How to Build an Interior Waterfall
- 1). Locate an electrical outlet on the wall you've selected for your indoor waterfall. Hook up the circulating water pump and test it out to make certain it works. Attach a length of rubber tubing to the pump that extends to the height you have chosen for the zenith of your indoor waterfall.
- 2). Waterproof the wall by sealing it with a commercial sealant or replace drywall with waterproof wallboard to protect the area. Tack down plastic sheeting or use underlayment to protect the floor. Seal all seams to create a waterproof environment for the entire installation. Allow the materials to bond.
- 3). Place the prefabricated collection pool on the floor. Use glue or caulk to attach it to the wall and floor surface. Overlay the pool with a rubber pool liner and secure the two with clips to hold the liner in place.
- 4). Situate the pump and tubing into the floor of the pool. Position it against the wall/floor intersection. Measure up the wall to the zenith of the waterfall. Carefully tack brackets into place to hold the rubber tubing. Feed the length of the tube up the wall and extend the mouth of the tube out at least 6 inches. Check the line to make certain there are no kinks that will obstruct the flow of the water.
- 5). Begin stacking and attaching rocks to the wall with glue or spackle, beginning at the bottom so the lip of the collection pool is concealed. Build up the wall, arranging rocks in natural, irregular patterns. Keep the rubber tubing exposed. Move to the exterior periphery of the pool, securing the area with rocks until you have disguised the construction materials. Use modeling clay to obscure the rubber tubing. Press small rocks into the clay--this will allow you access to the tubing if there's a break or blockage. Allow the finished structure to settle for a day or so.
- 6). Decorate the waterfall with greenery---either silk or live plants that adapt well to indoor light. Turn the pump to the lowest setting and test the flow. Increase the setting until you experience a leisurely fall of water that spills over onto the rocks and falls into the circulating pool.
- 7). Set up a regular schedule of cleaning to inhibit mold or mildew build-up. Consider a commercial additive to keep the water free of bacteria for a healthier environment.