How To Build a Pondless Waterfall - It's Easier Than You May Think!

Pondless waterfalls are not difficult to build or create. With some knowledge and 'tricks of the trade' and a good quality pondless waterfall kit you can gain the confidence to build a pondless waterfall.

Instead of collecting in a pond, a pondless waterfall will collect in a collection reservoir buried in the ground. At the base of the waterfall, beneath the last cascade, a large plastic garbage can or tub is dug into the earth so the rim is flush with the top of the ground. The buried container will become the collection reservoir. Then, once it is in the ground, back fill around the container and tap it so it is snug. Rake the area around the container to remove any small rocks or debris that could damage your liner. Make sure that you grade the area around the container so you create a gentle, natural funnel toward the reservoir. Install the pond liner as per the manufacturer’s instructions using a good underlay. Don't forget to cut a hole in the liner above the submersed container. It is important to cut the hole smaller than the mouth of the container or collection reservoir. Above the mouth of the container place a heavy galvanized screen. This screen will allow the water to flow into the container that will hose your pump, while sifting out the larger stones and gravel.

Before you permanently put the galvanized screen in place put a submersible pump or the intake from an external surface pump in the reservoir. Before the intake is set in the container make sure there is no soil or debris on the bottom. Make sure the intake is several inches off the bottom to ensure that it will not clog with debris. Make sure the plumbing to the waterfall head is coming from the container and can be concealed at the base of the falls. This plumbing must be hidden from view as it makes its way from the reservoir container to the top of the waterfall. Make sure there are no kinks in the plumbing and protect it from damage from the rocks used within the water feature.

Operate the feature with the reservoir exposed to make sure you have the flow rate set correctly on the pump and that the system is working correctly. If you cover the reservoir before you test it, you may have to open up the reservoir to make an adjustment. Once all is in order, set the screen over the top of the hole and secure the screen by placing rocks on the screen on the outside edges on the ground around the mouth of the container. Once the screen is secure, place the rocks on the screen above the opening over the submersed reservoir. Make sure the rocks are not packed tightly as the water needs to flow around the stones and into the container.

If you wish to control vegetation growth around the base of the falls you can lay landscape fabric around the outside of the pond liner. The landscape fabric will let the water flow through however it will not allow the weeds to grow in this area. If you wish to plant vegetation in this area simply cut small planting holes in the landscape fabric.

Simply arrange the stones to create the flow and 'feel' that you are wanting to create with the pondless waterfall.

Simply follow the links for additional information regarding building a pondless fountain / water feature or pondless waterfall kits.