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Constructing a Waterfall

Pre-fabricated watercourses

This is an ideal way to utilise the material which is removed when creating the pond. Pre-fabricated watercourses are the easiest to install and are best set into their own individual pockets of soil. For the most natural effect, place rocks and earth around the perimeter of the cascade.

Liner watercourses

1) Roughly shape and firm the pile of soil into the waterfall formation. Concrete blocks may be used to form a skeleton, and to hold back the soil.

2) Sculpt each shelf sloping back so it can hold 80 - 100mm of water when the pump is switched off. Make a header pool at the top and lay an underlay over the whole watercourse.

3) Choose a liner material that is strong and supple for this more ambitious method of watercourse construction. If strips of liner are to be used instead of a sheet, always overlap on the fall making sure the joints are above the water line. Lay the liner in place. It must overlap by at least 150mm into the pool and the sides must be higher than than the water level.

4) Starting from the bottom of the waterfall, lay or cement the stones on top. Slate may be used to form a drop into the pool.

Quick links:
Pools waterfalls and liners