Rockways Atlantis Tiered Cascade Waterfall

Rockways Atlantis Tiered Cascade Waterfall ASRW02

A compact sandstone-effect waterfall with a stepped water route

The Rockways Atlantis Tiered Cascade brings moving water to the edge of a garden pond through a series of moulded rock steps. Rather than creating a single uninterrupted drop, the tiered surface breaks up the flow as it travels towards the pond. The sandstone effect works particularly well with natural stone, planted margins and informal pond shapes, giving you a defined waterfall without assembling the whole water route from separate rocks.

ASRW02 is the waterfall feature itself, with a hose connector and pipe fitting included. A suitable pump and connecting hose are required separately. It can also be used over a concealed collection basin for a pondless feature, but that basin is not included in this listing. Compare other shapes in our pond waterfall range if you are still planning the layout.

ASRW02 dimensions and key details

Manufacturer	Rockways
Range and reference	Atlantis Rock Tiered Cascade, ASRW02
Length	64cm
Width	63cm
Height	20cm
Weight	5kg
Construction	Polyurethane resin
Finish	Sandstone effect
Recommended pump output	1,500 litres per hour, with pump selection allowing for lift and hose losses
Included	Cascade, hose connector and pipe fitting
Required separately	Pump, connecting hose and any reservoir

The dimensions above follow Rockways’ current specification for ASRW02. Allow additional space around the feature for its supporting base and connection. The stated height is the feature’s own height, not the total height of the finished installation above the pond.

Making the tiered effect work in your garden

Start by placing the cascade where its final spill will return directly into the pond. Look at the proposed position from the patio, seating area or path where you will normally see it. The stepped surface needs to remain visible, so avoid surrounding it with plants that will soon grow across the water route. A few stones and low-growing plants around the outside can help join the moulded feature to the existing pond edge.

The waterfall needs a firm supporting structure, even though its resin construction is easier to handle than a comparable arrangement of solid stone. Rockways recommends suitable blocks, bricks or sleepers and specifically suggests breeze or cellular concrete blocks. Keep the feature level from side to side and give it enough fall towards the pond for the water to move through the steps. Do not rely on loose edging stones to hold it in place.

Installation and hose connection

Rockways advises setting the back slightly higher, then testing with running water and adjusting the support until the flow is satisfactory. The precise amount of support depends on the site and the angle chosen. Make these adjustments before backfilling or fixing decorative material around the cascade. Check that water remains inside the moulded route and falls into the pond rather than tracking behind the feature or over an outside edge.

The built-in hose connection has a thin covering that must be opened as directed in the fitting instructions. Attach flexible hose to the supplied stepped fitting, secure it with a suitable hose clip and run the hose towards the pump without tight bends. Check the actual connector and hose together before cutting a stepped fitting or concealing the joint. Leave the connection accessible while commissioning the feature.

Once the angle and water route have been tested, Rockways describes using a dry sand-and-cement mix followed by soil to backfill around the waterfall. Finish the surrounding area without putting loose material into the flowing water. Keep access to the pump and hose so routine cleaning does not require dismantling the entire pond edge.

Pump selection and flow adjustment

The manufacturer’s recommendation for this cascade is 1,500 litres per hour. A pump’s maximum advertised output is measured under conditions that may differ from your installation: lifting the water and passing it through hose and fittings reduces the flow delivered to the feature. Use the intended height and hose length when comparing pump performance, and choose a model appropriate for the water and debris it will encounter.

Browse our pond pumps for suitable options. Where the chosen pump supports adjustment, start with a gentle flow and increase it while watching the full water route. Excessive splashing wastes water and can leave the surrounding ground wet. If one pump supplies both the cascade and another outlet, assess their combined requirements and how adjusting one branch affects the other.

Creating a pondless cascade

A hidden reservoir can collect the water below the tiered feature and hold the pump that returns it to the inlet. This arrangement needs a separately chosen basin and suitable support for its covering. Plan the reservoir capacity, pump access and splash collection area together. The basin must also accommodate water returning from the hose and waterfall when the pump is switched off.

Test both running and stopped conditions before hiding the reservoir. Check the water level regularly and keep leaves from collecting around the pump intake. A decorative cover should allow practical access for topping up, cleaning and future maintenance.

Handmade finish and ongoing care

Rockways hand-finishes these features, so modest differences in sandstone shade are normal. The photographs show the model and intended appearance rather than a promise that every surface marking will be identical. Remove fallen leaves from the steps and investigate any change in flow before turning the pump up. Isolate electrical equipment before working on the installation and follow the pump’s care and winter-storage instructions.

For a different appearance, consider the Rockways Aber Falls Drop, which uses a slate-effect finish. If you would like help with the tiered cascade, contact That Pond Guy with a photograph, the proposed height and the hose route so we can discuss the complete installation.

A compact single-step alternative

For a smaller pond edge, compare the Rockways Atlantis Single Step Garden Waterfall. Its sandstone finish and 60 x 43 x 24cm dimensions offer a compact alternative to this broader tiered cascade.