Reflecting Pools

and Fountains
February 2020

CEU 280
Continuing Education from the
American Society of Plumbing Engineers
ASPE.ORG/ReadLearnEarn
 READ, LEARN, EARN: Reflecting Pools and Fountains

Note: In determining your answers to the CE questions, use only the material presented in the corresponding continuing education article. Using information from other
materials may result in a wrong answer.

Reflecting Pools and Fountains

Reprint from Plumbing Engineer Design Handbook - Volume 3, Chapter 5.
All rights reserved.

This chapter provides the information a plumbing engineer or designer needs when a client wants to install a water feature in their project.
The client might be the owner, architect, or landscape architect, and the water feature might be indoors, outdoors, or both. The designer’s
responsibilities might be limited to plumbing and sewer design, or they could include other disciplines.
In the first meeting with the client, the plumbing engineer must determine:
• What visual effect the client expects
• If the client wants to add sound to the space or minimize sound in the space (i.e., add sound to mask other noises or minimize sound
from the water feature in the case of a restaurant or library)
• If the client expects the existing maintenance personnel to service the water feature or if they will contract with an outside mainte-
nance service
• If the budget will allow automatic chemical water treatment equipment or if hand-broadcasting of the chemicals will be utilized
The following information will help a plumbing engineer provide a simple design, but in more complicated cases, a swimming pool and/
or water feature consultant is usually called in to provide not only the vessel design, but also the pump, filtration, and chemical dosing equip-
ment designs. In such cases, the plumbing engineer will be required to provide a protected water supply and drainage points to the consultant
and should coordinate with the consultant to ascertain the flow rates to be supplied and drained.

LOCATING THE EQUIPMENT

The next step is to determine where the equipment will be placed. To allow the use of flooded end-suction pumps, locating the equipment in
a room in the building—preferably 2 feet (0.61 m) below the level of the water feature—is preferred. A less efficient, more costly, and nosier
option is self-priming pumps, which have limits on their lift. A building may not even exist or might be so far away that placing the equipment
therein would not be practical. (Several hundred feet away is usually not a problem.)
In projects with a tight budget, the water feature might need to use submersible pumps. If that is the case, the pump selection should be
limited to high-quality bronze or plastic submersible pumps that are UL listed for fountains. Filtration cannot be used in such cases unless the
water feature contains a very small amount of water. High quality, submersible pumps typically last about five to seven years before needing
to be replaced, whereas flooded end-suction pumps can last 20 to 25 years, with only the pump seals needing periodic replacement.
Some decorative pool and fountain equipment manufacturers offer prepackaged, pre-assembled units containing a submersible pump in
a number of UL-listed capacities as well as the necessary electrical junction boxes and drain valves, with all of the equipment concealed in a
prefabricated box assembly with a grate to cover the opening.

Using the Building’s Mechanical Area for Fountain Equipment

Installing the required equipment in a building’s mechanical area is ideal for a number of reasons:
• Maintenance personnel are more apt to perform their work if the equipment is easily accessible.
• The equipment cost is less than that of furnishing the equipment in an underground vault since the costs of the vault and its instal-
lation are eliminated.
• The utilities that must be connected to the equipment are in close proximity to the equipment, thereby shortening pipe runs.
• The cost of developable real estate limits the use of dedicated mechanical space for water feature equipment.
Many decorative pool and fountain equipment manufacturers provide equipment skids with all of the required equipment mounted and
pre-plumbed on the skid (see Figure 5-1). Usually the equipment skids are no more than 30 inches (0.76 m) wide so they will fit through a
3-foot (0.91-m) door buck. In some situations, more than one skid might be required—one for the water display and another for the filtra-
tion equipment.
Oxidizing disinfection equipment such as a bromine or chlorine feeder should not be located in the same area as the fountain equipment.
When the tablets become moist, they tend to emit a gas that, when combined with water, forms an acid that will quickly cause electrical
contacts to deteriorate and also create a hazardous environment for service personnel. This also applies if a vault outside the building is used

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to house the equipment. Usually, a separate mini-vault or container is Figure 5-1  Pre-Plumbed Equipment Skid
provided to house the bromine or chlorine feeder.
The equipment that might be housed in the mechanical area includes:
• Silver ion generator system
• UL-listed electrical panel in a sealed enclosure such as a NEMA
4X-rated enclosure
• Wind control device (with the anemometer mounted externally)
• Display pump
• Filtration system (either cartridge or some media such as silica
sand or diatomaceous earth)
• Timers for lighting, the water display, and filtration (either
mechanical or electronic)
• Pump strainers, valves, etc.
The space should be ventilated by means of an exhaust fan with
a minimum capacity of 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.14 m3/min)
per horsepower of the display pump, with 300 cfm (8.49 m3/min) as
a minimum in the case of a small display pump. A small pit (about 1
cubic foot [0.03 m3]) with a 4-inch (101.6-mm) open drain to waste
should be included to receive the filtration discharge or excess water
if the piping or pumps fail. Where chemical dosing is utilized, ensure
that a plumbed eyewash fixture with a tempered potable water supply
is provided for safety.
Many times, a building owner might place the equipment in a garage area, in which case it can be separated from the public space by a
chain-link fence with a lock on the gate. Equipment should be protected from freezing in areas subject to freezing conditions.
Using a Subterranean Vault for the Fountain Equipment
A below-grade vault may be used to house the fountain equipment and the site electrical equipment. The vault must include a hatch or a work-
able and lockable door for access, an interior light, a sump pump, and an access ladder. If site electrical equipment is installed in the vault, a
number of code requirements in addition to the plumbing codes must be followed.
The underground vault should be built with a concrete floor, either reinforced concrete block or precast, as well as poured-in-place concrete
walls. It should be large enough to allow code-mandated clearances around the equipment.
Pre-plumbed vaults with all of the above-mentioned devices pre-installed are available (see Figure 5-2). These vaults are structurally certified
and come with stainless steel wire hold-downs to anchor the vault to the concrete slab on which it sits. They come with features such as stain-
less steel access doors or a hatch with ventilation,
eliminating the requirement for additional round Figure 5-2  Equipment Vault
Source: The Fountain People Inc.
ductwork for the vault’s ventilation. They also have
interior lights, an exhaust fan, sump pump, ladder,
UL-listed electrical panel in the required NEMA
enclosure, and the necessary valves.
In situations where both the site electrical and
the fountain equipment will be placed in an under-
ground vault, it may be beneficial to utilize more
than one vault (depending on the required size of
the equipment being installed), thereby separating
the site electrical equipment from the fountain
equipment. In such a situation, the vault with the
fountain equipment would include the fountain’s
electrical panel. The vaults should have flat flange
connectors on the exterior to prevent the need for
penetrations to be created in the field.
Some systems, depending on the sophistication required, can have remote devices that send signals into the building, dial a particular
telephone number, or e-mail a building automation or monitoring system to notify personnel that the filter needs to be backwashed or that
the chemicals are out of balance.
It is important for the individual specifying the vault to require a licensed structural engineer to certify the vault, as well as a licensed
electrical engineer to ensure that all electrical items installed in the vault are UL listed.

SIZING THE DISPLAY PUMP

The basic calculation to size the pump uses the required gallons per minute (gpm) per nozzle and maximum feet of head to establish the
requirement for the nozzles in the display, if any.

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If the feature contains any weirs due to a water wall, waterfall, or multiple levels, the lineal footage of the weir and the thickness over the
weir must be determined using the Francis formula:
Equation 5-1
Q = 3.33(L − 0.2H)H1.5
where
Q = Water flow rate, cubic feet per second (cfs)
L = Length of weir opening, ft (typically four to eight times H)
H = Head on the weir, ft

If the horizontal distance from the back of the weir edge to the front is extensive, keep in mind that the width of the flow will diminish
slightly by the time it reaches the front weir edge. Also consider any losses due to pipes, valves, and possible abnormal changes in direction.
Applying these three considerations will provide the pump gpm and head requirement, which will help the designer select the required
pump. Then the electrical power required for the pump can be determined. (The various controls and lights would be added to determine
the full electrical load.)
Once the pump and electrical requirements are determined, then the vault dimensions, if using a vault, or the floor area, if the equipment
is being located in a mechanical room, can be sized.

SAFETY
Safety is a primary factor in the design and cannot be sacrificed to accomplish any desired effect or cost-cutting.
While electrical safety should be obvious, certain plumbing-related items also must be addressed carefully. For instance, extreme suction
pressure at return openings on either the fountain pool bottom or sidewall has caused injury and even death in some prominent water features.
It is wise to add additional suction fittings where the suction levels approach near-high levels to reduce the suction pressure and the size of
each opening.
Water depth is another item to scrutinize carefully. In many jurisdictions, water 24 inches (0.61 m) or deeper must follow the swimming pool
code. As such depths can be a hazard for small children and animals, the tendency today is to keep water levels shallow to minimize liability
issues. A water feature with a pool at the bottom or lowest level can be accomplished with a 16-inch (0.4-m) depth or less. Many of today’s
designs are just a wet surface, with the water going to a reservoir—either a tank or one formed of concrete—hidden from view. Minimum
water depths also benefit chemical treatment. The illusion of depth may be achieved by painting the pool and all of the devices therein black.
If a water feature appears to be one that either people or small animals might enter, governing approval bodies are erring on the safe side
and labeling them as “interactive.”

CODES AND STANDARDS

In most states, the water feature design must be submitted to the health services department, which might mandate or at least strongly suggest
conformity to the swimming pool code. Unfortunately, states differ in their water treatment requirements, and some states offer only guide-
lines, not mandated codes, to follow. It is strongly recommended to determine the local requirements, if any, prior to beginning the design.
A number of design architects and landscape architects, either on their own or directed by owners, are dictating that the Virginia Graeme
Baker Pool and Spa Safety (VGB) Act be implemented in their designs. This act is so sweeping in nature that it is retroactive in certain re-
spects. Under the act, many fountains that are purely decorative in design are being subjected to local health codes. Additionally, the VGB
Act supersedes any state law or rule regarding the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any suction outlet cover that does not meet ASME
A112.19.8 (2007): Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs or subsequent editions.
In addition to the VGB Act, many governing bodies also request the use of UV systems for both aquatic playgrounds and interactive
fountains.

MATERIALS
The use of ferrous materials for both plumbing and electrical piping and fittings should be avoided as ferrous (iron or steel) materials will
deteriorate and cause discoloration in the water feature. If pipe runs are very long, the material may be changed outside the actual water
feature, but a dielectric fitting must be used to prevent electrolysis, which can cause deterioration of the two different materials at the joint.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), CPVC, copper, and brass are the most common pipe materials used. If plastic pipe will be buried, follow the
pipe manufacturer’s recommendations for underground installation to minimize the chance of it being crushed during backfill.

SYSTEM DEVICES IN POOLS AND MECHANICAL AREAS

The fountain pool, if the design indicates one or more, should have a return sump with a diverter plate going to the display pump suction
line (see Figure 5-3). This should be placed in the lowest pool if more than one pool is included.
An overflow fitting is mandatory. It may be placed in the pool floor, in the sidewalls individually, or in combination with water level sen-
sors (see Figure 5-4) or drain plugs.
A water level control, either mechanical or electronic, is a beneficial device. If mechanical, the water fill will be located at the sidewall
device. The mechanical device is a modified version of a toilet float in combination with a discharge that is made to fit in a sidewall niche,

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Figure 5-3  Combination Suction Figure 5-4  Combination Overflow and Figure 5-5  Mechanical Sidewall Niche
Sump Pump and Discharge Plate Water Level Sensor Assembly
Source: The Fountain People Inc. Source: The Fountain People Inc. Source: The Fountain People Inc.

hidden by a brass plate set out slightly from the wall to allow water into the niche (see Figure 5-5). If
electronic, a sensor must be placed in the lowest pool either independently or in a combination sidewall Figure 5-6  Surface
device, both of which send a low-voltage signal to a solenoid valve in the mechanical area that causes Skimmer Fitting
water to flow in a pipe and fill the pool to its pre-established level. Source: The Fountain People Inc.

A backflow prevention device must be placed in line with the fill pipe. The type shall be designated
by the local code or the national plumbing code if that is the prevailing code in the area.
Other devices that may be placed in the sidewall include a surface skimmer (see Figure 5-6) that
connects to the suction side of the filtration pump and an eyeball fitting (see Figure 5-7) that connects
to the discharge side of the filtration pump.
An adjustable diverter plate (see Figure 5-8) may be inserted in the pool floor to allow the ability
to fine-tune the discharge from the display pump. This may be a better option than closing the pump
display discharge valve, which can shorten the pump’s life by running it with too much backpressure.
Many designs consist of a small wet surface with the water going to a reservoir, which could be
either a tank or a reservoir formed of concrete and hidden from view.

CONCLUSION
A water feature’s pipe sizing and layout do not differ essentially from basic plumbing systems. A good Figure 5-7  Eyeball
source of information is a high-quality fountain equipment manufacturer. The manufacturers or their Fitting
representatives are in a good position to provide accurate information for various options. Source: The Fountain People Inc.

Figure 5-8  Adjustable

Diverter Inlet Fitting
Source: The Fountain People Inc.

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ASPE Read, Learn, Earn Continuing Education

You may submit your answers to the following questions online at aspe.org/ReadLearnEarn. If you score 90 percent or higher on the test, you will be notified
that you have earned 0.1 CEU, which can be applied toward CPD or CPDT recertification or numerous regulatory-agency CE programs. (Please note that it is your
responsibility to determine the acceptance policy of a particular agency.) CEU information will be kept on file at the ASPE office for three years.

Expiration date: Continuing education credit will be given for this examination through February 28, 2021.

Thank you to Jonathan Franzese, PE, PEng, CPD of the Seattle Chapter for authoring this month’s quiz.

CE Questions — “Reflecting Pools and Fountains” (CEU 280)

1. To allow for the use of flooded end-suction pumps, the pump needs to be 7. In many jurisdictions, a water feature must be designed to the swimming
located how far below the waterline? pool code if its depth exceeds how many inches?
a. 6 inches a. 8 inches
b. 1 foot b. 14 inches
c. 2 feet c. 18 inches
d. 4 feet d. 24 inches

2. Flooded end suction pumps typically last how long before needing to be 8. Which code/standard should be followed when selecting a suction outlet
replaced? cover?
a. 2 to 3 years a. ASME A112.19.8
b. 5 to 7 years b. NSF 61
c. 20 to 25 years c. NEC
d. 50 to 60 years d. UL

3. Pre-packaged pump equipment skids should usually be less than how 9. What type of piping material should be avoided for piping and fittings
wide? when designing a water feature?
a. 24 inches a. Copper
b. 30 inches b. Ferrous
c. 48 inches c. PVC
d. 60 inches d. Brass

4. Mechanical rooms housing water feature equipment shall be ventilated 10. Which material should be avoided for use in a vault containing
at a rate of 5cfm per horsepower of the pump, but shall be sized at a equipment for the water feature due to its structural integrity?
minimum flow of how many cfm? a. Fiberglass
a. 150cfm b. Steel
b. 300cfm c. Precast Concrete
c. 400cfm d. Cast-in-place Concrete
d. 1000cfm
11. Fountain pools shall have a return sump and the display pump suction
5. Below grade vaults housing equipment shall be provided with a hatch, line should be provided with what?
an interior light, a sump pump, and what else? a. Diverter Plate
a. Access ladder b. Level Sensor
b. Relief vent c. Water Fill Connection
c. Workbench d. Overflow fitting
d. Hosebibb
12. Fountain pools fill lines shall be provided with what?
6. If the water feature contains a weir, the display pump shall be sized using a. Flow Sensor
which formula? b. Check Valve
a. Manning c. Backflow Prevention Device
b. Bernoulli d. Shutoff Valve
c. Darcy -Weisbach
d. Francis

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