Building a Backyard Pond

Even though you can put in a water garden by yourself, sometimes you may want to call in the experts to give you some guidance. We installed this water garden in a day and it’s not as difficult as you might think.

We are building a 6'x8' kidney shaped pond. However, you may choose any desired shape or size.

PREPARATION
It's always a good idea to call your utility companies before you begin digging. Normally, they will come out and check for buried lines free of charge. It's also a good idea to determine where your sprinkler system, if you have one to ensure that it doesn't run under the location you've selected for your pond.

Once you have selected your site and it is best to choose a spot that receives five to six hours of sunlight a day so that your aquatic plants and fish may thrive, map out your shape on the ground using a string, rope or Garden hose.

BASIC MATERIALS    
    * String or Rope
    * Can of Spray Paint
    * Shovel
    * Wheelbarrow
    * Wooden Stakes
    * Hammer
    * Rake
    * Rubber Lining
    * Hose
    * Mortar
    * Rocks or Stones
    * Sponge
    * Bucket
    * Pump
    * Fountain (optional)
    * De-chlorinator
    * Concrete Blocks
    * Aquatic Plants, Fish, Snails & Tadpoles

Backyard Pond
After you have chosen your desired location of your pond and mapped out the pattern, spray paint over the string or rope. This will give you a permanent mark to follow when you begin digging.
    o Take up the string and start digging. A depth of 18" is recommended for aquatic plants and fish to thrive.
    o Backyard PondOnce you're done digging, drive stakes into the ground around your pond about 12" apart.
    o Using a level, work your way from stake to stake leveling each one with the next. This guarantees your pond will be level at both ends.
    o Take the dirt you dug up and use a rack to backfill around the top of the stakes until the ground around the pond is level.
    o Place the rubber lining in the pond. If you live in a rocky area of the country, it's best to cushion the liner with sand or old carpet.
    o Begin filling your pond with water.
    o As the water level rises, tuck and fold the excess lining. The folds will flatten out as the water rises.
    o Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions, then spread it out around the edges of your pond.
    o Set your rocks or stones in place then fill in mortar between them.
    o While the mortar is still wet, wipe any residue from the rocks or stones using a sponge. Act quickly as mortar will stain your rocks or stones. Also, clean any excess mortar from around the edge of the lining underneath the rocks or stones.
    o Cut away any excess rubber lining along the outside edges of the rocks or stones.
    o Using a rack, backfill leftover dirt up against the rocks.
    o Put the pump in place in the pond.
    o Add the fountain if desired.
    o Backyard PondSubmerge the aquatic plants in the pond. It's recommended you place them on concrete blocks so that you can see them better from the surface.
    o Add the de-chlorinator to the water so that your fish will survive.
    o Add the fish, snails and tadpoles.