How to Build a Water Wall?
How to Build a Water Wall
Building your own water wall is one of the most rewarding backyard or courtyard projects you can take on — and with the right components in the right order, it's a project almost any DIYer can complete in a day. This guide walks you through exactly how our water wall customers plan, size and install their features, from choosing a spillway effect through to the final LED lighting touch.
Why we build with Luponds
Luponds is Australia's leading water wall kit and spillway brand, and it's the exclusive range we stand behind at DIYMegaStore. Every Luponds spillway, pump and kit is engineered specifically for the demands of Australian conditions — from harsh UV exposure to coastal salt air — so you get a feature that looks as good in five years as it does on day one. We've been supplying and assisting customers with their Luponds water wall projects since 2012, so when you see "Luponds" in this guide, it's the range our own team reaches for first.
What is a water wall?
A water wall is a recirculating water feature. Water is pumped from a catchment trough at the base, travels up through concealed hose to a spillway mounted at height, then flows back down the wall face into the trough below — repeating continuously. Everything you need is available in our Water Wall category, and if you'd rather have it matched for you automatically, the Luponds Water Wall Kit Builder will pair the right spillway, pump and trough for your space.
There are three main effect types, each created by a different spillway:
- Wall wash / cascade effect — water flows in a thin, even sheet directly down the wall face. Subtle and quiet, ideal for courtyards and indoor installs. Shop Luponds Wall Wash / Cascade Effect kits.
- Projecting curtain effect — water projects outward from the spillway lip for a dramatic, freestanding curtain. Popular around pools and entertaining areas. Shop Luponds Projecting Curtain Effect kits.
- Multi-spillway effect — two or more spillways across the same wall for a wide statement feature, often used in larger residential or commercial settings. Shop Luponds Multi Spillway kits.
Not sure which effect suits your space? Our guide on Projecting Curtain vs Wall Wash Effect breaks down the pros and cons of each.
Planning your water wall — four questions to answer first
1. Where will it go?
Decide whether it's indoor or outdoor, and whether it's wall-mounted on an existing surface or freestanding. For exposed outdoor positions, sun and weather exposure will influence which spillway material you choose (more on this below). For pool surrounds specifically, check our dedicated Swimming Pool spillway range.
2. What size suits your space?
Spillway width determines the visual scale of your feature and dictates pump size. As a starting point, match the spillway width to roughly one third of the wall width you're working with. We stock spillways in 300mm, 600mm, 900mm, 1200mm and 1500mm widths — browse the full range on our spillway size selector.
3. What effect do you want?
A wall wash effect needs less pump flow and runs quieter — better for indoor features and relaxed garden settings. A projecting curtain needs a higher flow rate for more visual and audio impact — better suited to pool areas and entertaining spaces. If you're unsure, the Water Wall Kit Builder will match the right spillway and pump combination to your desired effect. Our guide on Projecting Curtain vs Wall Wash Effect breaks down the pros and cons of each.
4. What is your component budget?
| Component budget | What you get | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| $300 – $500 | Single spillway, basic pump, no lighting | Small courtyard, apartment balcony |
| $800 – $1,500 | Wider spillway, flow control pump, LED lighting | Medium backyard entertaining area |
| $800 - $2000+ | Multi spillway, 304 or marine grade stainless, feature lighting | Large backyard, pool area, coastal property |
Pricing reflects core water wall components (spillway, pump, trough and lighting) only. It doesn't include wall cladding or finishing, professional installation, or freight — call 1300 238 288 for a full quote on your specific setup.
The five components every water wall needs
1. Water blade spillway
The spillway is the lip that water flows over, and material choice matters more here than anywhere else in the build. Browse the full Water Blade Spillway range:
- Acrylic — lightweight, affordable, well suited to indoor features and sheltered outdoor areas. Not recommended for direct sun.
- 304 grade stainless steel — durable and weather resistant, suits most outdoor installations.
- 316 marine grade stainless steel — essential for coastal properties where salt air accelerates corrosion.
Still deciding between materials? Read Stainless Steel vs Acrylic Spillway or, if you're set on stainless, 316 vs 304 Grade Stainless Steel for a closer look at whether the extra cost of marine grade is worth it for your location. Spillways also come in 30mm/35mm/40mm and 125mm/135mm lip sizes, with bottom inlet or back inlet configurations depending on how you're running your hose.
2. Pump
The pump sits submerged in the catchment trough and drives water up to the spillway. Flow rate requirements differ significantly by effect type — a projecting curtain effect needs far more flow than a wall wash to achieve its dramatic, freestanding look:
| Effect type | Min. flow rate | 300mm spillway | 600mm spillway | 900mm spillway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall wash / cascade | 50–60 L/min per metre | ~15–18 L/min | ~30–36 L/min | ~45–54 L/min |
| Projecting curtain | 230 L/min per metre | ~69 L/min | ~138 L/min | ~207 L/min |
Flow rate is measured per metre of spillway width, so scale the figures above to your exact spillway size. Always setup with a flow rate controller so you can fine-tune the effect after installation. Shop the full Water Wall Pumps range.
3. Catchment trough
The trough sits at the base, collects the falling water and houses the pump. It needs to be large enough that the pump never runs dry — as a minimum, allow at least 20 litres of trough capacity per 300mm of spillway width. Browse purpose-built Luponds Water Wall Troughs, part of our wider Catchment range.
4. Hose and fittings
Hose runs from the pump inside the trough up to the inlet on the back or bottom of the spillway. Concealing the hose inside the wall gives a much cleaner finished result. Shop Hose & Connections.
5. LED lighting (optional but highly recommended)
LED lighting transforms a water wall after dark and is the single most popular addition among our customers. Submersible lights sit inside the trough and illuminate the water from below, while Luponds light bars mount above or beside the spillway for a top-down effect. Browse the full LED Lighting range.
Step-by-step installation guide
With your components on hand, most homeowners with basic DIY experience complete the installation in a day:
- Mark out and prepare the wall surface — ensure it's level, structurally sound and suited to wet conditions.
- Install the catchment trough at the base — position it flush against the wall and check it's perfectly level.
- Mount the spillway at your chosen height — use a spirit level to confirm it's perfectly horizontal.
- Run hose from the trough pump up to the spillway inlet — conceal it into the wall or behind cladding where possible.
- Fill the trough with water before connecting power — never run the pump dry.
- Connect and test the pump, adjusting the flow rate controller until you achieve your desired water effect.
- Install LED lighting if included — position submersible lights in the trough or mount light bars as desired.
- Seal all wall penetrations — anywhere hose or fittings pass through the wall needs to be watertight. Shop Sealant & Forms.
- Final check — inspect for leaks, confirm the trough isn't losing water to splash, and fine-tune pump speed.
Pro tip: Always test your pump flow rate before permanently fixing the spillway in place. Too much flow means water splashes outside the trough; too little means a thin, uneven sheet with dry patches.
Choosing the right setup for your space
Small courtyard or apartment balcony
A single 300mm to 600mm acrylic or stainless spillway with a wall wash effect suits compact spaces, paired with a small trough and a quiet 1,000–2,000 LPH pump. Component budget: $300–$600.
Medium backyard entertaining area
A 600mm to 900mm stainless spillway with a projecting curtain effect creates strong visual impact. Add submersible LED lighting for evening use. Component budget: $350–$1,500.
Large backyard or pool surround
A multi-spillway installation in Luponds 316 marine grade stainless is the right call for large outdoor areas, or any pool surround or coastal property. Pair with a higher-flow pump, a larger trough and full LED lighting. Component budget: $800-2,000+.
Maintenance — keeping your water wall running perfectly
- Monthly — wipe the spillway lip clean with a soft cloth to remove algae and mineral deposits.
- Every 2–3 months — check and clean the pump filter. A blocked filter reduces flow and strains the motor.
- Summer months — top up trough water regularly as evaporation increases.
- As needed — use an algae treatment if green buildup appears in the trough.
Shop Care & Maintenance products for water wall upkeep.
Ready to build your water wall?
We supply everything you need — spillways, pumps, troughs, hose and LED lighting — with delivery Australia-wide. If you'd like stone cladding to complete the look, we recommend InfinitiStone. Our team is available on 1300 238 288 for an obligation-free quote and help sizing the right components for your space.
Shop Luponds Water Wall Kits Use the Kit Builder
Got a bigger or custom project in mind?
If your project involves multiple spillways, a non-standard wall size, or you'd simply like a second opinion before ordering, email us your design or dimensions and we'll help you put the right kit together — no obligation.
Email: support@diymegastore.com.au — attach your sketch, photo or dimensions and one of our water wall specialists will get back to you with recommendations.
Prefer to talk it through? Call 1300 238 288.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose Luponds for a water wall?
Luponds is Australia's leading water wall kit and spillway brand, and the exclusive range we carry at DIYMegaStore. Every Luponds spillway, pump and trough is designed and tested for Australian conditions — so you get a feature that performs and looks great for years, not just for the first season.
How much does it cost to build a DIY water wall?
Core components (spillway, pump and trough) start from around $300–$500. Mid-range setups with LED lighting and wider spillways run $800–$1,500. Premium multi-spillway builds with marine grade stainless can exceed $2,000. These figures cover components only — cladding, installation and freight are additional.
What pump do I need for a water wall?
The pump sits submerged in the catchment trough and drives water up to the spillway. Flow rate requirements differ significantly by effect type — a projecting curtain effect needs far more flow than a wall wash to achieve its dramatic, freestanding look. Refer to Which One is Right for You? Browse sized options in our Water Wall Pumps range.
What's the difference between acrylic and stainless steel spillways?
Acrylic is lighter and more affordable, suited to indoor and sheltered outdoor features. Stainless steel is more durable and weather resistant, with 316 marine grade recommended for coastal properties. See our full comparison: Stainless Steel vs Acrylic Spillway.
Can I build a water wall myself with no experience?
Yes — our kits are designed for homeowners with basic DIY skills. The main steps are mounting the spillway, installing the trough and connecting the pump with hose and fittings. Call us on 1300 238 288 if you need guidance at any stage.
Are your water wall kits and spillways stocked locally?
Yes, they are stocked locally in Melbourne with local warranty support, backed by a team on the phone who actually knows the product.
Do you ship water wall kits Australia-wide?
Yes, we ship our full range of water wall kits, spillways, pumps and accessories across Australia. Shop online or call 1300 238 288.
What our customers say
"Thanks for all your help in this project — it was great to find a company so obliging to assist a novice like myself." — Kim
"Awesome communication and service, thank you. Super-sonic speedy delivery." — Danny
"Their price was very competitive and the product was delivered very quickly and was exactly as described. The Wall Bubble Water Feature was just stunning on my wall." — Paul