Researching for How to Build a Pond or How to Build a Pondless Waterfall?
You're in the right place.
At Russell Watergardens, we've designed and built countless ponds and pondless water features since 1997. On this page, you'll find expert guides to help you build:
- 4 types of ponds
- 2 types of pondless water features
- Innovative designs like Hybrid Ponds™ and Bubble-Less™ Koi Ponds.
Each guide walks you step-by-step so you can confidently build the perfect water feature for your landscape.
How to Build a Pondless Waterfall & Stream
👉 How to Build a Pondless Waterfall and Stream
A pondless waterfall gives you the beauty and sound of moving water - without a pond.
Our exclusive system:
- Water and debris disappears into a HydroSieve™ Pre-Filter (removes debris)
- The water flows underground into the HydroChamber™ combination water storage tank and pump vault
- Water is pumped into the patented Hydro Vortex™ backwashable waterfall filter (removes fine particulates and dissolved organics)
Benefits:
- No standing water (when the pump is turned off)
- No fish
- With or without aquatic plants
- Easy routine maintenance (eliminates annual draining and pressure washing)
- Safe for families with children and pets
Perfect for homeowners who want the sound of falling water without the upkeep of a pond.
How to Build a Water Garden Pond
👉 How to Build a Water Garden Pond
The water garden pond, also known as an ecosystem pond is the most popular backyard pond style.
Features:
- Natural look with rocks, aquatic plants, and fish
- Shallow depth (around 2 feet deep maximum)
- Rock and gravel pond bottom
Best for:
- Goldfish, pond fish, baby koi
- Beginner pond owners
- Natural landscape feature
Consideration: The fish have limited protection from predators due to shallow depth.
How to Build a Hybrid Pond™
👉 How to Build a Hybrid Pond™
The Hybrid Pond™ is a Russell Watergardens' innovation that blends beauty and functionality.
Key advantages:
- Natural rock appearance (similar to a water garden pond in surface appearance)
- Deeper design (3-4 feet)
- Safer environment for koi than water gardens
- Smooth bare liner sloped towards a bottom drain (similar to a koi pond)
This pond combines:
- The look of a natural water garden ecosystem pond
- The performance of a koi-friendly design
How to Build a Koi Pond
👉 How to Build a Koi Pond
👉 What Is a Koi Pond?
(And Why It’s Not the Same as a Water Garden Ecosystem Pond)
A koi pond is designed specifically for koi health and clarity.
Design specs:
- 5-6 feet deep or deeper with no shallow areas
- Straight down sides (predator prevention)
- No rocks or gravel anywhere in the pond (prevents koi injury)
- Smooth bare liner bottom sloped towards a bottom drain
- UV system
- External aeration
- Clean, controlled environment for raising large koi
Think of it as a large outdoor aquarium built for koi.
How to Build a Bubble-Less™ Koi Pond
👉 How to Build a Bubble-Less™ Koi Pond
The Bubble-Less™ Koi Pond is a premium, visually stunning design for true koi enthusiast.
Features:
- Mirror-like reflective surface
- External aeration (no bubbles in the water that obstruct koi viewing)
- Depth of 6 to 8 feet or more
Benefits:
- Crystal-clear unobstructed viewing of koi anywhere in the pond
- Dramatic reflections of sky and landscape
- Modern, high-end aesthetic
Another exclusive innovation from Russell Watergardens.
How to Build a Pondless Rock Column Fountain (with Stream & Waterfall)
👉 How to Build a Pondless Rock Column with a Pool, Stream, and Waterfall
This dynamic pondless water feature combines multiple elements:
- Rock columns flowing into a small pool
- Water spilling over a waterfall into a meandering stream
- Recirculating system with advanced filtration
- All water is stored under ground (when pump is turned off)
System flow:
- Water is pumped from the HydroChamber™ water storage tank pump vault
- Water passes through a valve manifold for individual column flow control
- Water falls from the rock columns into the pool
- Water exits the pool over a small waterfall
- Waterfall cascades into the meandering stream
- The stream (and debris) pass into the HydroSieve™ pre-filter
- Water flows from the pre-filter back to the HydroChamber™
This design creates movement, sound, and visual interest - without a pond.
Start Building Your Perfect Water Feature
Whether you want a low-maintenance pondless waterfall, or a high-end koi pond, we'll show you exactly how to build it.
Explore each step-by-step guide before getting started.
Choosing the Right Pond or Water Feature
Before you start building, consider:
- Landscape style - Natural, formal, modern, tropical, or desert
- Fish type - Goldfish, koi, other pond fish
- Purpose - Aesthetic, ecosystem, or swimming
- Maintenance level - Routine maintenance vs. annual cleanouts
- Safety - Especially for children and pets
Your answers will determine which pond or pondless systems is right for you.
