I'd probably use a series of metal pipes (threaded on each end) and nuts to form a sort of truss to serve as the side wall that you are missing. I'd probably throw some particle board over it for aesthetics.
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I would recommend that you start with the concept that one section of the river needs to be higher than the lower/final section of the river and design from there. Then water could flow from the upper section to the lower section (and be returned via a pump). So there would essentially be 1 rapid.

To support the water and the movement of party-goers from the upper section to the lower section you are going to need a structure composed of a lattice of 2x4 beams. The structure should form an 8 (with one section higher than the other). Inside each "loop" of the 8 you would house a traditional outdoor pool (rigid construction). Then drape a plastic tarp across the structure (you can get a 50x120' blue tarp for $225 at www.tarpsonline.com/blue.asp).

Since there is a traditional pool under the loop sections you won't have any problem with water retention there, you will only need to concentrate on the transition section. This section should act somewhat like a water slide, so that when a party goer exits the upper pool he/she can slide down, with a certain amount of water, to the lower pool.

When party goers are transitioning from the upper pool to the lower pool it will look just like a river. When there is no activity the blue tarp and the pumping action will at least give some appearance of moving water. But I would design for the key feature which is allowing someone to move from the upper pool to the lower pool.
Source(s):
http://www.tarpsonline.com/blue.asp

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Oh my goodness.... this is such a bad idea.

I know that this won't be a popular answer ... but common, you'll likely cause serious structural damage to the house no matter how well you sandbag or insulate the basement.

If you want a lazy river, wait until the summer and then you can do it in a park or backyard and it'll be even better.... without the damage.
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After looking at pools, vacationinflatables, ebay, and all other sorts of things as well as legal ramifications of going crazy, i thought about a safe and effective way to do this. of course, you should always have saftey inspection of everything you do. this got me to thinking, i wonder if there is a way that you could still do this and put on a fun illusion. my first thought was shoot a video of a lazy river, then broadcast that up on the walls, add some palm trees, etc around a go cart looking track. then take the inner tubes and add wheels instead of water. then people can roll around the arena in lazy river fashion. i'm not sure if you would have to cut out some plywood, then add wheels to that with a tube on top or whatever.

So nix the video, add scenery, then maybe you could still add water, but only a little bit at the bottom so it is only mildly flooded. only put a few inches so that the wheels give off the illusion it is floating. add a cheap and effective waterfall, kind of like roaring rapids and a few water cannons. be sure to have it inspected for safety and only use my idea as a starting block for building something much safer and sound as i can't see what you are really building, nor would an idea be the final result. as with all water sports, be sure and have lifeguards and pool rules as an added safety precaution and be sure and wear sunscreen. no glass bottles are allowed in the pool area. this might actually work better in the parking lot. i express no warranty or fitness to your particular purpose for engaging in discussion. idea formulation is solely in the interest of helping you find a safe and alternative solution. As with all building projects, think safety first.

This is about as far as i go with this. Have fun.
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