Company History

Advanced Waterfall Systems (AWS) is a national waterfall manufacturing and engineering company that transforms high-end, natural-stone water features into repeatable, shippable systems that any competent contractor can install—without needing prior waterfall-building experience.

The Origin Story

AWS was founded by Chuck Rienzi, whose journey began at age 15 cutting neighbors’ lawns. His landscaping venture financed a business degree from Rutgers University. After nearly two decades building ponds and water features, Chuck recognized an opportunity to specialize exclusively in waterfalls, founding Aquatic Artists in 2003.

From Field Experience to Manufacturing Innovation

Over 25+ years, Aquatic Artists built hundreds of custom natural-stone waterfalls for pool builders throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This extensive field experience revealed a critical industry gap: while demand for resort-style waterfalls was growing nationwide, installation required specialized expertise that most contractors lacked.

In response, AWS was created as the product manufacturing division—turning decades of custom waterfall artistry into engineered, repeatable systems. The mission: enable any competent pool or landscape contractor to deliver professional-grade waterfall installations, regardless of their waterfall-building experience.

What Makes AWS Different

1. Engineered Systems, Not One-Off Art Projects

Every AWS waterfall is pre-designed, pre-engineered, and factory-tested before shipping. Built from four core components (waterfall panels, rock panels, grotto tops, and grotto walls), each system features 100% real stone exteriors with rebar-reinforced concrete structures designed to interlock perfectly and remain waterproof.

2. Factory-Built Quality Control

Unlike traditional on-site builds, every AWS system is fully assembled and test-run with water at our New Jersey facility. Flow is tuned, leaks are fixed, and waterproofing is verified in our shop—not in the homeowner’s yard. Systems are then marked, disassembled, palletized, and shipped anywhere in the country.

3. No Waterfall Experience Required

With hidden internal plumbing, detailed CAD plans, installation videos, and direct support, contractors can install resort-style waterfalls in as little as 2 hours (for Genesis kits) to 1-2 days (for larger custom systems). The art happens in our yard; the installation is like assembling engineered components.

Product Range

• Genesis Natural-Stone Kits: Standardized waterfalls (1.5-2′ tall, 6-8′ wide) that arrive on a pallet—running waterfall in approximately 2 hours
• Formal Systems: Modern, geometric features with LED sheers, fire bowls, and custom veneers
• Classic, Deluxe & Ultimate Custom Systems: Fully engineered projects from small waterfalls to massive grottos with slides, upper patios, and multiple falls

National Reach, Local Heritage

While AWS ships systems nationwide, we remain rooted in New Jersey with our 2-acre stone yard, fabrication facility, and design studio. Our team includes veteran project managers, a landscape architect for CAD documentation, and a full-time videographer creating installation resources for contractors across the country.

The AWS Advantage

Contractors partner with AWS because our systems deliver predictable profitability (example: buy for $10k, install in 1-2 days, sell for $20k-$25k), consistent quality, and minimal risk. With comprehensive documentation, training support, and waterproof-by-design engineering, waterfalls become one of the most profitable upgrades pool and landscape contractors can offer.