How to Install a Waterfall Pond
A waterfall pond is a delightful addition to any backyard, but it requires careful planning and physical effort. Flowing water is not only attractive to look at but restful to hear. The addition of aquatic plants and fish complete the water garden scene. Water lilies can be placed at the shallow end in pots, and water hyacinth and water lettuce can float on the surface. Small plants like duck weed and azolla also add beauty and coverage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Pond liner
- Plastic waterfall lip
- Rocks
- Waterproof sealant or adhesive
- Pond pump
- Pond filter
- Hoses and tubes
- Garden hose
- Aquatic plants
Instructions
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1
Dig a hole in a place with at least partial sunlight during the day. Create terraces in the pond at different depths for potted aquatic plants, such as water lilies. A shallow end at 1.5 feet would be sufficient for many favorite plants. The deepest part should be at least 3 feet deep if you plan to keep fish.
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2
Install either a rigid or flexible pond liner so it rests neatly in the hole. A rigid liner should extend just over the surface of the ground and be supported on all sides by dirt. Press a flexible liner onto the dirt surface, folding it carefully at bends. Several inches of liner should extend onto the surface of the ground for anchoring.
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3
Build the waterfall structure on one end of the pond. This can be made with a pre-fabricated waterfall form, piling up dirt or simply by securing rocks in a pile. Choose rocks based on your preference, but larger, rounded rocks appear more natural in a waterfall. Attach the rocks with sealant or adhesive for more security.
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4
Connect a long hose to the water outlet on a pond pump. Attach the inlet section, usually by screwing it on or using a hose clamp, to a filter. These can be either submersible or outside the pond, concealed in some structure or with plants.
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5
Lay the water outlet hose so it runs up on a concealed side of the waterfall structure you built out of rocks or earth. Maintenance and repairs are easier with an accessible hose. A few rocks can easily hold it in place. Later on, the hose can be concealed with more rocks or plants. Position the end of the hose horizontally at the top of the waterfall.
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6
Place a flat rock at the top of the waterfall and angle it down toward the pond slightly. Secure it with adhesive sealant and edge it with other rocks to create a more natural look. The end of the hose should be resting at the top of this rock, pointing toward the pond. Hide the hose with another rock above.
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7
Fill the pond with water from a garden hose. Turn on the pump when it is well-covered and wait a few moments for air to work out of the system. The waterfall should begin to flow. Make adjustments to the hose and pump so all the water runs into the pond.
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Add aquatic plants to the waterfall pond as desired. Ideally, at least half of the water's surface should be obscured with plant growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Run the system for several days to allow the water to release any chemicals from the tap before adding any fish.
Watch for evaporation and refill the pond as needed.
