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Waterfalls adding movement & life to your pond

Installing a waterfall – can add another dimension to the beauty of the water garden, as the falling water sparkles in the sunlight while you enjoy the delightful relaxing sound of tumbling water.  

Before starting any waterfall project –  do consider the size of pump required as the higher and wider the waterfall, the larger the pump required. In simple terms approximately 1,400Ltrs (300 gallons) per hour is required for a 15cm (6”) wide fall. All pumps lose volume (flow) the higher you pump the water, so if using an existing pump check it’s capacity. If planning to purchase a new pump, ensure it is adequate power for your waterfall. (Pond Pumps)

There are many ways to create a waterfall or stream– using one of the large selection of pre-formed waterfalls illustrated in this manual and available from World of Water is one easy and effective method. We have waterfall ranges to suit all budgets and pool sizes, from small moulded plastic ones to the impressive range of inter-locking units which create fast flowing waterfalls for the larger displays. It is usually possible for pond keepers to find a range that suits their requirements.  

When installing pre-formed waterfalls– it is always recommended to conceal a piece of pond liner under the units overlapping into the pond as this will catch any water splash and return it to the pool. The feed hose that is installed should usually be at least one inch in diameter, but do consult an expert for the correct hose for your pump as a small hose will seriously reduce the potential flow of any pump.

A firm base is required to avoid subsidence. Positioning the units on about 1 inch of dry sand and cement mix will hold the units in the desired place. To make any new units look more rustic, it is possible to use a heavy gravel and place trailing plants around the units. For further consideration to installation, seek advice from one of our expert and read the tips on the following pages.

Alternatively, the ambitious may decide to build their own waterfall or stream – from natural stone or rock. Again a pond liner under any such structure is essential to catch and return any water loss to the pond. Careful thought should be paid to the type of stone or rock used. Very alkaline or acid materials are undesirable, while very soft sandstone will slowly wash away, absorb water and crack in frosty conditions.  
To build a natural looking waterfall – firstly, dig out and step the slope you wish to build it on, leaving it a few inches deeper than the rocks you’re going to use. Dig the steps slightly sloping back as shown and line the stepped area with one sheet of liner ensuring it overlaps the pond. Starting from the bottom, begin building your waterfall, using flat stones for the spill lips. Ensure the facings are level, with the surface sloping back slightly to allow build up of water in each step. This creates a more attractive feature. “Walling” stones can be used to create the lifts. You can create the stream edges using stone or rockery as this will help conceal the liner. Other materials and methods can be used to create waterfalls and streams. The illustrations here may give you some ideas.

  

Available from our stores only
Ponds & Waterfalls
Please contact your
nearest store to check if you are within their delivery area.
Unfortunately due to size we are unable to send these items out from our mail order division.

Choosing Your Pre-formed Waterfall

There are three basic types of pre-formed waterfall:

  • Plastic. These being the most economic to purchase are popular with starter ponds or smaller features where space is at a premium. They can look very effective once installed with a few stones and planting around. Flow rate required 910 to 1820 litres (200 to 400 gallons) per hour

  • Fibre Glass. Very realistic, easy to install, very popular for medium sized pools and displays,generally need a flow rate of 1365 to 2730 litres (300 to 600 gallons) per hour.

  • Pre-Cast Stone. These spectacular waterfalls can make the most impressive display, with interlocking units being able to create seemingly endless streams, not out of place on the largest of garden ponds  

Installing Your Pre-formed Waterfall

  • Create a compacted bank to site the waterfall on. Heavy units may need to sit on hard core.

  • It is always best to run a spare piece of liner under the units and overlapping the pond.

  • Layout desired units to create complete stream

  • Starting with the unit nearest the pond position each unit in succession above, ensuring that they are level and secure.

  • Once the units have been installed, run the complete waterfall for several days to ensure the desired effect has been achieved and there are no leaks.

  • Final landscaping can be completed by placing rockery stones around, bringing topsoil up to the units and planting for the finished effect.

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