How to Build a Large Garden Pond

Adding a large garden pond to your landscaping design can increase the visual appeal and provide a place for water plants. While the process of building a large pond is not complicated, it does require a lot of physical labor, but the results will be worth the effort when it is completed.

Things Needed:

• Large pond liner


• Pump


• Shovel or backhoe


• Landscaping rock


• Spray paint for marking the ground

1. Decide on the purpose of the pond. This will determine the size and depth requirements necessary. A koi pond, for example, would need to be much larger and deeper than a garden pond for plants or goldfish.


2. Pick an area for the pond that is relatively level and receives a lot of sunlight. Outline this area in the shape of the pond with the spray paint.


3. Check with the local utility company prior to digging to have them mark all of the underground pipes and wiring.


4. Dig the hole for the pond to the appropriate depth. If building an especially large pond, renting a backhoe for the day will make the job much easier and quicker.


5. Set the liner in place in the hole. Leave an overlap of at least 6 to 8 inches around the edges of the pond.


6. Use landscaping rocks in corners and around the outer edges inside and outside of the hole to hold the liner in place until the pond has been filled.


7. Create a 10-degree slope away from the pond around the edges to prevent runoff from draining into the pond.


8. Fill the pond with water.


9. Install the pump according to the manufacturer's instructions. Route the cord so that it can be hidden with landscaping rock or plants.


10. Use landscaping rock or gravel around the pond to cover the edge of the liner.


11. Run the pump for 48 hours before adding plants.


12. If planning to add goldfish or koi to the pond, dechlorinate the water first.