Learn how to install an AWS Ultimate Grotto 2 Tier Multi-Part system.
This video covers installation of an AWS Two Tier Ultimate Grotto consisting of seven panels — two side panels, two back panels, and three grotto tops — with dual side entrances and a dry section that required engineered footings poured beyond the pool shell. Side panels are set first using the standard dry-fit, drill, mortar, and level sequence with stabilization brackets; back panels follow on their engineered footing. Grotto tops include engineered lifting points and the rear top feeds water through internal plumbing to an integrated trough that spills forward over the grotto face. The video closes with pointing, bonding, and plumbing completion before final rockwork and landscaping.
What You'll Learn
- The seven-panel system consists of two side panels, two back panels, and three grotto tops; engineered footings beyond the pool shell support the dry section and dual side entrances
- Concrete footings must cure for a minimum of twenty-eight days before installation begins; verify no plumbing runs through planned drilling locations
- Side panels are installed first: dry-fit, mark pin locations, drill holes, apply mortar, set, level, and shim as required — stabilization brackets anchored to the shell or footing must be secured before lifting equipment is released
- Back panels are set on the engineered footing using the same process; numbered rocks cover the joint where the two back panels meet
- AWS grotto tops include engineered lifting points, so lifting straps are no longer required; apply mortar to wall tops before final placement and shim as needed for level
- The rear grotto top contains internal plumbing; two lines connect from the rear to the front grotto top to supply the integrated trough, which fills and spills forward over the face of the grotto
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do engineered footings need to cure before installing an AWS Two Tier Ultimate Grotto?
Footings must be fully cured with a minimum of twenty-eight days before installation begins. Also verify that no plumbing runs through the planned drilling locations.
Why does the Two Tier Ultimate Grotto need footings poured beyond the pool shell?
This grotto system includes a dry section and dual side entrances that extend beyond the pool shell. Additional engineered footings are poured to support the weight of those sections.
How does the waterfall work in the AWS Two Tier Ultimate Grotto?
The system uses an integrated trough built into the upper grotto top. Two plumbing lines in the rear grotto top connect to the front grotto top to supply water. The trough fills and water spills forward over the face of the grotto.
Do AWS grotto tops require lifting straps?
No. AWS systems include engineered lifting points built into the grotto tops, so separate lifting straps are no longer required.
How is the seam between the two back panels concealed?
Numbered rocks supplied with the system are installed to cover the joint where the two back panels meet, creating a seamless appearance.
Video transcript
Welcome to this AWS Two Tier Ultimate Grotto training video. This pool was custom engineered to accommodate the weight and design of this seven panel AWS Grotto system. Additional footings were poured beyond the pool shell to support the dry section and dual side entrances of the Grotto system. This system consists of seven panels, two side panels, two back panels, and three Grotto tops. Before beginning, confirm concrete is cured with a minimum of twenty eight days and verify there is no plumbing in drilling location.
Set the first side panel. Dry fit the panel to confirm alignment. Mark pin locations, drill holes, and then apply mortar. Finally, set and level the panel, shim as required. Before disconnecting lifting equipment, install the AWS stabilization bracket system.
Each installed panel must be secured with the stabilization bracket anchored to the shell or footing. Use additional bracing as required for safety. Next, install the two back panels on the engineered foot. Dry fit, mark, drill, and set each panel onto a cured footing with mortar. Level both panels to ensure proper alignment.
Secure both back panels with stabilization brackets before releasing lifting equipment. A total of four brackets should now be installed, one on each side panel and one on each back panel. Install the numbered rocks to cover the joint where the back panels meet. Install the remaining upper Grotto tops. Set the front upper top first, dry fit, and level, then set the rear upper top.
AWS systems include engineered lifting points. Straps are no longer required. Apply mortar to the wall tops before final placement. Lower each Grotto top carefully into position. Apply mortar to the top of the walls before final placement.
Lower each Grotto top carefully into position. Shimmer level is needed. The rear grotto top contains internal plumbing. Two plumbing lines connect from the rear grotto top to the front grotto top to feed the waterfall. The system uses an integrated trough system.
Water fills the trough within the upper Grotto top and spills forward over the face of the Grotto. Once all seven panels and Grotto tops are secured, complete the pointing. Point and finish all seams, vertical joints, and horizontal connections with mortar for a seamless appearance. Complete all plumbing tie ins and bonding connections. After structural installation is complete, the project is ready for final rockwork, landscaping, and finished detailing.
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