How to Build a Two Layer Waterfall

Ponds attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Adding a waterfall to your yard gives the soothing and relaxing sound of running water, but if you really want to put the "wow factor" into your back yard, a double, or two layer, waterfall is the way to go. A double waterfall consists of a waterfall that flows into a small pool, which has a second waterfall leading into the main pond.

Things You'll Need

• Digging tools
• Measuring tape
• Pond underlayment
• Pond liner
• Waterfall tank
• Decorative rocks
• Gravel

Instructions

Building the Main Pond

1. Decide on placement. If you have an area of your yard or garden which is in a hillside and can be seen from the house year-round, this is the ideal spot. Building into the hillside will ensure the most natural looking waterfalls, but if you do not have any hills, a berm can be built.

2. Determine the dimensions. The length and width of the surface of the pond is simply a personal choice, but the depth requires more thoughtful planning. If you want to keep fish in the pond then it needs to be deep enough that it will not freeze completely. For USDA zones 5 and higher this means at least 2 feet for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi. The lower your zone, the deeper you need to dig (see Resources for USDA zone map).

3. Dig the pond out to the size and shape that you decided on. If you do not have a hillside for your waterfalls, use the dirt to build a berm on one side of the pond.

4. Place the underlayment along the bottom of the pond. Tape any small pieces to larger ones to keep them in place in the next step.

5. Lay the rubber pond liner along the pond and smooth out wrinkles.

Building the Waterfalls

1. Dig a small pond into the hillside just above the main pond. This pond should not be deep, and will only serve as a collecting area for the water from the first waterfall. Less than 1 foot deep will still allow you to use landscaping rocks.

2. Dig the grass out from the area that will serve as the waterfall leading from this pool into the main pond. If the slope of the hill is not steep then you may need to do some additional excavating to make the waterfall flow at an angle closer to 90 degrees from the main pond.

3. Place the underlayment along both the bottom of the collecting pool and the waterfall. Again, tape any small pieces.

4. Place the liner along the collecting pool and the waterfall area. Overlap this liner with the liner of the main pond by at least 6 inches. Leave several inches of liner where you will place the waterfall pump.

5. Place the waterfall pump above the collecting pool. You may have to dig into the hillside to form a level area to place the waterfall pump on. You can also use dirt to build up and place the waterfall pump higher for a larger waterfall. Once it is in place, put the pond liner from the collecting pool against the waterfall pump.

Fill and Finish

1. Fill the main pond with water.

2. Connect the waterfall pump according to manufacturers directions, placing the hose in the main pond. Once it is connected, turn the pump on and test it. If you do not like the way that the waterfalls are running, pull up the lining and make adjustments in the way that your dirt is arranged underneath.

3. Choose rocks that are flat and easily stacked, and stack the up over the waterfall sites. This part will take some time to get the rocks stacked securely. You can also line the collecting pool with gravel or pebbles to keep the liner hidden.

4. Hide the waterfall pump and hoses with landscaping rocks and large plants.

5. Use rocks and plants to hide the pond lining and give a natural appearance to your main pond.

References

• Watergarden.com: How to Build a Watergarden or Fish Pond

Resources

• Pondlady.com: How to Build a Waterfall
• U.S. National Arboretum: USDA Hardiness Zone Map