How to Install a Garden Pond

Installing a pond into a yard can be a fairly easy project with the right planning, and will add tranquil beauty to any yard. There are two types of construction possibilities for ponds. A preformed pond is a fixed-shape container made of hard plastic, typically PVC, fiberglass or rubber. Pond liners are large, flexible, pieces of PVC or rubber, that allow any shape desired to be created.

Things You'll Need

• Preformed pond or pond liner
• Shovel or excavator (depending on size of project)
• Rocks
• Bricks and mortar
• Level
• Piece of lumber
• Scissors
• Water

Instructions

Installing a Preformed Pond

1. Raise the preformed pond above the location site, using cinder blocks or anything else that will raise it up. With tomato stakes and string, outline the shape of the pond.

2. Dig out the site, keeping the exact shape of the preformed pond, including any shelving.

3. Once the hole has gotten to the same depth as the performed pond, check to make sure the bottom and any shelving areas are completely level, and that the size fits the preformed pond exactly.

4. Remove any rocks or anything else that could potentially damage the pond. Place a layer of soft sand at the bottom and in between the hole wall and pond to act as an underlay material that will protect the preformed pond.

5. Place the pond into the hole. Using a piece of lumber and the level, make sure the top of the pond is level. Fill the pond with water and periodically check to see if the pond is still level.

Installing a Pond Liner

1. Using sand or soil as a drawing material, plan out the desired shape of the pond in the ground.

2. Dig out the pond space in levels, to create shelves. Dig the entire pond to the first shelf level before continuing deeper, making sure all shelves are level.

3. Reinforce the top edge of the pond with brick and mortar. Make sure the area is level before doing this.

4. Once the pond is dug to the desired depth, remove rocks or anything sharp from the hole, and place an underlay material such as carpet or soft sand to protect the liner. Lay the liner down, and use scissors to remove any excess.

5. Fill the liner with water, and then fasten it with stone edging. This can be done with any large flat or sheet of stone.

Tips & Warnings

• Waterfalls and fountains are beautiful and will keep the water circulating, and add oxygen to the water for fish.

• Pumps and filters are used to maintain water clarity. They can be hidden using plants or underground.

• The pond should be located in a level area, near an energy source for filters and pumps, and be seen from inside the house.

• Before adding fish, the water must have any harsh chemicals removed, and a biological filter system that will remove toxins must be set up.

• Check the pond regularly for signs of leaks.

• Avoid putting the pond in areas that may flood or in shady areas that will choke plant growth.

References

• Encylopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, David Alderton, 2005
• PondSolutions.com