How to Build a Pool Waterfall

Set a budget. A waterfall can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for a large waterfall with boulders and plants.

Create a description of your dream waterfall. You might prefer a natural-looking waterfall with rocks and boulders, or a sleek architectural design. Make sure you give some thought to how loud you want your waterfall to be.

Visit several local pool and home garden shops to get ideas for your project. This will also help you understand the work and cost involved.

Select the area where you would like the waterfall. Give extra consideration to areas that you can see from multiple parts of your yard and home, keeping in mind that you'll need access to electricity and a water source.

Measure the area where you would like to build the waterfall before you head out to shop. That way, you'll know how big of a waterfall your space can handle. It's easy to get caught up in the idea of a grand waterfall, only to realize that it's too large for your area or looks out of proportion with your pool and yard.

Buy your pool waterfall kit from a local supplier or from an online retailer such as INYOpools or Prosperity Fountains (see Resources below). A local supplier will be able to give you advice and instruction, usually free of charge. You can also save on shipping costs if you can pick up the kit yourself at the shop, though you may not find the variety and prices you are looking for if you limit yourself to shopping locally.

Buy a pump, if your kit doesn't include it. Look for one that is powerful enough to handle the amount of water and length of waterfall you want. Make sure the pump has a warranty that lasts at least a few years, and opt for an energy-efficient model, or a model that is built into the pool wall and uses the pool's pump.

Assemble your waterfall by following the provided instructions carefully. With many kits, this is as easy as connecting the sections of the waterfall and then connecting the water source.

Gather your materials. You'll need rocks to build the waterfall, a submersible pump to pump the water and PVC tubing. Some people like to secure their rocks with mortar. You can use your pool's pump for a waterfall, but experts suggest using a different pump that can be regulated or turned off.

Place the rocks carefully to form a waterfall. By choosing larger rocks for the outside of the structure, you can easily create a route for the water. Use stone coping for the most natural look, or use tile or concrete for an architectural waterfall.

Connect the tubing from the water source to the pump, and from the pump to the top of the waterfall.

Make sure the water does not drip over the sides of the waterfall. If it does, you'll need a barrier under the rocks so that the water doesn't erode the soil under the rocks or behind the pool.

Add plants, decorative rocks or other items to the waterfall to finish the look.