DIY Pond Ideas that will help Improve your Home

Ponds and water features add a harmonious and relaxing feel to your outdoors. The presence of water will really enhance your yard, so why not create your own pond. It really isn’t that difficult. In fact, you can do it yourself in a weekend. What you do with your pond is only limited by your imagination and budget. Think water lilies, gold fish or even a fountain!

Garden Pond with fish

How to make a Pond

Grab a few supplies and tools and you will have all you need to create your very own pond. For handy tools and tips click here and then get ready to build your very own pond.

First, a Liner

You will need a liner. Plastic works well but a rubber liner will last much longer, although it is more expensive. Your liner will be exposed to the elements so it needs to be tough. When planning how much liner to buy remember to calculate the depth of the pond as well as the size of its base. Your liner will need to overhang the pond by around 20cm on all sides.

How Deep?

The depth of your pond will really depend on what you want to use the pond for. If you are growing water lilies you will need a depth of about .5 to .6 of a metre to accommodate the root system. If you are planning a water feature or fountain in your pond you will need enough depth for a submersible pump.

Mark Out Your Pond

Clear the area where you want to build your pond. Make sure it is reasonably level and weed free. A good way to work out your pond’s shape is to use a rope or hose to lay out the area. Keep at it until you find a shape you are happy with. Next you need to mark the perimeter. Use sand lime or paint for this job.

Dig It

The next task is to get on the job of digging the pond out. Make sure you are not digging near pipes or cables. You can hire a mechanical digger for a faster result. Make sure the surface is smooth and there is nothing sharp to break the liner. Check your pond is level using timber and a spirit level.

Placing the Liner

Cover the inside walls with a 1-2 cm layer of fat sand. This has high clay content and will stick easily. Then place the liner over your excavation and push it into place. Don’t trim the liner until the pond has been filled and had time to settle.

Fill It Up

Fill the pond slowly, smoothing out the liner as you go. After the water has had time to settle you can trim the liner and bury it in a small trench or hold it in place under decorative edging rocks.

Decorate

Decorate the edges with rocks, bricks or timber sleepers. Just make sure your liner is covered. Add some plants around the perimeter.

Image Credit : Garden Fond with Fish by Pete Turnbull

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