Looking to build your own Klamath Falls waterfall in your backyard? We’ve got all of the tools you need to do the heavy work!
So, as we all know, there aren’t exactly any magnificent waterfalls in Klamath Falls anymore… so some of us just need to make our own.
How to build a backyard Klamath Falls Waterfall:
Select the perfect locationfor your waterfall. Place the waterfall somewhere it can be enjoyed from different angles, both inside your home and out.
1) Where will it go? Decide on the size and angle of your Klamath Falls waterfall. The longer the bed of your stream, the more waterfalls you can place throughout the length of it. Figure on at least 2 inches of grade per 10 feet of stream. If you want faster-moving water and heavier sound, just make the grade steeper. This will require a little extra water pressure to pump the water back up from the bottom to the top however.
2) Get to diggin’. Make the bed of your stream about 3 feet wide and at the very least a few inches deep. Dig in deeper troughs under where the waterfalls are going, equal to the distance of the drop. These little pools help to slow the flow of the water. Go for a staircase effect when digging the grade. This will direct the water travel downstream more better. *Check out our earth moving equipment.
3) Build an above ground waterfall. If digging in your yard isn’t ideal, you can choose to build an above the ground waterfall. These can be tougher to make than the in ground versions because they require a more structurally sound frame and base to support the waters weight. Use a silicone, waterproof adhesive to bond some rocks together. Foam sealants that expand after application can really help solidify the waterfall liner, as well.
4) Make the pond for the waterfall. The pond (lower basin) must be built carefully. This is where the waterfall system’s submersible pump will be. Make sure your pond area is at minimum 1 foot wider than the stream. Dig a hole at minimum 2 feet wider than the pump enclosure and 6 inches deeper than its height. *Check out our earth moving equipment.
5) Fabricate the pump system.
Cut about 3 or 4 holes on opposing sides of the pumps enclosure. This will allow the water to reach the pump. Insert some fabric underlayment and then some rubber liner in the pond, allowing for slack in the pump basin. Make sure at least two excess feet of both materials extend from the enclosure to prevent underlining system. Place the pump basin down in the hole you dug in the pond area.
- Connect the hose adapter to the submersible pump. Place a rubber washer that is the same diameter as the adapter end between the 2 connections. Thread the adapter to the pump. Apply silicone waterproof adhesive to the connection to ensure that it is waterproof.
- Attach the hose to the adapter. Be sure to secure the connection with a hose clamp.
- Place the pump in the enclosure. Be sure to have your hose long enough to reach the water chamber in the upper pool.
6) Build the big waterfall. Arrange large rocks to wall and frame the waterfall, then build a small, half circular shelf to house the upper pool. Make the first drop the highest to ensure optimum flow, but try to make sure the water doesn’t splatter outside of the pond. The more water that leaves the pond, the quicker your water level will drop over time… and the more you will have to refill the pond.
7) Fabricate the upper-chamber assembly.
- Use a heavy duty, three sided plastic storage bin to serve as the upper pool. Make sure the tapered, open end of the bin faces outward from the shelf you built.
- Drill a hole in the bin on the side where the hose will be attached. Be sure the hole size matches the diameter of the hose adapter.
- Put the hose adapter in through the hole. Place a rubber washer on the end of the adapter that extends into the bin. Seal it with some silicone adhesive.
- Fit the end of the hose on the opposite end of the adapter. Add a steel lock nut on to the connection and secure it with another hose clamp.
8) Place in the liner. Extend sections of underlayment and liner from the pond to the upper basin. Be sure to leave a couple inches of slack where each waterfall will be. These points require larger stones, which can tear the liner if it’s stretched too tight. Be sure that sections of the liner overlap the ones downstream by about 11 / 2 feet. The liners need to extend 2 feet up along the banks and pond basin.
9) Arrange the rocks. Rocks and gravel are for both decorative and functional needs in a backyard waterfall system. You can buy them from a garden supplier or grab some at a quarry. Try to make sure the company will deliver the load to your home so you’re not stuck tearing up your truck. Or, you can give us a calland rent one of our dump trailers or dump trucks to save on any haul costs.
- Boulders: More than 1,500 pounds of 2-foot boulders are needed for every 10 feet of stream bed. These are for framework, and visual purposes.
- Stones: You might need upwards of 1,000 medium sized rocks and stones to line the banks of the stream and pond. Flat stones such as shale, are ideal for waterfall drop-offs, as they allow water to flow efficiently and give a soothing, bubbling stream sound. You can use foam sealant on the underside to assure your waterfall stones don’t get pushed away.
- Gravel: You may need more than 2,000 pounds of gravel to fill a 10 foot stream bed. Gravel is used in every section of the build. It covers most of the stream bed and filter the water as it circulates through. Pack the gravel and dirt around large stones to keep them in place.
10) Wash the rocks before you place them with a hose. This will help get rid of excess dirt and other debris. Then add water to the pond basin and rinse off the rocks after they’re placed again. When the water fills up the pond, start the pump up and let the river flow. The rocks and pebbles will help aerate and purify the water, so after a while, the pond should look clearer and clearer.
11) Upkeep. Upkeep of your ponds is a must. Most ponds get overdriven by algae, mud, and debris that can clog up the system and turn your stream from fresh water to dark murky swamp. Every couple of months be sure to gently remove all the excess debris.
For all of the equipment you’ll need, you can contact us and we will set you up. Ask for Harry, our experienced waterfall expert, and he can assist you with any and all questions on how to build an efficient and structurally sound waterfall for far far less than what you’d pay a landscaper.
Things you’ll need:
- Submersible pump
- Pump basin
- Drill
- 3 rubber washers
- 2 hose clamps
- Pump adapter
- Hose adapter
- Foam sealant
- Waterproof silicone adhesive
- Boulders
- Rocks and flat stones
- Gravel
- Fabric underlayment
- Rubber liners
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Standard tool set
- Steel lock-nut