Building a Pond
- Post created by: Victoria S.
- 13 Jan 2022
Garden ponds can be fantastic features for your garden, providing a relaxing setting, a place for wildlife and an attractive garden focal point. Building one from scratch (instead of buying a pre-shaped plastic pond) means you have total control over what it looks like; the effort it takes can be rewarding when you see what you have achieved.
Marking the pond out
Before committing to your pond location fully, use a rope to outline what size and shape you will like the pond, trying various places around the garden, to see where you like it best. The pond size will of course depend on your garden size, as you do not want too big a pond that will over-power the space. Ideally, the pond should not be in full sunlight or too shaded to encourage wildlife and plant growth, and should not be under overhanging trees or heavy foliage that could fall into the water and pollute the pond.
Digging your pond
Once you have decided on the pond’s location, size and shape, you can start digging it out. Starting from the outside, and working inwards, it is important to create sloping sides so that oxygenating plants can take hold. Include a shallow and a deep end. If it is too shallow all over, the water is in danger of freezing in winter. Deeper areas will create shelter and protection during the winter, and protect fish from predators such as herons.
A rounded shape is better than more angular designs, preferably with a 1:10 slope as this is better for circulation and debris will be pushed towards the pump, maximising filtration.
Planning a waterfall?
Why not save the soil? You can use it to build an extra raised layer or use it as a raised base for your spillway rocks.
Adding plant shelving
Plant life is crucial for the healthy maintenance of a pond, as plants provide oxygen to the water and encourage wildlife. Plant shelving around the edge of the pond is therefore beneficial as it anchors plant pots in the water. The shelving needs to be wide and deep enough to hold plant pond baskets, with the top of the baskets 2-3cm below the water level.
Pond underlay and liners
Getting the size right – pond lining
It is important to get the size of your pond liner right to correctly fit your pond. This can be easily done with the following calculation: Length of liner = Max. pond length + (depth x 2) + 1meter overlap. Width of liner = Max. pond width + (depth x 2) + 1meter overlap.
When the shape of the pond is to your liking, and plant shelving has been added, it is time to add the pond underlay and liner, which prevents the water from draining away. First, it is vital to remove any stones that are in the pond structure, so that they won’t puncture the lining when it is in place. A layer of sand can be added first to smooth out the surface, followed by a pond underlay, which can lengthen the longevity of the liner and prevent cracking caused by stones and plant roots.
An alternative to pond underlays
Have an old carpet laying in your shed or loft? You can clean this up and use it as an underlay for your pond! Saving you a little bit of money.
The pond liner can then be placed over the pond hole, smoothing out creases which could cause areas of weakness in future. You can add a small amount of water to help keep the liner in place while you position it, making sure to keep at least a 50cm overlap around the sides.
Filling with water
Once the pond liner is correctly in place and the creases neatened up, the pond can be filled. If using tap water, a dechlorinator needs to be added so that the water is suitable for fish, checking the PH is neutral. Fill the pond up slowly, so the weight of the water does not put too much stress on the liner. Once full, leave overnight to settle.
You can avoid the need for adding dechlorinator etc. to the water by filling your pond instead with rainwater that has been collected from a water butt
Edging stones and finishing touches
You can add edging stones after trimming off the excess pond liner. These stones will create a more natural, aesthetically pleasing look by hiding the liner, as well as offering wildlife a place to hide. Plus, placing heavier edging stones on the exposed edges of the pond liner will help to protect it.
See Also:
Pond Filters. Why Filtrate?
Introducing Fish to your Pond
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