Outdoor pond

[DK910]

I keep losing water although I have sealed my tiny leak. I have lowered my waterfall spillway to 8 inches. I no longer have the spillway hit rocks or slow the water down by adding them at the top….please help

 

[Mmathis]

Hello and welcome! More information would be helpful: how big is the pond? Is it lined or concrete? Pictures would helpful, as well.

 

[j.w]

and welcome @DK910

 

[DK910]

Hello and welcome! More information would be helpful: how big is the pond? Is it lined or concrete? Pictures would helpful, as well.

 

[DK910]

200 gallons, almost wide-U shaped…in-ground basin…

 

[addy1]

Welcome to the forum!

How far down does it leak ie in the pond? Turn off the waterfall see if the basin holds water. You might have a leak in it. If it hold water it will be your waterfall pipes, build etc.

 

[DK910]

Welcome to the forum!

How far down does it leak ie in the pond? Turn off the waterfall see if the basin holds water. You might have a leak in it. If it hold water it will be your waterfall pipes, build etc.

 

[Abby]

I keep losing water although I have sealed my tiny leak. I have lowered my waterfall spillway to 8 inches. I no longer have the spillway hit rocks or slow the water down by adding them at the top….please help

Other factors that can result in water leaking are…

Any spray such as what might come from a fountain and exacerbated by any winds

Any plans with dense roots near the water’s edge may be leaching water

Any low spots along the perimeter of the pond may allow small trickles of water to slowly but steadily escape

Hot weather May Result in evaporation of water from the pond

Domestic or wild animals drinking from the pond Will result in some water loss

Any splashing near the edge of the pond such as water falling from a water fountain and splashing against the water or water falling from a waterfall and splashing against a stone along the water’s edge can result in some loss of water

If several of these things are going on each may result in a small loss of water but cumulatively it adds up

 

[Abby]

Also if you have any animals jumping in your water and then getting out… Or people for that matter… Lol, it may result in some water loss

 

[Mmathis]

@DK910 Where do you live? Climate is often a factor, and as we get into warmer weather, evaporation can be a problem. Rocks (because of their surface area) can contribute to evaporation. Plants will tend to “drink” more water when it gets hot. Winds can be a factor. Small ponds will naturally lose water faster than larger ones will. If you are sure you don’t have a leak somewhere, and you have eliminated splashing, you may need to 1) provide shade, 2) get used to adding more water.

 

[DK910]

Welcome to the forum!

How far down does it leak ie in the pond? Turn off the waterfall see if the basin holds water. You might have a leak in it. If it hold water it will be your waterfall pipes, build etc.

Other factors that can result in water leaking are…

Any spray such as what might come from a fountain and exacerbated by any winds

Any plans with dense roots near the water’s edge may be leaching water

Any low spots along the perimeter of the pond may allow small trickles of water to slowly but steadily escape

Hot weather May Result in evaporation of water from the pond

Domestic or wild animals drinking from the pond Will result in some water loss

Any splashing near the edge of the pond such as water falling from a water fountain and splashing against the water or water falling from a waterfall and splashing against a stone along the water’s edge can result in some loss of water

If several of these things are going on each may result in a small loss of water but cumulatively it adds up

Do you think lowering my waterfall from spillway a few inches will help?

 

[Abby]

Do you think lowering my waterfall from spillway a few inches will help?

It’s certainly worth a try since the higher the water is falling from the more like splashing and wind can cause more water loss.! You may also want to check the connection to the spillway to make sure water isn’t leaking at the connection point

 

[DK910]

It’s certainly worth a try since the higher the water is falling from the more like splashing and wind can cause more water loss.! You may also want to check the connection to the spillway to make sure water isn’t leaking at the connection point

Thanks I checked both sides..what is the “rule” for running pumps in a 100-175 gallon outside pond? I only run it once a day for 2 hrs..thanks for all your help..signed…rookie

 

[Abby]

Thanks I checked both sides..what is the “rule” for running pumps in a 100-175 gallon outside pond? I only run it once a day for 2 hrs..thanks for all your help..signed…rookie

We run our pumps all the time but we also add water as needed and make adjustments to fountains in high winds and such. It’s a personal decision of how often to run it. Moving and oxygenated water is healthier water for fish and plants, and less desirable for mosquitoes I’m a rookie too we’re all at different points of learning as we go and it’s great to be able to share and troubleshoot with one another have a great day!

Ps also watch the flow of your waterfall… sometimes a little can run off away from your pond and even if it’s just a small amount, over time it adds up!

 

[mrsclem]

Thanks I checked both sides..what is the “rule” for running pumps in a 100-175 gallon outside pond? I only run it once a day for 2 hrs..thanks for all your help..signed…rookie

The pump for your filter needs to run 24/7. If its just feeding a waterfall, having it on a timer is fine.