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Determining Pump Size for a Pondless Waterfall

Pondless waterfalls, also known as disappearing waterfalls, are unique in that the water almost seems to disappear into a pile of stones. They are a distinctive way to add a beautiful water feature to your yard if you do not have a pond or do not have a yard large enough to build one on. One of the biggest decisions in building your waterfall is determining pump size for a pondless waterfall.

Design the Waterfall

The size of the waterfall is really nothing more than a matter of personal preference. Other things such as budget and yard size should also be considered. Once the waterfall has been designed, the distance between the top of the waterfall and the basin, the height of the waterfall itself, and the volume of water, must all be measured.

Determine Basin Size

You will need to ensure that the basin you choose can hold more water than the volume of water in the waterfall. If it does not hold more water, the water will not be able to circulate back into the basin before the basin runs dry. This can cause the pump to burn out. When selecting the hoses that you will use, make sure that you consider the flow rate for the pump that you have chosen. Keep in mind that the higher the flow rate is, the larger the diameter of the hoses can be.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Pump

The height of the waterfall is the measurement that is the most important for this step. The vertical height is also referred to as maximum lift. When choosing the pump, look for a pump where the maximum lift exceeds the vertical height of your waterfall. If you select one where the maximum lift equals the waterfalls height, you will most likely be disappointed in the flow rate. You will want to keep in mind that if there are any connections that form a right angle, you will need more pressure. Determining pump size for a pondless waterfall is especially important in maintaining a healthy waterfall. Generally speaking, a pump that can deliver 100 gallons per hour for every inch of the waterfall will provide a 3/8 inch thick sheet of water.