How to Build an Above Ground Pond with Waterfall?

Imagine not having to dig the soil to make a pond. Imagine a pond on top of your patio. Yes, that is an above ground pond! An above ground pond is a water feature built above natural ground level.

If this appeals to you, then you may want to add a waterfall. Why? Above ground ponds have a small surface area, which means reduced gas exchange. Using a waterfall is beneficial because it increases the oxygen level in your water.

In this article, we'd be going through every step you need to build a beautiful above ground pond with a waterfall. You will learn how to plan and design your pond from start to finish. You'd be glad you did.

Why a Waterfall Is the Preferred Choice for an Above Ground Pond

1. Pond water oxygenation: Normally, an above ground pond has limited space, which reduces natural gas exchange. Using a waterfall increases the level of oxygen in the water body. The fish are less stressed. It also prevents bad smell from the pond and maintains good bacteria.
2. Algae prevention: A waterfall causes ripples, so the water isn't stagnant. Algae cannot live in a moving pond.
3. Filtration: There is a tank hidden at the top of the waterfall. In this tank, there are pads that remove debris from the water. The Poposoap filter box with filter media does this perfectly.

Key Preparations Before Building an Above Ground Pond

1. Site Selection

When selecting the location for your pond, you must ask two questions: Is it stable? Is there enough sunlight? Stability is a crucial factor. Water is heavy and the pond ground must be strong enough to hold it. If not, it may cave in or collapse. There must also be enough sunlight — too much causes algae, while too little affects your water plants.

2. Pond Size

Your pond size depends on you and what you plan to keep in it:

• Small pond: about 20–50 gallons
• Medium pond: about 100–500 gallons
• Large pond: over 1,000 gallons

Make the depth around 18–24 inches.

3. Required Tools and Materials

• Submersible pump – to move water to the waterfall
• Filtration system – to keep your water clear
• Netting – to keep predators out and stop your fish from jumping out
• Pond dechlorinator – to neutralize chemicals from tap water and protect your fish

Building Material	Advantage	Disadvantage
Timber	Easy to DIY. Cheap.	May rot over time despite constant maintenance.
Concrete	Very durable. May even be tiled.	Costly. Difficult to alter or move.
Pre-formed shells	Waterproof. Easy setup.	Expensive. Risk of crack in rigid plastic.
Stock tanks	Affordable. Aesthetically pleasing. Instant pond.	Poor insulation (the water heats/cools too fast). Iron may rust. Plastic may break when weak.
PVC	Affordable. Lightweight.	Becomes weak in cold weather and may puncture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Above Ground Pond

1. Frame construction: Build a retaining wall. First, level the ground. Once you are sure that the ground is level, lay your first tier of wood. Pin them together using long timber screws. Leave the last timber for later.
2. Protective laying: Check for any nuts or wood that may damage your liner. Then line the floor and walls with geotextile pond underlayment. If you cannot afford this, use an old thick blanket or carpet.
3. Liner installation: Lay your liner over the frame. Then begin filling the pond with a hose. As the water level rises, your liner will be laid properly. Tuck in excess liner in the corners. Once the pond is full, staple the excess liner and cap it with the last timber.
4. Waterfall addition: Place your filter falls box on the back rim and tilt it forward slightly. Then pass a hose from the pump on the pond floor to the inlet of the box on the back rim.
5. Aesthetics and functionality: Everything aesthetically pleasing in your pond must also have another function. Adding ledge rocks helps break up the straightness of the timber. Planting water lilies helps starve algae while beautifying your pond.
6. Testing: Fill the tank to the brim and wait 24 hours to check for leaks. Turn on the waterfall and listen for leaks behind the spillway. Check for nitrites, ammonia, and pH with a test kit.

Above Ground Pond Ideas for Koi, Turtles, and Small Gardens

Combining an above ground turtle pond and a koi pond can be tricky. Here are a few ideas to help manage that:

• Build a two-tier pond. If your pond is two-tiered, the turtles can come out of the deep koi water to bask in the sunlight. It also creates a nice visual focal point for your garden.
• Use a viewport stock tank. Put a large piece of wood that goes from the water to the rim. This allows the turtles to climb up for sunlight.
• When using a stock tank, wrap it in wood slats to provide insulation.
• Add LED lights at the bottom of your pond. It makes your above ground koi pond the highlight of your garden.

Maintenance Tips

Post-construction maintenance is necessary for the longevity of an above ground pond. To keep your above ground pond in stellar condition, get our 70W solar waterfall kit.

Conclusion

An above ground pond with a waterfall is a gem in your garden. Get your Poposoap filter box with filter media for a healthy waterfall. Also get your geotextile and pond liner from Poposoap today!

READ MORE: 10 Creative Above-Ground Pond Ideas

FAQs About Above Ground Ponds

Won't My Turtles Eat My Koi Fish?

It's possible. Provide hiding spots for your fish to retreat into.

Is a Liner Better Than a Preformed Tub?

While preformed is easier to use, flexible liners are more durable.

Can I Break the Ice in My Pond During Winter?

No. Melt a hole instead.