How to Install an Above Ground Water Garden Pond
An above ground water garden pond is a great way to add a waterscape to a garden without having to excavate any parts of the lawn. Water gardens can be homes for extravagant plants and Koi, and give the homeowner a tranquil escape. The construction is fairly simple, but does require planning. Once the pond is installed, gardeners can be creative with landscaping and decor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Flat Rocks
- Cinder Blocks
- Mortar or Stone Adhesive
- Pond Liner
- Carpet
- Spray Paint or String
- Pond Pump and Filter
Instructions
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1
Plan ahead of time the size and location of the pond, keeping in mind whether the garden will need sunlight or shade. A pond that will be growing plants can be small and will probably do better in the sun depending on the plant, but a pond with fish will need to be large and have some shade to protect fish from sunburn.
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2
The ground where the pond will be located should be level. Use spray paint or string to mark the shape of the pond on the ground.
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3
Construct the pond walls with cinder blocks along the outline, laying them like bricks. Use mortar or a stone adhesive to secure the blocks.
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4
Remove anything sharp from inside the cinder block walls, then lay carpeting over the entire area where pond liner will be installed. This protects the liner from holes or potential damage.
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5
Install the liner so that it completely covers the cinder blocks and continues onto the ground; having extra liner ensures that enough rocks can be placed to secure the liner. Fill the liner with water and assess any potential issues with the liner, such as folds and creases that sediment may get caught in.
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6
Build up flat rocks around the outside of the pond to secure and cover the liner, starting with large rocks in the bottom layers and working up. Put a layer on top of the cinder blocks as well, so that no liner can be seen.
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7
Install a pond pump and filtration system to keep the water clean. Landscape with aquatic and marginal plants.
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Tips & Warnings
PVC and butyl rubber are the best choices of pond liner material since they are stronger than cheaper polyethene liners (see reference 1).
Very sunny areas will grow algae and very shady areas will drop debris such as leaves into the water. Both situations require the pond to be cleaned frequently. Check the pond regularly for sudden changes in water levels, which indicate a leak.
