There are several different types of water features out there: large, small, deep and shallow ponds, streams, waterfalls and Pondless® Waterfalls. But what are the primary differences? And how do you know which one is right for you? They are all aquatic ecosystems, and each is a beautiful sight to behold in your backyard. The main consideration is to pick which type of water feature is best for your lifestyle. In this series, we’ll talk about different aspects of owning large ponds, streams, waterfalls, and even Pondless® Waterfalls to help you make your decision. In this first article we'll discuss large ponds, streams and waterfalls.

Large Ponds

You might already have a pond and are looking to get a larger one, or perhaps you just like the idea of a large pond. When it comes to larger ponds, you’re probably going to want to hire a professional to build it so that it doesn’t take up the next three months of your time. Next, you need to know what goes into owning and maintaining a large pond.

Although it may seem surprising, larger ponds are actually much easier to maintain than smaller ponds. The larger volume of water in a large pond will create a sort of a buffer. In other words, it takes much more to affect the conditions in a large pond than in a smaller pond.

A great example of this phenomenon is the pH level. Having a fairly stable pH level is important for fish. Smaller ponds can experience very rapid pH swings due to such things as adding water, rain, and runoff. In a larger pond, it takes much more of an outside influence before the pond is affected. This is not to say that you should not consider smaller ponds. It is simply a reminder to always go with the largest pond that your space allows. Once set up it will easier to maintain in the long run.

Waterfalls and Streams

Waterfalls and streams really capture the imagination. Many people go on exhausting trips into the wilderness just to see a beautiful river, waterfall, or stream.

A man-made waterfall is simply water pumped from one body of water to an area above that body of water, and then allowed to flow back in. If you do it right, it’ll look good, sound good, and you won't lose any water in between.

You need to think about the effect you’re trying to achieve. Do you want a peaceful trickle or thundering rapids? Are you trying to drown out traffic noise from a nearby road or are you looking to mimic the sounds of nature with a pleasing gurgling water sound? Drowning out traffic will generally require greater water volume going through your stream or waterfall than just creating gurgling water sounds in a relatively quiet setting. These decisions will help determine the type of rock that you choose, the width of the waterfall, and the size pump that you need.

Creating An Interesting Stream

As you design and build the stream portion of your water garden, there are a few tips to keep in mind in order to create the most natural stream possible.

1. Water in a natural setting runs downhill as quickly as possible, and along the way it hits objects that are harder than the surrounding soil (large rocks and logs), and sometimes it goes through sharp elevation changes. The goal is to copy these phenomenon as much as possible in your man-made waterfall or stream.

2. Your stream should twist and turn as it makes its way toward your pond, which will increase the water sounds, and the number of viewing areas.

3. A large rock should be placed at each turn. At elevation changes, place additional larger stones, or a series of stones, to try to duplicate the look of the erosion process.

4. Your stream should get narrow in areas, then widen out and slow down in others. If your stream narrows in one place, open it back up downstream. Incorporate areas within your stream where the water can pool.

5. Always slope the streambed toward your pond.

6. Make sure you use a good mix of stone and gravel to create a natural look. Fill the streambed with aquatic plants.

7. Leave several inches of soil and liner above the water level in the stream.

8. Remember that high water flow rates need a wider stream and/or higher edges.

In Part 2 we'll talk more about waterfalls, including Pondless® Waterfalls.