Now that you have planned the functional details of your pond, it's time to bring your vision to life. Building a pond requires careful execution and attention to detail, and it’s time to consider some final choices.
Hiring a Professional or DIY Installation?
The choice to tackle a pond installation alone or hire a professional, hinges on your expertise, available time, and budget. Undertaking a DIY installation can be gratifying, particularly for smaller ponds, offering complete creative control and cost-effectiveness for those inclined towards hands-on projects. However, professional builders are often better for larger or more intricate ponds that demand specialized knowledge and tools. They bring a wealth of experience, can efficiently manage complex tasks like excavation and plumbing, and ensure a top-quality outcome. Regardless of your choice, consulting with a professional in the early stages is beneficial for their valuable insights. If leaning towards hiring, always select a reputable contractor, and verify their previous work, licenses, and insurance to guarantee the best results.
Basic Containment: Embankments, Weirs, and Levees
Embankments
Embankment ponds are constructed using materials excavated from the pond itself. A qualified professional should design and construct the dam for an embankment pond to ensure its stability. The type of soil used, compaction methods, and proper drainage structures are crucial considerations. Here are some common methods:
Earthen embankments
Earthen embankments are the most common type of embankment for large ponds. They are typically constructed by excavating a trench along the desired location of the embankment. The excavated soil is then used to build the embankment, with the tallest side facing the water. The embankment is then compacted to create a strong and stable structure.
Concrete embankments
Concrete embankments are more durable than earthen embankments but are also more expensive. Concrete embankments are typically constructed by pouring concrete into a formwork that has been constructed in the desired location of the embankment. Once the concrete has cured, the formwork is removed, and the embankment is ready to use.
Rock embankments
Rock embankments are a good option for ponds in areas with rocky soil. They are typically constructed by stacking rocks in several layers, with the tallest layers facing the water. The space between the largest rocks is filled with smaller rocks and gravel to create a solid structure.
Weirs
Weirs can be constructed in various ways, but the final dimensions of the weir will always determine how water behaves. The height of the weir determines how much water can be stored in the pond, the width determines how much water can flow through at a given time, and the slope determines how quickly the water flows over the weir.
Concrete weirs
Concrete weirs are durable and can withstand a lot of water pressure. They are typically built in a U-shape, with the bottom of the U facing upstream. The concrete is poured into a formwork that has been constructed in the desired location of the weir. Once the concrete has cured, the formwork is removed, and the weir is ready.
Rock weirs
Rock weirs are another popular choice for large ponds. They are less expensive than concrete weirs and can be built to fit any size or shape. Rock weirs are typically constructed by stacking rocks in a U-shape, with the tallest rocks on the upstream side. The space between the largest rocks is filled with smaller rocks and gravel to create a solid structure.
Earthen weirs
Earthen weirs are the simplest and most affordable type. They are typically constructed by building a berm of earth across the width of the stream or river. The berm is then lined with rocks or vegetation to help prevent erosion. Earthen weirs are not as durable as concrete or rock but are sufficient for small ponds or streams.
Weirs must be properly designed and constructed to withstand water forces, regardless of the type used.
Levees
Creating an above-ground pond using levees involves constructing raised barriers or embankments to contain water at a level higher than the surrounding land. Levees essentially elevate the pond's perimeter to allow water to be stored above the natural ground level.
Earthen levees
Earthen levees are the most common type of levee for large ponds. They are typically constructed by excavating a trench along the desired location of the levee. The excavated soil is then used to build the levee, with the tallest side facing the water. The levee is then compacted to create a strong and stable structure.
Concrete levees
Concrete levees are a more durable option than earthen levees, but they are also more expensive. Concrete levees are typically constructed by pouring concrete into a formwork that has been constructed in the desired location of the levee. Once the concrete has cured, the formwork is removed, and the levee is ready to use.
Rock levees
Rock levees are a good option for ponds in areas with rocky soil. They are typically constructed by stacking rocks in several layers, with the tallest layers facing the water. The rocks are then filled with smaller rocks and gravel to create a solid structure.
Conclusion
Ultimately, no matter what type of containment structure is used, it is important to ensure it is properly designed and constructed to withstand water forces. Poorly designed or constructed embankments, weirs, and levees can fail, causing flooding and property damage. It is important to consult a qualified engineer or contractor when designing and constructing a containment structure for a large pond.
