Many people dream of creating a pond in their backyard or their garden. However, constructing a pond is not easy at all. Your hard work will pay off though, because ponds look majestic and are an instant eye-pleaser. You can put in several different kinds of freshwater fish in the ponds in order to make it look even better. You could even create a pond fountain, thus complementing the display even more.
Many people often take this up as a side project as well. However, constructing a pond on your own is not easy. You will have to spend a considerable amount of your time digging the ground properly and excavating the dirt in order to create enough space. Then, you will need to create an underground filtration and piping system to make sure the water in the pond remains fresh and clean. Unlike swimming pools, it’s not that easy to drain all the water out of the pond and fill it up with fresh water again. Therefore, if you are thinking of constructing a pond on your own, here are a few things that you need to know:
The Location
Constructing a pond right in the middle of the garden or backyard is not such a good idea, especially if you are looking to create a waterfall fountain. Instead, consider placing the pond in a corner of your backyard. This will significantly reduce the amount of time it will take for you to line the pond and get it in working order. Since at least two sides of the pond will be protected with walls, you won’t have to worry about the water getting dirty too quickly either.
Digging the Pond
The next step is to start digging up the ground for the pond. Ideally, you should consider keeping the depth of the pond to at least six feet. This is important, because you will be keeping at least three different types of fish in the pond—those that reside at the bottom, the middle dwellers, and the surface swimmers. Unlike aquariums, ponds have a proper ecosystem, so maintaining equilibrium is very important. Some fish don’t often come to the surface, while others prefer keeping near the light. When you start digging, make sure you prevent curves from developing at the bottom.
The bottom of the pond needs to have defined corners, because you will be putting a pond liner along the sides. Leakages in the sides could allow water to flow through and destroy the soil throughout the yard. Many people find it difficult to dig the correct size for the pond on their own. If that’s the case, you should consider hiring a professional digger to do the job for you.
Getting the Right Equipment
Once you have dug enough space for the pond, the next step is to invest in some decent pond equipment. You will need to buy protecting pond underlays and a high-quality pond liner in order to create a watertight membrane to prevent water from leaking. Many companies have created high-quality liners that make it easy for homeowners to install it themselves and then forget about it.
For instance, the Water Garden’s fish pond liners have generated lots of praise from homeowners. Apart from the liner, you will also need to buy a puncture-resistant underliner. Any sharp nail or piece of equipment could puncture through the liner, which is why you need a robust underlay beneath the liner to preserve the water. The underlay needs to be placed at the base and the sides of the pond before the liner is positioned on top. If the soil is rocky, it is recommended that you first remove all the jutting stones. Then, cover the base with at least a couple of inches of sand before placing the liner on top.
However, many people have difficulty in figuring out exactly how much liner they need. Many sellers have now created calculators online that you can use in order to figure out how much liner you will need.
Pond Paint
You will also need to buy pond paint to cover the concrete surfaces. Pond paint is different as compared to ordinary paint, because it is water resistant. It is mainly used for sealing the walls and blocking work that might fall below the water line. Most importantly, this paint is fish-safe, so it won’t wear off in a short while.
Needless to say, pond paint is slightly more expensive compared to ordinary paint. You can find it mostly in black and clear shades, so choose carefully. The paint will reflect through the water, so you need to decide whether you want a darker inlay or a clearer one.
The Filtration System
Once the pond has been completed, you will need to create a separate filtration system. A pipe needs to be laid down at the bottom of the pond, leading all the way to a separate section where the filtration system will be located. Depending upon the size of the pond, the size of the filtration system will vary accordingly.
Ideally, it is recommended that you hire a professional to install the filtration system for you. The water needs to be fresh at all times, and if the filter isn’t installed properly, it won’t be long before all of your fish will die. There are plenty of companies out there that will not only help you choose the right filter, but they will also install it on your behalf.
Before you start working on your pond, it is recommended that you view some detailed videos online. It will give you an idea of the order in which you need to take particular steps, and the videos will also help you understand whether you are doing it right or not. However, once the construction is complete, you will have a very satisfying feeling in your heart every time you look at your creation!