how do you make a backyard pond

How To Build A Small Backyard Pond

• Step 1 - Choose the location When determining a location for your pond, it's important to remember they need partial sun and partial shade. ...
• 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 ...

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 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 do you make a homemade pond?

To make a pond, start by digging a hole several feet deep and as wide as you want your finished pond to be. Next, line the hole with a layer of sand, then a layer of pond underlay or burlap, and finally a large piece of waterproof pond liner. Once the pond is lined, fill it with water up to the edge.

How much does it cost to build a small backyard 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.

How deep does a homemade pond need to be?

Do you want fish? If so, build your pond at least 24 inches deep. That depth keeps the pond from freezing in winter or overheating in summer. In extreme northern areas, the minimum depth should be 3 feet.

What is the easiest way to make a pond?

To install, dig your hole, coat it with a layer of sand and then install and backfill around your preformed pond. Container pond - the easiest to create, any watertight container can be transformed into a pond. Simply fill with rainwater and add your plants, immersed in pond baskets.

Does a pond need a pump?

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.

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.

How can I stock my pond for free?

Some states have free stocking programs. Check out your local government website to find out if your pond could qualify for these programs. If your state doesn't have such a program though, you may be able to stock your pond with fish you catch in public waters.

Are backyard ponds expensive?

The cost to build a backyard pond can vary greatly. The size, style, materials and equipment you select will all impact the final price of your pond. You can expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000 for a custom pond.

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

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 big of a pond is needed for fish?

1/2 acreFish ponds should be 1/2 acre or more in water surface area. Minimizing the amount of shallow edge around your deep water pond will reduce emergent vegetation, most species of which grow in water less than four feet deep. For this reason, create steep slopes to a depth of four feet or more.

How deep should a pond be to prevent algae?

In general, ponds should be at least 3 feet deep to reduce the growth of bottom-growing algae and other potential aquatic plant weeds, and 6 to 7 feet deep if the pond contains fish that will overwinter there.

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?

How To Build A Small Backyard PondHow 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 do you build a small pond naturally?

InstructionsCreate a Place for the Pond. Anything that can hold water will do for this first step. ... Build Ledges. Create an underwater ledge within the pond that covers about half of the pond's surface. ... Add Sand. ... Fill the Pond With Water. ... Place Rocks Around the Pond. ... Add Rocks and Gravel to the Pond. ... Add Plants.

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...•

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 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.

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.

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 much sun does a water lily need?

If you are going to have water lilies they take at least 5 hours of sun a day. The downside of placing your pond in direct sunlight it may be uncomfortable for you if you want to sit by your pond and enjoy the fish. Also, algae will flourish in direct sunlight (water lilies and a UV clarifier will help prevent this).

What is the purpose of eduction jets?

The eduction jets create underwater currents and push the water to avoid areas of stagnation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to make a waterfall with a hose?

Where the hose exits the water, wedge it between two rocks without crushing it. Conceal it with a third rock. Arrange and secure the hose through the rocks and over a stack to position the waterfall.

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.

What is underlayment in ponds?

Underlayment cushions the EPDM liner from rocks and roots. Commercial underlayment is available at pond suppliers.

What is commercial underlayment?

Commercial underlayment is synthetic cloth sold by pond suppliers. With a little legwork, you can get free underlayment—old carpet and padding—from a carpet installer. Call an installer or carpet store to find some. Just be sure to examine the carpet closely and remove any staples.

Why do plastic liners leak?

When preformed plastic liners leak, it’s usually because they weren’t installed properly. To avoid cracking, preformed liners must be fully supported by the surrounding soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the liner and compact soil around it as you backfill.

What to do with a skimmer?

The stuff you take out of a skimmer is great fertilizer for plants. Plant a patch of hostas or other leafy cover next to the skimmer. The large leaves hide the debris while it decomposes and nourishes the plants, and you save yourself a trip to the trashcan. G. Cut steps into the soil for easy access .

How to protect a pond from runoff?

Runoff from your yard can carry silt, grass clippings and other debris that lead to murky water. It also contains lawn chemicals that can support algae growth or harm plants or fish. You can protect your pond from runoff by simply forming a slight ridge around it as you begin figuring out how to build a pond. It doesn’t have to be very high; 3 in. is usually plenty. If the pond is on an incline, you can create a shallow channel with a slight slope to divert runoff to a garden or flowerbed.

How to make a pond in a sunny spot?

How to Make a Pond: Pick a Sunny Spot . If your yard has only one spot that will accommodate a pond, don’t worry—you can create a great garden pond in just about any location. But if you have two or three spots to choose from, consider the upkeep factor.

Why do ponds turn brown?

They’ll turn the water brown. Natural chemicals in leaves and in the decomposition process can also kill fish. Beware of tree roots. There are two reasons, aside from falling leaves, to keep a distance between your pond and trees. Growing tree roots can poke holes in a pond’s liner.

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:

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.

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 to measure water flow for Niagara Falls?

To create the show you want, measure its width in inches at the point water spills out. Multiply by 50 if you want a trickle of water, by 100 for a sheet of water, and by 200 for Niagara Falls. The result is how many GPH your pump needs for the falls alone, not counting the pond.

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.

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 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 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.

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.