Installing a backyard pond is not as hard as it may look. You can enjoy a tranquil place in your yard or garden by following these easy how-to steps from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
1. Measure the dimensions – By using a string or a rope, mark the size, shape, and location of your backyard pond. If your pond is to be 200 gallons, the overall dimensions will be 3′ x 6′, with a depth of 1-1/2′. When considering how large of a pond you want, remember that a square cubic foot has 7.5 gallons of water. Backyard ponds should be made as large as possible. The larger the pond, the more ecologically stable it’ll be and the less maintenance it will require.
2. Choose the right spot – Make sure that you are not choosing a spot that is on a slope or grade. A level plain is best. Also, do not put your pond in the lowest elevation point in your yard. You will have rainwater run off that will muddy the water, wash away fish, and destroy plants. Be sure to not place your pond under trees where leaves may fall. Leaves will sink to the bottom, decompose, and release toxins which can be harmful to the fish and plants.
3. Get enough sunlight – If you want plants that need moderate to full sunlight, choose an area that receives a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight.
4. Start digging – Once you have chosen your perfect spot, you may now start digging. Include levels into your pond, this will provide a shelf or step to hold plants and accessories to your pond. Your pond depth should range from about 18 to 35 inches. Koi ponds need to be deeper at about a range of 3 to 6 feet.
5. Lay down pond liner – Now, lay down your pond liner over the hole. Make sure that there is at least ten inches of overhang. If there are roots or debris protruding in the hole, you may line the bottom with carpet or sand to protect the pond liner from being punctured.
6. Fill up half of the pond – Start filling up your pond. Adjust the liner, smoothing any wrinkles as it fills. It is important to stop filling at the halfway mark.
7. Install the pond filter – Assemble your pond filter, then place it in the center of your pond. Resume filling up the pond with water. Add a chlorine remover to the water before you’ve added any plants or fish. This will detoxify any heavy metals from the water, also removing chlorine and chloramines that can be harmful.
8. Secure the pond liner – Once the pond is full, secure the edges of the liner with decorative stones. This will help keep the liner in place and give your backyard pond a more natural look. Trim the excess pond liner, add more rocks and plants as needed.
9. Add decorative elements – Add your fish, decorative water plants, or pond lighting. Enjoy your backyard pond!
A backyard pond is a great addition to any garden or backyard. For more tips on adding water features around your home, visit our Water Gardens & Backyard Ponds blog.
