A waterfall or stream can make a great addition to your pond. It can be an ideal way to return filtered water, it will inject vital oxygen and may possibly be the pond’s visual centrepiece while adding soothing sound to the garden.

The waterfall’s positioning, design and the materials required in the construction should be fully planned before you begin building the pond.

Preformed Waterfalls

The easiest way of adding a water-way to your pond is to buy and install a preformed waterfall. There are many styles of molded waterfalls available, and they vary from inexpensive plastic waterfalls to realistic fibreglass and resin models. You will need to position the waterfall on a mound of earth at the side of the pond. Altering the gradient of the waterfall adjusts the flow of the cascading water to the desired effect.

Liner-based Waterfalls and Streams

A self-made waterfall or stream will ensure that your finished water-way will match the style of the rest of the pond and garden. It is also an ideal use of any excess liner and underlay which was removed when you built your pond, although long, narrow lengths are available to buy.The liner can be hidden with rocks and cobbles, placed to divert the flow and create a natural effect. Also, slate is an ideal material for creating smooth lips for the water to cascade over.It may be necessary to concrete some rocks in place. In this event it is important to paint the concrete with a pond sealer to prevent lime leaching into the water.Another material ideal for giving streams and waterfalls a natural look is stone liner.

Stainless Steel Blades

Stainless steel blades are designed for more contemporary features, and deliver a sheer, ‘clean-cut’ curtain of water into the pond, ideal for a formal pond design.Stainless steel blades can be attached onto a vertical wall, or built into the brick-work. Some blade designs come with a row of LED lights built in along the lip which create a stunning effect after dark.Blades usually require a larger flow rate of water when compared to other waterfalls. This is to sustain the sheer fall of the water, which would begin to taper and form a ‘v’ shape if the flow was not great enough. The flow rate required is usually given by the manufacturer.