Building a Pond

Building a pond in your backyard or property is a manmade version of the natural ponds existing in nature. Ponds have an ecosystem, and a specific set of conditions that make them a viable environmental sustainable system. Understanding how a pond works enables anyone with basic construction and home maintenance skills to build a beautiful, sustained pond to enjoy.

Ecosystem:

Building a pond is creating a relationship with nature. A pond is a living organism supporting and home to other living organisms. The ecosystem is interdependent on layers of biodiversity. It is very important to understand the nitrogen cycle and the aging of a pond to achieve a healthy, thriving environment. These you can research online.

• Tier 1: Microorganisms and Microplants. 
  Bacteria, phytoplanktin, diatoms, protozoa, algae


• Tier 2: Zooplankton
  Tiny creatures that feed on tier 1.


• Tier 3: Insect larve, worms, snails and insects.
  Feed off tier one and tier 2.


• Tier 4: Amphibians
  Frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders are mostly found in natural ponds. They feed on the first three tiers. However, with the proper environment you can purchase residents at the local pet or reptile store, or the local amphibious population may find a place in your pond. 


• Tier 5:  Fish
  These are of the more omnivorous type. They will feed on anything they find. Choices are not limited to koi and goldfis;, catfish and other freshwater species may offer interesting choices for your pond community.


• Tire 6:  Birds, reptiles and mammals
  Though these natural residents may not be desired, they do present a vital part of the ecosystem and assist in maintaining ecological balance.

Planning:

• Go to city planning and inquire regarding the underground cables, electrical lines, gas, sewer and city water under your property. Verify building codes and compliances.


• What size pond do you desire to build? Most ponds require three to four feet deep; however, if you live in snow country five foot deep will prevent freezing.


• Do you want a koi, water plants or a goldfish pond? Each type is designed slightly different.


• Ponds need to be slightly raised to avoid runoff of fertilizers, herbicides and debris.  They also need to be located in an area where trees, and shrubbery are not falling in the pond during the fall months.

Ponds are made similar to swimming pools - shallow stepping to deep. Some ponds are designed with the outer rim as the shallow portion, terracing down to a capping shelf, a bog shelf, then the floor. The pond should be deeper than 24 inches.

Percentages of level division should be:

• Shallow: 30 percent


• Middle: 30 percent


• Deep: 30 percent

Construction:

Keep in mind that the pond is 30 percent smaller than you visualize. A larger pond is easier to maintain than a smaller pond. Most people make their pond too small and end up with a mess. Backyard spacing is very important in creating a self-sustaining pond.

Preparation Materials:

• Rope or garden hose


• Chalk, spray paint or other means of outlining the perimeter of your pond on the ground.


• Digging tools - square spade, rounded shovel


• Wheelbarrow


• Tape measure


• Boards long enough to span length and width of the pond


• Rake


• Find sand

Building Materials:

• Underlayer - Sand or commercial pond underlayer


• Pond Liner - You can purchase a store-bought liner which offers little creativity, or you can make your own with plastic or clay-like natural ponds


• Big rocks, natural edging, wood, stones and semi-aquatic plants


• Pond pump, pipes, tubing


• Skimmer, aeriator, lighting (optional)


• Ecosystem: Plants, fish, frogs

Building your pond

1. Outline your pond with rope or the garden hose.


2. Spray or chalk the outline of your pond.


3. Dig the outline with a shovel


4. Work outside into the middle and dig the levels of the pond according to the form of the pre-formed pond or according to your personal design.


5. Level the pond once the levels are dug out. Use the board and level to make sure the pond is both horizontally and vertically level.


6. Position pond skimmers, filters and the pump for the water fall. Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. Call an electrician to assist you so that the codes are met and you have a safe filtering, waterfall and cleaning system.


7. Add underlay. You may purchase a mesh or woven underlay or you may use sand to underlay your pond. If you are using sand, 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches is recommended. Combination works well also. Smooth the underlay so that it is even. Research how natural ponds are formed and consider utilizing natural materials instead of man-made plastic. If using mesh or fiber, make sure the underlay extends 2 inches to 3 inches over the edges so that the liner holds it in place. 


8. Place the pond liner. This can be molded plastic or a flexible material.  This holds the water in place.


9. Fill the pond with water. Allow it to fill the form of the underlay. Tuck and fold, if needed. Allow a few days for the liner to fully settle into the pond before adding life. Once the liner is settled, place rocks or other decorative edging to hold liner, underlay in place.  Trim edges of liner and underlay if necessary.


10. Plants are generally still in pots when placed into a pond, unless you have a soil base on  your lining. Purchase fresh water aquatic plants. Place them on the shelves and around the pump to hide the electronics.


11. Fish are the last flourish of your pond. Gold fish, koi or freshwater fish crown your feng shui masterpiece.