A Waterfall ...

Pump Section - Water is supplied via a main line and inlet (1), which is controlled by a gate valve for
initial filling at the pool. A centrifugal end pump (2) re circulates water through a butterfly valve (3) for
adjustment to diverter plates (4) located in the upper pool which evenly spread the water for smooth flow
over the weir (waterfall). Water from the lower pool is returned to the pump via an anti-vortex plates (5),
butterfly isolation valve (6), and strainer (7), for removal of coarse material and protection of the pump.
Filter Section - Water is filtered by a sand filter (8), which includes a self-priming pump independent from
the main fountain group. Water is returned through a gate isolation valve (9) and, adjustable inlets (10),
which can be directed to create turbulence in desired areas. Water enters the filter via an anti-vortex plate
(11), surface skimmer (12), and a vacuum fitting (13); all connected to a manifold (14). Each of these lines
has an isolation gate valve. The manifold is connected to the strainer on a small self-priming pump which re
circulates the water from the pool through the filter. Chemical addition is accomplished by use of a small
metering pump (15) on a tank which supplies hypochlorite solution. An overflow drain (16) is set to
eliminate rainwater, etc., to prevent overflow. The pool can be drained via the floor drain (17), which is
controlled by a valve in the valve box.
Electrical Control Section - An electronic water makeup control replaces water lost to evaporation,
splashing, etc. This sensor (19) and control (20) actuates a solenoid valve (21) on the main water line to
maintain water level. Probes in the sensor are set to detect high and low water limits. The underwater
lighting fixtures (22) are base mounted and connected to an underwater junction box (23) by underwater
cable. The junction box is conduit-connected to the control box (24), and completely potted to prevent
leakage. The fixtures contain integral low water cutoffs. The lights are controlled by a timer or sequencer.
The main control box (24) houses the timers for valves and pump operation, light controls, and water
makeup controls. In addition, it is the center for power distribution to various components and contains
circuit breakers, fuses, motor starters, etc.
This diagram illustrates the circuits and components commonly used in the daily operation of a typical waterfall; including a centrifugal flooded end pump, a filtration and
water treatment system, underwater lighting and the necessary electronic sensors and controls.

Fountain Design - Engineering and Conversion Data

Quick Conversion Factors

Pipe Flow Guide

Multiply
By

Convert
Into

Pipe sizes and capacities are those recommended as

good practice for fluid velocities on hydronic
applications.

USGPM

.0631

Litres/second

Pipe Size Flow usgpm

USGPM

3.785

Litres/minute

USGPM

227.3

Litres/sec.

Convert From

Flow
Pipe Size

Flow usgpm

1 1/2"

10 - 25

5"

200 - 500

Litres/hour

2"

20 - 50

6"

330 - 800

15.85

USGPM

3"

55 - 135

8"

700 - 1300

Litres/min.

.264

USGPM

4"

115 - 275

10"

1250 - 1750

Litres/hour

.0044

USGPM

Cu Ft/sec.

448.83

USGPM

Cu M/min

264.2

USGPM

Pressure

Waterfall Requirements
(per lineal foot)

Spill

gpm

maximum
fall height

PSI

6.895

KPA

PSI

2.310

Ft. Head

0.1"

1"

KPA

.145

PSI

0.2"

10

3"

KPA

.334

Ft. Head

0.3"

15

4"

Ft. Head

2.990

KPA

0.4"

20

5"

Ft. Head

0.433

PSI

0.5"

25

6"

Ft. Head

0.305

Metric Head

0.6"

30

7"

Ft. Head

3.280

Ft. Head

0.7"

35

8"

0.8"

40

8.5"

0.9"

45

9"

1.0"

50

10"

Volume
U.S. Gals.

231.0

Cu. In.

U.S. Gals

.1337

Cu. Ft

U.S. Gals

3.785

Litres

U.S. Gals

.0038

Cu. Metres

Litres

.2642

U.S. Gals

Litres

.0353

Cu. Ft.

Cu. Metres

35.311

Cu. Ft

Cu. Metres

264.2

U.S. Gals

Cu. Ft

7.48

U.S. Gals

Cu. Ft

28.329

Litres

Example : To determine the gpm requirements to a 10

ft. long waterfall with a 3 ft. fall height; specified with
0.3" spill thickness, multiply 10 x 15 = 150 gpm

Note : Turbulent water may require greater flow. Lower pool should be approximately
two times larger than upper pool to handle start-up and shut-down variables.

Cu. Ft

0.028

Cu. Metres

US Gals

8.35

Lbs.

Litres

2.2

Lbs.

Cu. Ft of water

62.46

Lbs.

Cu. M. water

22.06

Lbs.

Inches

2.54

Centimeters

Feet

.3048

Metres

Metres

39.37

Inches

Metres

3.28

Feet

HP

.746

Kilowatts

HP

745.7

Watts

Kilowatts

1.34

HP

GPM (60 cy)

.80

GPM (50 cy)

Head (60 cy)

.60

GPM (50 cy)

LBS

0.453

Weight

Length

Horsepower

US Pump
Charts

4.448

KGS
LBS