Creating artificial ponds is a popular trend in landscape design. A waterfall becomes the visual focal point of a property, and on a hot day, it always provides a cool environment. Unlike a massive artificial pond, a waterfall is a more practical solution. It requires fewer resources, is less expensive, and requires less maintenance. Creating a structure of this kind requires imagination, some construction skills, and the right tools.
Choosing a location for a waterfall in the country
The more shrubs, flowers, and trees around it, the better. If the site has a slope, the waterfall can be installed there. If there isn't, you'll have to create one yourself. The shape of the lower part is limited by the client's imagination and wishes. Don't overdo it. Greenery should cover no more than 1/3 of the waterfall, otherwise the composition will be lost from view. Another rule: the location where the waterfall will be placed must be protected from direct sunlight.
Choosing a Waterfall Bowl
The curved shape is a classic. It's easy to integrate into any landscape. The closer its appearance resembles natural water sources, the better. The second rule is to base the shape selection largely on the existing topography. The basin should follow it as closely as possible. If, at a glance, it's impossible to tell where the natural features end and the artificial reservoir begins, then the project has been successful.
The geometry of the structure influences the depth of the basin. Every detail is considered during the design stage. If the artificial reservoir will be filled with aquatic flora and fauna, its minimum depth will be at least 1.5 meters. This value is adjusted based on the region's climate, based on the depth of soil freezing.
Choosing the size of the waterfall
The geological features of the site and your own preferences should be taken into account. Secondly, the size of the future structure determines the minimum required pumping capacity. There are three possible options:
- A small waterfall is used to create a decorative effect. Optionally, the surface can be decorated with artificial vegetation or designer elements.
- A medium-sized waterfall is no more than 1 meter deep. Its shallow depth means the bottom is always visible, creating a beautiful landscape. From a functional perspective, a medium-sized waterfall is easy to clean. The bottom of the structure can be optionally populated with underwater creatures.
- A deep waterfall is used not only for visual effect but also for complete enjoyment. The minimum depth of such a structure is at least 1.5 meters. Both children and adults can splash in the pool.
If you choose the latter option, you'll need to be prepared to overcome certain challenges. This includes reinforcing the banks and minimizing the use of artificial and natural rocks. Everything is done within safety guidelines. The fewer the chances of slipping or hitting yourself while near the waterfall, the better.
Let's start creating a waterfall with our own hands.
A technically sound design is the key to success. It specifies the depth, shape, and width of the basin, the height of the waterfall, and so on. The more precisely the key parameters are specified, the easier it is to select the pumping equipment. Once the theoretical part is completed, the practical part begins.
Territory marking
The selected plot of land is outlined. Add 30 cm to the selected pond area, which is determined by the thickness of the basin being used. The rest of the procedure is as follows:
- stakes are driven in along the drawn outline - the recommended distance between them is 20-30 cm;
- A rope is stretched between all the stakes without sagging - it serves to visualize the shape of the bowl.
During work, the builder ensures that the stakes do not fall. Otherwise, work will have to be stopped.
pit
Before digging, choose a place to store the excavated soil and rocks. Don't throw them away, as they will be needed later in the construction of the waterfall. Once the desired depth is reached, the bottom is covered with sand to a thickness of 12 cm. The bottom is then carefully compacted. The next step is to create a slope for the water to flow down. The previously excavated soil will be used for this.
During construction, the pit will be partially filled with soil. Regular moistening and compaction of the soil will help prevent this. A common mistake is forgetting to allow space for the hose connecting the pump and the waterfall during excavation.
The following tips will help you prevent such a development:
- complete excavation work;
- make a groove - it runs along one of the walls of the storage tank.
Once all work is completed, the walls are moistened and compacted again.
Waterproofing and the bottom of the waterfall
Waterproofing work is carried out using a polyethylene film. The thicker the film, the better. A waterproof geotextile can be used instead. Often, the excavation pit is larger than the maximum film size. In such cases, the waterproofing material is laid with an overlap. The minimum overlap is 50 cm or more. After laying the film, ensure that the material covers the walls and shoreline.
Don't worry about the appearance of the film or textile detracting from the landscape. All details can be easily concealed using decorative elements. Fine gravel is laid on top of the film, 5-10 cm thick. The purpose of this cushioning layer is to prevent the waterfall from collapsing in the event of ground movement. After the gravel layer is compacted, it is covered with a fiberglass reinforcing mesh. The recommended mesh size is up to 4 cm. The final step is pouring the base with concrete. It dries for at least 4 days.
The walls of the bowl
To secure the mesh and install the flexible formwork, you'll need plastic fasteners. These items can be found at any hardware store. The next step is pouring concrete into the formwork. As before, it's left to dry for at least four days. Next, carefully remove the formwork. It's common for the walls to appear uneven after removing the formwork. Don't despair. The lack of symmetry only adds to the natural look of the waterfall.
Installing the pump
To correctly calculate the unit's power, several parameters are taken into account. These include the volume, the height of the cascade, and the volume of the bowl used. Minimalists will be perfectly happy with a pump whose power does not exceed 70W. The following formula will help you avoid mistakes: K x W x 24 x 60:100.
The meaning of the variables is as follows:
- K is the flow velocity coefficient. For a slow flow, the value is set to 5, for a moderate flow, 10, and for a rapid flow, 15.
- Ш – width of the waterfall, measured in meters.
When choosing a water flow rate, it's best to stick to a medium value. Otherwise, the risk of rapid equipment wear increases dramatically. Another important consideration is the need to consider friction-related losses.
| Required flow rate (l/min) | Diameter of the hose used (mm/inch) | Pressure loss (m.w.c./m. hose) |
| 30-50 | 20mm – ¾´´ | 0.12-0.35 |
| 50-75-100 | 25mm - 1´´ | 0.08-0.19-0.34 |
| 150 | 32mm - 1 ¼´´ | 0.21 |
| 150-200-250 | 40mm – 1 ½ ´´ | 0.07-0.12-0.15 |
| 300-350-400-450 | 50mm - 2´´ | 0.08-0.10-0.14-0.17 |
The figures provided demonstrate a direct relationship between hose diameter and pump efficiency. At the design stage, the desired water flow rate and, accordingly, the planned flow rate must be determined. For example, a range of 100-150 l/min is chosen. For such a waterfall, a hose with a diameter of 40 mm - 1 1/2 inches is required. A hose smaller than this is not recommended.
Another nuance when choosing pumping equipment is related to the correct choice of its type:
- Submersible units are installed on the bottom. According to safety regulations, these units are only permitted in waterfalls that serve purely aesthetic purposes.
- Surface water heaters are installed near the waterfall and connected to it via a wear-resistant hose.
In the latter case, it is necessary to decorate the hose used at the stage of pouring concrete.
Any type of pump used requires a constant power source – 220V. During the design stage, ensure that the cable length is sufficient. If it is not, a waterproof extension cord will be helpful.
Decorating and lighting a waterfall yourself
When choosing decorative elements and lighting, consider the chosen waterfall style. The riverbed is lined with small pebbles, and the edges of the pond are lined with larger boulders. If natural decorative stones are available, they can also be used to decorate the riverbed. Sandstone is often used to line the banks. This material is essential for framing the cascade. Otherwise, splashes will constantly splash onto surrounding objects.
One or two benches or a gazebo are installed near the waterfall. This depends on the size of the plot. Equally careful consideration should be given to the lighting system. It always complements the overall garden style. One of the most common options is glowing stones made of waterproofing material. These are used to illuminate the cascade. A new type of lighting has emerged in recent years. Visually, it's compared to water lilies. The lanterns float on the water, gently swaying as the pump moves.
What plants to plant for a pond with a waterfall
The emphasis is on several varieties that are distinguished by increased resistance to prolonged exposure to external negative factors.
Namely:
- sweet flag;
- Ligularia;
- different varieties of fern.
If a large waterfall is built on the property, water lilies are a better choice. When choosing greenery, it's important to keep in mind the golden mean. It's better to leave a blank space than to fill it with greenery. Designers recommend planting water lilies and the aforementioned water lilies at the bottom of the waterfall. They give the basin a more natural look and purify the water.
Roses can be planted near a waterfall. Regardless of the type of planting chosen, remember this important rule: if the waterfall is only clearly visible from one side, then the plants should be planted on the opposite side.
Conclusion
A large, yet not overly artificial, waterfall will become a visual focal point in the garden. Its size is selected based on the available space and the gardener's preferences. A detailed design, taking into account all technical parameters, will help reduce the likelihood of errors. It must be error-free, otherwise it will be impossible to select a high-efficiency pump. After construction is complete, the lighting system is installed, plants are planted, and decorative elements are mounted.