Pond Construction

The location of your pond is an important element in creating a balanced eco-system. Ideally, a pond is situated in an area which receives approximately six hours of sunlight per day. Overexposure to sunlight is sure to create an abundance of algae. Aesthetically, many people choose to locate the pond close to a sitting area ( such as a deck) in order to capture the relaxing sound of moving water. Consider also the relation of the pond area to any deciduous trees or bushes. Falling leaves and organic waste creates an unhealthy and oxygen-starved ecosystem, and can be poisonous to fish.

Free- form and pre-form ponds both require a smoothly prepared construction surface. Remembering that weather change creates ground-shift, the life of the pond liner or shell is dependent on how well the construction surface buffers against protruding rocks and tree roots. Compressing a 2-3 inch sand bottom is a popular way to prep the pond floor. However, many pond owners have used other materials such as old carpet or newspaper to line the underside of the pond. Also, make sure to dig the walls with a 15-25 degree slope so as to prevent the walls from caving in.

Although fish are not a requirement for ponds, their presence in pond water is integral in achieving a healthy eco-system. In order to sustain most species of goldfish and Koi, a minimum pond depth of 2.5 feet is required.

If you are building a free-form pond, use EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monmer) rubber. It is a synthetic rubber which is compatible with fish and plants. Use EPDM which is roughly 45 gauge in thickness. Don’t know how much liner you need? Use this Simple formula as a guidline:

Length = overall length of pond + the maximum depth ( X2) + 3 FT.
Width = overall width of pond + the maximum depth ( X2) + 3 FT.