Artificial Rock Waterfalls
Arched and curtain-style waterfalls, from intimate cascades to dramatic grotto falls, sculpted to suit your pool and landscape.
Artificial rock repair
Artificial Rock Repair in San Diego
Artificial rock repair restores faded, cracked or poorly built rock waterfalls and pool rockwork through structural repair, retexturing and recoloring. Artificial Rock Contractors repairs and renovates rock features for pools across San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties.
- Over two decades of experience
- Licensed & insured
- Free consultation & estimate
Waterfall repair
Rock features fade, crack and wear. We bring them back.
Pools with rock features have real character, but rockwork is prone to fading, cracking and other damage over time. Colors and finishes fade, and rain and pool water can corrode waterfall components until fake rock cracks or falls apart, sometimes leaving large rust streaks along the side of the pool.
If your waterfall was built with gunite or shotcrete and doesn’t look the way it should, our crew can retexture it using patterns made from genuine rock formations. If it has never worked correctly, we can help with that too.
Refurbishing services
Repair, retexture and recolor.
Artificial rock repainting
UV light, rain and pool water degrade rock color over time; brighter browns, golds and greens fade faster than grays or creams.
Fake rock repair
Repairs for major fractures and breaks, corroded rebar, concrete deterioration and plumbing leaks.
Retexturing
Reshaping, resizing and edging to make tired or unnatural rock look like genuine stone again.
Leaks & seepage
Seepage at rock joints and water loss with no visible fractures.
Watercourse damage
Repair of damaged rock surfaces where water runs over the feature.
Calcium deposits
Treatment of calcium deposits in mortar joints and other buildup on rockwork.
Warning signs
White, chalky streaks are more than a cosmetic problem.
If you see white efflorescence running down or bursting out of your rocks, it’s time to plan a repaint. The chalky powder may look like a cosmetic issue, but it is often a sign of moisture getting in from beneath the rock.
Why many rock waterfalls fail
Many pool waterfalls were built with steel rebar covered by metal lath, then a thick layer of gunite (sand, portland cement and water sprayed under high pressure). The lath keeps the gunite from fully encasing the rebar, so water running over the feature rusts it away over a few years and leaves the rock without enough structural support. Rock below the waterline corrodes even faster.
Another common problem is a stucco-like cement coating applied over gunite without dampening the surfaces first. Without a strong bond, the layers can delaminate, especially in Southern California’s hot, dry weather.
Our approach
Honest advice first, then lasting repairs.
01
Assess
We evaluate the current condition of your rock features and advise you on the best course of action, which may or may not include hiring us.
02
Repair the structure
Fractures and fissures are repaired so the rock feature is structurally sound and watertight.
03
Retexture & recolor
Concrete staining, restoration and recoloring bring back a natural, weathered finish. We are licensed, insured and stand by our work.
Explore more
Related artificial rock services
Artificial Rock Pools
Rock-edged pools with waterfalls, caves, jump rocks, ledges and faux-rock coping, designed as a natural extension of your home.
Artificial Rock Water Features
Custom ponds, fountains, grottos and waterfalls, built with efficient variable-speed pumps and recycled water.
Service area
Serving San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties.
Artificial Rock Contractors designs and builds residential and commercial artificial rock projects throughout San Diego County, Orange County and Riverside County.
San Diego County
Orange County
Riverside County
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Can you repair or recolor an existing rock waterfall?
Yes. We repair, retexture and recolor faded, cracked or poorly constructed rock waterfalls and pool rockwork, including features built with gunite or shotcrete.
What causes white streaks on artificial rock?
White, chalky efflorescence is often a sign of moisture getting in from beneath the rock. It usually means it’s time to repaint, and the cause should be checked.
Why is my rock waterfall cracking or rusting?
Many waterfalls were built with metal lath over rebar, which prevents gunite from fully encasing the steel. Water then corrodes the steel, weakening the rock and causing rust streaks.
Do you fix leaks in rock features?
Yes. We handle seepage at rock joints, water loss with no visible fractures and damage to rock surfaces in the watercourse.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Artificial Rock Contractors is licensed and insured, and we stand by our work.