We set out to construct a 14-foot pitless waterfall stream.
We deliberately chose the pitless system over what we call the “Rock Pit System.” While the Rock Pit System uses underground reservoir cells—felt- and rubber-lined crates—we’ve found that over time, debris clogs these crates, making them difficult to clean.
Instead, we built a truly pitless system, featuring a self-contained tank that houses the reservoir and pump. The key feature of this design is the two easy-clean-out baskets inside the tank, which catch any debris that flows down the stream.
This is the system our customers prefer every time. In our showroom, we display both the rock pit and the pitless systems, and after hearing the explanation, customers consistently choose the low-maintenance pitless design. For contractors, offering the pitless option is a huge advantage when bidding, as it provides homeowners with a much simpler maintenance solution.
Construction and Setup
Since the area was flat, we began by digging in and securing the main tank. We compacted the surrounding dirt and built up the ground to create the three necessary levels for the waterfall’s drop. We installed the plumbing behind the tank, running the hose up to the waterfall starter at the top. The entire process moved quickly; within just a couple of hours, the framework was in place.
The next steps were to felt-line and rubber-line the feature, followed by setting all the framing boulders.
Completion and Water Cycling
The feature was successfully completed and filled with clean water. The main tank holds 50 gallons of water, and the small starter creek reservoir in front of it adds at least another 25 gallons. This large water volume is crucial for maintaining the cycle.
Once the pump is turned on, the water level will begin to drop as it flows out the top to complete the circulation cycle. The water level will naturally drop over time due to evaporation, requiring the homeowner to add water every week or two.
As a homeowner, you may need to specifically request a pitless waterfall from your contractor, as they might default to a rock pit design. The pitless system is superior because those debris baskets are so easy to empty. For extra maintenance ease, we also installed an ionizer, which helps keep the rocks looking clean and virtually new.
For more information, visit our website at www.pitlesswaterfalls.com or call us for help finding a certified installer!
