There are several different types of water features available for building in your back yard: large, small, deep and shallow ponds, streams, waterfalls and Pondless Waterfalls. How do you know which one is right for you? In Part 1 of this series, we discussed large ponds, streams and waterfalls. In this article we will discuss more about waterfalls, and about pondless waterfalls.

Building a Beautiful Waterfall

There are many ways to build a waterfall for your pond. Sometimes the result is less than ideal, with a waterfall that leaks or looks like a chimney spewing water. The best way to build a waterfall is to use an ecologically balanced system that utilizes a biological filter and a pond skimmer. Biological filters are easy to hide, and provide a good base for building a leak-free, beautiful waterfall, with the additional benefit of filtration.

You may be anxious to get out and start building a waterscape with lots of flowing water and a serene pond filled with lilies and beautiful koi. Before you get your marking paint and shovel out, there's one important factor to keep in mind.

Many people are so enthralled with the sound of water, that they decide on a huge waterfall and stream that fills their property with the incredible sounds of falling water. The only problem is, with a large waterfall and stream, if the water feature gets neglected, and/or forgotten about, it doesn't work very well. A very large water feature will require regular maintenance to stay beautiful. So, let your creativity take over, but remember to keep everything in proportion. You'll be glad you did in the long run.

Pondless Waterfall

The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored type of water feature. If space is lacking in your yard or if you have safety concerns with a pond, go pondless! It's a waterfall and stream, without the pond.

It might be difficult to imagine a waterfall and stream without a pond. Where does the water go? A Pondless Waterfall works much like a regular pond. The hole, deeper than a normal pond, is dug, then lined with rock and gravel, and filled with water. The water is then circulated from beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump that sits on the bottom. A pipe runs from there up to a filter and into an overflowing waterfall, where it falls back into the reservoir. Since the water level never pools above the level of the rock and gravel fill, it gives the appearance of a waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the "pond" is there but not visible.

So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? A Pondless Waterfall can be a great alternative for someone who like the idea of a waterfall but doesn't feel a pond is right for their family.

Because there is no pool of water, a Pondless Waterfall is a great option if you are concerned about safety issues associated with a traditional pond, such as with little children or pets.

Cost can be a big factor when considering the type of water feature you want to build. In most cases, the price of a Pondless waterfall will be less than a pond, because there is less labor involved, as well as less rock and materials. Operating costs are also less. Because you're not maintaining an established ecosystem, it's not necessary to run the pump 24/7.

The small size of the Pondless Waterfall means you can build and enjoy a beautiful waterfall anywhere in you yard. Taking care of it is easy. Filling the reservoir every few weeks to compensate for water loss because of evaporation is all that's needed.

Perhaps the best part of the Pondless Waterfall is the option to change or add on in the future. If you change your mind later, wishing you'd built a pond, that's OK. As long as you leave enough room around the base of the waterfall, it's easy to add a pond later on.

The Pondless Waterfall has made many water-lovers very happy, who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water. It's a great alternative for those who are looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard.