Homemade Ponds With Waterfalls in Backyards

Pond Forms

• Pre-made pond forms make it easier to put a pond in your backyard. These pond forms resemble plastic wading pools, except that they use black plastic and come in a variety of different shapes. After scoping out your backyard and taking the necessary measurements, you can purchase an appropriately-sized pond form, dig your hole and place the pond form inside. After backfilling the dirt around the pond, you can landscape the area any way you wish.

Outdoor Pumps

• To add a waterfall you need a quality pump designed for use in outdoor ponds. The pump moves water back up to the top of the pond to create a continuous waterfall effect. The pump can also run the filtration system that keeps the pond clean. Look for an appropriately-sized pump. Never buy a pump designed for a smaller pond than the one you have.

Fish Pond

• Adding fish to your backyard pond provides an additional element of nature. Fish are also quite good at keeping the water clean and fresh, since they will eat the insect larvae and bugs that land in the water. Fish can also eat the algae that would otherwise build up and require manual cleaning. You can purchase pond fish at many pet stores, or you can simply buy some small goldfish.

Waterfall Kits

• You don't have to build a waterfall from scratch. In fact, there are a number of excellent waterfall kits on the market. They are designed for use in ponds and you can landscape them in a variety of ways. Just examine the placement of your pond and the natural lay of the landscape. Then choose the waterfall kit that best complements that natural landscape.