Artificial waterfall is a worthy decoration of any site. Using such a decor item, even a small garden area can be turned into a real masterpiece of landscape design. Making it with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. The main thing is to determine the size and type of structure, and how to build it - this article will tell about this.

How a decorative waterfall works

Decorative waterfall consists of 3 main elements:

• pouring bowl, which is located on a hill and is designed to supply water flows;
• refillable cup located at the bottom;
• pumping equipment for water circulation.

Depending on the type of waterfall, a slide, a wall, and other structures can be built between the bowls. The operation of the device is that with the help of a pump, water is first supplied to the upper bowl, from which it is drained into the lower bowl, and from there it is again directed upward. We can say that the pump is the heart of the whole structure. All structural elements are carefully decorated with natural materials: stones, plants, wooden elements, etc.

Varieties

There are a lot of varieties of waterfalls. It can be not only bulky stone structures, but also miniature compositions that perfectly fit into the design of a compact garden. Mini waterfalls are easy to build from improvised materials, such as clay pots, jugs. The dishes are built according to the type of cascade, a pump is installed that provides the water cycle. In addition, you can choose the type of design that will suit different landscape styles: classic, oriental, European.

Important! When constructing a waterfall in the garden, keep in mind that the water will constantly evaporate, and its constant replenishment will entail additional utility costs. Perhaps preference should be given to a small design.

Even in a rustic setting, a running water design will look particularly elegant. Today, waterfalls have not yet received such great popularity that they can be found on every site. If you build it in your garden, it will certainly cause delight among the neighbors and guests of the site.

There are several main types of waterfalls:

1. Classical. The features of such a waterfall suggest the presence of some symmetry. Ideally, it should consist of two bowls of the correct geometric shape, and water falls from one bowl to another. Also allowed is the option when the stream descends from one bowl of the correct form in the reservoir. Such designs are quite simple, they can be supplemented with natural elements (stones, vegetation, etc.).
2. Cascading. Such a waterfall is arranged by designing steps along which the water flow falls. They are made, as a rule, of stone. Sometimes they use purchased plastic molds, but they do not look so aesthetically pleasing. It is not difficult to build stone steps, since the construction of a "piece" of the natural landscape does not require strict observance of geometry.
3. Wall. This is one of the most popular types of waterfalls, which, although of considerable size, can perfectly fit into the design of even a small area. For example, you can create a system in which water fountains will fall directly from the facade of a house or fence.
4. Grotto. Water and stone are an attractive combination of two elements, which gives a feeling of coolness, which is especially pleasant in the summer heat. For the construction of such waterfalls, artificial stone is more often used, and moreover, they draw up not only the structure with which water flows fall. But all the surrounding space. A building resembling an abandoned cave looks beautiful and natural. Often the design is complemented by a variety of lighting and organize a recreation area near it.
5. Table. Not a single private courtyard is complete without a large table, at which family members and guests gather. The design will initially look, in the center of which there will be a stream flowing down into an earthenware pot installed nearby. Ideal if the table is located near a reservoir, for example, a small pond. Glass or concrete tables with waterfalls flowing into the pool are decorated in contemporary styles.

Choosing a place for a waterfall

Having decided to decorate your site with a waterfall, immediately think about whether you will build a pond with livestock nearby, since in this case it is advisable to select environmentally friendly materials. And the design of the waterfall itself should not be too high so that the sound of falling water does not disturb the fish in the pond. Ideal if you already have a reservoir on the site - then you won’t have to come up with anything except to finish building a hill on the shore, bring a pump and decorate the object.If there is no reservoir on the site, choose the size and type of waterfall, depending on the size of the garden.

Important! In winter, the water supply to the waterfall should be shut off, and the one in the bowls should be completely drained.

The design should not occupy a large part of its territory, such a design will not only clutter up the space, but also get tired pretty quickly. It is advisable to place the structure on the territory, which is heated by summer sunlight for no longer than 5 hours a day, and the rest of the time is in the shade - so the water will evaporate less. You should not install a waterfall or any other body of water near tall trees, as falling leaves will constantly pollute the water.

Necessary materials and tools

The main task in creating the waterfall is to prevent the flow of water. To do this, you need to choose high-quality materials. Also, their choice will largely depend on the type, size and style of construction. As mentioned earlier, mini-waterfalls are made out of ordinary clay dishes, natural and painted in different colors. Also, metal, plastic containers are used for this purpose.

If you want to build something grand, you will need more reliable materials: special bowls are used to decorate the bowl, clay, concrete, less often a film, and cascades are built of natural or artificial stone. Moreover, they often use sandstone, which looks more natural and has good quality characteristics. Other options are not ruled out, such as limestone, slate, you can just pick up beautiful boulders somewhere near the reservoir.Before laying, the material must be treated with a primer on a deep penetration stone, which will reduce water permeability and prevent the appearance of cracks. To build a waterfall, you will need a set of tools, the equipment of which largely depends on the materials used in the construction. In any case, you will need a shovel for digging a pit, a device for ramming the walls and bottom. Also, there may be a need for containers for mortar, a grinder to cut stones, etc.

Step by step instructions for creating

The device of the waterfall is not difficult, but it requires compliance with the technique of designing the bottom, ledges, pouring. A prerequisite is the correct installation of high-quality pumping equipment. At the final stage, you should take care of the decorative design, without which even a fairly grandiose structure can look dull and ridiculous.

Base unit

The site selected for the waterfall should be cleared: weed, remove stones and debris. Next you need to draw a contour. Most often, the cup is shaped in any form so that the object looks more natural, because in nature there is nothing proportional. To draw the outline, you can lay a rope or garden hose on the ground.

Foundation pit

When the marking is ready, you can start digging a pit under the bowl. Its depth will depend on the concept of the design you invented, but it is not recommended to make too deep a hole, as it will require, accordingly, powerful equipment. Typically, the depth does not exceed 1 m. But here you need to take into account the thickness of the walls and the bottom of the bowl - if you are building it, for example, from clay, you must initially dig a pit 30–40 cm larger than the size of the required structure.

Did you know? The largest artificial waterfall is located in Italy, near the city of Terni. Its structure includes 3 levels, and the total height is 165 m.

After digging a hole, you need to compact the soil around the perimeter and walls. To do this, often use the back of the log, but you can use any other device. In the process of tamping, make sure that there are no stones or large residual roots in the soil. The bottom of the pit is covered with a layer of sand about 10 cm thick, watered and rammed. After this, another layer of sand is poured, also moistened and tamped. At this pit construction can be considered completed.

Waterproofing

Laying waterproofing is the most important stage in the construction of a waterfall, since it is its quality that will affect the durability of the structure.

To do this, use the following materials:

1. PVC film. This is the most economical option, but at the same time quite risky. Although some manufacturers give a guarantee that the film will last up to 15 years, the slightest damage can lead to the fact that the waterfall will have to be completely redone. If you firmly decided to decorate the bowl with this material, lay it out and fix it on the surface, and then decorate it. It is desirable to acquire a film in black - this way the bottom will look more natural and be less affected by ultraviolet rays. Now on the market more high-quality material has appeared - a butyl rubber membrane, but its price is much higher.
2. Clay. A popular material for the construction of reservoirs, which in the best way combines the well-known concepts of "price" and "quality". The clay structure is considered more reliable, and the material itself is relatively inexpensive. For the construction of the pit, clay is diluted with water to a pasty state (you can add a little straw, which provides bonding). The material is applied to the bottom and walls with the first layer, compacted, waiting for it to harden, and then another layer is formed. The bottom can be decorated with beautiful pebbles, painted or treated with rubber rubber.
3. Concrete. Concrete finishing is perhaps the most expensive option, but it can be called eternal. Concrete is poured over the spread-out film, and the walls are fixed with a metal wire frame. At the final stage, as in the case of clay, the bottom can be decorated.
4. Plastic containers. In stores, you can now buy ready-made plastic containers that are simply installed in the ground and serve as a bowl for a small reservoir. In their favor, one can note the relatively low cost and ease of installation. But at the same time, you need to take into account that livestock breeding in such a reservoir probably will not work, and in severe frosts the mold may burst.

The construction of the cascade

After the bowl is ready, you can proceed with the construction of the cascade along which water will flow. To make the slide more stable and waterproof, it is recommended to make a clay foundation under it. First, lay out the first layer - it should be as even as possible, and subsequent ones can be placed in random order.

The beauty of the flow will depend on the choice of stones and their location. For example, if you want water to flow in neat streams, use flat stones with bumps and grooves. In order for the stream to be smooth, it is necessary to lay stones with recesses on its way, which will play the role of reservoirs.

Important! Do not cascade too high — this will overload the pump and it will quickly fail.

When building a structure, stones can be cut off with a grinder if necessary. And they need to be glued together so that the structure is durable. Cement is sometimes used for this purpose, but it is better to use mounting adhesive for foam blocks, as it provides better adhesion. If you need to decorate the seams, a good option is to plant the moss. Such a plant is perfect for decorating a pond.

Pump installation

Another important point is the installation of pumping equipment. There are two main types: submersible, which is installed directly in the lower bowl, and the outer one. In the second case, the equipment will make more noise, and, of course, it will have to be well masked, therefore, the former is often preferred. Pay attention to the power of the equipment. If a pump with a power of 70 W is enough for a small meter waterfall, then it is clearly not enough for a high cascade structure.

Did you know? If you want to plant underwater plants, choose a cinnamon or arrowhead — cultures are able to counteract the growth of bacteria, improve water quality.

All these subtleties can be obtained directly from the consultant in the store. A pump with a pipe for water intake is installed at the bottom of the pit. Please note that the device’s power cable must be well protected against water. The bleed pipe must be brought out. A tube (hose) of such a section is connected to it, which is necessary to create one or another type of flow. For example, the narrower it is, the stronger the jet will be, and vice versa. The hose is discharged to the upper point, from where water will be supplied, and masked with a solution, stones, plants.

Decoration

There are many ways to decorate a pond with a waterfall. One of the main roles is given to plants, which turn the object into a piece of wildlife. Moss, criss-crossing stones, climbing cultures, "sliding" along the steps of a cascading waterfall, water lilies, nymphs floating in the water - all this will bring the artificial structure closer to the natural landscape.

If you decorate a waterfall with lighting, it will become the main character of the garden in the evening. Moreover, it is possible to install lighting devices not only on the hill and coastal territory, but also at the bottom of the reservoir. The fixtures floating on a water smooth surface also look delightful. Creating a decorative waterfall is not only an opportunity to significantly ennoble the garden.

Scientists have long proved that the type of flowing water has a beneficial effect on the human psyche: calms the nervous system, relieves depression, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system. If you do not have this charming landscape object in your country house, be sure to get one, and then you will have the opportunity to relax and feel a full unity with nature.