Pondless waterfalls or "disappearing waterfalls" are a type of water feature that gives you the sound and sight of water flowing through a stream or series of falls that eventually spills into the basin area or "pondless" portion. There really is a shallow pond under those rocks and maybe even other items like hydro or aqua blox (plastic water matrix boxes that allow 30% more water, rather than using only rocks to fill the basin) and a pump chamber that holds your pump.
Lite up you night life!
Adding lighting to your stream, waterfall and pond basin area. This make your water feature pop with soft warm white light or choose color changing for additional options.
Give it a touch of nature!
Add pieces of driftwood and moss tucked around rocks in yoour stream / waterfall are that will give an instant aged look that is very naturalistic. Moss may actually help control algae blooms.
Pondless are typically easier to maintain than traditional ponds and those with fish. Follow these tips to help you maintain your water feature.
Pondless Waterfall Water Feature Care:
1. Maintain your Water Level. Make sure your feature has enough water to work properly and that the pump never runs dry (pump plugged into an outlet, running without water). Add water as needed and check the water level on a regular basis, especially during hot days when water evaporates faster. If you notice the water flow decreasing, chances are the water level is low- or- the pump may have debris blocking the intake. You may have an automatic water filling device installed in your feature which would be located inside the pump chamber that will fill up your feature when it drops below a specific level. Check your water feature regularly regardless- about once a week, or more during extreme weather. Hotter weather evaporates water quicker than during cooler weather. During colder months, the rain helps to fill our water features but be mindful of freezing weather that can cause ice to build up. This ice buildup can be very attractive yet could cause channels where running water could escape so it is a good idea to keep a close eye on the water level during this time- or turn off your feature by unplugging the pump.
2. Maintain your Pump. Your pump may get clogged with debris from time to time that will slow down the flow. If this happens, you will need to clean the intake (where the pump sucks water into it) and remove excess debris- remember to unplug the pump before you take it out of the water. There are pump socks if excess debris becomes a problem. Never let pumps run dry. In winter, when temperatures are below freezing for a prolonged period, you may want to shut down your feature. If you decide to shut down your feature for more than a week or so, you may want to remove your pump and winterize indoors or other frost-free area.
3. Keeping it Clean. Remove debris by hand or use a small net. Algae may be your biggest concern, it may come in a few shades of green, red or brown and can be treated using several different products. See treatment ideas below.
Pondless Waterfall Care- Treatment Options
Option 1: Algae Stop and Sludgemax or Autumn Leaves Digester. Algae Stop is a liquid “algaecide”- Add weekly or as needed to control algae- follow the directions on the container. If you have pets drinking out of your feature, you may wish to use Oxy Pond Cleaner instead - see option 2. Follow up with adding Sludgemax treatment (1-2+ tablets depending upon water feature size) or liquid beneficial bacteria product- Autumn Leaves Digester to consume sludge & debris as well as prevent murky water.
Option 2: Oxy Pond Cleaner and Sludgemax or Autumn Leaves Digester. Oxy Pond Cleaner is a powder that dissolves debris. Add Oxy Pond cleaner weekly or as needed to control algae. If you have pets drinking out of your feature, this is one of the safest products to use as it works fast and is gone in about 3 hours. Oxy Pond Cleaner is easy to apply- simply sprinkle powder on wet areas and use a brush if needed. Follow up with Sludgemax treatment ( 1-2 tablets depending upon water feature size) or liquid beneficial bacteria product- Aqua One or Autumn Leaves Digester to eat the sludge & debris as well as prevent murky water. Nature Perfect has a store where you can purchase products and a Pond Maintenance division if you need someone to help you take care of your feature for you.
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