How to Build a Pond With Waterfall

Ponds are an attractive and low-maintenance yard addition. An attractive pond, with a waterfall and bridge, can turn your backyard into a private retreat for year-round enjoyment. Ask yourself, who doesn’t want that? Ok…maybe not that guy in the picture above. But, if you are interested in building your own pond with waterfall I’ve got some ideas for you!

How to build a pond with waterfall Building a pond with waterfalls can be easy, and it is recommended for those who want to make their garden look more attractive. If you prefer creating a view that looks natural, while completely unpretentious, there is no doubt that you should try building a pond of this kind. To be more exact, I recommend that you make an attempt to recreate the natural look of the Highland Pool Lake if you want your garden to turn into one of the most popular spots among your family members and guests.

🛠️ What This Is About

Here’s how to build a small pond with a rock-wall waterfall, explained simply and step-by-step—just like a pro on the job.

🧱 How It Works

You carve and line a pond, build up a rock spillway, and install a pump that sends water over rocks back into the pond.

Waterfalls add beauty, tranquility, oxygen, and help naturally filter the water.

📋 Materials or Tools Needed

Shovels, rakes, manual digging tools (chainsaw optional)

Pond liner (rubber EPDM) + underlayment

Rocks: large for structure, small for gaps

Pump & tubing (check GPH needed)

Waterproof cement or waterfall sealant foam

Optional skimmer or filter box for cleaner water

Level, stakes & string, gloves, safety gear

⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1️⃣ Plan & dig
Mark pond shape with stakes/string; size based on space & purpose.

Dig deeper than spillway height. Slope sides in steps for stability.

2️⃣ Build waterfall base
Pile dirt where the water will fall to create height.

Sculpt the slope—U-shape works well to channel flow.

3️⃣ Line it
Lay clean underlayment then rubber liner over pond and waterfall path. Overlap pond liner.

4️⃣ Stack rocks
Start with big rocks to form the spillway, stack securely.

Use foam sealant around spillway rocks to prevent leaks.

Fill gaps with smaller stones to create a natural look.

5️⃣ Add pump & tubing
Place pump in pond on gravel or shelf, ensure 12″ water above intake.


Run tubing up behind spillway to top level.

6️⃣ (Optional) Install skimmer/filter
For clearer water, add a skimmer or filter box near the pond rim.

7️⃣ Fill & test
Add water and turn on pump; adjust tubing flow until waterfall runs smoothly.

8️⃣ Finish touches
Add edging rocks and plants for a natural finish.

Surrounding plants, stones, or a seating area enhance the scene.

Maintain liner integrity and clean pump/filter regularly.

✅ Pros and Cons

✅ Pros ⚠️ Cons
Adds beauty, sound, and tranquillity Needs regular maintenance—pump and liner
Supports wildlife and plant health by oxygenating water Correct stack and seal needed to prevent leaks
Natural filtration reduces algae Pump/filter cost can be high for bigger ponds

💡 Common Mistakes

Don’t skip underlayment—lined rock can puncture liner

Always overlap liners for the waterfall to recirculate back into pond
aquaticgarden.com

Avoid too small rocks—use big spillway stones to guide water flow

📌 Quick Facts

Waterfall movement oxygenates the pond and filters debris.

Rubber EPDM liners resist UV and last much longer.

A waterfall filter box (biofall) encourages beneficial bacteria growth.

🧠 Community Insight
From r/ponds:

“Moving water is most important. Waterfalls are beautiful as well as functional. It oxygenates the water so … life can … thrive.”

🌿 Extra Benefits

Aspiring wildlife habitat: birds, frogs, beneficial insects will love it

Water features reduce stress, noise, and enhance property value

👷 Who Should Use This

Homeowners wanting a tranquil, natural water feature

DIY enthusiasts comfortable with digging, stacking, pumps

Gardeners aiming to boost biodiversity with a functional pond

Here are some tips for building a small pond with waterfall:

1. Research local regulations regarding ponds and waterfalls before getting started. There are many factors to consider and regulations vary between states and municipalities. For example, some states require that ponds be at least 10 feet from your property line while others don’t have any requirements at all. You may also need to obtain permits from your local municipality or county government if you plan on filling the pond with water from a public water source or creek.

2. Choose the location for your pond carefully based on how much sun it will receive each day and where you want it located in relation to other features around your property such as patios or decks. The sunlight will help keep algae growth down in the water so choose a spot that gets lots of sun throughout the day if possible!

3. Build your retaining wall for the waterfall first using concrete blocks or cinderblocks stacked together securely along the edge of the yard where you want your waterfall to go. Use wire mesh or chicken

A waterfall is a natural localized flow of water over a vertical drop or a series of drops in the course of a stream or river. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf.

Waterfalls can vary in height from a few centimetres to more than 100 metres (328 feet). The highest known waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela, with a height of 979 m (3,212 ft).

A waterfall that has been given formal recognition as being especially significant is known as a named waterfall. While most waterfalls have an official name, many have not been named (in which case they are said to be “unnamed”), and some may have more than one name. In the United Kingdom, some waterfalls are known by colloquial names such as “Little Niagara”, “Niagara Falls” and “The Cascades”.

Underground water flows may be visible below ground because they create bubbles and foam on the surface when they emerge, although these features may not be called waterfalls because they do not consist of flowing water.