DIY Network

Ponds Ponds From "Ask DIY Gardening" episode DADG-112

Q: How difficult is it to install a pond?

A: (Ask DIY gardening expert Walter Reeves) It's not too difficult, but it does require some effort because you have to dig a hole to some specific measurements. The kind of pond you create depends on the look you want to achieve. I'm going to show you how simple it can be to install a pond: I'll talk about layout and liners, pumps and filters -- and even the plants that work well around backyard ponds.

advertisement

Steps:

1. The first thing to consider: location, location, location. Pick a fairly level area. Don't put the pond under a tree: the roots could damage the liner, and the leaves could dirty the water and kill fish if you put any in there. Ponds need 4-5 hours of sunlight a day to flourish. Needs to be close to an electrical outlet for the pump.

2. Decide if you want to use a liner or a pre-formed pond. There are 3 types of liners – polythene is cheap and least durable; PVC is most often used lasts about 12 years; butyl is top of the line and expensive but lasts for 20 years. Pre-formed ponds are moderately expensive extremely durable, easily installed and easy to repair. But designs are limited.

3. To use a pre-formed pond (which is what we'll do) take measurements of your spot and find a form that will fit. Then, turn it upside down on the spot you will put it. Mark an area about 6 inches longer than the edge then dig out the soil. Be careful to remove all rocks and sticks so they don't puncture the bottom and make sure it's level. Then put the form in the whole and fill slightly with water to hold in place. Backfill and tamp in the dirt. Add landscaping rocks around the edge.

4. You can create a pond without a filter (you'll need to add plenty of plants to keep the water clean), but if you want to have a waterfall or a fountain, you're going to need to install a pump and a filter. You should follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, but basically you set the pump unit in the water (a few inches off the bottom so mud and sediment don't get into it) and attach the hose. Then install the filter in front of the pump so that the water will be drawn into the filter first.

5. Add plants to the pond. To help control algae growth, you should plan on covering 60 percent to 70 percent of the surface with plants, or you can use floating plants such as water hyacinths, which consume the nutrients that would otherwise feed the algae.

6. Finally, you'll want to tackle landscaping around the pond. You'll want to use some type of stone around the edges; landscaping stones are available in a wide variety of styles, as are paving slabs. Use your own taste (and budget) to determine which type of stone you use. Then you'll need plants around the perimeter, especially if you add fish: the plats will provide shade as well as additional hiding places for fish.