How to Make a Waterfall

A waterfall in the yard can be a decidedly magnificent addition. You can use the waterfall as a central focus point of the yard, or build it around a meditation area, with a canopy of vining flowers covering the bench facing the waterfall. It isn't that difficult to build a waterfall if you take the appropriate steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Rocks
• Liner
• Shovels
• rake
• GFCI outlet and materials to install it
• Pump
• filter
• Black waterfall foam sealer
• Measuring tape

1. Lay out the design. Decide on the size of your waterfall, whether you will have a pond or pondless design, the level of sound you want and where it can be it can be heard. Decide whether the falls will be made of rocks or dirt.
2. Stake out the area. Measure the area that will have water and add 2 feet on each side and a foot onto the depth to get the material for the lining. Another option is purchasing a premolded liner for easier installation.
3. Measure and record the distance between the highest point of the fall and where the pump will be to determine the head height of your waterfall. Multiply the width times 100 to get gph (gallons per hour). Use the gph and the head height to help select the pump.
4. Dig the pond or use a ditch that Mother Nature already built and lay the pond liner or install the preformed liner.
5. Pile the rocks to make the falls into an interesting shape or design. Overlap the rocks adequately so that water doesn't escape under them. Use a black waterfall foam to seal them. Leave space for the hoses and cords between the rocks.
6. Install a GFCI electrical outlet to provide electricity for the pump and other devices. Use a large rock to hide the switch. Make certain that it is at least 12 inches off the ground and comfortably away from the water.
7. Install the pump and filter, and anything else you have chosen. Fill the pond with water or waterfall area, and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your waterfall in scale to the size of the pond. Too large a waterfall causes problems for the fish and plants that are in the pond and too small a waterfall doesn't allow for adequate aeration of the pond.
• The bigger and higher the falls, the more noise they produce.
• Grade any flat areas so that they are slightly tilting toward the pond in order to have proper drainage.
• If you're inexperienced with electrical work, hire an electrician.

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