Decorative waterfall: examples and making their own hands

Waterfalls have always captivated people with their beauty. Observing the movement of water pacifies, calms and adjusts to philosophical reflections. In Japan, no garden can do without this decorative element, and as you know, people of the east are recognized aesthetes and connoisseurs of beauty. Decorative waterfall can be independently designed and installed in your garden. He originally fits into the landscape composition and becomes its center, to which the rest of the design elements. More miniature versions are even placed in living rooms, so the framework for this decorative object simply does not exist: it can be adapted anywhere. In fact, it is a design with constantly circulating water, a closed cycle of which is provided by an integrated pump. Let's try to find out the details of creating waterfalls, the equipment necessary for their work and the installation features.

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 outlines. There is also another classification by the nature of the flow of water:

As the material for the base, which let water choose:

• Glass;
• Mirrors (original effect of doubling the flow);
• Artificial and natural stone;
• Ceramics;
• Wood (it is necessary to change over time due to susceptibility to rotting in conditions of high humidity);
• Metal;
• Combined compositions.

In jet versions, the nature of the runoff of water will depend on the surface texture. To get thin threads choose rough stones with numerous notches. To create a smooth and smooth flow, preference is given to polished surfaces. To make water foaming at the point of falling, several stones are placed next to it, about which it will “break”.

The form and types of cascades

Decorative waterfalls are divided into the following subspecies by the nature of the design:

• A source. Water flows smoothly from the artificial “bed” into a small reservoir. Such springs are universal and suitable for creating quiet, cozy natural places with an unobtrusive gurgle. The sources are often arranged in the form of inverted jugs, cracked amphoras, sea shells.
• Simple, single stage. This type has only one protrusion - a man-made barrier that allows water to flow beautifully with a wide “strip”. As a rule, such facilities are small. If the height of the protrusion exceeds 1 m, then the pleasant murmur of hearing will be replaced by an obsessive roar that will negate the whole aesthetics of the decorative structure. The width of the stretched water jet is governed by the dimensions of the "step".
• Gushing waterfall. It creates quite a lot of noise, but it looks spectacular. Such a structure requires a powerful pump that can maintain the desired head.
• Multistage waterfall. It is made out as one-stage, only with a large number of projections. The construction, as a rule, due to the steps is strongly drawn upwards, therefore 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;
• Asymmetrical compositions.

The latter most resemble natural waterfalls, so they are used to create the most accurate imitation of a 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.

Location selection

Not only the combination of the waterfall with the interior picture, but also the particular care for it depends on the choice of location. If we are talking about the design on the street, then you should not post it:

• Under the trees. In the fall, the falling leaf will set down the schedule for the care of the waterfall, as it will systematically litter it.
• In the far corners of the garden. Do not forget that such a luxurious decor deserves to be seen, respectively, and it must be located in open areas.
• In places where there is no shadow. This advice only applies to complex combinations of waterfalls and ponds with wildlife. Fish and plants are unlikely to like constant overheating.
• Near residential structures, the finish of which is made of materials that are sensitive to high humidity.

Indoors it is not necessary to place falls at batteries. Under the taboo fall rooms with "wet" walls, on which mold is periodically formed. With a constant source of moisture, you only exacerbate the situation and provide a ticket to life with fungi and other organisms that are dangerous to humans. Small, outdoor waterfalls are placed either in the center of large rooms, or somewhere in the “secluded corner” in small rooms. In the latter case, the central composition will not so much decorate the interior as it will interfere with the free movement of the owners, thereby violating their comfort. At the dacha gazebos, centers of spacious courtyards, areas for games and recreation are considered to be an ideal place for waterfalls. For completeness of the composition, low bushes are planted next to each other: roses, wild rose, viburnum, spirea, hydrangea, hawthorn, lilac.

To save yourself from unnecessary trouble, choose a place with a natural inclination of the soil, so that the water drains independently and you do not have to “help” it by adjusting the decorative surface accordingly.

Optimal 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 evoked pleasant emotions not only from contemplation, but also from listening to such “music of nature”. If there are artificial obstacles in places of water runoff, for the formation of foam splashes, the noise level increases dramatically, so the feasibility of their placement is established empirically. The higher the “drop point” is, the more powerful the pump will be needed, and this is associated with increased energy consumption and additional expenses.

Making a waterfall with your own hands

Making a waterfall with your own hands is not so difficult. After the optimum place is chosen, it is necessary to connect talents of the builder and dig out a ditch, to equip it properly, to establish the pump. Then you will need the skills of a designer and perhaps a little bit of an architect in order to construct a solid stylistic composition. Ultimately, complete the mini-construction of the water start. Let us examine in more detail the features of work at each of the stages.

Foundation pit

Before you start digging, you need to make a markup. For these purposes pegs are used and a strong thread that is tensioned between them. You define the width yourself, but for depth there are certain standards. If the pond adjacent to the waterfall is populated by underwater flora and fauna, then they can dig up to 1.2-1.5 m. For an exclusively decorative option, there will be enough depth of 0.7-0.8 m. First, the place is cleaned of grass and irregularities. . During the "excavations" the edges of the pit are periodically moistened with water, thus preventing the walls from shedding. After completion of the main works, sand and crushed stone are poured to the bottom of the pit with a layer of up to 12-15 cm.

Waterproofing layer

It is necessary to decide on the type of waterproofing at the design stage. In total there are three main types:

• Flexible. For this method, apply a special film that copes with the task, but does not hold the form, but only repeats it. Options with an average cost are made of PVC. The basis of a more expensive film is butyl rubber.
• 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, as they say, “tightly”.
• Tough. Provides for the use of durable plastic or composite molds.

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 excavation, the thicker the film used for waterproofing. An exemplary match table is as follows:

• Deeper than 1.5m - 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 structures can be made independently. Of the materials required only fiberglass and plastic.

With a small depth of the pond adjacent to the waterfall, in winter, the algae will freeze to a layer of waterproofing. Before the first cooling, they will have to be removed and placed in the home aquarium for the whole season.

We form cascades

The waterfall is formed when the elevation changes. His creation during the construction will have to attend to. To flow flowed smoothly in steps, forming protrusions. Water, as it is known, wears away a stone, therefore sandstone is preferred among a variety of materials. Pieces of this sediment look natural and easy to clean. However, the stone is the surface layer. It is better to construct the cascade base from wood, simultaneously reinforcing it with concrete. After drying of the construction, they mount the pump and only then proceed to the decoration.

For those who do not want to engage in the formation of cascades themselves, in specialized stores offer to buy ready-made forms. All you need is to choose the appropriate size and install it in the pit.

Pump mounting

Digging the foundation pit and constructing the foundation is only half the battle. The next task will be to provide the pond with water and its continuous circulation. Pumps are of two types:

• Surface (external). Used to create a closed loop in large structures. Placed near the tank.
• Submersible. It is placed on the bottom of an artificial pond.

To create a waterfall flow of a relatively small height (up to 1.2-1.5 m), a 70 W pump will be sufficient. The unit operates from the mains, so the installation of the transformer involved in advance. Hoses mask the decor, and try to close the pump algae. The whole system consists of filters, 2 hoses (one for ejection and one for suction), a cable and a “box” in which the motor is hidden. One pump "sleeve" is placed on the bottom of the tank, and the second is pulled to the point of water fall.

Ways to decorate

As mentioned above, the waterfall itself can be decorated with any kind of artificial and natural stone, but preference is given to sandstone, marble and granite. Of course, you can take any cobblestone on the road of beautiful shape and use it to create a composition. Stones can lie loose. In this case, they eventually move and change the design at will. Also, the structure can be strengthened with cement mortar, which tightly clasps the monumental structure. For decoration use a variety of materials:

• Pebbles (pebbles);
• Sand;
• Seashells;
• Seaweed;
• Coins;
• Figures of frogs, snails and other aquatic creatures of ceramics.

With all this decorative splendor, the bottom of the tank is poured to give it a natural texture. When choosing algae, focus on those that feel great in a local climate. The waterfall itself is covered with stones and their imitation. Rare tufts of greenery, glimpsed in crevices, give this “interior” naturalness. In more expensive versions directly under the steps of the cascades set the backlight. The wiring is insulated properly, and the lamps are waterproof. Looks like this design charmingly, especially at night.

Plants for decoration

First decorate the adjacent area, as the "border" creates a panoramic view. The corner with the babbling 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. Flowering shrubs are planted around an artificial pond and waterfall. The original will be the idea of ​​"Linnaeus watches", when each species opens the petals of buds at a certain time, and these periods do not overlap. So you will have an ever-flowering garden. Among the bushes prefer lovers of high humidity:

• Daylilies;
• Mannick;
• Arrowhead;
• Irises;
• Azorelle;
• Saxifrage;
• Caluznice;
• Ferns

In addition, they plant colorful reeds, which are associated with quiet backwaters. If you decide to decorate the house with a waterfall, then the “nail” of the program is decorated with potted plants. In rooms decorated in minimalism or with Japanese motifs, water designs in the frame of miniature bonsai trees look beautiful. Such an interior object is suitable for decoration of a living room, a winter garden or a “peace corner” in any other room. There are also styles for decorating waterfalls. They are conventionally divided into three broad groups:

• Natural. Waterfalls try to be as close as possible to the natural original.
• Ethnic. Here are often used clay pots, amphorae, ceramic tiles, an abundance of ornaments and patterns. The whole design gives the impression of man-made.
• Modern. They use simplicity of form, straight lines and cold 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, the water must be flushed and filled with a new one. 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 a certain part of the water evaporates, it will have to be refilled so that the waterfall “farm” is not at all shallow. Do not forget about this procedure for those who keep the fish surrounded by algae. In the autumn periods, yellow leaves are removed from the water with a special net. Animals must be periodically fed. In winter, the 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 this procedure can be abandoned.

Conclusion

The construction of the waterfall is not an easy task, but with the availability of materials, tools and enthusiasm, its implementation will be an exciting process. You can think of decorating the design yourself to make it unique, or spy on 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 really appreciate your potential before building. Otherwise, the finished structure will be idle for months and only a couple of days a year to please the owners. The task will be much simpler for those who have a stream or another natural body of water in the area. Having created the desired bias, you simply issue a part of its shore and can do without attracting a pump.