How to Shape a Waterfall

Assess the landscape surrounding your pond to determine the best shape for your waterfall. Opt for a relatively low and gently cascading waterfall, if you have a fairly level yard. Design a wide-mouthed waterfall only if you have a larger pond.

Use the dirt excavated from digging out your pond to gently build up the land to one side of the pond area. Skip this step or opt for an even gentler slope, if your pond is already dug out and you do not have soil available. Set up the waterfall pump, following the manufacturer's instructions. Place the water-drawing mechanism at the base of the pond and place the spigot at the mouth of the waterfall.

Place the weir, a box with one slightly lower side, at the mouth of the waterfall for a clearly defined sheet of water that rolls over the lip of the weir. Feed the spigot of your pump system into the weir. Arrange flat stones around the weir. Use the same color and type of stone to edge your pond for a more natural look.

Line the mouth of the waterfall with black pond foam, if you are not using a weir. Arrange flat stones on the black pond foam and around the mouth, instead of around the weir. Turn on the pump and watch the flow of water after you add each stone. Experiment with water flow by rotating the stones, stacking them in various patterns and changing their angles. Use wider stones to create more dramatic overhangs.

Set an EPDM rubber pond liner at the floor of your pond wherever the waterfall splashes down into the water. Secure the liner with stones, as necessary. Remove the water from your pond and use the liner to cover the entire pond area, if feasible.

Add water plants around the mouth of the waterfall, where necessary, to cover the weir or the pump spigot. Plant moisture-loving plants in the ground around the pond to cover piping and any additional pump hardware.