What Is A Pondless Waterfall?

A pondless waterfall is a beautiful addition to any garden, and it’s also a great way to add some extra functionality to your yard. A pondless waterfall is a waterfall that does not have a pond. Instead, the water for the waterfall is stored in an underground reservoir, and then it is released slowly and gradually into the waterfall. This type of waterfall is a great choice if you want the look of a traditional waterfall without all of the maintenance that comes with having a pond. Pondless waterfalls are also a great way to add some extra interest to your garden, and they can be used to hide unsightly features or to create a focal point in your yard.

Build Your Own Pondless Waterfall

For beginner DIYers, we’re big fans of the Aquascape Pondless Waterfall Kits . These kits come in different sizes and include the components you need for a beautiful pondless waterfall that will be built right. But before you select a kit, get acquainted with the mechanics of a pondless waterfall and how to best build one for yourself. A pondless waterfall is basically a recirculating waterfall without a pond. It works by pumping water from a large, in-ground reservoir up and through the waterfall spillway. This allows the water to flow back down into the basin. These recirculating systems are easy to install and require very little maintenance. This cross-cut of a pondless waterfall will give you a good idea of what goes where.

Courtesy of our friends at Aquascape

 

How Much To Build A Pondless Waterfall?

This question is on the minds of many pond owners. The answer often depends on your location and the type of materials you use to build a pondless waterfall. If you live in a remote mountain area, it may be less expensive than those who live near a big city with all the associated expenses involved. You can expect to pay from $5,000 to as much as $25,000 for a professionally designed and properly installed pondless waterfall. If you plan to do it yourself, some companies offer complete kits starting at around $1,000 that will create enough water pressure to operate your water feature. Of course if you have an abundant supply of free labor then the price could be considerably less but probably not under $500 if you plan on doing it yourself. The price for building a small pondless waterfall will include the following: engineering design fees, construction materials (e.g., rocks, cloth liner, sealant), labor (installation and landscaping) and maintenance costs (e.g., electric bill or pump).

Pondless Waterfall Cost Breakdown

•  $1,000 to $7,500 - some DIY kits are available but you may need professional assistance with some aspects of installation or design

• $75 to $350 per linear foot - tubing costs vary widely depending on type of material used e.g., PVC vs HDPE/plastic-lined steel

• $5 to $25 per square foot - if built using stones, cost is for larger rocks and boulders

• $50 to $150 per linear foot - fencing costs vary depending on material used e.g., wood vs wrought iron or aluminum

• $1,000 to $2,500 - installation costs will depend on the contractor's hourly rate and how much work it takes to prepare the site

• $15 to $45 per square foot - landscaping costs are variable depending on requirements of your local building code for drainage and grading around waterfall

Total Cost = Materials + Labor + Initial Setup + Maintenance (electric bill or pump) over several years. The range is typically from $5,000 to $25,000. Note: Ponds with waterfalls are more expensive than ponds without waterfalls because of the cost for installation materials and design fees. If you want the look of a pondless waterfall but don't want to invest in a large system, consider a small decorative pondless waterfall where a small pump pushes all the water over a smaller waterfall. Maintenance costs are also less since there is no large system requiring annual maintenance service/repairs from HVAC contractors or plumbers since the only equipment needed is an underwater pump that can be purchased for around $200 or less per year to run it.

Pondless Waterfall Options

Pondless waterfalls can roam expansively across your yard. Or, they can tuck in right by your front entrance and greet visitors. They’re adaptable, too – you can always add a pond later. If you have questions, we’re here to help. And if you’re interested in a pondless waterfall but don’t want to do the work yourself, we can help you out there, too. Call Good Earth Water Gardens at 913-749-8090 or connect online. We’ll help make your pondless waterfall a reality.