Expert Tips To Build A Pond In Your Backyard

If you enjoy working with your hands, you might be on the lookout for your next project. While there are tons of woodworking projects to consider, you could also transform your backyard by building a pond. 

Building a pond in your backyard can add value to your property and is a great way to invest and improve your building skills. Moreover, it will also be a relaxing and tranquil space to spend some of your time. What's more, designing and building a pond is not as difficult as you think.

It requires basic building skills, and you don't need heavy machinery unless you opt for an extravagant pond that will need an entire team and professional builders.

Here are some expert tips to help you build a pond in your backyard.

Location

When deciding to build a pond, you need to consider how deep you will need to dig to keep the fish you plan on filling up your pond with. Find a section in your garden that has adequate sunlight. This can promote small insects to seek water, which will offer a great source of natural food for your fish; sunlight also enables healthy algae to grow, which is essential for fish to survive in an outdoor pond. 

Avoid making the mistake of constructing your pond close to bushes and plants, and avoid building under trees as the leaves can fall, which will create an extra job when it comes to maintenance. You may want to remove a tree stump to free up valuable space and minimize safety hazards.

The Best Lining

Pond liners are pieces of cut plastic or rubber used to cover the entire pond area and prevent water from leaking into the ground beneath. Modern pond liners such as EPDM rubber linings offer the best protection and are durable to resist tearing and cracking from environmental factors. 

However, there will need to be some measurements done before buying a pond liner. If you don't buy the correct size, you will create needless expenses.

Correct Pump Size

An oxygen pump is an essential part of any pond as they provide oxygen in the water for fish to survive. There are many suitable pumps on the market for ponds designed to stay outdoors and are waterproof—research on the correct pump needed for the size of your pond. 

If the pump is too small, it will not create enough water movement and thus supply insufficient oxygen. If the pump is too large and too powerful, there will be too much water movement which will cause your fish to be stressed and die.

Keeping The Correct Ornaments And Plants

Like a fish tank, not any material can be placed into the water where fish will live as many materials change the chemical balance in the water and create toxic chemicals that can kill fish. Seek the ornaments you fancy at a pet shop or a hardware store specializing in pond ornaments.

Some plants can offer some oxygen supply, and natural food sources and require minimal care, such as water lettuce when it comes to placing plants as decorative means around the pond, select plants that don't lose a lot of leaves like evergreens.

Implement drainage 

Staying in a high rainfall area or having to do other tasks in a hurry, and you forget to switch your tabs when filling or cleaning a drainage system can save your fish.  

Installing a drain system in your pond is simple; all you need to do is install a pipe that won't erode in water just below the top of the pond or the level you find attractive.

A drainage system can also provide water for your garden, as the overflowing water can be used to irrigate the rest of your garden. Overflowing ponds will cause your fish to venture out of your pond and into your garden, which can be disastrous.

Selecting The Right Fish

Some of the more popular fish are koi and goldfish, which require little care, and although koi can be pricey, they are also popular options. However, not all fish can live in a pond as some fish require special needs such as saltwater, and certain tropical fish need a constant warm temperature. 

Overstocking fish will cause your fish to fight for food, and the water quality will degrade and slowly kill your fish. It's recommended to keep a maximum of one inch of fish for ten gallons of water. This is a standard rule when it comes to keeping fish in a pond.

Once you have decided to build a pond in your garden and all the planning has been down one step to follow is specific laws regarding construction in your local municipality, as the by-laws might require permission before any form of construction is done.

Here are Some Other Articles Related to Your Search:

8 Reasons to Have a Submersible Pump in Your Backyard

Expert Tips for Creating a Relaxing Garden