Pond Construction Guide

Choose a site which is level. Avoid overhanging trees – rotten leaves may fall into the pond causing harmful toxins and tree roots may puncture your liner. When designing your pond, use simple curves not complicated shapes. They are wasteful of liner, reduce water circulation and may cause a dead spot of stagnant water. Do not make your pond too small. We recommend a minimum size pond of 1.8m x 1.2m x 0.5m (6′ x 4′ x 18″) for goldfish. If you are considering stocking koi a depth of 1m is recommended. Consider using the excavated soil to create a waterfall or cascade. Situate your pond where you can view it whilst you relax nearby.

Decide on the general shape and depth. A garden hose is ideal for this purpose. Simply lay the hose to the shape desired, mark your layout with sand and then remove the turf.

Excavate the pool to the desired shape, incorporating a marginal shelf at a depth of 20cm (8″) for plants that enjoy shallow water. Ensure the walls are at a slight angle of 10 or 20 degrees to allow the ice to rise should the pond freeze over the winter.

Lay strips of underlay or a layer of sand 25mm (1″) to provide cushioning for the liner. Drape the liner loosely into the hole so that it just touches the bottom in the middle, making sure there is an overhang all round of at least 25cm (8″). Anchor the liner with suitable stones or bricks.

Start to fill the pond – the water will form the liner into the shape of the pond. As the pool fills, begin to fold excess liner and allow the weight of the water to mould it into the sides. Keep moving the anchor stones to allow the liner to feed into the hole.

It is a good idea at this point to get an accurate measure of the pond’s volume. The easiest way to achieve this is to time how long it takes to fill, say, a two gallon watering can, then time how long it takes to fill the pond.

When the pond is full add the appropriate quantity of dechlorinator to remove chlorine and flouride.

The hard work is now complete. It’s time to create your own individual water garden. Trim off excess liner and finish the pond with edging of your choice. Your preferred oxygenating and marginal plants can now be introduced, along with the pond’s crowning glory, the water lilly. Leave for two weeks before introducing a small selection of cold water fish. As the pond matures more fish may be added.

Enjoy.

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