Many people dream of having a pond of their own in their backyard or garden. However, the project can seem daunting when you read articles claiming that pumps, chemicals, filters, and constant care are required. A natural pond proves these experts wrong by allowing you to have the pond of your dreams without excessive work.
Animals, plants, and algae can coexist in a harmonious balance in a natural pond. When built properly, no one needs to scoop out algae. The water won’t even need pumps or filters to stay clean and oxygenated. As a result, maintenance on your part is minimal.
Ready to get started? Here are the most important things to consider when designing a natural garden pond or backyard pond.
Determine the Ideal Size of Your Pond
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Do you want a small pond that will add charm and a soothing soundtrack to your garden? A small pond will attract wildlife like frogs and birds. Imagine the summer sounds of these creatures, paired with the gentle flow of water in a small garden pond. A pond that features small fish or water lilies only needs to be two to three feet deep. However, keep in mind that ponds built in colder locations may require more depth to keep it from freezing solid in the winter.
A larger pond provides a wide expanse of water to better reflect your property. It is common to craft a natural pond that ends up looking smaller than intended, so be certain you don’t make this error. Bear in mind that a finished pond will appear approximately 30% smaller than you had visualized it. In addition to the beauty a larger pond offers, they are also generally more stable and therefore easier to maintain.
The best way to choose the shape of your pond is by using a rope or water hose to lay an outline on the ground. After you have laid out your pond’s ideal shape, measure the maximum length and width of your pond. As a general rule the depth of your pond should be twice the perimeter’s measurements, plus additional for overlap. {See: link for measuring tool} This will give you the size of the liner you will need to work with.
Build Your Pond in an Easily Accessible Area
Don’t forget to check for underground pipes and wires before you choose your location. To ensure that your chosen location is safe to build, always call your local utility company and refer to any house plans before you begin.
Your pond will be more enjoyable if it is installed in an area that’s easily visible from your home. Choose a location where you can see and access your pond year-round. Remember, ponds are great at attracting wildlife like butterflies and birds in the warmer months!
You will also want to select a location that is level. You should ensure that runoff from rain will not flow into your pond, as this could contaminate your water with chemicals, fertilizers, or organic debris. If you can’t find level land on your property, you can alter the terrain to better accommodate this necessity.
Select a Site with Ample Sunlight
You should place your pond where it can receive at least four to six hours of daily, direct sunlight. This is especially important if you plan on growing plants like water lilies so they can thrive. Placing your natural pond in an overly wet area can throw off the ecosystem of your plants as well. However, shadier areas are acceptable for fish-only ponds.
If you do choose a shady area, make sure you don’t place your pond below too many overhanging trees. These leaves could contaminate your pond’s water supply and disrupt its ecosystem. If you only have sparse leafy areas, simply remove any fallen leaves or twigs from the pond.
Selecting the Best Natural Pond Liner
This is arguably the most important thing to consider when building your new natural pond. If you select a low-quality liner, you could poison your fish, cause your pond to leach water, or risk punctures from nearby rocks or roots.
Selecting a high-quality pond liner from the beginning ensures that your natural pond will stay healthy and clean. When choosing a liner, you will want to ensure that it has excellent UV protection, high puncture resistance, strong HDPE weaving, and an NSF-61 certification. You will also want to purchase a liner that is both pliable and exceptionally tough. BTL fabricates AquaArmor liners specifically for this purpose. They are the best liners available for natural garden or backyard ponds and meet all of the aforementioned requirements.
