Pondless Waterfall Installation in Southeast Michigan

A pondless waterfall, sometimes called a disappearing waterfall, delivers all the movement and sound of falling water with no open pond at the bottom. Water spills from a waterfall spillway, tumbles over rocks and gravel, and then seems to vanish into the ground right in front of you.

The trick is what's hidden underneath. Water storage blocks sit below the gravel inside a basin protected by liner and underlayment, holding the water out of sight. An underground vault houses the pump, which sends the water back up through piping to the top of the falls. Because there's no pond and no fish, a pondless water feature fits gardens and yards where you want a waterfall but not the upkeep that comes with a pond.

The build includes an excavated basin protected by underlayment and liner, water storage blocks under the gravel, and an underground vault that holds the pump. Piping runs from the pump up to the waterfall spillway, and rocks and gravel are arranged so the finished falls look natural from every angle you'll view them.

The height and width of the falls determine how much water the system needs to store, so those choices shape the whole build. A few decisions to make ahead of time:

• The spot where you'll enjoy it most, such as a patio, window or garden bed
• How tall and wide you'd like the falls to be
• Whether you want a gentle trickle or a fuller rush of water
• Where the nearest outdoor outlet is for the pump