Liner Ponds and Pondless Waterfalls - An Asset or Liability by Douglas Hoover

The first "pondless" waterfall was designed and built in Fallbrook, California in the early 1980's, long before the advent of rubber or PVC pond liners. However, that particular design was referred to as a "childproof waterfall" with its descriptive name lending a better definition of its function and purpose.

This design was the result of solving the enormous liability issues related to small children drowning in bodies of standing water such as swimming pools and ponds. The client wanted a waterfall in his front yard; however, there was no possibility for a pond due to the topography and space restrictions. In addition, building codes restricted pond depths to 18 inches, unless all of the code requirements were satisfied, such as bordering the body of water with a 6 foot fence, a special gate requirement, and door alarms, to name just a few.

The client also stressed to me t ... Read more »