Help finding cost-effective options to run waterfalls at the same time as spa

[Luvmslola]

We are first time pool builders and are finalizing the design and cost. I really want a separate pump for my 2 - 3ft wide waterfalls (sheer descents) with a 12in raise so that i can have the waterfalls running at the same time as my spa. Our pool builder is telling us that it would be another $2706 to add a 1hp feature pump but that does not include a filter for this pump, which would be an additional $894 (not mandatory). Do we really need a separate filter for the feature pump?
Apparently the $2706 includes the pump itself, a second set of main drains, suction line and the piping, electrical work, and labor to install. That's a lot of extra cost for an extra pump that we prefer not to incur. Do you have any cost-effective options to bring up to my pool builder?

 

[jesse-99]

The $2706 for pump and install with piping seems pretty reasonable to me. You don't need a filter on it that pump, I'd consider that optional. I have 6 pump (1 filter, 5 water features), and I only have filters on 2 of them in total which is plenty. My $.02.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

There is no other way to separate out the water features from the spa, without a second pump. The sheers have to pull and return water to the pool, the spa has to pull and return water to the spa. This physically cannot happen with a single suction/return setup.

I have a setup similar to this, where my deck jets, bubblers, and scuppers are all on a separate features pump. No filter for the features. I actually had to replumb my scuppers to be on this pump as the PB installed the scuppers off of the filter pump and I found out the hard way that I could not run my scuppers while running the spa.

My PB used the exact same pump for both features and filter, so I am fortunate that if I ever have an issue with my filter pump, I can always swap over the features pump until I can get parts.

--Jeff

 

[Ahultin]

My PB used the exact same pump for both features and filter, so I am fortunate that if I ever have an issue with my filter pump, I can always swap over the features pump until I can get parts.

My feature pump is also the same model as my circulation pump and I would strongly suggest this as it probably won't add much cost but has great benefit as @Turbo1Ton mentioned

 

[Jimrahbe]

Well Luv,

I think most sheer descents require a filter.. Regular open style waterfalls do not, but the thin openings in the sheers need a filter.

In my opinion, it is good money wasted.. After the fun wears off the sheers will be so loud that you won't run them except to impress your guests.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Jim doesn't like water features. I run my bubblers and scuppers all day every weekend during the pool season. I like the noise they provide, as they drown out ambient noise from the roads nearby. So I suppose that might play into it. The deck jets were for the kids, and I hate them. I wouldn't install them again. Way too noisy.

Sheers may require filtration, I don't know. My scuppers have large openings, so filtration is not necessary.

--Jeff

 

[AustinSec]

So I had a similar setup with a single pump. The worst part was to get enough flow out of the falls and bubblers the pump had to be on max which was a waste, else I could manually close valves which was a pain.

I had my cleaner portal capped off a good while back when the filter broke. I ended up using that line as my input and covered with a grate to keep little ones body/parts from being trapped. I then put a single speed $129 pump with 8800/gph and re-plumbed the return to falls and bubblers. Added a check valve to keep water close to pump to take dry run time down. And added a 1.5tee with 3/4 threaded female port to accommodate a $10 solenoid valve attached to my water hose to automate water fill. Been rocking ever since. I do not have a filter on it. There’s always a way cheaper option. It’s just a matter of integration and want to.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jim doesn't like water features.

Jeff,

I agree it might seem like it, but I do like the 'look' of most water features, I just don't think that most people understand what the sound of Niagara falls in their backyard is going to sound like.

My pull it out of my rear, absolutely no proof, estimate is that 50% of pool owners with water features don't actually use them much after the first year. I think it is something to be considered when building a pool, especially before spending thousands of dollars on water feature that you might not use.

I think a lot of pools, including mine, would be different, if we all had a new-build-mulligan.

Non-pool related case in point... My wife has a little Lexus hard-top convertible. First year, the top was down at least once a week. Second year it was down about once a month, third year, about 3 times. I am not sure if it was down in 2022 at all.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Turbo1Ton]

Jeff,

I agree it might seem like it, but I do like the 'look' of most water features, I just don't think that most people understand what the sound of Niagara falls in their backyard is going to sound like.

My pull it out of my rear, absolutely no proof, estimate is that 50% of pool owners with water features don't actually use them much after the first year. I think it is something to be considered when building a pool, especially before spending thousands of dollars on water feature that you might not use.

I think a lot of pools, including mine, would be different, if we all had a new-build-mulligan.

Non-pool related case in point... My wife has a little Lexus hard-top convertible. First year, the top was down at least once a week. Second year it was down about once a month, third year, about 3 times. I am not sure if it was down in 2022 at all.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Had to give you some grief.

It's a fair point to be made. It's definitely one of the reasons I single out my deck jets when explaining them to people considering them. I had no idea they were so stinking noisy!

I like the new build mulligan idea. How can we make that a thing?

And I'll bet you are probably pretty close to correct on your estimation.

--Jeff