The sound of running water, even if just a trickle, can be a very soothing thing. A water feature in your backyard oasis might just be the thing!

Water features come in many shapes and sizes. You have to decide what you want. What effect would you like? A fish pond? Or just a pond with a water fall? Or maybe, just a simple fountain. A pond is a more permanent installation where as a fountain can be portable and even moved around, depending on its size of course.

These options can be done DIY and completed with very little cost up to a substantial investment. It all depends on how big and elaborate you go with it. Any water feature that you decide on is going to make a statement. How big of a statement is totally up to you.

We have done a few and the latest one is a pond with a water fall and a fountain in it. No fish this time. We previously did a Koi fish pond when we lived in Florida but up here in the hills of Massachusetts we decided to forgo the fish this time around.

Creating a Pond For Your Water Feature

We are going to be creating a pond with a water fall. This is a DIY project that we took on to enhance our Back Yard Oasis. Fist things first! Look at where you would like to put your water feature and map out the size and shape that fits and is to your liking. Planning it out and having a vision of what it will be is key. This is the time for creativity and inspiration.

Let’s Begin

There is going to be a lot of digging. How much depends on the size and depth of your creation. 2 feet for your depth should do it. Make sure the location gets sunlight and you have access to water and electricity to operate the pump and/or fountain.

You can use the dirt that you dig out to create a bank around the pond and build up your water fall. You can purchase pre-fabricated pond shells/liners but that limits you to the shape and size. we went free form which means we just marked the shape and size that we wanted on the ground with marking paint.

Once the whole is dug out, you can step back and see how your pond is going to look. When you have the shape and size dug out you are ready for the pond liner. The liner is readily available at big home improvement centers and specialty store in sizes up to 20×25 feet. Seam tape is available as well if you are going extra large.

The Water Fall Feature

The water fall is available pre-fabricated in a few styles but creating your own is much more appealing and easy to do. We have a naturally hilly area at one end of our ponds location which makes it a little easier. But either way, on a hill or flat land, you will be using some of the dirt that you dug out of the hole.

Build up several layers elevating each time to give it a somewhat stepped structure for water to Cascade down towards and into the pond. It’s all about gravity. You need to overlap the stones that you are using so that the water continues to flow downward toward the pond.

Place the stones so that you are controlling the water flow without loosing water along the way. One good stone to use is Flagstone. Secure the stones to one another using Pond and Stone spray foam. Faux rocks and stones can also be purchased.

At the top of your water fall will be what is called a Spillway which can be purchased where ever you are getting your pond supplies. You will also need a pump and hose along with your Spillway. You can also choose to incorporate a Filtration System. There are Spillways with built in Filters available as well.

How does a waterfall spillway work?

A Spillway is a device designed to create a smooth, even flow of water over a surface, producing the characteristic sheeting effect associated with waterfalls. The pump takes water from the bottom of the pond and carries it up to the spillway, where it cascades down into the pond. As the water pours out of the spillway, it oxygenates and stirs the water, helping to prevent algae and mosquitos.

Hooking Up Your Water Feature

Now that you have everything, You are going to place the pump in the bottom of the pond with the hose traveling from the output on the pump to the Spillway at the top of your waterfall. You will need to cut the hose to the length needed without too much excess.

If using a filtration system, the output on the pump will go to the input on the filtration system and from the output on the filtration system up to the Spillway. Several types of Filtration Systems are available and you will need to do your research to decide which one is best for your needs.

Fill the pond with water and power it up to test the waterfall and make sure the water cascades down into the pond without spill over and make any adjustments if necessary.

If also adding a fountain to your pond, it will only require an electrical hook up. A fountain feature is a nice addition as long as your pond is large enough. You wouldn’t want a fountain to be right next to a water fall. It’s more appropriate to be located toward the other end of the pond as a secondary water feature. They are free standing and don’t require any water hookups and are available with interchangeable nozzles for different water spray patterns.

Finishing Up

Now it’s time to landscape to create the outdoor oasis that you were going for. You can also add lighting to accent the waterfall as well as the landscaping. It will create a picturesque night time setting to be enjoyed while spending time outdoors on your deck with the sound of water cascading over the waterfall. See the outdoor entertaining area we created where we enjoy the water feature here: