Making a waterfall at the dacha with your own hands: step-by-step instructions
On the site of a country house or dacha, corners with waterfalls, ponds and fountains are becoming more and more popular each time. Add variety to country cottage area you can use a self-made waterfall. The sound of flowing water will help you relax and unwind from the bustle of the city.
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Waterfall design options
Irregular or slightly curved waterfall bowls will look harmonious in the landscape. It is important that the shape is selected taking into account the topography of the site, complements or becomes a continuation of it. A mandatory requirement is that the waterfall must fit organically into the natural conditions. You can use any materials to create a waterfall. When choosing a place to locate a waterfall, it is best to have a slope. If there is no such place on your summer cottage, then you can make an artificial embankment. The place for the embankment should be chosen where there will be sun before 11 am and after lunch. The water in the suntsepok heats up quickly, which will lead to flowering. If you plan to have fish, they will not have enough oxygen.
There are several ways waterfall devices:
- Cascade. For a waterfall in the form of a cascade, you need several steps along which the water will flow. Tiers can be made of stones or 2-3 vessels can be arranged in steps. Water will fall along them thanks to the pumping system.
- Falling stream. It is the simplest and most affordable option for installing a waterfall. The stream falls into the lower bowl from a water circulation system, which is located in a stone pyramid.
- Two swimming pools. To create pools you will need 2 bowls, which will be located at different levels. The pump will supply water from the lower bowl to the upper one, and then the water will flow down in a stream. Its size and speed depend on the design of the upper bowl.
In all three options, water is pumped using a pump. The water flows into the pool, and from there it is taken back into the water circulation system.
Which waterfall pump to choose
The optimal height of the waterfall is 1-1.5 meters. For such a waterfall you will need a pump with a power of no more than 70 W. If the cascade being arranged is higher, then the pump should be selected with a higher power. There are different types of pumps. Some have the function of regulating the jet flow. This way you can set the speed at which the water will flow. The pump can be submersible or surface pump. The submersible is installed in the pool itself, and the surface is placed next to the waterfall.
You should choose a pump with a filter, otherwise the water circulation system will quickly break down. In addition to the electric pump, you will need a transformer from which the pump will be “powered”. It is placed indoors. Consultants from a specialized store will help you choose a quality pump.
Main stages of work
Having decided on the shape and size of the pool, you can begin to dig a pit. To begin with, use pegs to mark the outline of the pool. Insert the pegs into the ground and stretch the thread along the specified perimeter. The soil after digging will still be needed in the future. As soon as the hole is ready, pour sand 10-12 cm thick into the bottom and compact it well.To prevent the walls of the pool from crumbling, they must be frequently moistened with water and compacted.
The next stage is the installation of waterproofing. PVC film is used as a waterproofing layer. This is an ideal and durable material. You need to leave about half a meter around the edges. You can also use butyl rubber and concrete. It should be remembered that when using waterproofing films, the water needs to be drained for the winter. Since the volume of water increases when freezing, this will lead to rupture of the film.
Lay the metal frame of the pool on top of the insulating film. Then, to strengthen the lower part, fill the bottom with concrete. After the concrete has hardened, the walls can be poured in a few days.
When constructing a waterfall in the form of a cascade, a small hole should be provided to drain the water. When purchasing a ready-made bowl, it should be placed on a sand layer. It is important to use a level to ensure that the bowl sits horizontally. The construction of a cascading waterfall involves the use of slabs made of natural stone. You can take sandstone or granite. If you want the flow of water to be flat and flow smoothly over the surface, then it is better to use flat and small stones.
Line the bottom of the pool with small stones, and reinforce the sides with larger stones. Cover the distance between them with pebbles. When constructing a cascade, connect adjacent stones with cement mortar. In order for the water to flow down and break into streams, it is necessary to make ledges no more than 30 cm high. First, lay out the ledge at the bottom of the pool. All ledges should be laid on cement. In order for the water to foam and fly down with noise, the hose must be placed on the upper tier.The gap between adjacent stones should be small; there is no need to make ledges. The water supply pump must be installed so that all its elements are invisible. One hose is attached to the pump structure, and the second is pulled to the top. At the final stage, the waterfall can be decorated.
Waterfall decor
To give style and design to a waterfall, various materials and available means are used. Decorative tiles, wild stone, sculptures made of various materials, etc. are used as decoration. To fit organically into the garden design, the waterfall is decorated not only with stones, but also with perennial plants. A waterfall can have both an aesthetic and practical function. A tall waterfall can be used as an outdoor shower. To prevent them from growing around the pond weeds, you should lay out small granite or pebbles. The sides of the pool made of multi-colored tiled mosaics will look impressive. The design also uses glass stone or ceramic tiles.
The waterfall and pool can be decorated in different styles. For this purpose, various marble, ceramic, glass or wooden sculptures are used. Fish, gnomes, mushrooms, snails, etc. are very popular. A natural look can be achieved with the help of planted vegetation. Plants must tolerate moisture well, so they mainly use ferns, tenacious, daylilies, etc. The cascade can be decorated with dwarf conifers or cereal crops.
Plants are planted in groups. If the pool is visible from only one side, plants need to be plant with another. The lighting will look impressive and unusual. It can be placed on the shore or placed at the bottom of the pool.Glowing lanterns in the shape of flowers can be placed on the surface. Underwater lighting can be of different colors. This will add originality and uniqueness. A waterfall, designed creatively and tastefully, and also made with your own hands, will add charm and attractiveness to a dacha or country house, which will amaze not only neighbors, but also guests.
Video with an example of a waterfall on a summer cottage:
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