How to Build a Backyard Fish Pond

A backyard fish pond adds charm to your landscaping and is a great conversation starter.

Adding a fishpond to your backyard can add charm to what may otherwise be a drab location. There are some considerations before installing the pond. Location is important, since you do not want the pond in a low spot, where heavy rain will cause it to flood, or under a tree, where you will have to spend a lot of time cleaning leaves out of it. The size of the pond is also important. This will include the overall shape and depth of the pond. If you live in a region with freezing winters, consider installing a pond that is up to 40 inches deep.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Shovel
• Pond filter
• Spray paint
• Pond underlay
• Pond liner
• Large rocks
• Gravel
• Artificial boulder
• Water pump
• Aquatic plants
• Koi fish

Instructions

1. Lay a garden hose out in the yard. Arrange it in the shape and size that you want the fish pond to be. Outline the shape around the garden hose, using a shovel to cut the outline. Loosen the sod with the shovel and pull it away from the pond area. Once you remove all the sod, dig the hole for the pond at varying levels. This give a pleasant environment for the fish you put in the pond.

2. Place your pond filtration system near the pond and mark the dimensions using spray paint. Remove the filter and dig a hole for the filtration system to the necessary depth for your brand of filter. Set the filtration system in the hole. Place the pond underlay in the hole. Lay the waterproof pond liner on top of the underlay. Press the liner and underlay into the hole around the shape of the pond.

3. Set rocks around the pond liner against the sides of the hole, including on the different levels of the pond. These rocks should be large and heavy enough to hold the liner and underlay down. The number of rocks you will need depends on how large you make the pond. Fill in the gaps between the rocks using gravel. The rocks should cover the entire pond liner. Cover the top of the pond filter, using an artificial boulder to hide the filtration system.

4. Spray down the rocks with the garden hose to wash the dirt from them. Pump the muddy water from the pond using the water pump. Continue until the water is coming out clean. Arrange several aquatic plants in the pond. These will not only make your pond attractive, but they are a pleasant addition for the fish. Fill the pond with fresh water and add the koi fish.

5. Connect the filtration unit to the power source and turn it on so that it can begin filtering the pond water. Place some plants and flowers around the pond to help it blend in with the rest of your garden. Flat river stones around the pond also add charm to the setting.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the plastic bag holding the koi fish in the pond water and allow them time to become accustomed to the water temperature.

References

• Ron Hazleton's HouseCalls: How to Create a Backyard Fish Pond
• Flower Pot Heaven: Building Backyard Ponds
• The Water Garden: How to Build a Water Garden or Fish Pond