| Pond Building Guide
(For Build a Pond Section)
The most important part of building a pond or water feature occurs before you start digging. Thoughtful planning will result in a look you’ll be proud to show-off. It will also help you avoid many time consuming and costly problems. Ponds come in many styles, sizes, and varieties. You can create a natural waterfall that blends almost seamlessly with your landscape or a formal pool with classic fountain. Ponds can have a classic, contemporary, organic, or cutting edge style. Water features can be a very small pool of water incorporated into your garden or a dynamic multi-leveled set of ponds and waterfalls.
Let your imagination be your guide, but you should also take other factors into consideration. Your location, climate conditions, community, architecture, and the purpose of the pond, all have a role in creating your pond. Take a few minutes to consider these factors when choosing the location and design. Finally prepare your site and make sure everything is in place before you begin to dig.
Location – Your pond is a complete eco-system that literally takes on a life of its own. Keep this in mind as you choose the right place.
Try to balance the pond with the rest of your landscape. You might want to draw a map of your property and consider the overall look.
Water plants need at least 4 hours of sunshine each day. If you’re planning on a water garden, remember to look for the sun.
If possible, choose a place away from trees and other plants with invasive root systems. Roots can spread under the lining and cause damage. If the pond is surrounded by trees, you might also have a problem with falling leaves blocking your pump and filter in the autumn. Leaves also decompose into toxins that are harmful to fish.
Windy areas should also be avoided. Strong winds can harm some plants and make certain fountain affects impossible. If you are in a windy area, consider constructing a wind barrier or creating a wind breaker out of bushes or other living features.
Utilize natural slopes for waterfalls and assess how the rain runoff will flow. You want good drainage that will not damage any existing architecture.
Design - After you choose a location, it’s time to design your pond. How you plan on using your pond will help you determine many design aspects.
Are you in a cold climate? If your area freezes during the winter make sure your pond is at least 18” deep.
Would you like Koi swimming in your pond? Gold fish are OK in shallow depths, but Koi usually needs a deeper pond.
Are you planning on planting a water garden? Remember plants require more care and need at least 4 hours of sun. Formal fountains with water displays may not be conducive to certain plants such as water lilies.
Do you want a yard or patio pond? Ponds built near the house often have a modern look and may include fountains. Less is more. If you prefer a very natural pond that merges with the environment, you may want to place it a smart distance from your home.
Did you take safety into consideration? If you are in an urban area or if young children have access to your yard, make sure to build fences and barriers into your design.
Final Preparations – After you choose the place and look for your pond or fountain, make sure to finish the logistics before you begin.
Although ponds are usually not included in the regulations covering swimming pools, check to see if your water feature is compliant with subdivision rules or city ordinances.
Check your home insurance policy.
There may be underground wires or pipes. Contact your local utilities before you dig.
Unless you are a contractor or electrician, it’s a good idea to hire a licensed professional to do any electrical wiring your project may require.
The planning stage is really a lot of fun. There are many great books and landscaping sites to help you explore different styles and designs. Make sure to look through our site and call our customer service experts if you have questions or need help with this planning stage. Once you pick the look, you’ll be ready to start digging and laying down the liner.
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Build a Pond 
