Selecting Waterfall Products

Choose a waterfall pump to match the height and width of your waterfall.

The rule of thumb is for every 1 in. of spillway width, you need 100 gallons per hour flow to achieve a “sheet” look. 

Divide by two for a “trickle” look. 

Multiply by two for a “Niagara” look.

Keep in mind, excessive bends or in-line filters will reduce the flow.

You can also consider starting with a spillway.  We offer an 8 in. Spillway.

Example: The desired look of the waterfall is a “sheet” flow, so we need to multiply the spillway's width by 100. 16 ft. spillway x 100 = 1,600 GPH

Now it's time to find the total pumping height your waterfall pump will need to have. This combines two measurements: the height of your waterfall and the length of tubing running to it.

1. Waterfall height is the vertical distance in feet from the surface of your pond water to the point where the water breaks at the top of the waterfall. If your waterfall sits back from the pond and cascades down a water course, measure only the vertical rise, not the horizontal distance. If you haven't built your waterfall yet, use your best estimate. Most backyard waterfalls fall between 1 and 3 feet. Measure (in feet) the height from the surface of the pond to the top of the waterfall spillway.
2. Tubing distance adds resistance your pump has to work against. Measure the length of tubing in feet from where it exits the pond to the top of the waterfall. For every foot of tubing, add 10 inches to your waterfall height measurement.

Putting it together:
Waterfall height: 3 ft.
Tubing length: 3 ft. x 10 in. = 30 in. = 2 ft. 6 in.
Total pumping height: 3 ft. + 2 ft. 6 in. = 5 ft. 6 in.

In this example, you need a pump that delivers your target flow rate at a height of 5 ft. 6 in.

IMPORTANT! Use the flow chart on your product packaging or in the instruction manual to find the right waterfall pump for your setup.

Be sure to check the pump’s specification for the ideal pumping height of your pump at the head of your waterfall. Keep in mind, excessive bend or in-line filters will reduce the flow. 

Select a pump, we offer: 

• 1,320 GPH Waterfall Pump for 5 ft. waterfalls 
• 2,000 GPH Waterfall Pump for 10 ft. waterfalls 
• 3,600 GPH Waterfall Pump for 15 ft. waterfalls 
• 5,100 GPH Waterfall Pump for 18 ft. waterfalls

Don’t forget the Tubing!   

For pond and waterfall pumps, we recommend using the largest tubing size option for maximum performance. All smartpond pumps and filters recommend the appropriate tubing, be sure to consult the label or website for compatible tubing size. 

Finishing touches 

Adding rocks or flowers around your pond is a great way to hide cords and tubing. Rocks or pavers also help weigh down the liner. For the finishing touch, the addition of nozzle displays, spitters, lights, and floating décor make your pond look complete.