DIY Network

Build a Better Backyard: How to Build a Water Feature A water feature conveys a serene atmosphere in a backyard setting. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-113

Although a backyard pond is a fun project and conveys a serene backyard environment, it can be an equity killer. Where Kim sees a bubbling brook, a future homebuyer could see a sinkhole. With Jason’s landscaping advice and Amy’s money saving tips, can Kim make this project pay off?

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Materials:

underlayment
rubber mat
shovel
rocks of various sizes
water pump with filter
pump housing
bubbler
pond basket
water plants

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I

Water Feature Tip:

• Depending on your neighborhood, a water feature may require a building permit and may have zoning regulations dictating its location in your yard. Check your local zoning building regulations before installing a water feature.

Safety Alerts:

• Always wear safety glasses when working with power tools.

• Before you dig, call 811. The Common Ground Alliance has set up a national public service number, 811, connecting you with your local utilities marking organization. Make the call two days before starting an outdoor project.

How to Build a Water Feature:

• Adam digs a hole to the size of the water feature (figure A) and Jason spreads the underlayment into the hole (figure B). The underlayment will protect the rubber liner from tears, roots and rocks.

• Then Jason lays the rubber mat over the underlayment (figure C).

• When he has the hole covered, he gently sets the largest rocks around the edges to hold the mat down and covers the edge of the mat with rock.

• He sets the pump housing in the back area of the pond (figure D). His pump kit includes an auto-fill valve to keep the pond at the same level and a filter to keep the water running clear of debris, an attachment to his water line and an electric hookup that he attaches to his outdoor circuit box.

• He cuts a hole in a water plant basket and runs one side of the pump hose in and attaches the bubbler on the top (figure E). This will keep the bubbler standing straight up and fill some space in the pond.

• Kim gently layers rock in the bottom of the pond, filling the area around the basket (figure F).

• Fill the pond with water (figure G) to make sure it holds and arrange smaller rocks in the remaining areas.

• Kim’s ready for some vegetation (figure H). Because this is a shady area, Kim’s water plants don’t have to shade much of the pond. If your water feature is in direct sunlight consider adding additional shady plants to keep algae from growing.

• Jason digs a shallow hole in the rock and sets the plant in and surrounds it with rock (figure I), making sure the water covers the root ball.

• After a day or so of the bubbler running, the water clears and the pond is a serene element to Kim’s yard. The bubbler keeps the water moving, discouraging mosquito and algae growth.

RESOURCES :
Common Ground Alliance
Call Before You Dig "Call 811"
Toll-free: 811
Website: www.call811.com/default.aspx

Alpine Materials
Landscape materials
Website: www.alpinematerials.com

GUESTS :
Jason Yocum, ASLA
Landscape Architect
SunStone Design LLC
Denver, CO
Phone: 720-273-8488
E-mail: sunstonedesign@att.net