How to Make a Pond Waterfall

One of the most common mistakes people make when constructing a pond waterfall is not fitting the size of the pond to the dimensions of the garden waterfall. Bigger is not always better. If you are going to have goldfish or Koi fish in your pond the added aeration from the waterfall will be beneficial. Make sure your pond is large enough that they have calm water to swim in as well.

Placement of stones will create many different effects; your water feature can be all falls or no falls at all. When planning your garden waterfall remember to dig your stream and catch basin a little bigger than what you think you want since it will appear smaller once the stones and edging are added.

Use a wide rubber liner under your rock waterfall and if your liner does not have an underlayment be sure and add one to protect the liner from rocks and underground roots.

Waterfall Installation

Be sure and use black waterfall foam when you have placed your rocks and stones where you want them. This way water goes around and over the stones instead of underneath. The foam expands so take care not to use too much.

Waterfall Filters

Place your biological filter at the top of the waterfall so it filters your water before it cascades over your rocks.

Waterfall Pumps

When purchasing a waterfall pump be sure and ask questions and do your homework. Waterfall pumps come in all sizes and you want to make sure you purchase the correct size for your water pond. Roughly figure 300 gallons per hour is required for a 6-inch wide waterfall.

Waterfall Kits and Waterfall Units

If you want to purchase a waterfall kit there are three basic types of preformed waterfall units.

Plastic - The most inexpensive type of preformed waterfall as well as the most frequently used in new and smaller ponds.

Fiberglass - Easy to install and used mainly for medium sized ponds.

Pre-cast stone - If you have a large pond this can be used to make spectacular cascading falls and endless meandering streams.

Waterfall Landscaping

Water lilies like quiet waters and do not do very well around fountains and waterfalls because of the splashing and water flow. An alternative would be pond lilies which are comparable to water lilies but tolerate moving water and some shade. Another aquatic plant to consider would be the water hawthorn it has smaller foliage but a longer flowering season than the water lily. It also has beautiful vanilla scented blossoms.

Be sure and include aquatic plants at the top of your waterfall as well as around any streams you may be incorporating into it.