Water walls are one of the most striking additions you can make to a home, garden, pool surrounds, or commercial space. The gentle sound of flowing water, combined with a visually captivating feature wall, transforms any environment into something truly special.

But when you start shopping for a DIY water wall spillway in Australia, you’ll quickly encounter two distinct design approaches: the projecting curtain effect and the wall wash (cascade) effect. While both use the same core components — a spillway blade, a pump, and a reservoir — the visual results are dramatically different.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about each style, so you can make the right choice for your space, budget, and aesthetic goals.

1. What Is the Projecting Curtain Effect?

Also known as: sheer descent effect, projecting sheet effect, water curtain

The projecting curtain effect creates a free-standing sheet of water that flows out and away from the spillway lip, hovering in mid-air before cascading into a pond or basin below. At higher flow rates, it produces a glass-like solid curtain; at lower rates, a finer veil-like flow.

This is the more dramatic of the two styles. The water visibly separates from the wall surface, creating a floating, cinematic water feature that becomes the centrepiece of any outdoor or indoor space.

Projecting Curtain Effect: Pros

• Visually dramatic — the floating water sheet is a true showstopper
• Highly photogenic — catches light beautifully, especially with LED backlighting
• Audible water sound — creates a pleasant, noticeable ambient sound
• Works with both stainless steel and acrylic spillways
• Ideal for feature walls, pool edges, and entertainment areas

Projecting Curtain Effect: Cons

• Higher pump flow rate required — minimum 230 L/min per metre of spillway width
• Requires open space — water projects outward, so you need adequate clearance
• More splash — less suited for very confined indoor settings without containment
• Spillway must be installed no higher than 900mm from water level for best results

2. What Is the Wall Wash (Cascade) Effect?

Also known as: cascade effect, wall wash effect, hugging water wall

The wall wash effect (sometimes called the cascade effect) produces a smooth, even sheet of water that flows directly down the face of your wall surface. Rather than projecting outward, the water clings softly to the material below and slides gracefully into a pool or basin.

The result is a refined, understated feature — water that appears to melt into the wall rather than float away from it. It’s an elegant look that suits contemporary architecture, indoor feature walls, and spaces where noise and splash need to be minimised.

Wall Wash Effect: Pros

• Sleek and contemporary aesthetic — water-over-stone is timeless
• Lower pump flow rate — minimum just 50–60 L/min per metre of spillway width
• Minimal splash — perfectly suited for indoor feature walls and courtyard spaces
• Works in narrow or confined spaces
• Easier to maintain and control water flow
• Lower running costs due to smaller pump requirement

Wall Wash Effect: Cons

• Less visually dramatic than a projecting curtain effect
• Quieter — if you want an audible water ambiance, this may not deliver
• Requires a smooth wall surface — textured or rough surfaces can disrupt the flow
• Only compatible with stainless steel (open-lip) spillways — not acrylic models

3. Side-by-Side Comparison

4. Which Effect Suits Your Space?

Still unsure? Use these scenarios as a guide:

5. Pump & Flow Rate Requirements

One of the biggest practical differences between the two effects is the pump size you’ll need. Getting this right is critical — underpowering your pump is the most common DIY water wall mistake.

All DIY water wall kits at DIYMegaStore include a matched pump for your chosen effect, along with a flow controller so you can fine-tune the water output. A flow controller is essential for dialling in the exact look you’re after.

6. Choosing the Right Spillway Blade

Your water wall spillway blade (also called a water blade or water feature spillway) is the heart of your water wall. The material and lip design directly influence which effects are achievable.

Luponds spillways are available in widths from 300mm up to 1500mm, and can be combined in multi-unit configurations to span wider walls. Popular options include the 300mm, 600mm, 900mm, and 1200mm blades.

7. Frequently Asked Questions