Backyard Ponds

A pond or water garden is the main focal point for your backyard. Add a water effect, such as a waterfall or fountain, and you have a long-lasting family treasure that will also add greatly to you home's resale value.

Where to put a backyard pond

Consider locating your backyard pond where you can see it from a deck or patio, or sliding glass doors. Make an effort to have it blend in with its natural surroundings. Be sure to elevate the soil around the pond slightly so that storm runoff will flow away from the pond and not into it. Be sure electrical service is available to run your pump and filter. Try to avoind putting your pond directly under trees.

Pond liners

Pond liners keep water from seeping into the soil. Even in heavy clay soils, a liner is necessary. You can buy rigid pond liners in a variety of shapes. These are durable and may include built-in waterfalls. Many are quite small. If you want a larger pool or would like to design your own shape, consider using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liner. Use a liner specifically designed for pools or ponds. There are other, cheaper, plastics available but they are usually not resistant to ultraviolet light and will break down quickly. Also, some plastics are actually toxic to fish. Liners also come in different thicknesses. The thicker the liner, the more it resists punctures. For the ultimate in pond durability, you might consider having a cement pond liner poured.

If you use a PVC liner get one enough for your pond. To determine how large a piece you will need, determine the maximum width, length, and depth of your pond. Multiply the maximum depth by 3. Then add this number to both the length and width. This will allow enough plastic to be securely held down around all pond edges.

Installing the pond

Install your backyard pond anytime the ground is not frozen or water-saturated.. If you opt to use a pre-formed liner, dig a hole to the correct depth and slightly wider. Insert the liner, making sure it sits level and securely in the ground. Then back-fill around the sides, add water, pump, and plants. Consider adding a water feature such as a fountain or waterfall. The, for the finishing touch, landscape around the pool.

If you opt to use PVC liner, expect to spend at least one weekend from start to finish.

Steps to install a pond with a PVC liner:

1. Decide on your pond's location.

2. Using a hose or rope, lay out the shape of your pond on the ground.

3. Start digging. Save excavated topsoil for landscaping around your pond.

4. At least part of your backyard pond should be at least 18 to 24 inches deep although 24 to 36 inches is even better. This will allow you to have a greater variety of plants and fish. Some people like to make tiers around the inside of the pond, at different depths, and use them to hold different aquatic plants. The tiers should be at least 12 inches wide to hold the plant pots.

5. Remove any rocks from the excavated area.

6. Add a one-inch layer of damp sand on the bottom of the excavated area.

7. Spread the plastic liner over the hole letting it sag gently into the hole. Place some rocks around the edge to hold in the liner place.

8. Begin filling your pond slowly allowing the weight of the water to help smooth out the liner. Remove rocks that you placed around the edge of the liner and allow the liner to conform to the edges of the hole. You can smooth out any wrinkles but be sure not to pull too tightly. You do not want to change the shape or stretch the liner artificially. If you need to walk on the liner, remove your shoes!.

9. Once the pond is full, place rocks around the edge to securely hold the liner in place.

10. Install your pump and filter. A pump is absolutely essential for your backyard pond;'s life-support system as they add oxygen to the water. Also, if you plan to add a fountain or waterfall in your pond, you will need a pump to circulate the water.

11. Let your new bond "breathe" for a few days before adding fish and plants. This allows chlorine to evaporate from the water. Chemicals are also available that will quickly neutralize chlorine and other harmful compounds.

12. Place plants at various depths and add fish.

For more information about backyard ponds, or adding a fountain, or other water feature, please visit us at www.macarthurwatergardens.com

Until then - Happy Pondkeeping!