Pond Waterfalls That Fall From the Side

Water Level

• Water finds its own level. When you dig the pond, make sure the sides are level with one another, as you'll be calling attention to the sides with the waterfalls. If the pond is deeper on one side of the pond than the other, the water will look uneven. Check by laying a piece of scrap wood across the pond from one side to the other and putting a carpenter's level on it.

Pumps

• Pumps are graded to move a certain amount of water up to a certain height. If you use a pump that is too powerful for the waterfall, you'll have water splashing outside the pond. If you use a pump that's too weak, the waterfall will be a dribble at best. Use two pumps if you want a waterfall coming out each side, rather than trying to rig one pump for each side.

Test and Test Again

• Water follows the path of least resistance. Before you cement the rocks in place for your waterfall, test the water feature with the waterfall turned on. You might find the water falls more toward the back or front of the pond, rather than the sides. In a medium-size pond, it's probably necessary to get in the pond and maneuver the parts to get the exact flow you desire. If you have waterfalls on two sides, test both, separately and at the same time.

Troubleshooting

• If your pond is naturalized with fish and plants, the waterfall may lose force over time. Leaves, dead plants, algae and spent blossoms can start to clog the tubing. This may not be quite as obvious with a waterfall to the side than with one to the front. Regularly check the tube that leads from the pump to the top of the waterfall.

  When it's clogged, the pump has to work harder and may burn out. Also check the intake valve at the top of the pump. The pump draws water into it, and as it does, it also draws down dead leaves and other debris. Pumps can turn over as well, meaning they're sucking in muck at the bottom of the pond.

Water Loss

• Waterfalls that face the front of the pond usually fall into the deepest part of the pond. The spilling water is away from the sides. Waterfalls to the sides are closer to the edges of the pond. Water may be lost as it sprays over the edge of the pond.