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Adding a Waterfall

Waterfalls can transform your pool from generic to a soothing exotic paradise. They can also be added to a pond in your yard. Waterfalls help oxygenate water which is good for plants and fish that may be living in your pond. You can visit a local water-garden store to browse through for ideas.

A stream is usually installed with the waterfall. A pump is required to keep the water flowing. These come in a number of different prices and sizes. Cheaper pumps tend to clog easily and have a shorter life span.

Adding a Stream

Decide whether you want a small brook or a wide stream. A meandering stream that is made up of a series of short sections on a slight decline, separated by mini-waterfalls, looks more natural than a straight swath of water.

A pond or pool provides water for the stream (it is possible to duplicate this with a buried water tank). This stream itself must be fairly level in order to retain water when you turn off the pump (letting your stream dry often can damage the foundation materials). You must add a liner to your stream in order to prevent water from seeping into the earth. On top of the liner, you'll want to use a underlayment material to cover the waterway and make it look natural.

Designing the Waterfall

Decide whether you want a wide curtain of water or a narrow gap. Depending on the effect, the sound the waterfall makes is a little different. Wide gentle falls create a softer sound, while narrow gaps produce a gushing sound. Use smooth flat flag stones to create a curtain, or boulders to create a narrow gap. Adding a hallow space behind the falls amplifies the sound of water falling.

Waterfall Kits

You can buy preformed waterfalls from companies that make fiberglass or plastic ponds. These waterfalls can be installed in a similar manner as pond shells. Waterfall kits come in formal and informal designs. Informal designs simulate natural rock. Formal designs tend to use square or rectangular angles and add a built-in spillway.

Source: Pools & Spas

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