts in Phoenix to start planning your perfect backyard today.

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