Pond vs. Pondless Waterfall: What’s the Difference?

Introduction: The Backyard Water Feature Dilemma

You’ve been dreaming about adding a water feature to your backyard—a place where you can unwind, listen to the soothing sound of flowing water, and create a peaceful retreat right outside your door. Maybe you picture koi lazily swimming through a crystal-clear pond, or maybe you just want the sound of a cascading waterfall without the maintenance of a full pond.

But now that you’re seriously considering it, you’re stuck. Should you go with a pond or a pondless waterfall? What’s the real difference? Which one is best for your space, your budget, and—most importantly—your lifestyle?

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we’ve helped countless homeowners on the Kitsap Peninsula design and install water features that fit their needs.. You want something beautiful, but you don’t want to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to maintenance. The good news? You really can’t go wrong with either choice—it all depends on what you want out of your water feature. Let’s break it down.

What Is a Pond?

A pond is exactly what you are thinking it is—if rough terms a pond is a hole in the ground that holds water year round. Ponds can be small or large, natural or formal, simple or elaborate. Most backyard ponds include some combination of:

• A pump, skimmer, and filtration system to keep the water clean and moving
• Aquatic plants such as lilies that help with oxygenation and aesthetics
• Fish (optional) like koi or goldfish
• Rocks and edging to create a natural look

The best part about having a pond is that you are building and maintaining a living ecosystem. If you love the idea of watching fish swimming around through the water, frogs hopping along the rocks, and dragonflies zipping through the air, a pond might be for you.

But, there is some work involved. Ponds require regular maintenance. You’ll need to clean filters, remove debris, monitor algae growth, and possibly even winterize it if you live in a colder area.

So, if you’re willing to put in the time to care for it or use our company for regular maintenance, a pond can become the heart of your landscape—always changing, always alive.

What Is a Pondless Waterfall?

A pondless waterfall can sound a little confusing. How can you have a waterfall without a pond? Well instead of water being kept in an always visible pond, pondless waterfalls are built on either an Aquabasin or AquaBlox depending on the size of the feature. These products allows the water to remain hidden underground and is then recirculated back up to the top using a pump.

Here’s what makes a pondless waterfall different:

• No standing water—water moves continuously, which means less algae or mosquito issues.
• Lower maintenance—without a pond, there’s less to clean and care for.
• Takes up less space—ideal for smaller yards or areas where a full pond doesn’t fit.
• Safer for kids and pets—no open water means no risk of accidental falls.

Pondless waterfalls are all about the sound and movement of water without the responsibility of a full ecosystem. You will still get birds, frogs and other critters that might visit, but they just won’t  stay for the long haul. If you just want to enjoy the peaceful noise or sight of running water without the extra work, a pondless waterfall might be your best bet.

Pond vs. Pondless Waterfall: Key Differences

How to Decide Which One Is Right for You

Now that you understand the basics, let’s talk about which option fits your home and lifestyle best.

Choose a Pond If…

✅ You want a living water feature with fish, plants, and wildlife.

✅ You don’t mind regular maintenance like cleaning filters and removing debris.

✅ You have the space for a larger water feature.

✅ You love the idea of creating a natural, serene ecosystem in your yard.

Choose a Pondless Waterfall If…

✅ You want running water without the upkeep of a pond.

✅ You have a smaller yard or don’t want to dedicate too much space to a water feature.

✅ You’re worried about safety and want something child- and pet-friendly.

✅ You want a low-maintenance, visually striking addition to your landscape.

Common Questions About Ponds and Pondless Waterfalls

Will a pond attract mosquitoes?

Yes and no. Still water attracts mosquitoes, but a properly maintained pond with a pump and fish will keep mosquito populations in check. Pondless waterfalls, on the other hand, don’t have standing water, so they are less likely to attract bugs and mosquitoes.

Can I switch from a pond to a pondless waterfall later?

Yes, but it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Converting a pond into a pondless waterfall would involve some excavation to thee underground reservoir and some reworking of the plumbing. If you think you might want to switch later, it’s better to start with a pondless waterfall first.

Do pondless waterfalls need a filter?

No. Since there’s no standing water, you don’t need a filtration system like you do with a pond. However, you do need a pump to keep the water circulating properly. If you wanted to add filtration, there are things that can be added to pondless waterfalls like Biofalls and Spillway bowls that allow for             the addition of biological filtration.

Which one costs more?

A pond generally costs more than a pondless waterfall because of the added filtration, excavation, and potential for fish and plant life. If you’re looking for a lower-cost water feature, a pondless waterfall is usually the way to go.

Final Thoughts: Which One Will You Choose?

Both ponds and pondless waterfalls bring the beauty and movement of water into your backyard, but they serve different purposes.

If you’re looking for a vibrant, living feature with fish and plants, a pond is the way to go. But if you prefer a low-maintenance, visually striking waterfall without the responsibility of a full pond, a pondless waterfall is a fantastic option.

At Brookside Landscape and Design, we specialize in helping Kitsap Peninsula homeowners create custom, lasting water features that match their lifestyle. Still not sure which one is right for you? We’re happy to talk through your options and help design a feature that fits your space, budget, and vision.

Ready to bring the sound of water to your backyard? Contact us today to get started!