Learn how to install an AWS Ultimate Grotto 2 Tier with Curb system.
This training video covers installation of an AWS Two Tier Ultimate Grotto in the curb configuration. Three wall panels are set, leveled, and secured with stabilization brackets and corner aluminum plates. A two-piece grotto top is installed with bentonite water stop between the sections, which expands when wet to form a permanent watertight seal. The second-tier waterfall is then placed inside the curb on top of the grotto, the curbing mortared securely, and all plumbing connections for both the grotto and second tier are completed before final pointing.
What You'll Learn
- All three grotto wall panels must be confirmed level across the entire structure before proceeding; minor variations can be corrected with shimming — the critical surface is the top of the grotto top where water runs
- Install stabilization brackets on each panel before disconnecting lifting equipment to preserve structural integrity during installation
- Aluminum corner plates supplied with the system are anchored at both corners of the grotto, drilled through the plate into the pool shell, to secure the structure at the corners
- The two-piece grotto top is installed back section first: dry-fit, set with mortar, then position the front section; apply bentonite water stop between the sections and use the included bracketing system to clamp them together — bentonite expands when wet to create a permanent watertight seal
- The second-tier waterfall sits inside the curb on top of the completed grotto; mortar the curbing securely before connecting all plumbing lines for both the grotto and the second tier
- Final pointing with mortar completes the installation; all plumbing must be verified before finish work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bentonite water stop and how does it seal the two-piece grotto top?
Bentonite water stop is applied between the front and back sections of the two-piece grotto top. After the included bracketing system is tightened, the bentonite expands when it gets wet, forming a permanent watertight seal between the two sections.
How level do the grotto wall panels need to be in the curb configuration?
Panels should be as level as possible, but minor variations are acceptable with shimming. The truly critical surface is the top of the grotto top where water runs across — that must be level. Overall panel height can be adjusted slightly without issue.
What are the corner plates used for in an AWS Ultimate Grotto system?
Aluminum corner plates, supplied with the system, are installed at both corners of the grotto. Each plate is drilled through into the pool shell and anchored to secure the grotto structure at the corners.
In what order is the two-piece grotto top installed?
Install the back section first — dry-fit it, then set it with mortar. Once the back section is secure, position the front section to confirm level, apply bentonite water stop between the two sections, then set the front section with mortar and tighten the included bracketing system to clamp and seal both pieces together.
Where does the second-tier waterfall sit in the with-curb configuration?
The second-tier waterfall sits inside the curb on top of the completed grotto. The curbing system is mortared securely before the second-tier waterfall is placed, and all plumbing lines for both the grotto and the second tier are connected before final pointing.
Video transcript
Welcome to this AWS Ultimate Grotto training video. In this video, we'll walk you through the installation of a two tier Ultimate Grotto system. Before beginning, ensure all materials are on-site and that you have the proper equipment ready. The pool must be engineered to accommodate the structure. Set the first side panel.
All components are numbered for accurate placement. Locate the panel, mark the pin locations, drill the holes, and dry fit the panel to ensure proper alignment. Once confirmed, apply mortar, set the panel into place, level it, and shim if necessary. Important, install the stabilization brackets before disconnecting the lifting equipment. This ensures structural integrity during the installation.
Add additional bracing as required for safety. Next, set the back panel. The back panel includes a concrete support column in the center. Mark the pin locations, drill the holes, dry fit, then apply mortar to set the panel in place. Ensure it is level and properly aligned with the first panel.
Set the second panel using the same process. Mark the pins, drill, dry fit, apply mortar, and level. Once all three panels are installed, confirm that all panels are level across the entire structure. Install the stabilization brackets on each panel before disconnect ing the lifting equipment. Next, install the corner plates on both corners of the Grotto to secure the structure.
Alright. So we anchored in some plates. Right? We supply these aluminum plates with the system, okay, and the anchors. Right?
You just lay the plate down, drill through the plate, tap in the anchors, and tighten them. Okay? Now in this case, this doesn't have to be perfect. Okay? When it come to leveling these three units all the way around, you wanna get them as level as you can.
Okay? Because it's gonna be easier. But if they're off a little bit, it doesn't matter because you're gonna shim it anyway. The critical part is that the grotto top is level where the water runs across. That's the critical part.
Okay? So in this case, we actually lowered this a little bit because the gap on the bottom was a little bit more than we wanted, so we decided to tap it down a little bit and and, and minimize the gap between the tile on the bottom of the rock, which brought this down. But again, not a big deal. Put a shim in, keep it level, run it straight across, you're good. That one's closer to being level, the front's level, so we're pretty good.
So the next step is the guys are gonna put the, back Grotto top on. Begin installation of the two piece Grotto top. Start with the back section. Dry fit first, then set it into place using mortar. Once the back section is secure, position the front section to ensure it is level.
Apply the bentonite water stop between the front and back sections. Install the front section with mortar. Once aligned, use the included bracketing system to attach the sections together. When bed knight becomes wet, it expands and creates a watertight seal. After tightening and sealing, ensure both pieces are fully secured and properly aligned.
Next, install the second tier waterfall inside the curb on top of the grotto. Mortar the curbing system securely and confirm all components are level. Connect all plumbing lines for the grotto and second tier. Once plumbing is verified, finish pointing the structure with mortar. This Ultimate Grotto installation is now complete.
Thank you for your interest in Advanced Waterfall Systems. Give us a call if you have any questions.