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Pondless Waterfall
How To Build A Pondless Waterfall
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Pondless Waterfall
Definition: A pondless waterfall or “child-proof waterfall” is a waterfall that cascades into a subterranean catch basin or cistern rather than a pond. The collected water is then returned to the top of the waterfall by means of a pump system. Why Pondless? In 1984 I built what I called a “childproof” waterfall using reinforced concrete, because building codes state that because of the liability factor, ponds can only be 18? deep or you are required to conform to all of the same building codes and requirements of a swimming pool (6 foot fence perimeter, special gates, door alarms, etc.).” Since this waterfall was located in the front yard, it could not be more than 18? and if it was, there was not enough space for a large enough pond to prevent it from being sucked dry by the time the water returned back to the pond by way of the waterfall. So I installed an electronic water leveler system to insure the collection basin would automatically be replenished with water as needed. My term for this type of water feature is “child-proof” because it makes it safe for children and eliminates the liability factor and passes the building codes. Since the advent of utilizing rubber liners to construct waterfalls and ponds in the early nineties, this type of waterfall has been called a “pondless waterfall.” Rubber liner ponds and waterfalls are okay for short term use. However, they are susceptible to attacks from rats, mice, ground squirrels, gophers, chipmunks, tree roots, sharp objects, stretching from heavy boulders etc. I go into great detail on the critical flaws of pond liner construction in an article entitled Pondless Waterfalls: Concrete vs.
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Pondless Waterfall
Liners. This article contains documentation that leaves no doubt that pondless waterfalls are cheaper to build using concrete and steel rather than using a pondless waterfall liner kit. Not to mention that it is cheaper to operate and maintain. The key to making your waterfall look natural, is to be sure to remove plenty of dirt and recessing the waterfall into the ground. Many people make the mistake of constructing it above the natural grade level of the original grade. Rocks do not look natural sticking above the surface of the ground. This is especially true if the waterfall rocks are the only ones visible on the bank, hill or grade where the waterfall is located. The rocks of the waterfall should give the appearance that, over the years, water has washed down the hill or bank, eroding away the original surface soil and exposing the rocks hidden beneath. Rebar
Pondless Waterfall
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The next step is to apply the 3/8? rebar 8 to 10 inches on center, criss-crossing each other, and fastening them together in a grid using a tie wire to fasten them together. Small 2? x 2? blocks called dobies are then placed under the grid to hold above the dirt. When concrete is applied, it must completely surround all the rebar. No rebar can be touching the soil or it will rust. And rust, like cancer, will spread and follow the rebar into the concrete structure. As the rebar rusts it swells, much like would when it gets moisture in it. The swollen rebar hydrologically causes the concrete to crack. Plumbing Use flexible PVC pipe, not rigid pipe, because it is easy to manipulate around the corners and over uneven ground. But most of all, by using flex you will eliminate the need for fittings such as elbows and couplings under ground, thus eliminating possible future sources of leaks. You can install the flex under the rebar or alongside it, down the waterfall’s course. One of the major flaws with liner constructed pondless waterfalls is that they use sump pumps which suck energy (60% more than centrifugal pumps). They then fill the cistern containing the pump with gravel, reducing the available water space. Consequently, when the
Pondless Waterfall
waterfall is started up, most of the catch basin or cistern is drained of water before the previously pumped water can return to the basin. This makes it necessary to regularly add water to the basin or the pump will run dry and burn up. Concrete Construction In concrete construction, anti-vortex suction drains (just like what is used in swimming pools) can be installed in the bottom of the basin. Galvanized grating can then be spanned across the basin and rock placed on top of the grating to hide it. Now the basin is empty and free of gravel to allow plenty of room for water storage. An out-of-pond, high-efficiency centrifugal pump can be used to circulate the water. Unlike sump pumps that are used in liner construction, a centrifugal pump uses 60% less energy, is easy to
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maintain, carries three times the warranty, has four to five times the life expectancy, and there is no need ever to access the basin or remove stinky, filthy gravel to get to the pump. Concrete Application
Pondless Waterfall
Most concrete pumpers know how to apply concrete to waterfall rebar, and they only charge a couple of hundred dollars. Troweling is easy; anyone can do it because it does not need to be smooth. Just knock down the rough edges and smooth with a sponge. The concrete itself only costs $100-$125 a yard with most pondless waterfalls requiring only 2 to 3 yards. Check out the cost of a liner kit alone (without any labor)! and search the internet under “Pond liners vs. concrete.” Don’t waste your money on a temporary solution. Reinforced concrete actually cost less and will last decades longer. By: Douglas C. Hoover Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Douglas C. Hoover; CEO of Aquamedia Corp, Master Waterfall Builder, architect, engineer, freelance writer, author, designer & builder of well over 1,900 waterfall and ponds in CA (26 years). Author of “Waterfall and Pond Construction Manual” and developer of the “Water Feature Digital Design Library5.0? Free downloads, no sign inwatergardenauthority.com/ultimate_training_course.php Check out the new mini-aquafill water leveler at “http://www.aquafill.com”
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Create A Paradise – Aquascape Pondless Waterfall Aquascape presents our new 2012 Create a Paradise video featuring inspirational footage of some of the most beautiful water features in North America. This segment shines the spotlight on our Pondless® Waterfall features and how they can be utilized to beautify any space, large or small. Pondless® Waterfalls give you the benefits of a beautiful, flowing waterfall without the pond or basin at the bottom. This option is low-maintenance without giving up the sights and sounds of water. Start living the water feature lifestyle today! Visit our website at www.aquascapeinc.com for more information today!
How To Install A Pondless Waterfall Step By Step in Plainfield, NJ Mike Gannon, The Pond Hunter, always in the pursuit of all things aquatic shows you a step by step installation of a pond less waterfall that was built in Scotch Plains, NJ. This installation features a multi-tier waterfall, a long stream with pooling area and smaller cascades; also the filter system installation is shown as well. Please enjoy this video your comments are welcomed and don´t forget to subscribe to THE POND HUNTER video series. Thank you.
The Pondless Waterfall Choosing a Pondless or ´disappearing´ waterfall over a waterfall that flows into a pond. With little maintainance, this Aquascape Inc. wonder doesn´t involve any fish, is safe for small children to be around, and can be turned off over any period of time without worrying about fish dying.
Pondless Waterfalls http://www.aquascapeinc.com/pondlesswaterfalls Pondless® Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without … The truth is that a Pondless® Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great … Pondless Waterfall in a Box® http://www.costco.com/Pondless-Waterfall-in-a-Box%25C2%25AE.product.11149883.html
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One Delivery • One Box • One Day to Build The Pondless Waterfall in a Box™ water feature kit makes installing a professional quality pondless waterfall a quick …
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