Most back yards are not blessed with a natural slope. In most cases, a waterfall needs to be constructed. The addition of waterfall raises certain design considerations. The following tips may be helpful:
 
Balance the size of the waterfall to the pond (do not have a gushing waterfall empty into a small bottom pond).
Decide what style of waterfall you want before digging (rocky, flat stone, spout, sheet of water, trickle, splashing, cascading).
A waterfall weir or diffuser will create a more natural flow (as opposed to hose).
Each area at the base of a waterfall drop must tilt slightly backwards. Water should cascade into the base, and by sheer volume, overflow into the next section.
A sheer descent requires a minimum water thickness of ½”. This is achieved by having a clean, straight edge along the drop.
A tumbling, rocky waterfall requires a minimum water thickness of ¼”, and is achieved by placing suitable rocks along the edge of the drop.
Size the pump according to the volume of the pond, the height of the waterfall, and the desired water thickness (see chart page 11).
Splashing water from a waterfall contributes considerably to evaporation.
 
All waterfalls (other than pre-formed rigid units) require a rubber liner. Underlayment or sand should be used for cushioning and liner protection. Try to use just one piece of liner for the waterfall. To determine the size of the liner, measure the length, depth and width of the excavation, and allow about 12 inches overlay around the perimeter. The edge of the liner must be buried or covered with stone, and to prevent leakage, make sure it will be above the water level. Liner can be concealed with stone or pebbles, and black foam sealant is excellent for adhering and sealing stone to stone or liner.
 
Typically, a pump will sit at the bottom of the pond and pump water through hose to the top of the waterfall (header pond). Use a garden hose to test the waterfall prior to completion. Remember to leave spaces in the stone edging for hose and power cords.
 

Sizing a Waterfall/Stream Pump
Gentle Falls ¼“ water thickness	allow 50gph per inch of waterfall width, allow for the vertical lift from the pond, and allow 1ft head for every 10ft of hose used
Standard Falls ½“ water thickness	allow 100gph per inch of waterfall width, allow for the vertical lift from the pond, and allow 1ft head for every 10ft of hose used
Splashing Falls 1“ water thickness	allow 150gph per inch of waterfall width, allow for the vertical lift from the pond, and allow 1ft head for every 10ft of hose used
Standard Stream	allow 100gph per inch of stream width, allow for the vertical lift from the pond, and allow 1ft head for every 10ft of hose used

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Last Updated: Wednesday February 24, 2010