How to Build a Pond
Building a pond is a complex task but the individual steps in this how to build a pond guide should be well within the capabilities of most individuals who have basic landscaping and construction skills. There are few specialized tools required and this is an excellent project for those who want to add something truly elegant to their yard or garden.
Pond Building Concept
As is the case with any other complex project, building a pond starts with a solid plan. The first order of business is location. Ideally, the location should be somewhere where the pond is visible from the inside of the house and which has adequate sitting room around its edges. Preferably, build a pond in a location which is a bit elevated from the surrounding area to control the inflow of water from the environment.
Building a Pond Layout
The easiest way to make a rough layout from which to build a pond is to use a hose or a length of rope. Demarcate the perimeter of the pond in this way and work with the design until one has exactly what they want. Remember that the pond will need to be at least two feet deep if one plans to accommodate fish. For larger fish, such as koi, one should plan on a depth of at least three feet, preferably deeper.
Once the basic outline of the pond is laid out, use spray paint or chalk to make a mark along the edge of the pond. Starting about 6 inches within this mark, begin excavating the pond!
Build Pond Interior
There need to be several levels of depth within a pond. This allows for the placement of aquatic plants and other features. If the pond is a particularly complex shape, consider making one section of the pond shallower than the other. If one lives in a particularly cold area, remember to dig the pond out to at least four feet in depth to prevent the pond from freezing solid.
Ideally, build pond shelves which are about a foot and two feet below the surface. This allows for most aquatic plants to be placed within the pond.
Building a Pond Liner
Every pond needs a liner. If one happens to be using an inflexible liner, such as a fiberglass liner, then the pond's interior must conform to the dimensions and shape of that liner. One must place a layer of very compacted brick dust of one inch thickness underneath the liner, as well.
To build pond liner from concrete it is imperative that one engage the services of a professional for installation. Laying concrete at angles and slopes is far too complex a task for the average individuals. One will also need to build pond footings to accommodate these liners.
Most individuals, however, choose to go with a flexible liner. This liner must conform to the dimensions of the pond. One can select the correct size using the following formulas.
Length of the Pond Liner = Pond Length + (Pond Depth * 2) + 6".
Depth of the Pond Liner = Pond Width + (Pond Depth * 2) + 6".
The pond length and width are measured at the widest points.
Butyl rubber liners are toxic to some fish. To build a pond for fish, PVC, HDPE and EPDM liners are preferable.
Before installing the liner, let it lay out in the sun for a while. This will soften the material and make it much easier to mould to the contours of the pond.
Once the liner is laid in place, use water plants or stones to make certain that it is held down to the base of the pond. The extra liner at the edges can be held in place with a bit of dirt and landscaping stone. Make sure to build a pond berm (a raised barrier) at the edge of the pond to keep water from the environment, which often carries pollutants, from rushing in.
Pump Consideration when Building a Pond
Learning how to build a pond means learning about pumps. It's best to place submerged pumps on a milk crate or another porous surface to prevent the pump from completely draining the pond in the event of a mishap. The fish will certainly appreciate this little attention to detail! Make certain that all the pump hoses and cords are properly-seated and ready to go. Those hoses which need to be concealed later on can be covered up with dirt or with landscaping stones.
This is also the point where any filters should be installed according to the manufacturer's directions.
Considering Plants when Building a Pond
In this stage of the pond building project, place the plants on the shelves at the edges of the pond according to their directions for care. Build pond shelves adequate to ones requirement before installation of the pond liner. Make certain that the plants are stable and that the pots are firmly in place so that they don't tip over when the water is added. The plants can also be used to conceal the pump. Plants around the edges of the pond should also be added at this time.
Pond Building Moment of Truth - Water
Now comes the moment of truth. Slowly begin adding water to the pond, making certain that the liner stays in place and that the plants aren't shifted out of their positions by the flow. This may take a considerable amount of time and it's truly surprising how much water a small pond holds. After the water is added, make any changes to the placement of the plants that one desires and test out any features such as waterfalls and fountains to make certain they're working correctly. Also test out any aerators to make sure that they function as intended. The pumps and filters should also be checked for proper function.
Build Pond for Fish
Adding the fish is the crowning glory of creating a pond. Remember to dechlorinate the water before adding them so that they enter a happy and healthy home. This process is done by adding chemicals to the water. Do so exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.
Learning how to build a pond is really not as hard as most people think and pond building is a very gratifying DIY project!