How Does a Man-Made Pond Differ From a Natural Pond?

Construction

The biggest difference between a man-made pond and a natural pond is the way in which they are constructed. Natural ponds develop in the ground over long periods of time and become natural parts of the landscape. On the other hand, man-made ponds are built into the ground with human labor and lots of digging.

Pond Liner

Natural ponds develop directly on top of the earth and are usually bounded by rocks and soil, but man-made ponds require a plastic pond liner as a perimeter. This pond liner covers the entire base of the man-made pond and is then usually covered with rocks. Without the plastic liner, most man-made ponds would disappear because the water would eventually seep into the ground.

Water Source

Most natural ponds receive their water from a combination of rain and a natural supply of fresh water. Natural ponds can receive fresh water from a nearby stream or spring, which continually exchanges the water and injects oxygen into the pond. The water in man-made ponds usually comes from a residential source, like a well or a hose.

Wildlife and Accessories

Natural ponds usually have many more gallons of water and fewer fish than man-made ponds. This gives fish more room to roam in natural ponds, and as a result, wildlife in natural ponds is more likely to survive during the winter than wildlife in man-made ponds, which are more crowded and freeze faster. Also, owners often add fountains or sculptures to their man-made ponds.