How to Place a Waterfall Spillway
Easily upgrade your backyard pond with a beautiful and functional water feature using a waterfall spillway. A DIY waterfall adds soothing sound, visual interest, and helps to keep your water healthy. With the smartpond® 8-inch Waterfall Spillway, creating your own waterfall is easier than you think, no experience required!
The key to building a waterfall is placing the spillway. The height of the spillway determines how far the water will flow. Keep in mind, the higher the spillway, the stronger the pump will need to be. Our smartpond spillway is 8 inches wide, and the length of the waterfall depends on where you place it.
How the smartpond® Spillway Works
The 8 in. Waterfall Spillway is designed to be perfectly level, pouring a smooth, consistent sheet of water into your pond or receptacle. Connected to a waterfall pump, water is pulled from the pond or basin and pushed up through the spillway, where the baffle helps create a natural-looking cascade.
The height of your spillway and the size of your pump will determine the strength of the flow. The further the water travels from the pump to the spillway, the slower the flow will be. For use with the 8-inch spillway, we recommend the following pumps:
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800 GPH pump for streamlets or waterfalls up to 2 ft. or a slower trickle
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1,350 GPH pump for waterfalls up to 5 ft. or an average cascade
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2,000 GPH pump for waterfalls up to 10 ft. or a more dramatic flow
Explore our full range of Waterfall Pumps to find the right fit for your pond size and desired flow.
Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Pond Waterfall with a Spillway
1. Plan Your Waterfall Location
Find a spot near the edge of the pond where the waterfall will be visible and easy to maintain. Keep in mind where the tubing and cords will run. You’ll want to hide them behind rocks or plants, and minimize the distance between the pump and the spillway.
2. Build Up the Area
The spillway will need to be placed above the pond's surface to achieve the desired effect. Most waterfalls are a minimum of 10 inches above the pond's surface. Use landscaping stones, retaining wall bricks, or soil to create a flat, elevated mound.
TIP!: Use a level while flattening the area.
3. Connect the Pump & Tubing
Attach the tubing to the spillway and to your pump. We recommend using a hose clamp to secure the tubing and prevent leaks. Submerge the pump in your pond or basin.
4. Place the Spillway
Set the spillway onto your elevated surface. The spillway should be level or slightly tilted forward to prevent the backflow of water. Use landscaping stones to support the spillway as needed.
Not sure what stones to choose? Check out our guide.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Use natural-looking stones to build up the area around the spillway and to conceal the cord and tubing. Waterfall Foam Sealant helps close gaps and guide the flow exactly where you want it. Aquatic and landscape plants, gravel, and lighting add the finishing touch and blend your waterfall seamlessly with your aesthetic.
A Weekend Project with Lasting Impact
Adding a waterfall to your pond is more than a design choice. It boosts the health of your pond, as well as your own well-being. Waterfalls naturally cool the air around them and provide the soothing sounds of flowing water. With a waterfall spillway and a pump, you can create your own DIY waterfall this weekend and reap the benefits for years to come.
Ready to get started? Check out our waterfall bundle and start your project right.
