Create an Overflow
How to Create an Overflow for Ponds and Stock Tanks
Excessive rainfall can cause crystal clear water to turn murky quickly, especially during rainy winter months here in the PNW. Ponds and fountains can overfill with rainwater allowing no where to escape but to seep over the sides. This can create many problems like pooling under the liner, creating turbidity or murkiness when the water mixes with the surrounding soil, bark or other materials. This may escalate into additional issues from chemical toxins leaching fertilizers or pesticides or excessive nutrients seeping into the water potentially creating fish problems and algae blooms.
What can you do to prevent overflowing rainfall problems? Many ponds will already have an overflow contingent, especially if they are professionally installed. If your pond regularly overfills there are preventions you can do yourself that are relatively easily fixes for overflow issues.
As construction and design can vary greatly, there are a few different options for liner ponds, concrete or preformed ponds and fish stock tanks.
1. Ponds and Fountains made with a Liner- if you have a skimmer or other filter, you may be able to add an overflow pipe from that by adding a fitting and gluing pipe to it that can extend out to a desired area for the water to evacuate. If you do not have a skimmer or can’t add it there is another option. Look for an area where you can access the liner and attach a pipe to it. You must make sure it is located at least a few inches above the regular water level otherwise you will have a leak. Cut a small slit into the liner and jam the pipe through it so there is a tight fit and allowing excess water to flow into it and out of your pond. This pipe may need to be supported with rock or nestled in a trench. Refer to the image for better clarification.
2. Ponds Made out of Concrete, Preformed Plastic Ponds or Stock Tanks- many of these ponds are not constructed with a skimmer and may not have a filter to attach an overflow pipe/hose onto easily. Instead, you can create an overflow system with some PVC pipe, glue and fittings that can siphon out excess water. You need to work with gravity inside the water by creating a series or “U” shaped fitting assemblies customized to your individual water feature. Start with 1” or larger diameter pipe (1.5", 2" or 3" for larger volumes of water) about 1 foot long that extends from under the surface a few inches above the water level. Attach an elbow, small stub piece of pipe and another elbow to create the “U” shape. This should reach up to the edge of the pond/tank going over it and bending downward, creating another “U” shape to go out of the pond or tank. From there you can extend pipe to the length you need to direct the water to overflow into. Pro Tip: I would dry fit your PVC assembly first before you glue so that you are sure of your dimensions. Refer to the image for better clarification.
If you have additional questions or need help constructing an overflow assembly stop by, call or email the experts at Nature Perfect Pond & Supply Store in Tumwater, WA. We are happy to help you solve problems you may encounter pondering in your backyard.
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