How to Build a Pond Waterfall
You have a pond, and feel there is something missing. If you have fish, the stagnant water isn't healthy for them either. Adding a waterfall to your pond isn't difficult, but it does take some time. Make sure you have the proper equipment before you started. This pond waterfall can be built from items you can find around the yard or the neighborhood. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Containers to hold water
- Containers to hold fish
- Landscaping rock
- Pond filter
- Pond pump
- Flexible tubing
Instructions
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1
Remove any fish or plants you want to save from the pond. Place these in protective containers for the duration of construction. Drain the pond until you have a clear view of the bottom and can walk along the bottom of the pond.
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2
Determine the depth of the pond. This is a quick measurement with a yardstick. Once you have the depth, measure the length of the pond at the farthest points. These measurements will help you determine the length of the tubing for the pump and the height of the waterfall. The waterfall height should be half the length of the pond.
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3
Find a flat spot at the end you are placing the waterfall. Place the liner for the pump at that spot. Place rocks along the edge of the liner to hold it in place. You do not need to have the liner exactly level, but as flat as you can get.
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4
Place the pond filter at the lowest point of the pond. Measure from the filter to the pump. Cut the size of tubing you need and run the tube from the filter to the pump. Attach both ends. This will be what circulates the water from the pond into the pump. Attach a second section of tubing to the top of the pump. This is what will feed the water to the top of the waterfall.
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5
Place the largest rocks around the pump on the pond bottom. Continue placing rocks until the pump is mostly hidden. Remember to keep an opening so you can maintain the pump when needed. Make sure the tube has access through the rocks all the way up.
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6
Build up the rocks, using smaller rocks on top of larger rocks. A good method is to build the waterfall in a pyramid style angled toward the wall of the pond. Using this method you can make the waterfall high enough and give it width as well. Make sure the rocks are stable and able to hold the rocks above them. Keep the flat edges facing upright to place smaller rocks upon. Use the edges between rocks to place the tips of smaller rocks between to create sturdy levels.
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7
Refill the pond with fresh water. Keep the water below the edge of the pond so that when you replace the fish and plants you won't overfill the pond. Replace the plants before you replace the fish. Allow the water to come to air temperature before adding the fish as well. You will shock the fish otherwise.
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8
Turn on the pump and filter and observe the water. It will take a few minutes to get the water circulating and creating the waterfall. When you get the waterfall, observe the pressure to make sure the water is flowing properly; adjust the flow if needed.
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