Raleigh, NC · 2024
Stonebridge Falls
Natural rock waterfall pool with grotto & boulder accents
The Story
The Stonebridge homeowners dreamed of a natural swimming hole — a pool that looks like it was carved by nature, with a boulder waterfall cascading into a lagoon-style basin. We sourced Tennessee fieldstone and built a custom waterfall with a hidden grotto behind the cascade.
The Challenge
Creating a natural-looking waterfall that actually works as a pool feature requires precise hydraulic engineering. The flow rate, drop height, and basin depth all affect both aesthetics and swimmer safety.
Our Solution
We built a reinforced concrete core disguised by natural boulders, with a custom-sized pump producing 80 gallons per minute over a 6-foot drop. The grotto behind the falls is large enough for two people to sit on a hidden bench.
16 weeks
Build Time
20×35 ft
Pool Size
Waterfall + Grotto + Pool
Features
2,200 sq ft
Total Area
Construction Timeline
From ground to glory.
Site Assessment
A large flat backyard with mature trees along the fence line. The homeowners wanted to feel like they were swimming in a mountain stream.
Excavation
Freeform lagoon shape excavated along with a raised mound for the waterfall structure. Boulders delivered and staged for the rock work.
Steel & Plumbing
Rebar grid for the pool plus a separate reinforced core for the waterfall structure. Dedicated waterfall pump plumbing run with 3-inch supply line.
Shotcrete & Rock Work
Pool shell shotcreted first, then the waterfall core. Tennessee fieldstone boulders set into wet shotcrete to create the natural rock face and hidden grotto.
Waterfall & Tile
Waterfall weir installed and flow calibrated. Pebble pool finish applied for a natural lagoon look. Water tested for splash pattern and adjusted.
Boulders & Landscaping
Accent boulders placed around the pool edge, tropical plantings installed between the rocks, and underwater lighting positioned to illuminate the waterfall at night.
Final Reveal
Water cascading over natural boulders, the grotto hidden behind the falls, underwater lights creating a lagoon glow. Stonebridge Falls is a backyard paradise.
The Transformation
Before & After
BeforeAfter
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