How To Build A Small Backyard Pond

A beautiful pond in the backyard of your lovely home expresses your taste. You may be wondering that the cost of setting a pond is enormous, and it is a complicated task.

Let me clarify your misconception and tell you the truth that experts are hiding from you for several years. And, the good news is that you can easily set a splendid pond into your patio without spending a handsome amount of money.

Don’t worry! You don’t need to keep your nose to the grindstone if you follow a smart procedure. Without further delay, let’s focus on our step by step guide on how to build a small backyard pond.

Simple Process Of Crafting A Tiny Artificial Backyard Pond

Nowadays, people are beautifying their habitat and trying different things to make their houses appear different and classy than their neighbors. If you are one of them who has decided to place a gorgeous little pond in your garden, then you are in the right place. Therefore, let’s transform your backyard into a water garden paradise-

Step 01: Planning

Planning will minimize your struggles, save your time, keep you on track, and increase your confidence. Relax! I will help you to make these plans.

First, you should make a list of the things you will use while constructing a pond. The things are-

1. Spade
2. Rock/stone
3. Gravel
4. Garden hose
5. Builder’s soil
6. Pond liner
7. Pond filter
8. Rope/ spray paint
9. Water supply
10. Measuring tape

After gathering all the items on the list, you should now choose the location where you want to dig the hole for the pond. The place should be away from big trees because they stop the sunlight from reaching the pond. As a result, your pond won’t have a natural flavour.

Once you pick a spot, contact the local utility suppliers, and ensure that nothing is lying beneath that place’s ground. When you get the supplier’s green signal, decide the length, width, and height of the pond. Choose the dimension of the pond, considering the size of the garden and house. But if your garden or backyard is average-sized, then a 7 ft long, 4 ft wide, and 2-3 ft deep pond will be perfect.

Keep in mind that the depth of the pond keeps water and aquatic plant fresh. Also, deep ponds are suitable for fishes. Moreover, keep the shape irregular to provide a natural appearance. Also, making the edge of the hole round-shaped will increase its exquisiteness.

Step 02: Execute the plan

Now, it’s time to do the field job. Go to the selected position and use the garden hose to lay out your desired irregular shape of the pond. You can also use a rope instead of a garden hose.

Whatever you apply, make sure that the pond range does not exceed the pond’s previously planned size. And, use a measuring tape to measure the size so that your pond liner fits in there. Mark up the pond using spray paint and remove the rope or hose to reveal a precise template for your excavation.

Next, take the spade and start following the painted mark to dig an accurate hole. If you are not confident enough about using the excavating tool, then seek help from an expert in this regard. Professional worker knows how to dig these kinds of holes. You should instruct them to dig a two-layer hole.

After concluding the excavating task, spread some builder’s soil (3 cm thick layer) on the hole and put the pond liner on it. The builder’s soil will protect the pond liner from any sharp stone residing under the pond. Make sure that the pond liner is at least 3ft wider than the pond.

Ask your friend or assistant to help you roll the pond liner smoothly over every side of the pond and press it neatly over the pond surface so that there are no visible uneven spots or folds. You can install a filter inside the pond if you want to keep the water hygienic. Installing a filter is not that hard. Just put it in a suitable position inside the pond and follow its instruction manual to carry out the simple installation process.

Finally, place boulders along the vertical walls of the pond floor. Set big rocks on the floor and stack different sizes of stones to form a stone wall. Put gravels between the rocks to fill up small gaps and enhance the stability of the pond. Moreover, rocks and gravels work as natural filters too.

Step 03: Clean, fill and decorate the pond

Once you have inserted boulders and gravels into the hole, you should clean the pond’s inner part with water. Utilize your garden water supply system and pour some water inside. You will see the water is getting dirty because of the dirt and dust of the stone.

Use a garden pump or sump pump to throw away the muddy water. Now, again add water into the pond, and it will look clean and attractive. After pouring water, you should concentrate on some decorative work so that this small pond looks stunning.

To adorn the outer part of the pool, at first, add some big boulders along with the perimeter of the pond. After that, trim the excess part of the pond liner around the pond and leave approximately 6 inches for edging. Ensure that the remaining portion of the pond liner should hide under stone, soil, and gravel. You can dig a trench around the pond’s boundary to bury the pond liner into the earth.

Plant some aquatic flower plants and fish into the pond and add colorful plants surrounding the pond’s outer part. Avoid any unnatural decorative design.

To Wrap things up,

Being able to build a small backyard pond accurately is a remarkable achievement that needs patience. The measurement must be precise. Inaccuracy will lead to further difficulties.

That’s why you should follow this guide carefully and always seek assistance from experts. Another thing that may ruin your project is inexpensive products. Always buy professional-grade tools even if it costs you more.

Take your time, plan wisely, understand your prerequisites, and implement your plan. Believe me! You can do this.