There's something majestic about the idea of installing your own waterfall into your home garden. The tranquil sounds and movement of running water delivers a whole new dimension to the beauty of outdoor ponds, giving homeowners an unbeatable location to escape to and wind down after a long day. Cognitive science has shown that running water can soothe the mind, encourage relaxation, and improve your mood - all within a very short space of time. What's more, the natural ambiance can go a long way in overpowering the sounds of noisy neighbors, bustling traffic, and modern environmental chaos.
Installing your own waterfall can also have a benefit for the wildlife that you cultivate at home, by aerating the water throughout your pond and attracting new species of birds. So how can you get started with building a waterfall of your own?
1. First, Choose The Location
In some circumstances, choosing the perfect location for your waterfall can be easy. For instance, if you have a completely functional pond, then the chances are that you'll want to create your waterfall around its position. Many landscape designers try to take advantage of the natural slope within a property, or erect berms (artificial slopes) in gardens comprised mostly of level ground. The amount of slope that you'll need depends on the waterfall you're trying to build, but at a minimum, you'll need a 2 inch drop for every 10 feet of stream. Remember, the steeper your slope is, the louder your waterfall will be.1. First, Choose The Location
2. Make Sure You're Near A Power Source
Remember, when selecting your waterfall location, you'll need to ensure you're close to a power source. You'll need the lower basin - the system that sends water back to the top of the waterfall in a continuous loop - to be close to an outlet so that unsightly extension cords don't need to string across your pristine garden. If you're hoping to keep fish in your pond, you should also be sure to position your waterfall in an area that still offers plenty of space for them to swim without turbulent water flow.
3. Select And Position Your Rocks
Once you have your plan and position mapped out, you'll need to select some attractive rocks for building your waterfall up. Most waterfalls contain three different sizes of stone, including boulders used to frame the waterfall itself, medium-sized connecting rocks and small stones or gravel, which fill the bottom of the stream and close up gaps between crevices. You can collect rocks from natural places in your local area, or buy a collection from a nearby home improvement store. Remember, don't be afraid to be creative, and if you want to keep your water running over, rather than under the rocks, you can purchase foam to seal up the cracks.
4. Choose The Perfect Pump
4. Choose The Perfect Pump
The right pump is pivotal to the success of your waterfall. The option you choose needs to be powerful, consistent, and reliable enough to sustain your pool, and you may find that you need to do some research before you find the ideal solution. You can rate pumps according to GPH, or gallons per hour, and you'll need to find one that can circulate the entire volume of your pond on an hourly basis. This means that if your pond has around 1,500 gallons of water, you'll need a pump with at least a 1,500 GPH capacity. If you're unsure about your pond size, it's usually a good idea to opt for a more powerful pump. At the same time, don't forget to factor in how high you want your waterfall to be, as every inch of spillover will need another 100-200 GPH.
5. Keep Your Pond Pristine
5. Keep Your Pond Pristine
One crucial element to include in any water feature or aqua-based garden project is a pond skimmer and filter. Skimmers are mechanical filters that capture debris as water passes through, meaning that your waterfall will stay looking fresh and pure as the filter gathers leaves, plants, and other unwanted items. Remember that the hardware you choose will need to be capable of handling the complete flow and volume of your entire pond.
Show Off Your Waterfall
Show Off Your Waterfall
Once everything's in place, you can plug in your pump's cord and test your waterfall flow. The chances are that you'll have to make a few adjustments before everything is perfect, but eventually you'll have a beautiful natural addition to your home décor. Remember, finding the perfect pond supplies, from powerful pumps, to skimmers and filters, and even the right rocks are just a few steps you'll need to take on your journey to garden bliss.
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