While my husband went off for a day of golf on Father?s Day, Mommy went over to the home store. I was browsing for a new patio umbrella and somehow browsed myself right into the pond department. Water features have always interested me, but I never knew I could build one myself. I found a pond ?kit? for around $70.00 and decided to skip the umbrella and go for it.

The box read ?complete pond kit with water fountain and pump; installs in under two hours.? Once I brought it home and opened the box, I found the instructions to be less detailed than I would have liked, so I decided to add my ?own? instructions and post them on my blog. If you are dreaming of a backyard pond, start with a pond kit and follow my lead. You can always add on later if you?d like.

I chose a three tier pond kit and decided to bury the basin. I used retaining wall blocks and slate stones that I had around the yard to build up the top two tiers. I finished of the design with some potted plants and round rocks that I found around my house.

STEP ONE: I used the round basin itself to measure the circumference of hole I dug to bury the basin. I dug two inches deeper than the basin and used pea gravel to level the foundation for the basin. Then I inserted the basin and wiggled it firmly into the hole. I placed six rounded retaining wall bricks around the edge on top of the basin.

STEP TWO: I used five retaining wall bricks and placed them on the round behind the basin for the second tier. I set the second tier on top of the bricks and leveled it using the slate & round rocks.

STEP THREE: I built a third tier in the same fashion as the second, just a ?brick? higher than the last. Now that the ?foundation? was in place, I was ready to install the pump & fountain.

STEP FOUR: The pond kit that I purchased came with a black tube and a pump. The manual instructed me to drill a hole behind the ?edge? of the third tier. That made me nervous. First of all, it didn?t tell me what size hole to drill and the tube wasn?t marked with a size either. I used my drill bit case to determine that the hose was 1/2?. So I chose the 1/2? drill bit and drilled the hole.

STEP FIVE: Once I drilled the hole, I inserted the hose from behind. I pulled the hose a 1/2? through the opening and even though the instructions didn?t say to do so, I out a tiny bit of clear caulk behind the hole to prevent it from leaking. I ran the hose under the next basin and down to the bottom basin, hiding the hose in the rocks, then connected the hose to the pump. I placed the pump in the center of the bottom basin and attached the water fountain. I placed some small rocks around the pump to hold it in place.

STEP SIX: I filled all three basins to full capacity, and plugged in the pump. The pump must be fully submerged before turning it on.

After a little fidgeting with the fountain, the pond was complete and in under two hours! Just like the box said!

Have fun.
-The Fixie Chick

Finding a Need and Filling It

Nonetheless, for fancy designs where electric power is needed away from the home, contractors are starting to expand on an additional aspect of the landscapers business. Adding building backyard ponds to their repertoire of enhancements for the outdoors, having the right equipment as well as expertise can create additional revenue.

The majority of small ponds are available in a kit form for owners of homes to add on their own, yet once they begin digging the hole and realize the amount of excavation in addition to adding power to the water pump they might start making some phone calls looking around for professional assistance. While the all-in-one kits make building backyard ponds sound relatively easy, there is quite a bit of physical work involved.

Various Steps for Adding Outdoor Pond Can Be Intimidating

When building backyard ponds, a whole needs to be dug about the size of the pond desired. For small round ponds that are narrow it is not a major problem, but for areas that are larger the use of power equipment, going beyond the scope of the majority of homeowners, will make the job of far easier.

Then, the idea of having to hook up the power to a water pomp for the fountain as well as filtration system will ordinarily need the services of a licensed electrician, unless the homeowner is comfortable with having an extension cord running over their lawn. Plants that are in and around a pond will also add to the decorative nature and furnish a more aesthetic area within the yard, and because the majority of landscapers are familiar with the types and sizes of decorative plants, they are typically called in to assist people who are building backyard ponds.

An individual or a company who has a proper equipment as well as experience in building backyard ponds can typically have a small to medium-sized type of pond in place in a day or two, and would then be working on adding decorative shrubs while they wait for the water to become clear through the filter. But the time and effort that is required, the majority of owners of homes are turning building backyard ponds into a moneymaking business for landscape companies.

Before installing your backyard pond, there are a few things to think about. First, you need to do some research about water gardening in your state. For example, how should you treat your pond in the winter? Some of these types of questions are going to be different depending on what part of the country you live in. Talk with the people at the store where you will be purchasing your fish, as they will have a good idea of the answers to your questions.

The first thing you need to do is decide where you will put your backyard pond. Keep in mind that your pond will need access to electricity. You do not want to hurt the look of your pond by having bright orange extension cords running all over your yard! If you wish to put a pond where there is no electrical access, consider having an outlet installed. Next, you will want your pond to be located where you can see it from your deck or patio. This will allow you to get the most enjoyment out of your pond.

There are many different types of pond liners on the market today for backyard ponds. Some are preformed, and all you have to do is dig a hole. Flexible vinyl pond liners allow you the most creativity in the shape and design of your pond. After you have chosen your location, it is time to dig the hole! You will want your pond to be between 18-24 inches deep. Create a ledge around the outside wall to place potted plants on. This ledge should be about half as deep as your pond. While you are digging, make sure your edges are all level.

Once you are done digging, it is time to install your liner. Drape the liner over the pond, and place some stones around the edges to hold it in place. Then, start filling the pond slowly with water. As it fills, smooth out wrinkles and make any creases large and neat so they will be less noticeable. After the pond is full, trim the liner so there is a foot or so of excess around the edges. Place decorative stones around the edge to create a more natural look. Large, flat stones look really nice for the edge.

Now that the structure of your backyard pond is complete, install your filter and pump per the manufacturer’s instructions. Now the fun can begin, it’s time to get creative! Start adding fish and plant to the pond. You may want to consider making a waterfall feature. The dirt you dug out of your hole will make a good foundation for a nice waterfall. Whatever you choose to do, before long you will have a beautiful retreat right in your own backyard!

If you enjoy working on projects, this is one that will not only add beauty to your property, it will be the perfect area for you to relax and unwind after a stressful day. The following tips will help you determine what type of backyard pond you want to build.

Consider whether you want a fish pond or a water garden. A larger pond will be required if you want to have both fish and plants. You should also think about the position of the pond in your backyard; are there any tree roots or rocks to interfere with it and is there electricity within reach if you are going to install a pump.

When building your pond you have three alternatives:

1. Preformed plastic pond – This is the least expensive way to have a pond in your backyard, and the easiest. This is perfect for the beginner with no experience.

2. Concrete basin – This is the most expensive way of constructing a pond and needs some skill to complete.

3. Basin with vinyl liner – This is less costly than building a concrete pond, but the skill level is still fairly high. This method can produce fantastic results, and you can create waterfall landscapes for a realistic look.

The biggest problem with using a vinyl liner in your pond is creating a layer of support that will protect it from damage once the weight of the water is applied. Avoiding damage caused by dogs, mice, birds, tree roots and rocks is also an added worry. The liner is fairly costly and installation can be difficult especially if you do not have any help. This is probably not what you want for a do-it-yourself project, especially if you are on a tight budget.

The easiest backyard pond solution for a DIY project is the preformed plastic basins. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, just choose your design, take it home and place it in the hole you have prepared. You will be fairly restricted to the size of pond you can have but they are a great solution if you only require a smallish one. Most people find the sound of running water calming and relaxing so you can also add a waterfall to your pond.

Of course the choice is yours. If you consider yourself a handyman or can get an experienced friend to help then you can build a pond using any of these methods. All are beautiful, and with the addition of exotic plants and eye-catching fish will give you many hours of enjoyment, as well as added property value.

Even if you don’t possess the skills necessary to build a concrete or vinyl lined pond, you may have friends or know someone who could help. It all depends on your budget. If you have more to spend, your options are open. Decide what your budget will allow and what your preference is, and get started on a fun project – build a backyard pond!

A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up with this tips and techniques.

Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond

Place your fish pond in a place where you can best view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle it in a shaded place but not under the trees.

Landscaping

It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding the pond so that excess water will not enter into it.
Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that it draws the water away from your house.

Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs that need water and land. Make sure that electricity is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a water re-circulating device.

Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow well in full sun and others do not.

Using Pond Liners

Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners come in different shapes and sizes. They even include built in waterfalls or any design based on your preferences. They are durable and convenient.

Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in building larger ponds. In determining the size of the
PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down the pond edges.

Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to
punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool liner. However, it requires more expertise to install and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond liner.

However, considering that many ponds are quite small, other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many may break down easily once prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may prove to be toxic to fish.

Pond Installation

Time your pond building when the ground is not overly wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump. Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week before placing the fish.

Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!

11 Tips before building a backyard water garden or backyard pond

From The Pond Warehouse who has over 13 years of experience in ponds and water gardens, building and owning a pond, water garden or pond-less waterfall can be an awesome and rewarding experience to enjoy. The Pond Warehouse strongly suggest you think through this list of 11 Tips before beginning your backyard water garden or back yard pond project.

1. Pick an area in your yard that you can make a pond or water feature look natural, preferably not a low area in the yard.