25 Gorgeous Pond Designs With Waterfalls to Inspire Your Backyard Oasis

Adding a waterfall feature to a backyard pond elevates it from ho-hum to breathtaking. The sights and sounds of cascading water transform your landscape into a serene getaway. Waterfalls oxygenate ponds helping keep water clear while providing vital aeration. With so many benefits it’s no wonder waterfall ponds are a coveted backyard upgrade. This comprehensive guide covers stunning pond designs with waterfalls to inspire your perfect oasis.

Planning Your Pond and Waterfall

Careful planning ensures your pond and waterfall work in harmony. Consider key factors like:

• Location – Choose a spot visible from seating areas for maximum enjoyment.

• Size – Calculate pond volume needed for fish load and plants. Allow 1-2 feet depth.

• Shape – Pick a shape that fits your space. Kidney and irregular shapes blend into nature.

• Materials – Select durable pond liners and rocks that complement your landscape.

• Pump – Choose a pump that can run the waterfall and recirculate all pond water hourly.

• Plumbing – Flexible tubing, fittings, and check valves create the water flow system.

• Plants – Marginal plants like irises add vertical interest. Lilies help shade and oxygenate.

With thoughtful planning, you can craft a custom pond and waterfall oasis. Now let’s look at beautiful designs.

Natural Stone Waterfall Ponds

Stacking interesting rocks creates effortless cascades. Ferns and moss growing in the nooks and crannies enhance the natural look. Choose rocks with deep grooves and character to get the most drama from your waterfall. Go for a gentle trickle or opt for a powerful torrent- your choice!

Formal Backyard Pond Waterfalls

For a formal look, choose geometric pond shapes with straight, uniform edges. Square and rectangle ponds with right-angled waterfalls fit nicely into spaces with architectural symmetry. Surround with potted plants, pathways, and benches to complement the structured design.

Rustic Multilevel Waterfall Ponds

Stepping waterfalls with pools flowing from one to the next make grand backyard features. Use boulders, treated timber, or blocks to create the waterfall levels. Ensure each pool is large enough to contain the water volume. Add interesting paths around the falls for exploring.

Pondless Waterfall Designs

Pondless waterfalls recirculate over rocks back into a hidden reservoir. They provide the sights and sounds of water without the maintenance of a full pond. Go pondless if you just want a waterfall but not the responsibility of aquatic life.

Asian-Inspired Waterfall Ponds

Japanese-style waterfall ponds have an elegant simplicity. Use local stones and indigenous plants to evoke natural harmony. Add a bamboo water spout or pagoda statuette for subtle Asian flair. Gravel raked in patterns around the edges enhances the zen garden feel.

Backyard Stream Waterfalls

Turn your backyard into a babbling brook. Interconnect small pools with meandering stream waterfalls. Line the water’s edge with river rock and water-loving marginal plants. Follow the flowing water on flagstone stepping stones for an immersive experience.

Tiered Backyard Pond Waterfalls

Turn small or sloped spaces into big features by terracing pond waterfalls. Short walls create descending pools, allowing water to cascade gently from level to level. Surround each pool with foliage like ferns and irises for fresh dimension.

Disappearing Waterfall Ponds

Build your waterfall into a hillside or slope. Use excavated soil to create a berm concealing everything but the water spilling out. It seems as if the water magically emerges from the earth. Plant shade-loving, moisture-tolerant plants around the hidden waterfall edges.

Contemporary LED Lit Waterfall Ponds

Illuminate waterfalls and ponds with LED lights to showcase them day and night. Go for brilliant colors or soft whites. Synchronize lights to music for choreographed displays. Timed sequences mimic sunrise to sunset.

Pondless Courtyard Waterfall Features

Small pondless waterfalls work wonderfully in courtyards and patios. Install them in large containers or raise fountain basins up on blocks to bring them closer to eye level. Decorate with potted marginal plants like umbrella palms for tropical flair. The sound of splashing water instantly enhances any space.

Simple Block or Paver Waterfall Ponds

Even basic cinder blocks can build gorgeous waterfalls. Stack blocks in creative patterns interspersed with river rock. Or line block waterfall walls with rougher fieldstone for contrast. Add large container ponds or simply go pondless. The design options are unlimited!

Mosaic and Tile Waterfall Ponds

Make a bold statement by decorating pond and waterfall edges with elaborate tile mosaics. Use glass, ceramic or natural stone tiles. Accent with potted blooms in coordinating colors. The glittering tiles catch sunlight, creating a shimmering pond paradise.

Overhanging Waterfall Ponds

Excavate soil behind rocks to form an overhang for your waterfall. Water pours over the ledge into the pond below. Line the overhang with trailing ivy, ferns or creeping moss for an artful look. The undercut helps hide pond equipment like pumps and plumbing.

Whimsical Backyard Waterfall Ponds

Add a touch of playfulness with whimsical decor surrounding your waterfall. Opt for colorful plants like pink astilbes contrasting with purple and yellow blooms. Or tuck in animal statuettes like frogs or turtles. LET your imagination run wild!

Important Pond and Waterfall Maintenance

• Clear debris frequently to prevent clogs
• Clean filters monthly for optimal water flow
• Use beneficial bacteria to help balance water
• Perform partial water changes to replenish nutrients
• Prune back aggressive plant growth
• Watch for signs of pump problems or leaks
• Prepare for winter with pond heaters and netting

Waterfall ponds allow you to get creative with your backyard landscape design. Address maintenance needs promptly and your pond and waterfall will provide lasting tranquility. Just sit back and let the gentle cascade wash your stress away. Soon you’ll have a gorgeous waterfall pond paradise!