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Decked Out, Pt. 3: How to Build a Water Feature Home improvement goes outside in this project with a deck, pergola and water feature. Check out more value-enhancing home projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-210

The newly installed water feature

The Cassadays have already spent their $12,000 budget on their deck and pergola but their yard is still barren. They plan on building a water feature with a waterfall, river and koi pond.

Below is a summary of the basic steps as seen in this Sweat Equity project, as well as a list of materials and tools used and some installation tips.

Materials and tools:

shovels and/or skid loader
landscaping fabric
rubber pond liner
pond kit
rocks of various sizes
gravel
water plants

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Building a Water Feature

Safety Alert: Before you dig, locate any utility lines by calling your local utility company. Do this several days in advance of your project.

• Layout the location and size of your water feature and mark it with spray paint or flags. Dig out ponds and build up waterfalls.

• Install landscaping fabric as a protective uderlayment (figure A).

• Install a rubber pond liner over the entire water feature with no gaps for water leakage (figure B).

• Place in the pump housing and hose. Secure them in place and conceeal them using large boulders (figure C). Attach the bubbler to the pump.

• Fill in the water feature with rock & gravel, making sure not to rip the rubber liner (figure D).

• Fill up the pond. Add life to your pond with plants, fish, and turtles. Make sure your pond is deep enough and your pump functions to maintain the system.

RESOURCES :

Resources for Sweat Equity, episode 210:

contractor: Eldon Linker

hot tub — Jacuzzi Hot Tubs
Website: www.jacuzzihotttubs.com

pond materials — Savio
Website: www.savio.cc

lighting — Unique Lighting
Website: www.uniquelighting.com