Difference between revisions of "Build a Waterfall"
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=== Planning the Waterfall=== | === Planning the Waterfall=== | ||
#Choose a location. You can install a waterfall on a natural slope or hill, or you can dig out the slope yourself. Alternately, if the soil or foundation you're digging into is difficult to excavate, consider building the stream above ground using a combination of rocks and gravel as your base. | #Choose a location. You can install a waterfall on a natural slope or hill, or you can dig out the slope yourself. Alternately, if the soil or foundation you're digging into is difficult to excavate, consider building the stream above ground using a combination of rocks and gravel as your base. | ||
| − | #*How much of a slope will you need? The absolute minimum slope you need is a 2 inch (5cm) drop for every 10 feet (3m) of stream.<ref>http://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/backyard-waterfalls/build-a-backyard-waterfall-and-stream/step-by-step</ref> Of course, the steeper the slope, the faster the water runs and the louder the sound of the waterfall. | + | #*How much of a slope will you need? The absolute minimum slope you need is a 2 inch (5cm) drop for every 10 feet (3m) of stream.<ref name="rf1">http://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/backyard-waterfalls/build-a-backyard-waterfall-and-stream/step-by-step</ref> Of course, the steeper the slope, the faster the water runs and the louder the sound of the waterfall. |
#Think about placing your waterfall near an electrical source. You want your lower basin, which sends water back up to the top of the waterfall, to be located near an electrical source so that you don't have to string an unsightly extension cord across your otherwise pristine garden. | #Think about placing your waterfall near an electrical source. You want your lower basin, which sends water back up to the top of the waterfall, to be located near an electrical source so that you don't have to string an unsightly extension cord across your otherwise pristine garden. | ||
#Plan the size of your stream. Knowing just how much water passes through your stream and waterfalls will help you determine how large your upper pool and lower basin need to be. (You don't want your garden overflowing when you turn the pump off.) Here's how do to that: | #Plan the size of your stream. Knowing just how much water passes through your stream and waterfalls will help you determine how large your upper pool and lower basin need to be. (You don't want your garden overflowing when you turn the pump off.) Here's how do to that: | ||
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=== Setting up the Basics=== | === Setting up the Basics=== | ||
| − | #Prepare for any digging you may need to do by outlining the waterfall placement with spray paint and calling the relevant utility authority. Spray-painting the outline of your stream — and any waterfalls — will help greatly when it comes time to dig. Calling 811 and making sure your excavation won't damage any water or gas mains is a must.<ref | + | #Prepare for any digging you may need to do by outlining the waterfall placement with spray paint and calling the relevant utility authority. Spray-painting the outline of your stream — and any waterfalls — will help greatly when it comes time to dig. Calling 811 and making sure your excavation won't damage any water or gas mains is a must.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Start excavating your foundation if you need to. Dig out any part of your stream that'll be below ground. Next, dig out a large enough area for your lower sump basin, making sure to leave space for surrounding gravel and stone. Finally, place medium-sized rocks and larger boulders around the perimeter of the stream to begin to hem in the stream. | #Start excavating your foundation if you need to. Dig out any part of your stream that'll be below ground. Next, dig out a large enough area for your lower sump basin, making sure to leave space for surrounding gravel and stone. Finally, place medium-sized rocks and larger boulders around the perimeter of the stream to begin to hem in the stream. | ||
#Measure out and cut both underlayment and rubber liner. Starting with underlayment and then finishing with the liner, stretch them over the entire distance of the waterfall, into the lower basin, and across pond (if there is one). Place some of the rocks on the membrane plastic to hold it in place, or use poly rock panels in sheets to save time. | #Measure out and cut both underlayment and rubber liner. Starting with underlayment and then finishing with the liner, stretch them over the entire distance of the waterfall, into the lower basin, and across pond (if there is one). Place some of the rocks on the membrane plastic to hold it in place, or use poly rock panels in sheets to save time. | ||
