Few elements have the ability to transform an outdoor space like a custom waterfall. Whether it’s the sound of cascading water, the sculptural beauty of rock formations, or the immersive ambiance they create, custom waterfalls bring a new level of artistry and sensory experience to backyards. One company that’s made this form of outdoor design its signature is Rockscapes Canada. Led by Sean Mangan and his brother Padraic, the second-generation artisans have spent decades refining the craft of artificial rockwork and waterfall design.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Rockscapes Canada, a company started by Sean’s parents in 1984. Originally rooted in theme park installations, their first project was Ontario Place’s now-iconic Wilderness Ride. Since then, the firm has brought their expertise in artificial rock to zoos, aquariums, casinos, and increasingly, luxury backyards. “We’re second-generation rockscapers,” said Mangan. “We’ve done it for zoos, aquariums, and now we’ve brought it into some pretty special backyards.”
A Personal Passion for Custom Waterfalls
For Mangan, the creative spark to focus on waterfalls didn’t arrive overnight. It evolved from years of hands-on experience. “I was surrounded by a pretty great group of guys when I was coming up in the industry,” he recalled. “They really taught me a lot of things. And a couple years ago, it became clear—I wanted to do this my way, with my stamp on it.”
That stamp reflects a commitment to blending art and engineering in ways that feel both natural and intentional. “Anywhere that we do a project, we want it to look like this rock was here first—and then someone built a house or a pool around it,” said Mangan. That philosophy drives everything from material selection to placement and how a waterfall interacts with its surroundings.
Design That Disappears Into the Landscape
One of the guiding principles of Rockscapes Canada’s approach is ensuring their work integrates seamlessly into the landscape. “We try to blend it so the feature doesn’t look like a bolt-on,” said Mangan. “The hardscaping and pool elements should abut the rock in a way that feels like it was always there.”
This can involve integrating wood decks, planters, and water features into a single flowing structure that feels cohesive. The attention to detail extends to everything from the texture of the rock to how water is routed through different channels and ledges.
“Little things make a difference,” said Mangan. “Putting the pool coping up against the artificial rock so it looks recessed, making sure planting pockets are included to soften the edges—all of it helps sell the illusion that the rock belongs.”
A Collaborative Process From Concept to Completion
Each project begins with understanding the client’s lifestyle and vision. “We ask, where are you going to be when you’re looking at this waterfall? Are you inside, in your kitchen, or sitting poolside?” said Mangan. “It’s not just about how it looks when you’re outside. It’s about where you’ll enjoy it most often.”
The creative process also includes 3D renderings, physical samples, and iterative conversations. “We provide sketches, 3D models, and even material samples so there are no surprises. When clients see the model, I tell them, ‘It’s going to look exactly like this.’”
From there, the build process begins, often with Rockscapes constructing a hollow artificial rock shell that can accommodate lighting, plumbing, or even serve as hidden equipment storage. This lightweight yet durable design offers several benefits over natural stone—chief among them, safety, waterproofing, and reduced weight.
The Advantage of Artificial Rock
While the end result mimics natural stone, Mangan emphasizes that artificial rock is a deliberate design choice—and a smart one when creating custom waterfalls. “Weight is a real factor,” he explained. “We’ve seen pool decks crack under the weight of natural boulders. It’s why we stay in our lane with artificial rock.”
This approach also allows Rockscapes to create hollow structures, providing an opportunity for hidden equipment or internal access for maintenance. It also aids in waterproofing. “We can go underneath the feature to inspect and test the water systems before we even apply finishing textures,” said Mangan.
Functional Beauty Meets Audio Therapy
A well-designed waterfall isn’t just about how it looks. Sound plays a pivotal role. “You want that calming, ambient noise,” said Mangan. “It adds an extra layer to the outdoor experience—like built-in white noise.”
Understanding the acoustic goals of the client often informs the design—whether they want a loud, crashing cascade or a gentle babbling brook. Features like sheet falls, multi-tiered designs, and hidden grottoes all contribute to the overall sensory experience.
A Growing Demand for Multi-Functional Features
Today’s backyard waterfalls are increasingly more interactive. “The swimming grotto has become huge,” said Mangan. “People want more than just a feature to look at. They want to swim into it, climb it, hide under it, or even build a bar inside of it.”
He cites projects that include rock jumps (“never recommended for safety, but often requested”), themed cave systems, and even water slides that run through artificial rock tunnels. As these requests grow more elaborate, so does the importance of thoughtful planning and collaboration.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid With Custom Waterfalls
According to Mangan, one of the biggest mistakes he sees is overloading a pool structure with too much real rock. “We’ve been called in to look at waterfalls that started to shift over time, where water was flowing out the back instead of over the face,” he said. “The weight issues are real, and they don’t show up until years later.”
Improper waterproofing is another common flaw. “Real rock is porous. Unless you’re using a full liner system underneath, it’s going to leak,” said Mangan. “We build our artificial rock with isolated water channels and integrated waterproofing so we can test and fix any issues before the finishing goes on.”
Designing for Diverse Climates
Based in Ontario, Rockscapes Canada is no stranger to harsh winters. That gives them a leg up when designing features that have to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. “Our materials are made to take a beating,” said Mangan. “And all of our systems are integrated with standard pool shutdown procedures, so you just blow out the lines at the end of the season.”
Because the finishes are integrally colored, clients don’t have to worry about winter damage from snow or ice. “There’s no need to cover our features. They’re built to last.”
Featured Projects That Tell the Story
Asked about a standout build, Mangan recalls a particularly intricate 35-foot tall artificial rock slide for a hotel in London, Ontario. “It had this winding slide that flowed through a full cave system. I was only 19 when I did that one. I still look at it and think, did I peak too early?”
More recently, he completed a massive backyard project that included a three-story water slide and an elaborate grotto. “It had all the bells and whistles. I even got to test the slide myself—which was memorable for sure.”
Sharing Knowledge Through Community
Despite working in a field that many keep close to the chest, Mangan believes in openness. “In this day and age, everything is on social media,” he said. “So why not be transparent and help others do it the right way?”
That philosophy was on full display during Rockscapes Canada’s recent live carving demonstration at World of Concrete. “We created a full realistic rock wall, with moss, stumps, even a smoke machine,” said Mangan. “It was about showing people what’s possible.”
Through events, social media, and one-on-one mentorship, the Rockscapes team is helping educate the industry and build a sense of community. “I’d rather people know how to do it right than make a mistake that ruins a pool.”
Custom Waterfalls: Final Thoughts for Designers and Homeowners
As more homeowners and designers look to integrate naturalistic features like custom waterfalls into backyard spaces, Mangan offers this advice: “Size isn’t everything. A lot of people blow the budget trying to go massive, but you can get an incredible effect by layering textures, adding lighting, and using creative placement.”
Ultimately, the best waterfalls are the ones that are planned with care and built to last. “Make sure everyone—from the landscaper to the pool builder—is on the same page,” said Mangan. “And work with people who are excited about the project. That energy matters.”
With four decades of craftsmanship and an eye for what’s next, Rockscapes Canada continues to shape the future of outdoor design—one artificial rock at a time.
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