Minneapolis Ponds, Landscaping, and Pond Maintenance | DIWhy Exteriors LLC

View Original

4 Keys to Creating the Perfect Minneapolis Backyard Pond Waterfall

Adding a waterfall to your backyard pond can impress guests and help you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere it provides. Waterfalls are a great feature to add to any Minneapolis backyard pond. Before you start designing your waterfall, it’s best to keep these 4 keys in mind.

Find your rocks

Rocks are an important part of your pond waterfall, but picking the right ones can be tricky. The most recommended rocks for waterfalls are flat and smooth river rocks. They are sturdy and make soothing sounds as the water cascades into the pond. Boulder-sized rocks are recommended for the main structure of the pond and waterfall. Remember that the structure of a well built waterfall is similar to stairs. You’ll want start with curved falls that land on flatter surfaces. One rock to avoid is limestone. Because they absorb more water than most rocks, there is a greater chance that algae will grow in the rocks.

Be on the lookout for slopes

The slopes in your yard have a big impact on the waterfall’s foundation. If your yard has a natural slope, it will be easy to use it as a natural decline for the waterfall. However, if your yard is flat, you will have to dig and build to make an artificial slope. Another way to build a slope is to use multiple molds and concrete to form the right shape. A backyard pond landscape designer may be a good investment to guarantee a successful pond waterfall if you are concerned about placement and lawn care.

Choose your location

Before you pick a location, be sure that it is near an outlet for the pump’s power source. If one needs to be installed, you will have to contact an electrician. One option is a ground fault circuit interpreter. Be sure to talk with your electrician about other options as well. An important note when picking the location is to place your pond and waterfall where you will most enjoy it. For most homes, that is near a patio or by the house. Its calming effect will soothe guests and make your own backyard experience more enjoyable.

Gather other important materials

When building your own pond waterfall, there are a lot of materials that you might need. For instance, a rubber liner is needed under both the pond and waterfall to protect it. You may also need sand or gravel to line the pond or fill in the gaps between the rocks. Other materials include a hose, pump, and marine glue. The glue will come out as foam to expand and harden for the smaller gaps between rocks.

Adding a waterfall to your backyard pond can be a great way to upgrade your backyard to a peaceful retreat. But, getting all the details just right can be a challenge. Here at DiWhy Exteriors, we specialize in backyard pond design. If you’re ready to start designing your backyard pond waterfall, the Pond Doctor is ready to help. Simply complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch to answer questions or provide a quote.