Every yard needs something that makes it unique. Installing a pond can add an interesting dynamic to your property that highlights the natural beauty of your outdoor space.

Taking your pond project step by step allows you to accommodate for filtration, aquatic life and even pumps for water features. Setting a budget helps you determine the size and style that fits your yard.

Here’s a few tips to makes sure you get the job done right:

- avoid places on your yard that are always wet

- position your pond so it gets sunlight for half the day at least

- stay away from trees as falling leaves can clog filters and pollute your water

- watch out for underground cables and power lines

- choose a site that’s level

Step by Step Installation

Here’s how to install a pond from start to finish:

Step #1:

Start by digging a hole to your desired depth and shape. Make sure you can get a pond liner that exceeds the dimensions of your hole as you’ll need excess slack to properly secure the liner later on.

Dig your hole straight down from the center outwards, paying extra attention to the projected placement of your walls to keep the soil density nice and compact. It’s crucial to have sturdy walls later on in the project.

Remove all top soil around the edge of the outside of the hole to create a solid foundation for bricks, using a spirit level and straight plank of wood to ensure all sides of your pool are at relatively the same height.

If you intend on incorporating plants and aquatic life into your pond make sure that you have variable depths as some plants and fish need deeper water to flourish. Research what types of greenery and fish you want before hand so you can stage your pond properly, creating a vibrant and healthy ecosystem.

Once your hole is complete scan the bottom and walls for sharp rocks and roots that may end up puncturing your liner. After extracting the obvious debris use your hands to scan for smaller rocks that might be resting just below the surface.

Once your hole is clear of stones put down the underlay made up of sand, damp newspaper, carpet or special material available at garden centres.

Step #2:

Exercise patience while draping the liner, pushing it into corners and against pond walls until you get a fairly smooth surface. Refrain from dragging your liner too much so it doesn’t snare on anything sharp. Expect a little pleating as go.

You can use black vinyl duct tape on pleats that are particularly noticeable to reduce unsightly features. Once you’re done use bricks to hold the liner in place.

Step #3:

Now it’s time to add some water. Start by filling the pond up about halfway to the top, moving your bricks a few at a time and then putting them back in place so the liner settles further into place while tidying up any pleats as they get pulled open.

Once you’ve taken the time to do this crucial step correctly start placing your trim or border bricks around the edge. Once your project is completed the water line should rest somewhere in the middle of your bricks.

These bricks will form the permanent outline around your pond. They not only add to the visual appeal but help to bury the liner from view once your pond is full.

Step #4:

If a water feature or air pumps are part of your plans now is the time to think about placement. While it seems like running power, water and air lines through the back of your pond is the best option you need to consider what side you’re most likely to view the pond from.

Place lines running along the front and out the side of the pond. You can bury cable and tubing between your bordering bricks, using quick setting cement to close gaps made by inserting the cables, and then under the excess soil used to completely secure the liner for a more streamlined look.

Make sure you test the feature before its firmly in place and cords are cemented in to prevent costly fixes.

Using cement between all bricks helps keep the dirt used to finish this step from getting into your water. Allow for 3 or 4 hours so cement has time to properly set.

Next, pull the excess liner that runs behind your wall bricks up vertically and pack dirt in the surrounding area, then put the liner back down flat and finish filling in the space over top the liner with remaining dirt. This creates a stair-like feature that ensure the liner will rest above water lines but completely concealed from view.

Step #5: The lion’s share of the work is done, all you need to do is position stones up to your bordering bricks to create a secure standing surface around your pond. Move stones around until you’re happy with the result and then secure them in place with finely packed sand or cement.

Gently fill the bottom of your garden pond with simple stones and wait 24 hours until any cement hardens before filling up your pond.

Add plant and fish as desired and you’re done!

DIY Pond Checklist: What You’ll Need

- shovel

- garden hose

- trowel

- cement & bucket

- spirit level

- pond liner

- plank of wood

- sand/liner underlay/newspaper

- landscaping rocks

- fountain pump

- bricks

- vinyl duct tape

If you need help getting this project completed contact Van Beek’s Garden Supplies and request a quote today.