Help w Spa Spillway/Waterfall (water keeps going off sides)

2 years ago

We recently contracted with a local pool builder to construct a spa beside our existing pool. All seems fine, except for the spillway design.

Builder suggested a spillway from side of spa off a single slab of bluestone/flagstone? to create a waterfall/sheet effect into pool. (There are no side channels or guides to direct water off the end, but builder said none needed.)
Problem is that water keeps running off the side of the slab/spillway.
Increasing rate/flow of water doesn't help. He's been back a few times to adjust the angle? of the slab, but it hasn't helped.
(photos attached)

I'd be super grateful for any advice/assistance! I'm not very familiar with industry jargon, terms, etc but will do my best to answer questions and provide any further info that might be helpful to figure out a solution.
Many thanks!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Mystic Pools, LLC

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

The spillway needs side pieces. It also should have extended a few inches beyond the front edge of the coping below to ensure water drops to the pool below.

Some construction adhesive for stone and masonry application and a couple of clamps used for carpentry will keep the pieces in place until they are cured. Of course, don't run any water until so.

The pieces do not need to be the same thickness as the spillway. They should be a couple inches higher than the existing spillway. Where the pieces intersect with the spa wall, a little colored grout will allow for blending.

The flow can be adjusted to allow water to reach the pool.

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Comments (7)

auntthelma
2 years ago
I wonder if a line of appoxy on either side would work.
M O thanked auntthelma
Jean
2 years ago
Just an idea: Sand off the middle ever so slightly so that the edges are higher. Not enough to create a noticeable dip, just enough to keep the water contained.
M O thanked Jean
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PRO
Debbi Washburn
2 years ago
I don't really know about this stuff, but I did find this picture online - maybe it can help?

Maybe it could be shorter so it doesn't stick out as far?

Or is there a narrow stone piece that could create a lip on each side?

Good luck!
M O thanked Debbi Washburn
M O
Original Author
2 years ago
From my research so far, it seems like best solution is one that addresses the surface tension of the water. (During high school physics class, I always wondered "Why do I need to know this stuff??" And now I wish I'd paid more attention.)

Hopefully a pool/spa construction expert and/or or someone who has experience building water features can offer some guidance. We'd prefer to not add anything to the spillway slab if possible....though maybe an undercut channel could help??
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
The spillway is too short and as said now needs sides just as Mystic said
chispa
2 years ago
I have 2 fire/water bowls and the "spillway" has sides and works as designed. Water does not splash on coping. The pool builder adjusted the volume so the water forms a "V" as it hits the pool surface.