Before you begin building a pond in your backyard, there are many things you need to consider in order to create a successful project. Preparation is key when it comes to pond construction, as it will impact the overall size, shape, and design of the pond.
From selecting the right lining material to assessing the terrain of your backyard and drainage, proper preparation is essential for building a pond that meets your needs and will last for years to come.
How to build a pond in your backyard
Choosing the perfect location for your backyard pond is key to creating a tranquil and beautiful space. Your ideal site should allow for plenty of sunshine and wind protection, but should also be relatively flat so that you can easily locate the necessary equipment and supplies. When selecting a spot, keep in mind that large trees or ridge lines may have deep roots beneath the surface which can affect your work.
Pick an area that offers nearby sources of water to fill the pond as well as open sky visibility so as to minimize stagnant areas and encourage healthy growth of beneficial plants and algae. Additionally, take into account the possibility of clogged drains or poor drainage caused by excessive rain or heavy water runoff from nearby construction sites. Lastly, find a spot close enough to your home so that you can easily maintain the pond and enjoy its beauty from a distance.
Decide on a size
Your backyard pond will be determined by the size of your backyard. Knowing the exact measurements of your yard and measuring out on the ground can help you determine a size that will fit comfortably in your space. A small round pond, at least 18 inches deep, can fit in as little as 5 x 5 feet, while larger designs may require at least 10 x 10 feet or more.
When deciding on how large your pond should be, you also need to consider how it will impact the surrounding landscape. It’s important to think about how large stones and other materials need to be used to ensure structural stability and make sure that it remains functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. Once you’ve settled on a size, use stakes along with string or rope to outline where the pond will go and make sure there are no interloping roots or branches that may interfere with construction.
Research local building codes
When constructing a pond in your backyard, it is important to research and understand the local building codes. The first step is to contact your local municipality or visit their website and review the requirements for building a pond in your area. It’s also important to be aware of any regulations related to wetlands, as a pond is classified as a wetland environment. Local municipalities may have dry land procedures for regulating new wetlands that are not listed in the building code.
The regulations will vary based on location, but generally speaking, certain criteria must be met before beginning construction. These criteria include:
- Setback areas (how far away from property lines should the pond be located)
- Depth and sizes of pond
- Type of access (public or private)
- Screening/visual buffers (ground cover around the edge of the pond)
- Special requirements for areas protected by federal or state law (like endangered species habitats).
Additionally, you should research to ensure that no electrical wires are near where you plan to build your pond. Local water company representatives can often identify if there are necessary utilities buried near where you plan to build. This knowledge can help prevent any mishaps or unnecessary expenses when digging, as excavation in these areas could lead to costly repairs or fines from your local city government bodies or other utility companies.
Design
Designing your pond is the first step in creating a beautiful backyard oasis. It’s important to think carefully about the size, shape, and location of your pond to ensure you get the look, feel, and functionality you want. You can create a variety of looks, whether it’s a formal design or a more natural-looking pond that blends in with your landscaping.
This section will cover the different design elements to consider when creating your dream pond:
Draw a plan
Drawing a plan for your pond is the first step in creating the backyard paradise of your dreams. Creating an illustration that accurately depicts your vision is paramount to ensuring you build a pond tailored to all your needs.
When drawing your pond, be sure to mark the exact dimensions that you desire. Choose from small and medium sizes or opt for larger ones depending on what type of wildlife or plants you plan to cultivate and the overall planting layout you hope to achieve. Once you have settled on a size, use patterned paper or graphite pencils to map out where key elements will go in relation to one another – such as increasing water features and garden structures – so that you can ensure everything flows in harmony within its environment.
Additionally, be mindful of any limitations within your area; check with local city regulations and consult an engineer as needed prior to beginning construction. Your illustrative plan must also take into account how it will affect other areas in the vicinity: consider nearby pathways, influences on plant growth, drainage systems, etc. Take measurements which include supplemental components such as rocks and remember that each feature will slightly adjust the pond’s overall size once it is complete.
Creating an illustration of a pond blueprint gives homeowners better clarity as they move through the building process as well as providing insight into potential construction pitfalls beforehand so they are prepared for any complications before they arise.
Choose a style
Creating a backyard pond is a great way to add beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space, while also providing food, shelter and habitat for aquatic creatures. When building a garden pond it’s important to plan ahead and take into consideration the available space in your outdoor area, as well as the type of freshwater environment you want to create. Here are some tips and elements to consider when selecting the style of pond you’d like to build in your backyard:
- Natural style: A natural style pond will integrate into your environment by mimicking a natural water feature, such as a creek bed or stream. It is often characterized by irregular shapes with winding curves, larger rock formations and multiple depths. This is an excellent choice for larger yards as it gives an organic feel, creating an inviting ambiance for both wildlife and visitors alike.
- Formal style: Characterized by straight edges with sharp clean lines and evenly dispersed pool depths, formal ponds are perfect for smaller outdoor spaces or those looking for dramatic focal points that incorporate architectural features within their landscape design. Formal ponds work great when used in combination with man-made structures such as terraces or steps.
- Polygonal/linear: Polygons can truly be a great compromise for those undecided about their preferred pond shape but overwhelmed about their choice between formal or natural; this design offers characteristics of both styles that create both impactful visuals and pleasing aesthetics within one structure. Linear ponds are basically long rectangular versions of polygonal ponds and offer more versatility when designing longer pathways or utilizing flat walls as shoreline boundaries between patios, porches or decks instead of posts.
Select materials
When selecting materials for building a pond in your backyard, it is important to consider factors such as construction and aesthetic needs, water conservation, pond maintenance requirements, and cost.
Construction Needs: Before selecting materials, you should think about the function of the pond—does it need to hold a large amount of water? or will it just be used for aesthetics? There are many options available for lining a backyard pond—liner material may include rubber, PVC, EPDM (a type of ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer), tile or even concrete.
Aesthetics: Aside from its practical purpose, you also want your backyard pond to look beautiful. Your selection of material should reflect both your personal circumstances and style. Some liner materials give the water in your backyard pond a natural sheen and is available in various colors such as black or gray. Additionally, certain types of fall stone such as slate can give an artificial landscape feature an organic feel and bring visual interest to the area.
Water Conservation: The right liners come with features that will help conserve water like slow draining outlets which can keep more of the water that flows into your outdoor pond onsite longer and reduce runoff into neighboring areas.
Pond Maintenance Requirements: Some liner materials require less frequent upkeep than others like rubber which requires regular repair due to wear and tear from changing temperatures; some liners are UV resistant so they keep their shape better over time without needing repairs or replacing periodically. Depending on where you live and the climate in general, it may be worth investing in different kinds of liners that offer more protection against extreme weather conditions like frost or extreme cold weather periods.
Cost: The cost for each material varies widely depending on its quality and durability; some prominent brands offer higher quality at an associated but often worthwhile price point if you decide to go with extended warranties or extra features that guarantee maximum longevity when installed correctly according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Digging
Digging a pond in your backyard can be a great way to create a unique outdoor living space. If you’re planning on adding a pond to your backyard, one of the first steps is to start digging.
Depending on the size and shape of the pond, you may need to rent a backhoe or other heavy equipment for digging. It’s important to do your research and plan ahead to make sure the digging process is as easy and efficient as possible.
Rent a backhoe
If you plan on digging a pond in your backyard, renting a backhoe is a must. The backhoe can easily dig deep enough for the size of the pond you want to construct. After digging out the sides and bottom of your pond, rent the backhoe again to carefully put soil berms in place around the lip or edges of your body of water. These berms will provide pressure so when there is heavy rain, they’ll keep your pond from overflowing and spilling out onto your lawn!
The backhoe should remain onsite while you create and fill your pond as it’s also useful for moving rocks and other heavy elements into place. Finally, it can also be used to add gentle slopes around the edges of your pond for landscaping purposes.
Excavate the area
Once you have marked the outline of your pond, it’s time to excavate the soil. The depth of the area being dug will depend on the size and type of pond you are building, but keep in mind that the deeper your pond is, the more water you will need to fill it initially.
Use a shovel and spade to dig down into the soil, carefully sloping it so that it gently slopes inward toward the bottom. For ponds meant for fish, ensure there are no steep edges or sides as this can be dangerous for any inhabitants. Move excess soil away from the area.
If excavation proves difficult due to rocky or tree roots covered ground, you may need a mechanical or backhoe excavator depending on how big your project is. You may also hire professional contractors who specialize in these types of projects as they will be knowledgeable about what kind of equipment (if any) is required for certain types and sizes of backyard ponds.
Line the pond with a liner
After you’ve chosen the perfect shape for your pond, you should prepare the area by carefully digging it to the desired depth and size. A tool such as a spade, pick or small excavator can be used to dig out the soil and create the desired shape of your pond. If necessary, line it with large stones and sandbags to prevent water seeping away.
Once your hole is built, it’s time to lay down a liner in order to protect your pond’s surface from leaking water and debris. The most common type of liner used in backyard ponds is pre-formed rubber liners made from PVC or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). These liners allow you to easily customize shape and size while still providing superior strength and durability when exposed to sunlight and water. In addition, pre-formed liners are generally easier to work with than non-perforated plastic pond liners which require extra time for cutting, measuring and taping together.
Finally, you can secure the liner in place by using sandbags or weights around its edges before covering it with soil (or rocks). When all is said and done, your pond should be firmly anchored into place without any concerns about water leaking through gaps or cracks between the stone walls or liner seams.
Finishing Touches
Once you have finished building your pond, you can now focus on the finishing touches like adding plants and decorative features to it. Having a beautiful pond in your backyard is both relaxing and aesthetically pleasing.
In this section, we will talk about the different steps you can take to ensure your pond looks its best. Let us begin.
Install a pump and filter
When your pond has been finished, the next step is to install a pump and filter. This will provide the necessary circulation for healthy fish and other aquatic life. Pond pumps come in a variety of sizes and styles, so be sure to select one that is adequate for your individual needs. The size of the pump will be determined by the volume of water in the pond, as well as its depth. Generally, a rule of thumb to follow is that every 1,000 gallons (4546 liters) of water requires 100 gallons (454 liters) per hour of turnover capacity. However, this may vary slightly depending on your pond’s design.
The pump can be installed either in or out of the pond but keep an eye on it periodically to ensure proper operation. If installing outdoors near an elevation more than 6 feet (1.8 meters), install it below that level so the pump doesn’t have to fight gravity to move water through it consistently and reliably from one area to another in your backyard oasis.
In addition, you should also place a filter nearby – either inside or outside – since water clarity depends on adequate filtration capability. The higher your pond’s stocking density; i.e., number of fish relative to the total volume of water, the greater its filtration requirement should be; again making size determinations important when selecting a pump and filter system for your new backyard beauty spot!
Add plants and rocks
Adding plants and rocks to your backyard pond can create a more natural and attractive appearance. You will want to ensure that these additions reflect the plants and rocks that grow naturally in ponds in your geographic area so they blend in with their surroundings.
You’ll also create a habitat for beneficial insects, frogs, and other creatures by adding natural elements like logs or tree stumps, leaving some shallow areas around the pond edge for amphibians to find safety during droughts, adding floating vegetation like water lettuce or water hyacinths to provide shade and shelter, or setting up basking sites with flat-topped rocks.
Fish love hiding places too! Introduce large stones at the bottom of the pond so that fish can hide from potential predators. Rocks come in an array of shapes, colors, and sizes which can be used to create a variety of effects. Large granite stones are best for creating walls between sections of a pond for larger fish such as Koi. Smaller smoother stones such as quartzite are perfect for creating low walls at the edges of a small pool. If you plan on having an edge-to-edge waterfall you want to use flat smooth stones like Arizona flagstone elbaite green marble or quartzite sandstone to create a crisp drop off zone when planning how the water flows from one section of your pond system into another.
Whatever type of rock you choose it should have smooth edges that won’t injure fish when they brush against them as well as positive color contrasts between sections within your aquatic environment making it inviting and reflective of nature’s beauty!
Stock the pond with fish
Once the pond is filled and the filtration system is established, it’s time to start stocking the pond with fish. When selecting the type of fish for your backyard pond, it’s important to consider the size of your pond, as well as local regulations.
For smaller ponds (less than 500 gallons), goldfish are a popular and easy choice for maintaining a healthy pond environment. There are many varieties of goldfish, including Shubunkin, Sarasa, Comets, Fantails and Orandas.
In larger ponds (more than 500 gallons) you may want to consider adding Koi. These brightly colored fish can reach up to two feet in length and take five years or more to reach adult size. Other popular additions include Tench, Rudd and catfish– all of which prefer cooler water temperatures.
Before introducing any fish into your home pond or fountain be sure that it has been properly maintained and stocked with fresh water plants that absorb nutrients like nitrates– avoiding over population or stunted growth in your population of fish. Additionally, be sure to feed your fish properly; too much food can create an unbalanced environment as plant food competes with organic waste produced by overeating fish. Lastly, be sure that water temperatures stay at standard levels; sudden changes can shock these aquatic creatures and introduce disease or death into an otherwise cozy habitat for these eutrophic little friends!
Maintenance
Building a pond in your backyard comes with a lot of responsibility. While it’s fun to think of your backyard oasis, it’s important to plan ahead so you’re equipped to properly care for it – maintenance is essential to a successful backyard pond.
Maintenance includes regular cleaning, filtering, pH testing, aeration, and more – in this section we will cover the basics of maintenance for your backyard pond:
Test the water regularly
Testing your water regularly is an important step in maintaining a healthy and clean backyard pond. Testing the water helps to detect potential problems and nutrient imbalances, which can help to pinpoint any necessary actions needed to achieve water balance. Test the water at least once a week during the summer, when your pond will be heavily utilized for swimming, fishing and other recreational activities.
Adding test strips to your shopping list will help you keep track of daily pH levels, chlorine levels and more. It’s important to take immediate action if something seems off. Generally, a pond should have pH levels between 6-9 for optimal fish health. Additionally, chlorine levels in bodies of standing water need to remain around 1-4 ppm overtime for swimmer safety.
Relying on test strips to detect irregularities can prevent significant issues from arising in the future that could require expensive chemical treatments or invasive measures like draining the entire pond and starting over again.
Clean the filter regularly
To ensure that your pond remains healthy and free of debris, it is important to clean the filter regularly. The filter should be cleaned at least once a month, but if your pond has a large population of fish it should be done more often. Depending on the type of filter you have, this process will vary.
For most mechanical filters, you can remove the filter parts and hose them out in buckets full of water before replacing them. Biological filters can usually stay together without being removed – all that needs to be done is for the sludge to be removed from the media by rinsing with a garden hose or other pressure washer jet nozzle.
Chemical filters should also be regularly back-flushed with a garden hose (or other suitable nozzle) to remove any trapped dirt or debris which may impact its efficiency. When flushing a chemical filter, make sure not to use too much pressure so as not to damage any seals which could cause leaking in your filtration system over time.
In addition to cleaning your filtration system’s components, regular maintenance requires that the pond surface and surrounding areas such as gravel beds and stones are periodically cleared of debris, such as fallen leaves or twigs which accumulate over time and contribute organic matter into your ecosystem, upsetting the balance and leading to decreased water quality if left unchecked.
Monitor the pond for pests
A key component of maintaining your pond is monitoring for pests such as insects, algae and aquatic plants. Additionally, it is important to check for animals such as frogs, turtles, fish and even small mammals that may be approaching your pond. Keeping an appraisal of life forms within the pond is important as they can affect water quality. These should usually be monitored weekly.
Insects are a key component to keeping a healthy ecosystem but they can quickly become over abundant or invasive if not managed properly. Be sure to inspect the body of water regularly for invasive species such as gnats, midges, leeches and dragonflies which can prove difficult to control once established in a pond.
Algae blooms can become hazardous in a backyard plan if not managed properly. They require nutrient input from decaying vegetation among other sources which can quickly cause the water’s chemistry to shift putting fish and other inhabitants at risk. Attentive monitoring is key in avoiding this problem and should usually be done daily when possible.
If it’s determined that aquatic plants are needed to hold soil or provide cover or food sources for animals and birds adding them will help conserve habitat however it is essential that these plants don’t out compete each other or become too dominant otherwise they too must be monitored regularly along with any other species living in the confines of your backyard water feature or garden pond.
