DIY Waterfall Installation: 10 Tips From the Field

Most of the waterfall kits we sell are designed to be installed by a handy homeowner or your local pool tech. After helping hundreds of customers, here are the tips that make the biggest difference.

1. Dry-fit everything first. Assemble the waterfall and plumbing on the ground before gluing a single joint. You will catch missing parts and measurement mistakes while they are still free to fix.

2. Level is everything. A sheer descent that is off by even a quarter inch will sheet unevenly. Use a long level and shim the weir until it is perfect before securing it.

3. Use primer and the right cement. PVC primer plus medium-set cement on every pressure joint. Skipping primer is the number one cause of slow leaks.

4. Size your pipe generously. If the instructions allow 1.5 or 2 inch pipe, choose 2 inch. Bigger pipe means less friction, better flow, and a quieter waterfall.

5. Add a dedicated valve. Put a ball valve on the waterfall line so you can adjust flow and shut the feature off for service without draining anything.

6. Protect the weir during construction. Keep the lip covered with tape until the very end. One scratch from a trowel shows forever.

7. Test before you backfill. Run the pump for an hour and check every joint before burying pipe or setting rock.

8. Mind the bond beam. If you are cutting into an existing pool wall, confirm where the rebar and bond beam are before you cut.

9. Plan the electrical. Pumps need a proper GFCI-protected circuit. If you are not comfortable with electrical work, that is the one step worth hiring out.

10. Take photos as you go. If anything ever needs service, pictures of where pipes and wires run are worth their weight in gold.

Find waterfall kits, spillways, scuppers and installation options for your pool at PoolWaterFountain.com. We ship throughout the United States and can help you compare styles and sizes for your project.