Noise of 3 large Sheer Descent Waterfalls

[CACatsandkids]

Hi,

We are beginning our pool dig in a week. We have a 16 foot long wall elevated 18 inches above the water. Hubby really wants 3 four foot sheer descents but I think that will be too loud and would rather have 3 three foot sheer descents. I am worried not only about noise and look of it, but have also been reading how the pH will increase and feel like 12 feet of falls is a lot for this reason too. I want to run when we are in the backyard (not just when we are using the pool) to enjoy the soothing sound of water falling. I don’t want a Niagara Falls effect, in looks or in sound.

My husband doesn’t think 3 will be enough (9 feet total) for such a long wall.

Feedback from anyone? What do you think will look better? Sound better? Maybe I’m wrong here and hubby is right! Also what type of pumps/plumbing will we need for these? I want to make sure this is done right! Thanks!

 

[proavia]

Welcome to TFP!

You could always compromise at two 3' and one 4' sheer.
3' - 4' - 3' ---- 4' in the middle with the 3' ones on either side..

Whatever you decide, have each plumbed separately with its own high quality Jandy valve to allow balanci g out the flow or allowing each to be shut off separatelyfrom the others.

Post a detailed list of all your equipment and we can provide recommendations there as well.

Suggest you read thru Pool Care Basics and also have a look at some of our YouTube videos.

 

[mknauss]

From a pump standpoint, you will need a minimum of 1 gpm per inch. So you will need a dedicated pump, with its own suction and filter. With 3 - 4 foot descents, it likely will take a 5 hp VS pump. With 3 - 3 foot descents, you likely will get away with a standard 3 hp VS pump.

Be sure these are very well engineered with proper pipe sizing, etc.

They will be noisy, at least to me. We have two little deck jets. In 9 years, they have run at most 5 times for less than 5 minutes each time. Not worth it.

 

[ajw22]

I think good wired speakers and an outdoor sound system will give you adjustable sound effects you desire without the pH rise, cost, and unknowns if a 9’ waterfall will work for you.

 

[nuttyp]

Just another idea... Yes, you could design for maximum waterfall for hubby as @mknauss kindly explained. As the hubby/wife debate rages, couldn't you optionally, later, drastically slow the flow (via VS pump or just valves) to an ear-pleasing trickle? I suppose you might wonder if staining and/or calcium will appear on the rocks/tile along the falls, depending on the chosen surface. I mention the idea because I recently discovered the quieter version on my little 18" high spa overflow waterfall. I had liked it running full-bore for 3 years, it made some pleasant splashing sound, then I reduced flow to it (for other reasons) and now I like the quieter trickle better. In another case I helped a friend plumb a dedicated pump to a water fountain that shoots out of his spa and across the pool. He loved it but he likes to speak loudly, and I personally found it difficult to converse in the area. His wife convinced us to tone it down to about halfway - with valves and setting the pump to low speed. They probably still debate the issue, it being a matter of personal taste & preference. I do get ph rise even in my 16k gallon pool, as I add about 16oz muriatic acid per week due to that small waterfall with all other chemistry in balance. Ultimately, as @mknauss pointed out, you want control so you can change as needed without major rework.