Having an indoor waterfall can be a beautiful addition to any home. The soothing sound of flowing water helps create a relaxing environment. Indoor waterfalls come in all shapes and sizes, from small tabletop fountains to large wall-mounted water features. With some careful planning, it is completely possible to build your own indoor waterfall feature.
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Requirements for an Indoor Waterfall
There are a few key requirements to take into account when designing and building an indoor waterfall:
- Water source – You will need a way to pump water to the top of the waterfall. This is often done with a submersible pump placed in a reservoir or basin below the waterfall.
- Support structure – This provides the frame to mount the waterfall materials on. It must be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the waterfall.
- Waterfall materials – Various materials can be used to create the actual cascading waterfall, such as natural stones, faux rock panels, toughened glass, etc.
- Water basin – A pool or basin is needed to catch the falling water at the base of the waterfall. It should be waterproofed.
- Plumbing – PVC piping, tubing, or hosing will be needed to pump water from the basin up to the top of the waterfall.
- Access to power – You’ll need access to an electrical outlet to plug in the pump.
Getting these key components right is crucial for creating a properly functioning indoor waterfall that will run smoothly and not leak.
Choosing a Water Pump
Choosing the right water pump is one of the most important decisions when building an indoor waterfall. There are a few factors to consider when selecting a pump:
- Pump flow rate (GPH) – The flow rate measures how much water the pump can move in an hour. Higher flow rates are needed for larger waterfalls or those with multiple tiers.
- Maximum head height – This is the vertical distance the pump can push water. It must exceed the height of your planned waterfall.
- Adjustable flow – Look for a pump with adjustable flow control to customize the waterfall strength.
- Submersible – The pump should be fully submersible to place in the basin or reservoir.
For small tabletop waterfalls, a fountain pump around 500 GPH is usually sufficient. Larger wall mounted waterfalls may require 2000-5000 GPH pumps. Doing calculations beforehand ensures your pump will have enough power.
Designing and Constructing the Support Structure
The support structure provides the foundation to set up and assemble the waterfall components. This must firmly anchor the pump and plumbing as well as safely hold the weight of upper waterfall tiers and materials.
For small tabletop waterfalls, the support can be as simple as a piece of weatherproof plywood cut to size. For larger wall-mounted waterfalls, a sturdy frame built from wood or metal is required. This frame should be firmly attached to wall studs or other solid anchor points.
When designing your frame consider:
- How much weight will it need to support?
- What are the best attachment points to the wall?
- How will you access the pump and plumbing for maintenance?
- Does the frame allow you to adjust positioning and placement of waterfall components?
Be sure to waterproof and seal any wood used in the support structure to prevent warping or decay over time.
Choosing Your Waterfall Materials
There are several options when it comes to selecting materials to build your waterfall with. Consider factors like:
- Weight – Make sure choices like natural stone won’t be too heavy for your support structure.
- Safety – Smooth materials like glass present less risk than sharper edges of some natural stones.
- Realism – Materials like faux rock panels aim to imitate a realistic natural waterfall.
- Cost – This often depends on material type and volume needed.
Some top choices for waterfall materials include:
| Material | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Slate Tile | Natural stone look, modular installation, smooth surface |
| Faux Rock Panels | Lightweight, realistic detail, seamless appearance |
| PVC Board | Inexpensive, weatherproof, easily cut and installed |
| Tempered Glass | Sleek modern look, transparent, durable |
Choosing complementary materials for the various sections and tiers of the waterfall can contribute to a cohesive finished look.
Constructing the Basins and Reservoir
The basin collects water at the bottom of the waterfall while the reservoir stores and conceals the water pump. These can be constructed from various materials such as:
- Glass – For seamless transparent basins.
- Acrylic Sheeting – Lightweight but sturdy option.
- Wood – Can be cut, shaped, and sealed to form basins.
- Concrete – Forms solid sturdy basin structures.
When shaping the basin, make sure to:
- Give it enough surface area and volume to contain splashing waterfall water.
- Add a drain valve to easily empty and clean it out.
- Waterproof interior with non-porous sealants.
- Conceal reservoir under false bottoms or behind walls if desired.
The reservoir and basin don’t have to be separate structures – a large single basin can house both if space is limited.
Installing Plumbing
Pumps use plastic tubing, PVC pipe, or garden hose to move water from the reservoir up to the top of the waterfall. Consider the following when installing:
- Use flexible tubing between pump and rigid piping for ease of installation and replacement.
- Secure all joints and connections – leaks will happen at weak points.
- Route piping through support structure strategically for access.
- Use elbow and T connectors to split flows as needed.
- Aim for tubing to be concealed from view in final product if possible.
Testing with plain water first allows you to identify any issues or leaks in the plumbing that should be addressed before final assembly.
Assembling the Waterfall
With all the pieces constructed, it’s time for final assembly. Some tips:
- Build from bottom to top – start with basin, then tiers/rocks working upwards.
- Test fit pieces before permanently securing.
- Seal connections with silicone caulk where needed.
- Place splash guards above basins to prevent overflow.
- Use turbos, nozzles or splitters to adjust water flow over rocks.
- Aim for a natural rock look with irregular stacked placement.
Finally, fill basins with water, fire up the pump, and observe the waterfall flow. Make any last tweaks to achieve the desired cascading effects before completing the installation.
Maintenance
With proper maintenance, an indoor waterfall can provide lasting enjoyment for years to come. Recommended maintenance includes:
- Changing water frequently to prevent buildup of algae and bacteria.
- Cleaning pump filters regularly.
- Using conditioners and treatments to control microorganisms.
- Scrubbing down rocks and basin surfaces periodically.
- Reapplying sealants in high splash areas.
- Checking tubing for cracks and replacing as needed.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care of the pump and other components is also advised. With routine maintenance, an indoor waterfall can stay looking pristine and run flawlessly.
Safety Tips
Observing some basic safety practices helps prevent accidents when operating an indoor waterfall:
- Supervise children and pets around water features.
- Avoid electrical devices near basins and splash zones.
- Place away from high traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.
- Check water temperature to prevent scalding, especially with wall-mounted installations.
- Keep hair, fingers and loose clothing away from pump inlets.
- Install GFCI outlets near waterfalls and test regularly.
Being mindful of risks like slips, shocks and entrapment when planning and maintaining the waterfall pays dividends in safety.
Conclusion
With the right approach and attention to design, an indoor waterfall can create a stunning and soothing focal point in any room. From sourcing materials, constructing frames, and assembling cascades, the ability to customize and problem solve makes this a rewarding do-it-yourself project for any skill level. Just keep water safety in mind and be prepared to put in some work maintaining your waterfall oasis. The relaxing ambiance and natural beauty running down a custom water feature makes it all worthwhile.