Waterfalls are popular in ponds and water gardens, and for good reason. Falling water is visually appealing, produces a pleasant sound for the ears and keeps the water within the pond circulating which improves its quality. However, waterfalls are not without their downsides, and below are some of the most common, as well as ways for pond owners to address them.
Waterfalls Have a Tendency To Lose Water
A natural consequence of moving water is that some of it will be lost when moving from one location to another. In ponds that occur naturally in the wild this isn’t an issue, but for many pond owners it is. One of the best ways to resolve this problem is through waterfall box installation. Waterfall boxes are affordable and will maintain a connection to the pump line which is free of leaks. It also makes filtration a lot simpler and allows the waterfall to be constructed with greater ease. As most pond owners know the feeder is typically the hardest portion of the waterfall to correctly install.
Another must have item for pond waterfalls is a liner. Positioning a high quality liner beneath the waterfall’s rocks that extends near the length of the waterfall and stretches beyond the edges of the sides will allow the liner to catch water. The water can then be channeled down into the pond.
Waterfalls Are Prone To Excessive Splashing
A certain degree of splashing is expected and desirable within pond waterfalls, but too much of it can be a nuisance. The best way to deal with splashing is to plan for it when the waterfall is installed. When your waterfall is laid out you will need to determine where heavy splashing is most likely to occur. Waterfalls can be fine-tuned to a certain extent by careful rock placement. This will provide the falls you want while also displaying an appearance that is more natural. Additionally, this arrangement will make it easier to alter the pond in the future.
Issues With Plants And Waterfalls
Most ponds contain plants and they tend to work well with waterfalls. However, issues can occur with plants that are too close to the falling water. Their close proximity can result in water loss. For instance, if ivy tendrils grow inside the watercourse they can soak up considerable amounts of water. When performing maintenance on your waterfall it is importance to watch for this.
When installing a waterfall, it is also important to pay attention to the type of pump you use. Pumps have to work to push water uphill, so the gallons per hour may differ based on elevation gain. This should all be measured thoroughly prior to purchasing a pump. Different pumps will vary in their performance at specific heights. It must also be noted that pumps should be situated at the opposite end of the pond away from the waterfall as this will increase the route or circulation for the water which will give you a healthier pond. Waterfalls are a great way to aerate your pond but they must be installed and maintained correctly.