2-1 Excavate for the Vanishing Pool or Stream Ending
Option 2: End in a Vanishing pool
Excavate 9" deep to allow a 3" deep vanishing pool. If there is a waterfall above this, the length of this area should be at least 1-1/2 times the drop of the waterfall to contain the waterfall splash. For installations using the T390F Filter Tank, excavate 10" deep to allow a 4" deep vanishing pool.
The skimmer pocket is located at the end of the water feature.
Excavate the Stream Channel
A natural looking stream shows signs of erosion from years of water carving a path through the landscape. Avoid a "flying stream look" where water runs over the surface or appears elevated without any aging or character. The following instruction is a general reference to keep the water flow within the stream channel and help you build a natural looking water feature.
While excavated depths will vary with each installation, the excavated stream depth should never be less than 6" deep. The excavated depth should increase where the stream drops. This will not only keep the flow of water within the stream, but also create the illusion that the water feature is a natural part of the landscape, not an addition to it.
Thick weir rocks may require a slightly recessed shelf to reduce the thickness of the weir. The back of the weir should match the gravel depth being placed in the stream channel.
Option 1: End in a stream
To end your water feature as shown below to the left, excavate 6" deep at the same width as the stream.
Option 2: End in a Vanishing pool
Excavate 9" deep to allow a 3" deep vanishing pool. If there is a waterfall above this, the length of this area should be at least 1-1/2 times the drop of the waterfall to contain the waterfall splash. For installations using the T390F Filter Tank, excavate 10" deep to allow a 4" deep vanishing pool.
2-2 Dig the Skimmer Pocket
The skimmer pocket is located at the end of the water feature.
2-3a Excavate the Central-Stream Area
A natural looking stream shows signs of erosion from years of water carving a path through the landscape. Avoid a "flying stream look" where water runs over the surface or appears elevated without any aging or character. The following instruction is a general reference to keep the water flow within the stream channel and help you build a natural looking water feature.
While excavated depths will vary with each installation, the excavated stream depth should never be less than 6" deep. The excavated depth should increase where the stream drops. This will not only keep the flow of water within the stream, but also create the illusion that the water feature is a natural part of the landscape, not an addition to it.
2-3b Cut Waterfall Drops in the Channel
Consider the following slope options when excavating for the waterfall drops
Depending on how the rocks will stack up - the top spill rock can rest (A) on the top of the step, (B) rest on a slightly notched shelf, or (C) for short drops, simply extend up an inch or two in front of the step.
Consider the following slope options when excavating for the waterfall drops
Depending on how the rocks will stack up - the top spill rock can rest (A) on the top of the step, (B) rest on a slightly notched shelf, or (C) for short drops, simply extend up an inch or two in front of the step.
Thick weir rocks may require a slightly recessed shelf to reduce the thickness of the weir. The back of the weir should match the gravel depth being placed in the stream channel.
2-4 Waterfall Starter Excavation and Placement
Excavate a Shelf for the Waterfall Starter
Choose option A or B.
Excavate a Shelf for the Waterfall Starter
Choose option A or B.
