Determining Pump Flow Rate (GPH):

Select your pump based on the width of your waterfall spillway and total vertical lift:

• Standard Flow: 1,500 gallons per hour (GPH) per foot of waterfall width.
• Dramatic Drop: 3,000 GPH per foot of waterfall width.
• Account for total vertical elevation (head pressure) when selecting variable-flow pumps, such as the Aquascape AquaSurge® or SLD adjustable pumps.

Calculating Liner Dimensions:

Use these baseline formulas to ensure adequate coverage:

• Liner Length = Stream Length + (2 × Max Depth) + 2 ft (for edge overlap)
• Liner Width = Stream Width + (2 × Max Depth) + 2 ft (for edge overlap)

Sizing Sub-Surface Basins (AquaBlox®):

Pondless waterfalls require an underground basin capacity equal to twice the volume of water circulating in the stream.

• Small AquaBlox®: 17 gallons of water storage per module.
• Large AquaBlox®: 32 gallons of water storage per module.

Stone Tonnage Calculation:

• Plan for 1 to 1.5 tons of stone per 100 square feet of surface area.

Recommended Aggregate Mix Ratio:

To achieve a natural aesthetic and structural integrity, order Adobe Rock bulk aggregates in the following proportions:

• 10% Framing Boulders: Large anchor stones used for primary spillway drops.
• 20% Medium Boulders (6"–12"): Used along stream edges, retaining walls, and transitions.
• 70% Gravel & Cobble (3/8" to 3"): Used to conceal liners, cover pond bottoms, and backfill around AquaBlox® modules.

Black Waterfall Foam Sealant:

• Budget 1 to 2 cans of Aquascape Black Waterfall Foam per foot of waterfall width. Expanding foam fills structural voids behind framing boulders, forcing water to spill over the rock face rather than disappearing underneath.⠋

Biological Foundation:

• Incorporate Aquascape Beneficial Bacteria routine treatments upon setup and weekly throughout the season to break down organic waste, control debris, and maintain biological balance.

Automated Dosing:

• Eliminate manual maintenance by installing the Aquascape Smart Dosing System. This automated dispenser delivers precise daily micro-doses based on calculated pool volume.

Targeted Solutions:

• EcoBlast™ Spot Cleaner: Fast-acting contact cleaner for removing stubborn debris buildup on rocks and waterfalls.
• Pond Detoxifier: Essential for topping off ponds with tap water; neutralizes municipal chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals to protect fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria.