Here are some different types of water features
Rock waterfall:
This is the type of waterfall that WaterfallNow is known for specializing in. There are different materials ranging from natural stone, veneer panels, boulders, concrete, brick, fiberglass, gfrc and even styrofoam. WaterfallNow prefers fiberglass over the alternatives due to the lightweight and flexible nature of the rock. As it is molded off of real rocks, the rocks maintain the same textures that natural rocks would. The rocks can be painted to any color and even painted again to change the color for a different season. Rock waterfalls with natural stone are usually seen in everyday landscaping gardens whereas artificial rock waterfalls are seen around tropical pool resort-like environments. Note: When retrofitting a waterfall onto an existing pool, it is important to note that the weight of concrete or other materials can cause damage such as cracking if not careful. Fiberglass rocks are a safer and more cost-effective alternative.
Waterwall
This kind of feature is where water slowly trickles or cascades down from the top of the wall. The water is fed back up from a pump and tube to the top and this process continues. Note that most water walls require a filter to be installed to avoid clogging from mineral build up. These are an elegant water feature idea that can go both indoors and outdoors. There are different sounds of cascading water depending on the type of material used for the front panel. These are increasing in popularity especially in corporate settings. Many companies are opting to have an acrylic or glass water wall with their logo engraved. The addition of LED lighting makes for a truly spectacular piece of decor.
Rain Curtain
Rain curtains are a great design piece to add moving water to a room. These can be built both indoors or outdoors. Indoor units are typically made with thin clear strands that run from the top of the unit to the water channels where the water is then fed back up through a pump to fall back down again in a continuous motion. There are many excellent photos of rain curtains that can be found online. These pieces can be customized in virtually any design. Speak to your local water features experts to learn about some of the possibilities.
Scupper / Waterfall Spillway / Sheer Descent / Ledge Fall / Sheet Fall
Scuppers are water features where water flows down a small ledge before descending into a pool, pond, or water container. There are many variations and names as well as materials (aluminum, acrylic, plastic, fiberglass). These produce more sound than a rain curtain or water wall and are a spectacular at night with the addition of LED strip lights built into the spillways. Waterfall spillways and sheet falls are similar in that they are thin flattened flows of water coming down in a long line the width of the spillway unit.
Sconce
These are similar to a water jet however there are different types of flows. These units are typically wall-mounted to the side of a pool wall or retaining wall and has water shooting out in a thin line or flowing down. One common version of a sconce water feature is a lions head with water flowing from the mouth.
Laminar Jet
These are a water feature with increasing DIY (do it yourself) popularity. Many high end laminar jets that are programmable can go for more than $2000 USD per unit. WaterfallNow carries some custom made stationary units for customers that simply want a unit that flows in a straight line into a pool without any special controlling requirements. These laminar flows create the impression of a solid LED lighted tube. At night you will see the LED lighting flowing through the tube cast light into the area where the water meets the pool. A definite must-have for nighttime pool enthusiasts.
Bubbler / Gurgler
These are often sold in landscape supply stores or custom-made by water features specialists. They are water features with a pump that channels water through and out the top of hollow cored out faux or real rocks. The more common material used is basalt rock. These can weigh thousands of pounds or can be made light enough for a single person to carry depending on the materials used.
Fountain / Geyser / Foam Jet / Sun Jet / Umbrella / Dandelion
There are an infinite number of fountain variations. WaterfallNow can make customized programmable fountain units with aluminum and other materials for Vegas Bellagio style light shows. These water features shoot water up out of the pond, pool, or basin and fall back onto themselves or at an angle. They come in an infinite variety of designs and styles.
Have fun designing your next water feature project!
