How to Build a Pond
How to Build a Pond
With so many different types of garden ponds to choose from, the decision of which type of pond to
build is hard. When planning to build your pond, there are some matters, such as the shape of the pond, which you may want to take into account.
These various types of ‘formal’ ponds may hold decorative landscaping or even fountains. Rock-water-falls are common when building an outdoor pond. The pond must fit what the owner will use it for. Whether
it is for fish or vegetation, the pond must replicate a live eco-system. If you are deciding to make a koi fish
pond, it will need a lot of maintenance and filtration systems and must be treated as if it is an outside aquarium. No plants or vegetation should come into play with a koi fish pond, as they will eat any vegetation that grows in it.
Location would be the next order of business. You should place the pond as close to a viewable area as possible, as you would want to have knowledge and be aware of what is going on in your eco-system at all times. If the pond is in a far corner of the yard, chances are the owners will not enjoy it as much as
if it is near a living room, kitchen window or even a bedroom window that can be left open in good weather. You can usually determine what room of the house the owner spends the most time in and then decide the
location.
Required Tools to Build a Pond
A shovel
A rake
14″ 28 gauge roofing flashing
1/2″ PVC pipe cut into 2′ pieces
15# roofing felt for under-layout
Pond liner, pump, hose clamps, tubing for waterfall
Instructions / Tips
Dig almost 14 inches and then level out; this is where you are going to lay the lining of your pond. Place your roofing felt down at the bottom and smooth out as necessary, clip off any protruding roots or
plants to have an even surface.
Open up your liner and spread across the entire pond. Start to fill up the pond and as it fills, jump in and make sure the liner is as smooth as possible, making any needed adjustments. After the pond is almost full, place a layer of decorative stones around the liner and make sure that it is properly secured.
Be sure to build your pond slightly above the surface of the rest of your yard to avoid runoff water. Also, make sure you have enough stone rock weighing down the liner to keep and hold the pond secure.
A mature landscape around your pond will make it look and feel the best. If you can, have your pond’s landscape drape off over the outside rocks, to give it age-old feel.
As you can imagine, it is a simple task to bring your backyard to life and enjoy the features of an outdoor pond.