How to Dig a Backyard Pond

A backyard pond adds value to your property and increases the pleasure of your yard. Pond plants in a backyard pond add color, and reflections off the water add a creative and relaxing charm. Wildlife, such as birds, squirrels and frogs, will be attracted to the water and bring additional wildlife your yard. Depending on the size of the backyard pond, it will take about a day to install.

Things You'll Need

• Lawn-marking spray paint
• Shovel
• Pond liner or plastic pond insert
• Tape measure
• 2-by-4
• 4-foot level
• Rocks for edging

Instructions

1. Plan the area for your backyard pond. Shady areas are best to reduce algae growth for lower maintenance. Sunny areas are best for more colorful pond plants. Decide on a depth, width and length for your water feature.

2. Mark the area for the pond with lawn-marking spray paint available from a local home improvement center. If using a plastic pond insert, mark along the edge of the liner. If using a sheet of plastic pond liner, calculate the liner size by multiplying the depth by 2. Add the length of the pond. Then add 2 feet for overlap.
   Example: If the length of the pond is 8 feet and the depth is 3 feet, the calculation is 8 + (2 x 3) + 2 = 16 feet. The length of liner must be 16 feet.

3. Use the same equation to determine the width of the liner: Multiply the width by 2. Add the width of the pond. Then add 2 feet for overlap.
   Example: If the width of the pond is 4 feet and the depth is 3 feet, the calculation is 4 + (2 x 3) + 2 = 12 feet. The width of liner must be 12 feet.

4. Call your local utility companies to be sure there are no underground water, sewer, electric or gas lines in the area planned for the backyard pond.

5. Use a shovel to dig the soil from the area that you have marked.

6. Dig until you have reached the planned depth of the pond. Check the depth with a tape measure.

7. Use a level and 2-by-4 to check that the top edge of the pond is level all the way around. Lay the 2-by-4 across the hole, and lay the level on top of the 2-by-4. Use soil that was removed from the hole to bring up any shallow areas.

8. If using pond liner, place a thick layer of newspapers on the soil. Layer at least eight sheets of newspaper on the soil. This creates a barrier to protect the liner from the sharp edges of stones and reduce the risk of small holes breaking through the liner.

9. Install the liner by placing it in the hole from the center to the top edges. Install a plastic pond insert by setting it in the hole. Make sure the liner is level by placing a level on the bottom of the pond liner. Remove and add soil to low areas until the pond liner is level.

10. Create edging along a pond with a pond liner by using rocks to hold the liner in place that slope the liner away from the pond. Create edging for a plastic pond liner by sloping some of the soil that was removed from the hole along the edge of the liner.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the remaining soil to fill low spots in your yard.

• Check with your local town office before digging a backyard pond. Depending on the depth of your pond, you may need to install a fence around it to protect children and pets from drowning accidents. A permit may also be required before digging a backyard pond in your area.