How to Build a Waterfall
Interested in building and installing a waterfall into your lawn or garden? Hiring a professional landscaper might be ideal, but they are expensive. If you have the courage, installing a waterfall is not as difficult as you might think. You can save a bunch of money if you tackle the task yourself by following the steps below.
Pick the perfect location.
You will either need to find a natural slope, or dig one out yourself. Be sure to measure the area before buying any supplies to make sure there is adequate room. A good rule-of-thumb when digging out spots for the waterfall is that the pond should have approximately 1.5 times the surface area of the stream and waterfall itself. Also keep children and pets in mind when deciding upon a location.
Get the pond liner membrane.
This will need to be stretched over the entire surface of the waterfall and the pond into which the water will fall.
Place rocks and sand on the membrane.
This will hold the liner in place. You can also purchase a rock panel to do the trick.
Install a pond pump.
This is the "engine" of the waterfall, as it circulates all of the water. The pump forces water up the hill via a tube, which you must bury. You will need to attach two hoses to the pump: one for water intake, and one for output. You will also need to set the speed of your pump to accommodate your particular waterfall. Do not forget to place the pump close enough to a source of electricity to allow it to receive power.
Lay down rocks to create the waterfall.
The rocks themselves are actually what create the waterfall. You can also use the rocks around the edge of the pond to provide a natural and beautiful feel to the entire area. It is the "artistic" portion of the process that really allows you to make your waterfall unique.
Fill the pond with water.
Turn on the pump and watch the water go!
