how do i start a backyard pond

How To Build A Small Backyard Pond

Full Answer

What do I need to make a small backyard pond?

You will need:

• gravel
• large stones
• logs
• rainwater
• pond plants (check out our suggestions below)
• a large container

How long does it take to build a backyard pond?

The time it takes to build a pond is anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks or more. It depends on the size, complexity, and if any delays (like from weather or plan changes) spring up. It takes about 4 days for the average size pond. “I wonder how long the steps take?”

How to build your own backyard pond?

Step 1: Excavate the area

• Layout the size and shape of your pond with a rope or garden hose. ...
• Next, create a plant terrace by digging a 1-foot-wide shelf 8 inches deep inside the rope outline. Only dig the terrace in areas where you plan to put plants.
• Continue digging inside the plant terrace to make the bed of the pond—a minimum of 18 inches deep, with a slight slope.

How to build a small fish pond in your backyard?

What to do

1. Choose a spot. Your pond will want light, but not full sunlight all day. ...
2. If the container isn’t watertight, e.g. an old plant pot, then add a piece of pond liner.
3. Add a layer of gravel and rocks. Use logs or stones to create a range of depths and a slope for creatures to climb in and out. ...
4. Fill your pond. ...
5. Start planting! ...
6. Now watch and wait! ...

How to maintain a pond?

How many cubic feet are needed for a pond?

How long is a fish pond watertight?

How deep should a pond be for goldfish?

What is Dan's pond?

What is a free form pond?

Why do you need to slope the sides of a pond?

See 4 more

About this website

What do I need to start an outdoor pond?

A checklist for bulding a successfull pondPond liner – preformed or flexible.A quality pump.A quality pond filter.A UV clarifier.Tubing to connect your filtration system.Hose clamps.Net for debris and removing fish when needed.Edging material – rocks are best, but other hardscaping can be used.More items...

How do you build a simple backyard pond?

Now, let's dig in and discuss how to build a small backyard pond.How To Build A Small Backyard Pond. Step 1 - Choose the location. ... Step 2 - Choose a liner. ... Step 3 - Dig and install the liner. ... Step 4 - Install a filter and consider aeration. ... Step 5 - Add plants and fish. ... Step 6 - Perform regular maintenance.

How deep does a yard pond need to be?

It's recommended that garden ponds be at least 2 feet in depth to make sure there is enough water volume to avoid this issue. If you live in a cold climate where the pond may freeze go even deeper, try 3 feet. The depth of koi ponds should be 3 feet on average because the fish will need extra space to swim and grow.

How much does it cost to start a pond?

The cost to build a pond is usually $2.50 to $7.15 per square foot. For a larger-scale project, like a lake, expect to pay $3,000 to $8,200 per acre or more. The overall price varies based on a variety of factors.

How do I keep my pond water clear?

For starters, follow our 7 tips below to help keep your pond water clean!Maintain a healthy fish population. ... Don't over-feed your fish. ... Create a proper balance of plants. ... Choose the right size pump for your pond. ... Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay. ... Choose proper filtration for your pond.More items...•

Do ponds attract mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water so if there's a pond on your property they're more likely to be attracted to the area.

Do ponds need pumps?

Do I Need A Pond Pump? Ideally yes, if it's a fish pond then you should always have one, whether it's to circulate the water or to feed a filter, it's going to be beneficial. If it's a wildlife pond then you do not need a pump as wildlife such as frogs prefer a bog type habitat.

Does a pond add value to your home?

According to American Forest Management, the addition of a pond can increase one's property value by an average of six percent, though that number varies by region. Depending on supply and demand in your area and a host of other factors, adding a pond to your property could increase its value by as much as 42 percent!

How deep should a pond be for fish to survive winter?

18 inches deepDuring the coldest parts of winter, your pond must not freeze all of the way through. There should be enough unfrozen water at the bottom of the pond for your fish to ride out the winter. As a rule of thumb, ponds need to be at least 18 inches deep, ideally 24 inches or more, to overwinter fish.

How far should a pond be from a house?

The specific distance you'll need to keep between your house and any waterworks like a pond depends on local regulations and building codes. Many areas have no specific regulations, but others require set backs of anywhere from 50 to 300 feet.

Can you fill a pond with a hose?

Use Of a Hosepipe Using a hosepipe is another way of filling a pond with water. While it is more costly than using rainwater, it is pretty affordable. It is also very efficient and effective. One downside to using a hosepipe is that it may be chlorinated, making it toxic to the plants and animals in the pond.

How much does it cost to put in a 1 acre pond?

between $5,000 to $35,000One-acre ponds cost between $5,000 to $35,000, or $15,000 on average. Keep in mind that your costs will increase if you want to add fish or a natural stone liner.

How do I make a simple fish pond at home?

Constructing a Small Fish Pond in the GardenStep 1: Selection of Site. ... Step 2: Tools and Equipment Required. ... Step 3: Pond Liner. ... Step 4: Collect Pebbles and Stones. ... Step 5: Collect Water Plants. ... Step 6: Get Fish. ... Step 7: Clean and Mark the Area. ... Step 8: Excavate the Pond.More items...

How do you make a pond step by step?

Step 1: Choose the Location for Your Pond. ... Step 2: Mark the Pond. ... Step 3: Dig the Pond. ... Step 4: Level the Area With Sand. ... Step 5: Install the Preformed Pond Liner. ... Step 6: Fill Pond Halfway. ... Step 7: Add Pump and Filter. ... Step 8: Landscape Around the Pond.

How deep does a pond have to be for winter fish?

During the coldest parts of winter, your pond must not freeze all of the way through. There should be enough unfrozen water at the bottom of the pond for your fish to ride out the winter. As a rule of thumb, ponds need to be at least 18 inches deep, ideally 24 inches or more, to overwinter fish.

How do I install a small pond in my backyard?

1:293:52How To Install A Pond The Easy Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAdd in with the pond check the level make sure you check side to side front to back and diagonallyMoreAdd in with the pond check the level make sure you check side to side front to back and diagonally before back filming and picking the soil. And around the sides.

How to Build a Pond or Water Garden in Your Yard

A backyard pond can add color and life to any landscape, and it’s a DIY project that just about anyone can complete. We’ll show you how to build a pond or water feature with a waterfall to give your backyard beauty and serenity.

How to plan a pond?

Knowing the location of underground utilities is essential so you can plan to put your pond in an area away from electrical and water lines. Use a search engine to find the dig line number for your area.

How long does it take to build a pond?

Building a pond may take a few days and it will be easier if you have a friend to help. Plan the pond first before you start digging.

What is a pond liner made of?

Pond liners keep the water contained in the pond. These are made out of EPDM and polypropylene and are very weather resistant. Pond liners are heavy enough to remain in place and are unlikely to be moved by the wind. If you have concerns, use a few rocks or large stones to hold the liner in place.

How deep should a pond be for goldfish?

The depth of your pond depends on how you are planning to use it. To have aquatic plants and goldfish in the pond, approximately 1.5–2 ft (0.46–0.61 m) deep is adequate. For a koi pond, you will need a depth of at least 3 ft (0.91 m).

How to make a pond look natural?

Choose a pond shape with rounded corners. Once you have decided on the measurements for your pond, pick the shape that you would like it to be. Choose a shape with rounded corners to make the pond look natural and avoid elaborate shapes as these can be difficult to construct.

How to keep a pond healthy?

Try to keep the pond away from play areas of small children or pets, and avoid large trees as this can block sunlight from reaching the pond. Choose a spot for the pond where it will get sun and shade throughout the day . Sun is necessary to keep the pond healthy, but too much means that algae could overgrow.

What does a pond filter do?

Pond filters keep the fish healthy, the water clean, and prevent bad odors.

How are in ground ponds made?

In-ground ponds can be more natural looking and are usually made by excavating the soil and installing a pond liner made specifically for this purpose.

What is the best location for a pond?

The ideal location for a pond is in partial sun, but not under trees that shed leaves. Too much sun encourages rapid algae growth. Too little sun and the aquatic plants will be slow to grow or flower.

How do pond pumps work?

Pond pumps are designed to be submersed in pond water with an electrical cord that runs externally to a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) electrical outlet power outlet. These pumps draw in water through a vacuum action and send it out again, often through an output hose, or to a waterfall or fountain.

How to keep pond water clear?

To help keep pond water clear, there are liquid bacteria products that boost the good bacteria in the water. These come in a squeeze pump and get added as needed according to the instructions. The older a pond gets, the more it will naturalize, and this can mean algae will build up, especially in the hot weather.

How to add chlorinated water to a pond?

Once you have fish, plants, and other wild things like frogs in your pond, adding chlorinated tap water will be two-step process: first you fill a large tub and leave it for a day, then you can add the water to your pond. You can also speed it up with dechlorinating tablets.

How deep should a pond be for frogs?

A good minimum is two-feet deep, and it’s very good to have areas at least four feet deep if you have fish, frogs, or turtles. The greater depth keeps the pond animals safer from predators. And, the deeper the water, the less likely it is to freeze up in winter.

What fish should I put in a pond?

10 Pond Fish. If you live in a cold climate like I do, you will need cold-water fish for your pond. Koi and goldfish are popular choices but there are lots of things to consider first. Big fish will—sometimes—eat smaller fish, so there’s that. And some different types will not get along with others.

Why build a fish pond in your backyard?

Making a backyard fish pond will not only give you hours of enjoyment, it will also increase the value of your house. Pond construction is the most important part of the pond owning experience. By installing state of the art products that do the job they are designed to do your end result will be a backyard fish pond that you love and enjoy.

How deep should a pond be for fish?

How deep should it be? If you are going to keep fish in your backyard pond it must be at least 4 feet (1.2 m) deep. Waterlilies do their best in 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) of water. The deepest end of the pond is where you place the bottom drain and that should be located furthest away from the water return.

What kind of liner do I need for a pond?

The object is for the liner to last 20 years. The best liner you can get to last is the 45 mil EPDM liner material.

How to measure a pond liner?

To get the correct measurement for your liner-- Drop a piece of string 18” from the edge of the pond where the water will crest. Drop the string along the hole at the widest part, allowing it to follow the curves of the hole then mark the string 18” from the opposite edge. Now measure your string.

How big of a pump do I need for a pond?

Do I need a pump? You need a pump to recirculate all the water in the pond at least twice an hour. This will maintain optimal hygiene and oxygenation. Here is a guide for the size you will need. 1 1/2” for ponds up to 1,500 gallons (5,678.1 L) then graduate to 2” for ponds over 1,500 gallons (5,678.1 L). 3” and 4” must be considered for ponds over 2,500 gallons (9,463.5 L). Whenever possible use PVC. It is cheaper than flex hose and easy to install. Remember, this needs to be bought and installed before putting down your liner.

What is informal pond?

Formal ponds are usually squares, rectangles, and exact circles. An informal pond is more like a natural pond where it follows the ground's natural lines and has no definite shape. Any shape you choose should allow for good water circulation. The best water flow is from rounded edges, not corners.

Why is it important to maintain a pond?

The bigger the better. The more water it will hold the more plants and fish it will support which means less effort on your part in keeping it looking good. You will need to maintain your pond so that it does not become overgrown. Plants and fish multiply quickly.

How deep should a pond be?

Ponds longer than 6 feet on a side and deeper than 18 inches require so much digging and other heavy work that they are best left to pros. Smaller ponds are good DIY projects, but let pros handle the plumbing and electrical work.

How much does a pond cost?

Home-center kits start at $70 for a simple 9-square-foot, 84-gallon pond. A more typical 176-square-footer installed by a pro starts at $5,000, while more grandiose versions can easily exceed $50,000.

Where to Put It?

The location of a pond determines its health and your ability to enjoy it.

What is the GPH rating of a pond pump?

At minimum, the gallons per hour (GPH) rating should match the volume of your pond. A pump will need additional GPH to supply a waterfall or fountain, and enough "head" to push water to the top of that waterfall or fountain. Look for the unit with the lowest wattage; it will cost the least to run.

What is the best EPDM for ponds?

The best choice for most ponds, 45-mil-thick EPDM comes in sheets up to 50 by 200 feet. Durable, UV resistant, and flexible to -40 degrees F. Not to be confused with roofing EPDM, which has additives that kill fish.

How much does it cost to run a pond pump?

The electricity to run a pump for a typical 176-square-foot pond costs about $260 a year. Filters need frequent cleaning. A pond-maintenance firm starts at about $1,000 a year.

What is a formal pond?

Type: Formal. Defined by geometric shapes, this style of pond is often edged in expensive mortared stone or poured concrete. Perfect for a reflecting pool in a formal garden, it also makes a fine showcase for fish. Plantings are sparse or nonexistent.

Install a Pond With a Shell Liner

The instructions below describe building a two-tier pond with a waterfall. We’ll use a preformed shell liner for the pond and a flexible pond liner to create the waterfall. The pond water will circulate by a pump and filtration system. We’ll add decorative rock and plants to landscape around the pond.

Create a Pond With a Flexible Liner

As an alternative to a pond made with a preformed shell, you can use a flexible liner and create a pond in a custom shape. General steps are below, but always follow the instructions for your pond products.

Maintaining Your Pond

There are a variety of treatment products available to keep your pond a clean and safe environment for plants and animals, including:

What do you need to keep fish in a pond?

Filters. While some ponds can get away with only having a pump, if you plan on keeping fish in your pond, a filter is an absolute must. The filter helps to remove impurities and debris from the water, and if properly maintained will prevent the water from becoming toxic to fish.

How to stop algae growth in pond?

The direct sunlight will help with plant growth in the pond, and by spending part of the day in shade, it will help to limit algae growth. If you choose to place your pond in an area where it receives sunlight for most, or all of the day, your pond will quickly start to look like pea soup. Place it close to the house – Placing a pond close ...

What is a pond liner?

Pond Liner – Pond liners take a bit more work, but really let you design the pond how you want. They allow complete freedom when it comes to the size, shape and depth of a pond. The downside is that they do take a fair bit of work to set up.

What is a preformed pond liner?

Pre-formed Pond – A preformed pond liner is one of the easiest ways to get started in the hobby. They come in a variety of pre-formed shapes, are extremely durable and simple to install. They are also sold at most garden centers and are available for low prices online.

Why is it easier to keep an eye on a pond?

If a pond is located close to your house, it’s far easier to keep an eye on it. Whether it’s identifying pests that are causing problems with the pond, or dealing with maintenance issues, it’s always easier if it’s closer to your house under your watchful eye.

What is a small pond?

A small pond is the perfect way to get into the hobby and doesn’t require much in the way of effort or maintenance. With a pond this small, you really limit yourself to small fish like rosy red minnows or mosquito fish (no goldfish!) and small aquatic plants.

Why do leaves fall in ponds?

The reason for this is simple – leaves will continually fall into the pond water throughout the summer and into the fall season. And when leaves fall into water, they quickly start to decay and break down – which causes a huge spike in ammonia. For those familiar with aquariums, you may know that ammonia is dangerous for fish, ...

What is the best way to dig a pond?

It is better for wildlife if you put the pond in a warm, sunny area – tadpoles, dragonflies and plants with thrive in these conditions. First, mark out your pond on the ground with a rope or hosepipe, and then get digging! Ensure that the sides are level as you dig by placing a plank across the pond ’s hole with a spirit level on top.

How to stop sand from dispersing in pond?

To stop the sand substrate dispersing, rest the nozzle of the hose on a plastic bag to absorb some of the energy . If you do fill your pond with tap water then leave it so stand for a few days before adding it in. As the pond fills up, the liner will stretch. Back fill the trench around the edge of the pond with soil.

What are the animals that live in a small pond?

Even a small pond can be home to an interesting range of wildlife, including damsel and dragonflies, frogs and newts.

How many zones are there in a pond?

There are four 'zones' in which pond plants may be grown; try to have plants in each zone.

What is a pond liner made of?

Pond liner - preferably made of butyl rubber, which is durable, flexible, moderately cheap and easy to work with

How to make a koi pond?

Building your own koi fish pond in your garden can sound like a difficult task, however, with a bit of planning and patience, it won't take too long at all! Plan out the size and depth of the pond first, and then dig the hole and line it with a pond liner. Install all of the necessary equipment such as a filtration system and an aerator to keep the koi happy and healthy.

How do I install a filtration system for a koi pond?

Set up the filtration system box right next to the koi pond. Dig it into the ground slightly. Install the individual parts in the pond as per the installation directions.

What is the best replacement for a pond heater?

A pond aerator is an ideal and economical substitute for a pond heater. The size of the pond aerator that you need depends on the size of your koi pond. Know the volume, shape, and depth of your koi pond before you purchase an aerator and choose one that is designed for the size of your koi pond.

How long should I let koi pond water float?

Keep the koi in the water and in the plastic bag that they were purchased in. Float the plastic bag in your koi pond for 30 minutes so that they can adjust to the temperature change. Then add a bit of pond water into the plastic bag, tie it up, and let it float for an additional 30 minutes to help the koi adjust to the pond water.

How many fish can a koi pond hold?

This is an ideal and popular size for a backyard, hobby koi fish pond. A pond of this size generally holds 10 mature fish, giving them enough space to thrive and for the pond to not look overcrowded.

How to get rid of chlorine in koi pond?

1. Fill the pond with water. Use a garden hose to fill up the koi fish pond. If the water isn't fresh or spring water, use a dechlorinator, a carbon charcoal filter, or a water conditioner to remove the chlorine. You can purchase these chlorine treatments from pond or fish supply stores.

How to keep koi healthy?

Ensure the pH of the water remains between 7 and 8.6. Use a water testing kit to test if the pH and dissolved nutrients are at the right levels for the fish. Adjust the parameters of the water if the testing kit shows that it is necessary. This helps the koi to stay happy and healthy.

How to maintain a pond?

To maintain the consistent depth of the water, you need to line the pond. A thin layer of sand and old newspapers or burlap bags softens the jagged edges of rocks and roots. But over that you will need to put a waterproof skin.

How many cubic feet are needed for a pond?

Space permitting, you need at least 40 cubic feet for your pond—about 7 feet by 4 feet—to keep the water clean. An initial shallow terrace just inside the perimeter of the pond holds rocks that conceal the liner edge and keep it in place.

How long is a fish pond watertight?

Look for one that's weather-resistant, so it will stand up to UV rays and freezing temperatures. It should also be rated "fish-safe" if you plan to stock your pond and come with a warranty of 10 to 20 years so your pond will be watertight for many years to come.

How deep should a pond be for goldfish?

Even in warmer climates, small ponds can change temperature rapidly, so if you're adding fish you'll want a deeper pond that will maintain a more consistent temperature and accommodate the fish—18 to 24 inches for goldfish and at least 3 feet for koi.

What is Dan's pond?

Dan's pond attracts birds, frogs, butterflies, and crickets (no mosquitoes, though, thanks to the moving water). It also attracts Dan and Gloria. The couple often sip their coffee there while watching the sunrise, and lounge by the gurgling water after dark. "My wife is actually really glad I did this," says Dan.

What is a free form pond?

A free-form pond like Dan Gibbon's can be customized for any landscape, with different rocks, plants, shapes, and waterfalls. But we'll give you some helpful points on placement, size, and materials.

Why do you need to slope the sides of a pond?

As you dig, you must slope the sides of the pond so that if the water freezes, the ice will push up instead of against the liner.