CaliforniaWaterscapes.com: Types of Water Features, Part 2

There are several different types of watergo? A Pondless(R) Waterfall works much like a
features available for building in your back yard:regular pond. The hole, deeper than a normal
large, small, deep and shallow ponds, streams,pond, is dug, then lined with rock and gravel, and
waterfalls and Pondless(R) Waterfalls. How do youfilled with water. The water is then circulated
know which one is right for you? In Part 1 of thisfrom beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump
series, we discussed large ponds, streams andthat sits on the bottom. A pipe runs from there
waterfalls. In this article we will discuss moreup to a filter and into an overflowing waterfall,
about waterfalls, and about pondless waterfalls.where it falls back into the reservoir. Since the
Building a Beautiful Waterfallwater level never pools above the level of the
There are many ways to build a waterfall forrock and gravel fill, it gives the appearance of a
your pond. Sometimes the result is less than ideal,waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the "pond"
with a waterfall that leaks or looks like a chimneyis there but not visible.
spewing water. The best way to build a waterfallSo why would you want a waterfall without a
is to use an ecologically balanced system thatpond? A Pondless(R) Waterfall can be a great
utilizes a biological filter and a pond skimmer.alternative for someone who like the idea of a
Biological filters are easy to hide, and provide awaterfall but doesn't feel a pond is right for their
good base for building a leak-free, beautifulfamily.
waterfall, with the additional benefit of filtration.Because there is no pool of water, a Pondless(R)
You may be anxious to get out and start buildingWaterfall is a great option if you are concerned
a waterscape with lots of flowing water and aabout safety issues associated with a traditional
serene pond filled with lilies and beautiful koi.pond, such as with little children or pets.
Before you get your marking paint and shovelCost can be a big factor when considering the
out, there's one important factor to keep in mind.type of water feature you want to build. In most
Many people are so enthralled with the sound ofcases, the price of a Pondless(R) waterfall will be
water, that they decide on a huge waterfall andless than a pond, because there is less labor
stream that fills their property with the incredibleinvolved, as well as less rock and materials.
sounds of falling water. The only problem is, withOperating costs are also less. Because you're not
a large waterfall and stream, if the water featuremaintaining an established ecosystem, it's not
gets neglected, and/or forgotten about, it doesn'tnecessary to run the pump 24/7.
work very well. A very large water feature willThe small size of the Pondless(R) Waterfall means
require regular maintenance to stay beautiful. So,you can build and enjoy a beautiful waterfall
let your creativity take over, but remember toanywhere in you yard. Taking care of it is easy.
keep everything in proportion. You'll be glad youFilling the reservoir every few weeks to
did in the long run.compensate for water loss because of
Pondless Waterfallevaporation is all that's needed.
The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautifulPerhaps the best part of the Pondless(R)
and favored type of water feature. If space isWaterfall is the option to change or add on in the
lacking in your yard or if you have safetyfuture. If you change your mind later, wishing
concerns with a pond, go pondless! It's a waterfallyou'd built a pond, that's OK. As long as you leave
and stream, without the pond.enough room around the base of the waterfall, it's
It might be difficult to imagine a waterfall andeasy to add a pond later on.
stream without a pond. Where does the water