Converting a pond to a pondless waterfall

by Teresa Vaughan
(San Diego)

Hi,
I am tired of the maintenance and cost associated with this pond. Do you think it could be converted to a pondless waterfall, as I love the waterfall?
Thank you

Doug says - no problem. It's going to take the cost of rebuilding and redesigning the entire thing but it can be done. If you're looking for "how" to do it yourself, then that's an entirely different matter. Generally, the pond is filled in except for a small catch basin that feeds the waterfall. The waterfall directs the water (through liner design) into the catch basin. Recirculates constantly.

The trick is in hiding the catch basin (normally a covered container and then rock is put over top of it so it looks like the water is flowing underground and away.

Water clarity management can be done with uv lights or even a bit of chlorine or bromine every now and then. If you're looking to encourage wildlife in this area then uv-lights are the best as they won't actively hurt anything. But that's another story.

Bottom line - no problem. Just a bit of work.