Learn how to install an AWS Ultimate Grotto 1 Tier system.
This training video walks through the full installation sequence of an AWS One Tier Ultimate Grotto on a custom-engineered pool. The process begins with power-washing the pool beam, then dry-fitting, pinning, and cementing three wall panels — each secured with a stabilization bracket before lifting equipment is released. Top plates bridge the wall panels, the grotto top is dry-fitted and set in cement, and left and right waterfall panels complete the structure. The video closes with cement finishing, bonding, and plumbing tie-ins before handing off to landscape crews.
What You'll Learn
- Power wash the pool beam thoroughly before starting; dry-fit each wall panel to confirm fit and alignment, and mark all pin hole locations before drilling
- Install the AWS stabilization bracket on every panel before disconnecting the lifting crib — one bracket per wall panel, drilled into the pool shell
- Top plates are installed between each grotto wall panel using anchors drilled into the beam, then bolted down
- The grotto top (one-piece or two-piece depending on design) must be dry-fitted first to confirm alignment, then set in cement with careful leveling before releasing the lifting equipment
- Shear descents and plumbing are preinstalled in the AWS system; only one plumbing connection is required at the back of each waterfall panel
- Complete all cement work down to the tile line, connect bonding wires from each panel to the bonding loop per code, then tie in plumbing before releasing to landscape crews for loose boulders, topsoil, stone steps, and railing
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare the pool beam before installing AWS One Tier Grotto panels?
Power wash the pool beam thoroughly to remove all debris and dirt. Then dry-fit the first panel to confirm fit and alignment before marking all pin hole locations and drilling.
Why must stabilization brackets be installed before disconnecting the lifting equipment?
Each stabilization bracket is drilled into the pool shell and holds the panel in position while the cement cures. Releasing the lifting crib before the bracket is secured risks the panel shifting or falling.
Can the One Tier Ultimate Grotto use a two-piece grotto top?
Yes. While this video features a large one-piece 10 by 10 grotto top, some projects use a two-piece top depending on design requirements.
How many plumbing connections are required for each AWS waterfall panel?
Only one plumbing connection is required per waterfall panel, made at the rear. The grotto top waterfall is internally plumbed and requires two plumbing line connections at the backside.
What work is left after the structural installation of an AWS One Tier Ultimate Grotto?
After cement work, bonding, and plumbing are complete, the project is ready for landscape crews to install loose boulders, topsoil, stone steps, and railing.
Video transcript
Welcome to this AWS One Tier Ultimate Grotto training video. This pool was custom designed to accommodate the weight, layout, and engineering of this AWS Grotto system. Panels were delivered to the job site and staged for installation. Before beginning installation, stage all material and confirm proper lifting equipment is on-site. Ensure all crew members have reviewed the AWS safety rigging and lifting training videos.
First, prepare the pool beam. Power wash thoroughly to remove all debris and dirt. Dry fit the first panel into position to confirm fit and alignment. Mark all pinhole locations before drilling. Drill holes for the pins and prepare the beam surface.
Apply cement to the beam and set the first panel into place. Level the panel carefully. Before disconnecting lifting equipment, attach the AWS stabilization bracket system. Each panel must be secured with a stabilization bracket drilled into the shell. Also, add supplemental bracing as required for safety.
Install the second panel using the same process. Dry fit, mark pinholes, drill, apply cement, set, and level. Immediately secure the panel using the stabilization brackets before disconnecting the lifting crib. Install the third wall panel following the same steps. This project includes a side entrance, so one panel is smaller than the others.
At this stage, three stabilization brackets should be installed, one per wall panel. Install the top plates between each Grotto wall panel. Drill anchors in for each plate and bolt each plate down. Next, install the Grotto top. This project uses a one piece 10 by 10 Grotto top, which is large and heavy.
Some projects may use a two piece top depending on the design requirements. Lift the Grotto top using proper rigging equipment and guide straps to carefully position it. Dry fit the Grotto top first to confirm alignment and fit. Remove it after confirming placement. Apply cement to the top of the Grotto walls and reset the Grotto top into position.
Carefully level and verify proper alignment before releasing lifting equipment. Install the left side waterfall panel. Dry fit, mark holes if applicable, apply cement, set, and level. Shear descents and plumbing are preinstalled in the AWS system. Only one plumbing connection is required at the back of each waterfall panel.
Install the right side waterfall panel using the same process. These panels typically do not require pins and are secured directly in cement. Complete the cement work, point all joints between panels and underneath panels. Finish cement work down to the tile line. Connect bonding wires from each panel to the bonding loop and properly bond the system according to code.
Tie in plumbing connections. The Grotto Top waterfall is internally plumbed. Connect the two plumbing lines at the backside. Each side waterfall requires one plumbing tie in. Once plumbing and bonding are complete, the structural installation is finished.
The project is now ready for the landscape crews to complete the landscape work such as loose boulders, topsoil, stone steps, and railing installation. Thank you for your interest in Advanced Waterfall Systems. Give us a call if you have any questions.