How to Map a Pond

When you're planning a pond, you need to consider some important aspects. A pond can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to your yard or garden, but do you want it to be more than just a pool of water? If you plan to have fish or other marine life in your pond, you'll need to map out your pond and plan accordingly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Paper
• Shovel/Bobcat
• Pond liner
• Pond underlayment

Planning a Pond

1. Decide what type of marine life you want in your pond. If you are building a koi pond, you will need to restrict your plant life and build a larger pond. If you are building a goldfish pond, you can include other marine life and plants and build a smaller pond. If you are building a pond that is only for a waterfall, you will need to leave space for the waterfall equipment.

2. Decide on the location of your pond. Place your pond close to your house, where you can enjoy the sight and sound of it. Your pond should receive 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight every day and be protected from runoff.

3. Decide on the size of your pond. For goldfish, plan on a depth of at least 2 feet. For koi, plan on a depth of at least 3 feet.

4. Design the shape of your pond and lay it out on paper. Calculate the length and width at the longest and widest points of your pond. Add the depth to each measurement, plus 2 feet of extra space, to determine the size of your pond liner. You should end with measurements such as 10 feet long by 5 feet deep at the longest point, and 5 feet wide by 5 feet deep at the widest point.

Building the Pond

5. Dig your pond, using your plan and a shovel or Bobcat. Instead of a straight drop, give your pond sloping sides. If you want to keep water plants in your pond, leave a shelf around the edge, where the water is only 1 foot deep, for the plants.

6. Line the pond excavation with pond underlayment to protect it from leakage. Avoid wrinkles in the underlayment.

7. Place your black plastic pond liner over the underlayment. Black plastic and rubber pond liners are available at pond supply stores. Again, try to avoid wrinkles.

8. Place stone or edging around the edge of your pond to secure the pond liner. If necessary, mortar the stones into place.

9. Decorate your pond for whatever marine animals you choose to keep there. The pond is now ready for water and life.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in an area prone to freezing temperatures, dig a deeper pond to prevent freezing. Larger ponds are easier to maintain. Always buy pond supplies such as underlayment and liner from a pond supply store, as these are specialty items that have been manufactured to withstand the heavy use of a pond and will prevent leakage.
• A finished pond will probably turn out smaller than you visualize.

References

• How to Build a Water Garden or Fish Pond
• Do You Want to Build a Pond?