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Answers between lines....
-what instructions do you give the pool builder in regards to reinforcing the area where the waterfall is installed?
The pool builder should know the various loads that will be brought upon the walls. First, it you are going to lay large rock on pool walls, the pool should be made of shot crete rather than gunite. The shot crete costs more, but also is stronger.
Most of the boulders are set on pads with only 25% of the load hanging over the pool edge.
-do you ask the pool contractor to dish the water towards the pool in the area of the waterfall instead of the normal away?
Not sure what you mean. Since the pool builder only does the shell, and the equipment, we pour the decking, or lay the pavers for the decking, knowing we are setting stones, we pitch the deck toward the pool so the runnoff dumps back in the pool.
-how does the pool builder structure his warrantee on the pool shell and exclude himself from waterfall warrantee issues?
In our state, anything associated with the pool must be covered by the pool builder.
We have an all inclusive guarantee on concrete flatwork. We conditionally guarantee that all concrete will crack not sooner than a day, and not more than 25 years of being poured.
-in the cold climate areas where the pool is winterized how do you stop the boulder creep towards the pool caused by the freeze/thaw?
Typically, you are going to use a system of drain rock and pipes to relieve the water and stop the expansion. Hiding it is the trick.
-how do you hide the liner as it flaps over the pool deck edge?
There is no liner. Typically the rocks are mortared, thurosealed, and dyed the same tones as the waterfalls, and even have stone and flagstone molded in. The rocks are selected so the water holds into the center, or if it drops off the sides, it hits the pool deck and rolls into the pool.
-how much liner slack left over the pool deck edge to accommodate shrinkage (not that shrinkage)
We don't use it.
-do you cast in place a basin to contain the pool return water before it ejects over the weir stone?
Most of the time, the stones are set in a lowered area where the water will collect, then drop back into the pool.
-how do you slow the water down enough for a soothing effect when using the pool return?
Install a bypass T with a ball valve somewhere so you can crank it up or down as you need to gain the effect you are looking for.
Put the valve under an inground cover.
-how do the plant close enough to naturalize the waterfall and not have your dirt leach into the pool?
Usually rocks in front of the pool water, surrounding a void filled with dirt and a drip irrigation line. Plantings around the rocks are a real PIA because they either get too wet, or not enough water, and since the soil is in a similar situation as a potted plant, you almost have to treat them as you would an interior scape. At least in San Diego region.
I'll never forget some genoius who installed Horsetails as a natuaralizer in a bed that only had a 6" mow curb to separate it from the lawn. The entire lawn looked like a swap after 3 years, and there is no way to get rid of it.
-any detrimental effects to the stone from prolonged chlorine exposure?
Depends on the stone and what it is made of, and, how the chlorine reacts with those elements. I would certainly hope any stone used for coping would be suitable for clorine usage.
Arizona flag, Quartzite, molded concrete, rough granite, country manor caps, all should be fine.
-what to tell the homeowner when their kids ask to dive off the waterfall stones?
You gotta plug them in solid enough so they can't be damaged. Give them a disclaimer, but you know as well as I do they aren't going to follow it.
-do you double-liner the waterfall (one under the entire feature and one carries upward)?
any info appreciated,
The rubber questions can best be answered by those who use them. I hope this helped!
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Bill Schwab
In the year 1491, if the Naturescape Landscape Company did the site work in Pisa, Italy, they would not be calling it the "leaning" tower.
Encinitas, Ca. 92024
www.naturescapelandscape.com
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