Water Feature - Evaporation (Westminster: new home, upkeep, backyard)

[spaceace414]

Hey guys,

Anyone here have a water feature with waterfalls in their back yard? We moved into a new home in Westminster in October and it has a nice water feature that flows into a pond on the back patio. Basically a one foot waterfall at the top...the water flows down about 15 feet then a three foot waterfall spills into a small pond 4 x 6 on the patio...probably around 3 feet deep.

I emptied the water feature when we moved in as winter was coming...but now I have it going again and love it. I notice that I have to put water in it about every three or four days. Usually two to four inches of water at a time. I know that reading elsewhere evaporation is more noticeable in smaller water features like mine. I am just hoping that I do not have a leak. My thought is that the dry climate, two waterfalls, and splashing is not helping with keeping the pond full...but I would like to hear from you guys since you know more about it.

I did also notice that there is a line going to the pond from the water sprinkler system that will help keep the pond full...but have not turned that on yet.

Please let me know what you think....thanks!

[Luvs2Trvl]

I would say that's probably about accurate. We have one in our backyard and to be honest, it has sat empty and off most of the time. During the summer it gets hot and it evaporates fairly quickly, we had an auto filler installed and that worked well but just for water conservation we turned the whole thing off. Honestly while I like the water fall part, I hate the pond and wish I had never done the pond portion or really a water feature at all just due to the maintenance and upkeep of the whole area. It's once seemed like a good idea...

[Prodigal Native]

Originally Posted by Luvs2Trvl

Honestly while I like the water fall part, I hate the pond and wish I had never done the pond portion or really a water feature at all just due to the maintenance and upkeep of the whole area. It's once seemed like a good idea...

That's been my experience as well. They are a great IDEA, but the reality of upkeep has soured me on them. I'll gladly sit in a friends yard and listen to their waterfall gurgling away while enjoying a cool beverage though.

[spaceace414]

I tell you what though...our bedroom is on the back side of the house right near the water feature. That water fall is like the best sleeping pill ever! Puts me right out every night!

[Luvs2Trvl]

Ha Ha I totally agree, better when someone else has to take care of it and you reap the benefit! I would maybe only consider one of those tall pots with a recirculating water feature on it again! Our gas fire pit on the other hand I would definitely do again!