How To Build A Garden Waterfall: Ideas, Tips, And Advice

Should I add a waterfall to my pond?

Waterfalls aren't just a feature, they also support your pond. The constant flow of water aerates your pond, aiding the health of your fish. The gentle flow of water creates a soothing atmosphere in your garden, as well as providing oxygen. You can also integrate the waterfall into your filtration system, helping the clarity of your water. 

Benefits of installing a waterfall:

• Oxygenates pond water
• Reduces stagnant areas
• Supports water circulation
• Adds a dramatic and beautiful feature to your garden
• Helps keep water clean and clear when used alongside a pond filter

Even if you don't have a pond, you can still build your own waterfall, bringing a sense of natural beauty to any garden or patio.

Planning your waterfall: important considerations

Before you get started with the build, it's worth considering the style of waterfall that will best suit your garden. This enables you to choose the right equipment in advance. 

Considerations:

• Desired appearance: Are you looking at building a natural looking waterfall or a sleek and modern one?
• Pond requirements: will the waterfall flow into a pond or be a pond-less feature?
• Positioning: is your pond raised or in-ground? Do you have existing slopes in your garden that can be utilised?
• Filtration: will your waterfall be part of a filtration system?

If you're unsure, try our pre-formed waterfalls, designed for an easy set up.

What style waterfall should I choose?

What equipment do I need to create a waterfall?

Every waterfall needs:

• A pump to move the water upwards
• A hose to carry water to the top
• A sloped structure for water to flow down
• A pond or reservoir

You may want to include these optional extras:

• A pond filter to keep your water clear
• A UV clarifier to prevent green water
• Flow control valves that adjust the water speed

Shop our UV clarifiers, pond filters, and hose today for high quality products at a low price.

What size pump do I need for a waterfall?

The right size pump is crucial when building your waterfall. The higher you want the water to flow from, the more power your pump needs. It's important to bear in mind the head height of a pump, which is how far the pump can push water before gravity slows it down. 

Here are some pump sizing tips to get you started:

Tip: It's better to slightly over size your pump rather than under power your waterfall, and control the flow rate using a valve.

Constructing a waterfall: Step-by-step

1. Pick a spot next to or slightly above your pond.
2. Plan how many steps or drops you want.
3. Decide if you're using rocks for a natural look or a waterfall box.
4. Build up the waterfall with soil or bricks.
5. Make sure the soil is compact to support the water weight.
6. Use a pond liner to cover the waterfall slope.
7. Overlap the liner into the pond to prevent water loss.
8. Position rocks and stones, utilising flatter stones for the falls, and larger rocks to weigh down the liner.
9. Connect flexible hosing to your pump and run it to the top of the waterfall.
10. Arrange the stones to guide the water flow for a natural appearance.
11. Turn on the pump and monitor the flow, adjusting rocks as needed.

Tips for building a waterfall

• Build up the mound next to your pond using the soil you've dug up for a more natural look
• Use an oversized pond liner to create a seamless connection to your pond
• Rocks can be arranged to hide pipework and create raised edges
• Test before use for leaks to prevent water loss
• Pressurised filters with UV can create a crystal clear stream, and can be easily hidden

Can you build a waterfall without a pond?

Pond-less waterfalls are perfect for smaller gardens. Additionally, these features make for child and pet friendly space. They work in a similar way to pond waterfalls, utilising a hidden underground reservoir instead of a body of open water. The reservoir collects water and is typically covered with decorative pebbles. These low maintenance features bring all the joy of a backyard waterfall, in a compact way perfect for patios, yards, and small sized gardens.

The steps differ slightly when choosing a pond-less waterfall: 

1. Dig a deep hole (2-3 ft deep) that can hold your pump and store water.
2. Line the entire reservoir with underlay and liner.
3. Place your pump vault inside and stack reservoir blocks around it.
4. Fill with gravel, keeping the pump accessible for pump maintenance.
5. Set up the waterfall in the same way as listed earlier.
6. Fill the underground reservoir with water through the gravel.
7. Turn on and monitor the flow.

Building a waterfall that works for you

Whether you're building a natural looking stream or a simple pond-less feature, there's a waterfall for every garden. Simply choose a structure that suits your tastes and needs, select the right pump, and you'll have it built in no time.

Ready to get started? Explore our full range of pumps, filters, and liners for your new project.

If you're considering building a pond to go with your waterfall, check out our How to build a pond guide.