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The modern concept – landscape design, means a large number of architectural buildings, both small and large. On the net you can find a lot of original ideas on how best to design your site. And the arrangement of a reservoir is a very common solution, because the murmur of water soothes and fills the area with the necessary moisture and a pleasant atmosphere. Today, there are many decisions on how to design a reservoir. One of the original solutions is the waterfall device. You will be pleasantly surprised that making a waterfall in the country with your own hands will not be difficult. Of course, for this you need to work hard and make a lot of effort. However, the end result will please you. In this article we will try to tell you about all the nuances of how to make a waterfall.
Appropriate place
First of all, you need to choose the appropriate place for the future waterfall in the country. If you choose the wrong place in the country, then this can cause a number of difficulties. So, the following nuances are taken into account:
- Even if your waterfall in the country will be small, it is a hydraulic structure. Therefore, large shrubs and trees should not be nearby. Why? In hot weather, the roots of plants, smelling moisture, will surely rush to this reservoir. As a result, the waterproofing protection may be destroyed. And if you poured a bowl of concrete and put in a lot of effort, it would be a shame if the roots simply destroy the entire structure. For this reason, it is better to donate a tree or shrub in the country.
- It is not recommended to place a waterfall in the country in close proximity to the foundation of the house. If suddenly there is a failure in its work, then the foundation may become wet, and this may provoke mold, fungus and other negative consequences from the foundation getting wet.
- If there is a hill at the dacha of your site, then it is at this place that the waterfall made will look very impressive. If there is no hill, then the plain will do. The only condition is that it should not be a lowland. This is explained by the fact that the wind will drive all foliage and other debris to the lowest point. Thus, the waterfall in the country and the reservoir will be heavily polluted.
- The overview of the waterfall in the summer cottage should be good. Often in all landscape design, artificial waterfalls become a key figure. If this is your case, then the waterfall should be visible from different sides of the cottage.
Having decided on the location in the country, you should proceed to other technical issues, for example, the selection of material.
Required material
Of course, you will not build a huge waterfall in the country, most likely it will be a mini-waterfall. But even for its manufacture, special material is needed. In some cases, the following set of materials is required:
- PVC film.
- Fiberglass.
- Plastic container.
- Reinforcing mesh.
- Cement.
- Sand.
- Pebbles.
- Quartzite.
- River stone and more.
This is all that concerns the manufacture of the reservoir. Among other things, it is also necessary to select pumping equipment. In this case, a continuous flow of murmuring water will be provided.
Choosing a waterfall pump
The main thing to pay attention to is the power of the device. A pump power of 0,1 kW will be enough for a miniature waterfall in the country. In addition to the power of the pump, it is worth paying attention to its pressure. The pressure will affect the flow rate of water in the reservoir in the country.
There are two types of pump:
- Submersible.
- Surface.
Submersible pumps are small in size and practically do not make noise during operation. Its installation is carried out directly in the bowl of the reservoir itself.
The surface pump is mounted in a separate place from the reservoir. During operation, it makes noise, so you should take care of its neutralization. In a word, the hassle of installing a surface pump is greater than with a submersible pump.
Depth of the reservoir
When choosing a depth, you should clearly understand the goal you are pursuing. If you additionally want to swim in it, then the depth should be at least 1,5 meters. If you have a small house area in the country, then this combination will be very effective. If it is an exclusively decorative waterfall in the country, then a depth of up to 200 mm is enough. In this case, you need to worry about decorating the bottom and the surrounding area.
Pond shape
There are no strict rules and restrictions. For example, some are attracted to artificiality. And some prefer strict forms. Moreover, the shape of the bowl is largely determined by what it will be. There are options using a ready-made bowl made of plastic or metal. In this case, it will completely repeat the shape of this insert. If it will not be used, then you can create absolutely any shape of the reservoir with your own hands.
Instructions for making a waterfall
So, we come to the main issue of this article. Here we will introduce you a practical guide and step by step guide. You will find out in what sequence certain tasks should be performed.
Layout
First of all, the marking of the territory is carried out. To do this, you can use twine, a red dense thread, or simply dig the edging with a shovel. That is, it is necessary to make every effort so that before digging a hole you have a specific outline of the future reservoir in the country.
Digging pit
This is the most difficult process in the construction of a waterfall in the country. Especially if the depth of the reservoir will be about 1,5 meters. In the process of digging, you should immediately understand in which direction the waterfall will be located. Thus, you will pour out all the earth in one place. When digging, one should take into account the fact that the bottom will need to be covered with sand and compacted. Therefore, the bottom should be relatively flat.
If the pump for the waterfall in the country is submersible, then immediately dig a small recess for it, as well as for the supply hose. This is important, because otherwise, the hose will simply float up. From an aesthetic point of view, it is not very beautiful.
Water proofing
In our case, a dense PVC film will act as a waterproofing. Pay attention to the fact that it is a whole canvas. The film should cover the entire area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe reservoir. Where a groove is provided, be sure to shape the film accordingly. The integrity of the canvas is an important condition. Although it is possible to join PVC film, this will be the weak point of the entire reservoir and waterfall.
As a result, the film should protrude at least 500 mm outwards. The bottom of the film can be gradually laid out with a river stone. Thus, the film will be pressed, and also form the bottom and coastline.
All work must be done carefully. After all, one sharp movement, and you damage the film. At this stage, the film should also rise to the hill, on which there will be a waterfall. Alternatively, you can lay large stones in the form of a slab. They can be purchased at the nearest quarry. Make sure that all stones do not have sharp edges. When laying stones on a waterfall, if they are flat, check the level so that there is an appropriate slope.
Here, according to this scheme, the waterproofing of the entire reservoir is carried out. The main elements here are PVC film, which is pressed against river stones. By the way, they should be laid out so as to completely hide the black film.
Pay special attention to the hoses through which water will flow. Stones should not crush them and the like.
Cascade formation
Partially, this has already been written above. Using a large stone, you need to organize some kind of small areas. It is necessary to decide what step will be between the sites and how many there will be. As for the height of the entire waterfall in the country, it would be good if it rose above the soil level by at least 1,5 meters.
To summarize all the work, it turns out that the process of laying the film, installing pumping equipment and forming the bottom and coastline is carried out simultaneously. Additionally, decoration is carried out, which will be discussed further.
Decoration of the pond and waterfall
Optionally, in addition, the bottom can be equipped with original lighting. The backlight is placed between the stones in a chaotic manner or in a given form. Also, stones should be overlaid with a small section of the coastline in order to give the whole structure a certain decorative effect. As a result, you will be able to achieve the following result:
This do-it-yourself waterfall in the country in the photo clearly shows that the work process is not so complicated. The most important thing is to clearly follow the technology, purchase reliable pumping equipment and have the desire to create in your country house! As a result, you will be able to create a beautiful corner in the territory of landscape design with the direct participation of the waterfall.
Design solutions for decorating
In addition to all the information, we suggest that you consider a few original design ideas for arranging a waterfall in the country with your own hands. Consider a few original ideas:
- waterfall cascade. In this case, the water will go down several steps. They can have different shapes and sizes. Moreover, you can use stones to create steps of different colors. The result will be spectacular.
- Waterfall mountain stream. In this case, the waterfall in the country will smoothly flow down the slope, lined with river boulders. This stream can be winding. Of course, such a solution will require more space.
- straight waterfall. If you prefer the classic version of the waterfall, then do not bother. Water can immediately fall into the reservoir without any interference. Of course, you will need a powerful pump for the waterfall. But the result will be impressive.
Conclusion
So, we have considered with you all the features of how to make a waterfall in the country with our own hands. If you have your own experience in this work, then share it by leaving comments on this article. In addition, we suggest you watch an interesting video:
