How to Construct Small Ponds & Waterfalls
If you are looking to give your yard a focal point, consider adding a pond with a waterfall. Ponds not only add charm to your space, but the sound of running water can have a calming effect. It can also block out nuisance noises in the neighborhood. A pond with a waterfall may seem like a tricky project, but they are actually quite simple if you have the right tools and equipment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Building a pond with a waterfall
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1
Decide on a shape and dimensions for your pond. Then use spray paint to outline those dimensions on the ground where the pond will be built.
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2
Use a shovel and begin to excavate the area. The pond should only be 4-feet deep at the deepest point. Dig out the area so that the sides slope in toward the center of the pond. Remove any rocks or debris from inside the hole. The bottom and sides of the hole should be smooth.
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3
Cut out a layer of PVC liner and lay it over the entire hole. Allow several inches of the liner to form a lip on the outside of the pond. Smooth out the liner on the inside of the pond to eliminate any air that might be trapped behind it.
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4
Add rocks of your choice all the way around the pond. The rocks will hold the overlapping liner in place. Trim off excess liner not covered by rocks using scissors.
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5
Fill the pond with water from an outdoor hose. Once the pond is full, submerge the pond pump at the bottom of the pond. The pump will have a plastic tube for the waterfall and a cable that will power the pump from an outdoor outlet. Run the cable under the ground or through plants and foliage to hide it. Then plug it in to the outlet.
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6
Run the tube from the water pump to the area of the pond where you will create your waterfall. Again, obscure the tube behind garden plants. Stack different size rocks in an interesting pattern. Bury the tube in the pile of rocks and turn on the pump. The water should begin pumping through the system and falling from the rocks.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be alarmed if the water is gray and murky when you turn on the pump. This can sometimes be caused by the rocks used for the waterfall. Allow the pump to run for approximately one hour. The water will clear up as the pump continues to work.
