Waterfalls have always captivated people with their beauty. Observing the movement of water pacifies, calms, and sets up philosophical thoughts. In Japan, no garden is complete without this decorative element, and as you know, people of the East are recognized aesthetes and connoisseurs of beauty. A decorative waterfall can be independently designed and installed in your garden. It originally fits into the landscape composition and becomes its center, to which other design elements gravitate. More miniature versions are even placed in living rooms, so the framework for this decorative object simply does not exist: it can be adapted everywhere. In fact, it is a design with constantly circulating water, the closed cycle of which is provided by an integrated pump. Let's try to find out the details of the creation of waterfalls, the equipment necessary for their work and the installation features.
All artificial originates in the natural. Real waterfalls are classified into three types:
Pond
In this case, the water flows smoothly from a small height at an acute angle to the bottom of the reservoir.
Cataract
A powerful, wide stream of water flows from a relatively small height.
Cascade
Many find it the most beautiful. Water for a long time undermines stones that form rapids. The result is a whole mass of small waterfalls that are formed from a single stream.
Any of the above types can be reproduced in your garden, in the country or in the apartment. In this case, the role is played only by the surface on which water will flow. The general appearance of the finished composition depends on its shape and shape. There is also another classification according to the nature of the flow of water:
Drip
In these waterfalls, the use of special glass tubes is provided, through which water gently flows down. This option is closest to the natural original.
Inkjet
Water flows in a continuous stream, which is partially dissected by artificial barriers.
Mirrored
For this design, a layer of glass is required, on which water will collect in drops and fall down. The design creates the illusion of rain.
As the material for the base on which the water is allowed to choose:
Glass;
Mirrors (original effect of doubling the flow);
Artificial and natural stone;
Pottery;
Tree (will have to change over time due to susceptibility to decay in conditions of high humidity);
Metal;
Combined composition.
In inkjet versions, the nature of water runoff will depend on the surface texture.To get thin threads choose rough stones with numerous notches. To create an even and smooth flow, preference is given to polished surfaces. In order for the water to foam at the point of incidence, several stones are placed next to it, about which it will “break up”.
Form and types of cascades
Decorative waterfalls are divided into the following subspecies according to the nature of design:
A source. Water flows smoothly from an artificial “channel” into a small tank. Such fontanels are universal and suitable for creating quiet, cozy natural corners with unobtrusive murmur. The origins are often formed in the form of inverted jugs, cracked amphora, sea shells.
Simple, single-stage. This type has only one protrusion - a man-made barrier, which allows water to flow beautifully with a wide “strip”. As a rule, such structures are small-sized. If the height of the protrusion exceeds 1 m, then the pleasant murmur will be replaced by an obsessive hum, which will negate the whole aesthetics of the decorative design. The width of the stretched water stream is regulated by the dimensions of the "step".
Gushing waterfall. It creates a lot of noise, but it looks spectacular. Such a construction needs a powerful pump that can maintain the required pressure.
Multistage waterfall. It is designed as a single-stage, with only a large number of protrusions. The construction, as a rule, due to the steps stretches upward, so it looks more appropriate in the open air or in rooms with high ceilings.
Forms of structures can be very different:
Square;
Rectangle;
A semicircle where water flows either from the convex or from the concave side;
Asymmetric composition.
The latter are most like natural waterfalls, so they are used to create the most accurate imitation of the natural composition.
It is worth noting that even the smallest waterfall will regularly humidify the air.This is useful not only for indoor plants, but also for humans. Such a natural humidifier is especially convenient in those houses where the power of the heating system is not manually regulated and the air is too dry.
Seat selection
Not only the combination of a waterfall with an interior picture, but also the features of caring for it depend on the choice of place. If we are talking about the design on the street, then you should not place it:
Under the trees. In the fall, the falling leaf will bring down a schedule for caring for the waterfall, as it will systematically clog it.
In the far corners of the garden. Do not forget that such a luxurious decor is worthy to be in sight, respectively, and it must be placed in open areas.
In places where there is no shadow. This advice only applies to complex combinations of waterfalls and ponds with animals. Fish and plants are unlikely to like a constant overheating.
Near residential structures, the finish of which is made of materials sensitive to high humidity.
Indoors, do not place waterfalls near batteries. Rooms with “wet” walls, on which mold periodically forms, fall under the taboo. By a constant source of moisture you will only aggravate the situation and provide a ticket to life with fungi and other organisms that are dangerous to humans. Small-sized, outdoor waterfalls are placed either in the center of large rooms, or somewhere in the “privacy corner” in small rooms. In the latter case, the central composition will not only decorate the interior, but rather interfere with the free movement of the owners, thereby violating their comfort. In the country, the ideal place for placing waterfalls are gazebos, centers of spacious courtyards, areas for games and recreation. To complete the composition, low bushes are planted nearby: roses, rosehips, viburnum, spirea, hydrangea, hawthorn, lilac.
To save yourself from unnecessary trouble, choose a place with a natural slope of the soil, so that the water drains on its own, and you do not have to “help” it by adjusting the decorative surface accordingly.
Optimum cascade height
As for the height, it should not exceed 1-1.2 m. The optimal indicator is 0.5-0.8 m.When falling from such a height, the stream creates a small noise curtain that is not annoying. The main thing is that being at the waterfall evokes pleasant emotions not only from contemplation, but also from listening to such “music of nature”. If there are artificial barriers in the places where water drains, for the formation of foamy splashes, the noise level increases sharply, so the expediency of their placement is established experimentally. The higher the “drop point", the more powerful the pump will be needed, and this is associated with increased energy consumption and additional costs.
Do-it-yourself waterfall
Making a waterfall with your own hands is not so difficult. After the optimal place is chosen, it is necessary to connect the talents of the builder and dig a pit, equip it properly, install a pump. Then, the skills of a designer and possibly a little architect will be required to construct an integral stylistic composition. Ultimately, the mini-construction is completed with the launch of water. Let us analyze in more detail the features of the work at each stage.
Foundation pit
Before you start digging, you need to make markup. For these purposes, use pegs and a strong thread, which is pulled between them. You determine the width yourself, but there are certain standards for depth. If the pond adjacent to the waterfall is inhabited by underwater flora and fauna, then dig up to 1.2-1.5 m. For an exclusively decorative option, a depth of 0.7-0.8 m will be enough. First, the place is cleaned of grass and bumps . During the “excavation”, the edges of the pit are periodically wetted with water, thus preventing wall shedding. After completion of the main work, sand and gravel are poured onto the bottom of the pit with a layer of up to 12-15 cm.
Waterproofing layer
The type of waterproofing must be determined at the design stage. There are three main types:
Flexible.For this method, a special film is used that copes with the task, but does not hold the form, but only repeats it. Options with an average cost are made of PVC. Butyl rubber is the basis of a more expensive film.
Absolute waterproofing (concrete + stone). This is an old, time-tested, but very time-consuming method. It is used in the construction of monumental structures for decades, as it isolates what is called “tightly”.
Tough. Provides for the use of a durable form of plastic or composite.
The most popular flexible waterproofing. Its cost is not so biting, and the life is quite “decent”. It is worth noting that the deeper the pit will be, the thicker the film is used for waterproofing. An example correspondence table is as follows:
Deeper than 1.5 m - from 1.5 cm;
Up to 1.5 m - 1.1-1.2 cm;
Less than 1 m - 0.7-0.8 cm.
Hard waterproofing is used to create large waterfalls. A similar element in cases with small designs can be done independently. Of the materials you need only fiberglass and plastic.
With a shallow depth of the pond adjacent to the waterfall, in the winter, algae will freeze to the waterproofing layer. Before the first cold snap, they will have to be removed and placed for the whole season in a home aquarium.
We form cascades
A waterfall forms during a vertical drop. Its creation during construction will have to attend. To flow flowing smoothly along the steps, protrusions are formed. Water, as you know, sharpens a stone, therefore sandstone is preferred among a variety of materials. Pieces of this sedimentary rock look natural and easy to care for. However, stone is a surface layer. The basis of the cascade is better to construct from a tree, simultaneously strengthening it with concrete. After the structure dries up, they install the pump and only then proceed with decorating.
For those who do not want to engage in the formation of cascades on their own, in specialized stores offer to buy ready-made forms. All that is required: to select the appropriate in size and install it in the pit.
Pump installation
Dig a pit and construct the foundation is only half the battle. The next task will be to provide the pond with water and its continuous circulation. There are two types of pumps:
Superficial (external). Used to create a closed loop in large structures. Placed next to the tank.
Submersible. Placed at the bottom of an artificial pond.
To create a waterfall stream of relatively small height (up to 1.2-1.5 m), a pump with a capacity of 70 watts will be enough. The unit works from the mains, so the installation of the transformer is done ahead of time. Hoses mask the decor, and they try to close the pump with algae. The whole system consists of filters, 2 hoses (one for discharge and one for suction), a cable and a “box” in which the motor is hidden. One pumping "sleeve" is located at the bottom of the tank, and the second is pulled to the point of water fall.
Decoration Methods
As mentioned above, the waterfall itself can be decorated with any kind of artificial and natural stone, but sandstone, marble and granite are preferred. Of course, you can take any cobblestone on a beautifully shaped road and use it to create a composition. Stones can lie freely. In this case, they are eventually moved and the design changed at will. Also, the structure can be strengthened with cement mortar, which tightly adheres to the monumental structure. For decoration use a wide variety of materials:
Pebbles (pebbles);
Sand;
Shells;
Seaweed;
Coins;
Figures of frogs, snails and other aquatic inhabitants from ceramics.
With all this decorative splendor, they fill the bottom of the tank to give it a natural texture.When choosing algae, focus on those that feel great in local climates. The waterfall itself is lined with stones and their imitation. The naturalness of such an “interior” is given by rare bunches of greenery that are visible in crevices. In more expensive versions, right under the steps of the cascades, a backlight is installed. The wiring is insulated properly, and the lamps are selected moisture resistant. This design looks charming especially at night.
Plants for decoration
First of all, the adjacent area is decorated, as the “edging” creates a panoramic view. A corner with murmuring water should pacify and tune in a positive way, so soft, lawn grass is planted under your feet. On such a coating it will be nice to walk barefoot. Around the artificial pond and waterfall are flowering shrubs. The original will be the idea of a “Linnaeus watch”, when each species reveals the petals of buds at a certain time, and these periods do not overlap. Thus you will have an ever-flowering garden. Among the bushes, fans of high humidity are preferred:
Daylilies;
Mannicku;
Arrows;
Irisam
Azorelle;
Saxifrages;
Kaluzhnitsa;
Ferns.
In addition, a colorful reed is planted, which is associated with quiet backwaters. If you decide to decorate the house with a waterfall, then the “nail” of the program is to equip indoor plants in pots. In rooms decorated in minimalism or with Japanese motifs, water designs look beautifully framed by miniature bonsai trees. Such an interior object is suitable for decorating a living room, a winter garden or a "pacification corner" in any other room. Waterfall decoration also has styles. They are conditionally divided into three broad groups:
Natural. They try to bring the waterfall as close as possible to the natural original.
Ethnic. It often uses clay pots, amphorae, ceramic tiles, an abundance of ornaments and patterns.The whole design creates the impression of man-made.
Modern. They use simplicity of forms, straight lines and cool lighting. Water trickling down the glass (mirror type) is one of the brightest representatives of the style.
How to care for waterfalls
About once a month, water must be drained and a new one filled. The bottom and walls of the tank, along with the decor, are cleaned with napkins or soft brushes with a special tool during drying. On particularly hot days, when evaporating a certain part of the water, it will have to be added so that the waterfall "farm" does not become shallow at all. Do not forget about this procedure for those who keep the fish surrounded by algae. In autumn, yellowed leaves are removed from the surface of the water with a special net. Animals must be fed periodically. In winter, water is pumped out, the tank is cleaned, dried and covered with a protective film. If you have a southern climate with warm winters, then you can refuse this procedure.
Conclusion
The construction of the waterfall is not an easy task, but with the availability of materials, tools and enthusiasm, its implementation will become an exciting process. You can create a decoration for your design yourself to make it unique, or peep ready-made ideas on thematic resources. The maintenance of large waterfalls on the site, as a rule, is associated with additional costs for electricity, so before building, really evaluate your capabilities. Otherwise, the finished construction will be idle for months and only a couple of days a year please the owners. The task will be greatly simplified for those who have a brook or other natural body of water flowing on the site. Having created the desired slope, you simply draw part of its shore and can do without a pump.
Waterfalls have always captivated people with their beauty. Observing the movement of water pacifies, calms, and sets up philosophical thoughts. In Japan, no garden is complete without this decorative element, and as you know, people of the East are recognized aesthetes and connoisseurs of beauty. A decorative waterfall can be independently designed and installed in your garden. It originally fits into the landscape composition and becomes its center, to which other design elements gravitate. More miniature versions are even placed in living rooms, so the framework for this decorative object simply does not exist: it can be adapted everywhere. In fact, it is a design with constantly circulating water, the closed cycle of which is provided by an integrated pump. Let's try to find out the details of the creation of waterfalls, the equipment necessary for their work and the installation features.
Content
Types of Decorative Waterfalls
All artificial originates in the natural. Real waterfalls are classified into three types:
Any of the above types can be reproduced in your garden, in the country or in the apartment. In this case, the role is played only by the surface on which water will flow. The general appearance of the finished composition depends on its shape and shape. There is also another classification according to the nature of the flow of water:
As the material for the base on which the water is allowed to choose:
Form and types of cascades
Decorative waterfalls are divided into the following subspecies according to the nature of design:
Forms of structures can be very different:
The latter are most like natural waterfalls, so they are used to create the most accurate imitation of the natural composition.
Seat selection
Not only the combination of a waterfall with an interior picture, but also the features of caring for it depend on the choice of place. If we are talking about the design on the street, then you should not place it:
Indoors, do not place waterfalls near batteries. Rooms with “wet” walls, on which mold periodically forms, fall under the taboo. By a constant source of moisture you will only aggravate the situation and provide a ticket to life with fungi and other organisms that are dangerous to humans. Small-sized, outdoor waterfalls are placed either in the center of large rooms, or somewhere in the “privacy corner” in small rooms. In the latter case, the central composition will not only decorate the interior, but rather interfere with the free movement of the owners, thereby violating their comfort. In the country, the ideal place for placing waterfalls are gazebos, centers of spacious courtyards, areas for games and recreation. To complete the composition, low bushes are planted nearby: roses, rosehips, viburnum, spirea, hydrangea, hawthorn, lilac.
Optimum cascade height
As for the height, it should not exceed 1-1.2 m. The optimal indicator is 0.5-0.8 m.When falling from such a height, the stream creates a small noise curtain that is not annoying. The main thing is that being at the waterfall evokes pleasant emotions not only from contemplation, but also from listening to such “music of nature”. If there are artificial barriers in the places where water drains, for the formation of foamy splashes, the noise level increases sharply, so the expediency of their placement is established experimentally. The higher the “drop point", the more powerful the pump will be needed, and this is associated with increased energy consumption and additional costs.
Do-it-yourself waterfall
Making a waterfall with your own hands is not so difficult. After the optimal place is chosen, it is necessary to connect the talents of the builder and dig a pit, equip it properly, install a pump. Then, the skills of a designer and possibly a little architect will be required to construct an integral stylistic composition. Ultimately, the mini-construction is completed with the launch of water. Let us analyze in more detail the features of the work at each stage.
Foundation pit
Before you start digging, you need to make markup. For these purposes, use pegs and a strong thread, which is pulled between them. You determine the width yourself, but there are certain standards for depth. If the pond adjacent to the waterfall is inhabited by underwater flora and fauna, then dig up to 1.2-1.5 m. For an exclusively decorative option, a depth of 0.7-0.8 m will be enough. First, the place is cleaned of grass and bumps . During the “excavation”, the edges of the pit are periodically wetted with water, thus preventing wall shedding. After completion of the main work, sand and gravel are poured onto the bottom of the pit with a layer of up to 12-15 cm.
Waterproofing layer
The type of waterproofing must be determined at the design stage. There are three main types:
The most popular flexible waterproofing. Its cost is not so biting, and the life is quite “decent”. It is worth noting that the deeper the pit will be, the thicker the film is used for waterproofing. An example correspondence table is as follows:
Hard waterproofing is used to create large waterfalls. A similar element in cases with small designs can be done independently. Of the materials you need only fiberglass and plastic.
We form cascades
A waterfall forms during a vertical drop. Its creation during construction will have to attend. To flow flowing smoothly along the steps, protrusions are formed. Water, as you know, sharpens a stone, therefore sandstone is preferred among a variety of materials. Pieces of this sedimentary rock look natural and easy to care for. However, stone is a surface layer. The basis of the cascade is better to construct from a tree, simultaneously strengthening it with concrete. After the structure dries up, they install the pump and only then proceed with decorating.
Pump installation
Dig a pit and construct the foundation is only half the battle. The next task will be to provide the pond with water and its continuous circulation. There are two types of pumps:
To create a waterfall stream of relatively small height (up to 1.2-1.5 m), a pump with a capacity of 70 watts will be enough. The unit works from the mains, so the installation of the transformer is done ahead of time. Hoses mask the decor, and they try to close the pump with algae. The whole system consists of filters, 2 hoses (one for discharge and one for suction), a cable and a “box” in which the motor is hidden. One pumping "sleeve" is located at the bottom of the tank, and the second is pulled to the point of water fall.
Decoration Methods
As mentioned above, the waterfall itself can be decorated with any kind of artificial and natural stone, but sandstone, marble and granite are preferred. Of course, you can take any cobblestone on a beautifully shaped road and use it to create a composition. Stones can lie freely. In this case, they are eventually moved and the design changed at will. Also, the structure can be strengthened with cement mortar, which tightly adheres to the monumental structure. For decoration use a wide variety of materials:
With all this decorative splendor, they fill the bottom of the tank to give it a natural texture.When choosing algae, focus on those that feel great in local climates. The waterfall itself is lined with stones and their imitation. The naturalness of such an “interior” is given by rare bunches of greenery that are visible in crevices. In more expensive versions, right under the steps of the cascades, a backlight is installed. The wiring is insulated properly, and the lamps are selected moisture resistant. This design looks charming especially at night.
Plants for decoration
First of all, the adjacent area is decorated, as the “edging” creates a panoramic view. A corner with murmuring water should pacify and tune in a positive way, so soft, lawn grass is planted under your feet. On such a coating it will be nice to walk barefoot. Around the artificial pond and waterfall are flowering shrubs. The original will be the idea of a “Linnaeus watch”, when each species reveals the petals of buds at a certain time, and these periods do not overlap. Thus you will have an ever-flowering garden. Among the bushes, fans of high humidity are preferred:
In addition, a colorful reed is planted, which is associated with quiet backwaters. If you decide to decorate the house with a waterfall, then the “nail” of the program is to equip indoor plants in pots. In rooms decorated in minimalism or with Japanese motifs, water designs look beautifully framed by miniature bonsai trees. Such an interior object is suitable for decorating a living room, a winter garden or a "pacification corner" in any other room. Waterfall decoration also has styles. They are conditionally divided into three broad groups:
How to care for waterfalls
About once a month, water must be drained and a new one filled. The bottom and walls of the tank, along with the decor, are cleaned with napkins or soft brushes with a special tool during drying. On particularly hot days, when evaporating a certain part of the water, it will have to be added so that the waterfall "farm" does not become shallow at all. Do not forget about this procedure for those who keep the fish surrounded by algae. In autumn, yellowed leaves are removed from the surface of the water with a special net. Animals must be fed periodically. In winter, water is pumped out, the tank is cleaned, dried and covered with a protective film. If you have a southern climate with warm winters, then you can refuse this procedure.
Conclusion
The construction of the waterfall is not an easy task, but with the availability of materials, tools and enthusiasm, its implementation will become an exciting process. You can create a decoration for your design yourself to make it unique, or peep ready-made ideas on thematic resources. The maintenance of large waterfalls on the site, as a rule, is associated with additional costs for electricity, so before building, really evaluate your capabilities. Otherwise, the finished construction will be idle for months and only a couple of days a year please the owners. The task will be greatly simplified for those who have a brook or other natural body of water flowing on the site. Having created the desired slope, you simply draw part of its shore and can do without a pump.