Introduction

Building an outdoor waterfall can add a touch of tranquility and beauty to your backyard. While traditional waterfalls can be expensive and complex to construct, there is an easy and affordable way to create a stunning waterfall using natural rocks. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to build an inexpensive outdoor rock waterfall.

Materials

• Rocks of various sizes and shapes
• Submersible pump
• Tubing to connect pump to waterfall
• Large plastic flower pot or similar container
• Rigid pond liner
• Sand
• 1 black plastic liner, 4 x 3 feet

Tools

• Carpenter’s level
• Shovel
• Garden hose

Step 1: Dig the Pond

• Determine the desired size and shape of your waterfall pond.
• Excavate a hole in the ground to fit the pond liner.
• Place the pond liner in the hole and adjust it until it is level.
• Fill the bottom of the hole with sand to create a stable base for the liner.

Step 2: Build the Waterfall Structure

• Select flat rocks with sharp edges to act as spillway rocks.
• Lay the spillway rocks on top of each other, creating a cascading effect.
• Use smaller rocks to fill in the gaps between the spillway rocks.
• Elevate the back of the spillway rocks using shims to create a steeper water flow.

Step 3: Install the Tubing and Flower Pot

• Invert the flower pot and thread the tubing through the hole in its bottom.
• Place the flower pot in the center of the waterfall structure, about 8 inches back from the edge of the pond.
• Lay rocks around the flower pot to create four mini-rock walls.
• Lay a long, flat rock across the front of the rock walls to form an overhang for the spillway rocks.

Step 4: Position the Spillway Rocks

• Place the first spillway rock on the overhang, jutting it out over the pond.
• Elevate the back of the rock using shims.
• Position the second spillway rock on top of the first, overlapping it like shingles on a roof.
• Adjust the tubing to form a spout at the end of the second spillway rock.

Step 5: Fill the Pond

• Fill the pond with water and plug in the pump.
• Adjust the position of the waterfall and tubing as needed to minimize water loss from splashing.

Tips for Creating a Realistic Waterfall

• Use rocks of varying sizes and textures to add visual interest.
• Elevate the spillway rocks at different levels to create multiple waterfalls.
• Hide the tubing and flower pot with capstones or surrounding rocks.
• Experiment with different rock arrangements to find the most visually appealing design.

Considerations for Water Conservation

• Position the waterfall so that the water falls as close to the middle of the pond as possible.
• Use a plastic liner or black plastic to cover the area behind the waterfall, preventing water from splashing out.
• Turn off the pump when not in use to conserve electricity and reduce water loss.

Safety Precautions

• Always follow home safety tips when working with electricity and water.
• Ensure that the waterfall is stable and secure before using it.
• Keep children and pets away from the waterfall area when the pump is running.

Conclusion

Building an outdoor rock waterfall can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enhance your backyard. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a stunning waterfall that will provide years of enjoyment and relaxation.