Building a Garden Pond, Water Garden or Fish Pond
Using Preformed Ponds or EPDM Liner

 

   If using a preformed pond, select a quality Garden Pond that will meet your needs. Many Ponds and Pond Kits are available. Look for features such as plant shelves for aquatic plants. Good pond kits contain Pond pumps and separate Pond filters.

Selecting and installing a preformed Garden Pond.

1. Put the Garden Pond on the selected site and use a shovel to mark its shape.

2. Excavate a hole 2” deeper than the pond to allow for a protective layer of sand.

3. Install and level your new garden pond.

4. Start to fill the pond while taking care that it stays level. Use dirt and sand to fill in any gaps around the sides.

   Now you are ready to install a water fountain or waterfall or other water feature in your backyard pond. Check our pages on water quality and fish health before stocking your pond with Koi or other pond fish.

Building a garden pond, water garden or fish pond using flexible EPDM pond liner:

1. Select quality pond liner, EPDM pond liner is the most durable. (Check the pond liner offered inside pond kits - make certain they are 45 mil EPDM pond liner.)

2. Determine the size and shape of the garden pond using a garden hose.

3. Excavate the hole, taking care to slope the sides slightly to give them more strength.

4. Shape the sides of the Pond incorporating plant shelves. The minimum depth of the Pond should be 18 inches for most areas, two feet or more is preferable. 5.

5. Determine the size of the liner needed using the following formula:

   Length of liner = Length of pond+2 x depth+3 feet
   Width of liner = Width of pond+2 x depth+3 feet

6. Protect the bottom of the liner with a special under-layment.

   Determine the size of the pond pump and pond filter needed for your new garden pond using our formulas page and the pond calculator on the left of this page. Treat the water to eliminate chlorine/chloramines and adjust the pH to acceptable levels before adding pond plants and pond fish. Add beneficial bacteria to jump-start the pond filter.

Click Here to download free eBooks with tips for Garden Pond Building and Garden Pond Maintenance!

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Recommended reading

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Order some books to help you with design and installation and building of garden ponds