How Do You Build a Pondless Waterfall?

Ponds add beauty, value, and purpose to landscapes. The sound of flowing water soothes the mind, body, and soul. Landscape ponds of all types need ongoing maintenance. If you do not have enough time to maintain a pond or are short of funds, consider installing a pondless waterfall.

A pondless waterfall provides the benefits of a pond and costs lesser. A pondless waterfall is a recirculating waterfall. As the name implies, it does not have a pond. Pondless waterfalls have a large hidden in-ground reservoir. The water contained in this reservoir is pumped up and through the waterfall spillway. This allows the water to flow back into the in-ground reservoir.

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a pondless waterfall.

For this project, you will need:

• Pond liner
• 25’ Black water hose
• Landscape fabric
• Connectors
• Sewer pipe
• 5,500 gph pump
• Rock
• Carpet

Step-1: Choose a suitable location. Look for a moderately sloping area

Step-2: Determine a layout. Build a large pit (should be large enough to hold the water in the falls/creek). A large pit will prevent water from overflowing in the event of a power outage

Step-3: Once you have dug out your water path, place a layer of landscape fabric. For a more affordable alternative, many people use carpet for the sub-layer. Spread out the landscape rubber. Work it into the grooves, and smooth out wrinkles on waterfall drops

Cover it in a sheet of landscape fabric. This will help protect the pond rubber. The top layer of the fabric liner should fold back over the pump vault to allow the water to flow in

Step-4: Buy and place landscape rocks. If you are concerned about your project incurring cost overrun, collect landscape rocks, rather than buying them. This should be fairly easy, as rocks are abundantly available

Step-5: Use premix cement or landscape foam to seal the edges of your water trail. Filling gaps and crevices will direct the water towards the top of the ledges. If you do not seal the water trail, the water will flow underneath

Step-6: Consider adding lighting to your pondless waterfall to create a striking visual effect

Step-7: Add plants to your pondless waterfall. Here are some of the best plants for pondless waterfalls:

• Shyleaf
• Water Mint
• Watercress

Creating a pondless waterfall can involve a lot of effort. An expert pondless waterfall installer near you can save you time and hassle. Pondscapes is a team of seasoned professionals and over the years, we’ve helped homeowners create backyard havens. To discuss your requirement with one of our professionals, call 480-987-7781.