All About Pondless Waterfalls

Do you love the idea of a waterfall in your backyard but are not in love with the upkeep that goes along with a pond? No problem! While many people picture a waterfall ending in a body of water, that doesn’t have to be the case. Pondless waterfalls are a low-maintenance and versatile option for those who want the beautiful look and calming sound of a waterfall without all the work. 

What are pondless waterfalls?

A pondless waterfall is a water feature that recirculates water from a hidden reservoir rather than a pond. Water is pumped up from the reservoir through a waterfall spillway and back into the reservoir. 

What does the water feature look like?

One of the best things about pondless waterfalls is that they can be customized to match your backyard aesthetic. Smaller waterfalls can be created with urns or spillway bowls. These options are ideal for those with a small space or who want to incorporate color into their backyard. More natural-looking pondless waterfalls can be created with large boulders that form a rocky spillway. These types of pondless waterfalls can be as tall or as low to the ground as you’d like. 

How much water will I need for a pondless waterfall?

The amount of water that will be needed depends upon the height of the waterfall, the desired volume of water, and the flow rate. In general, 100 gallons of water are needed for every foot of the waterfall, which is high. For example, a three-foot pondless waterfall would require 300 gallons of water. It’s also recommended to store two times the amount of water needed to ensure a continual flow. A larger reservoir will also help mitigate water loss due to evaporation and allow for better filtration and circulation. 

How do I maintain a pondless waterfall?

A pondless waterfall requires very little maintenance. Its reservoir must be topped off with water when it runs low, the pump must be kept free of debris, and algae must be controlled as needed. Since there are no living plants or animals in a pondless waterfall, chemical cleaners can be used to keep the water spillway looking like new. 

What are the benefits of a pondless waterfall?

As you can see, installing a pondless waterfall has many benefits! It can be customized to fit your outdoor space in terms of size and style. The lack of standing water means that you won’t have to contend with mosquitoes or worry about the safety of small children. Plus, pondless waterfalls are gorgeous to look at, greatly improving the ambiance of your backyard.

At Dreamscape Designers, our landscape design team members are experts in constructing ponds, waterfalls, and other water features that complement your home, yard, and lifestyle. To learn more about pondless waterfalls and other options, call (757) 412-1265 or contact us online.