Are you thinking about upgrading your landscaping game and buildling a pond?
You can have something unique and truly beautiful in your own yard when you bring the element of water in. Add a waterfall and pond to your yard for an oasis that not only stuns visitors, but gives you your own serene retreat of relaxation! Have you ever sat next to a bubbling brook in a comfy chair to sun and read a book, sipping your favorite iced tea? Have you ever done it sitting next to YOUR OWN POND? I’m telling you, it’s magical!
When you build a pond there are aspects you need to consider and understand before building it. When a pond is well built it can be a thing of beauty with low maintenance. However, so many people think they can build a pond (which they probably can) but don’t understand what they need to do to make it easy to care for.
Pond Design Considerations When Building a Pond
Did you know that if the waterfall/stream is across from the skimmer it will create a good flow that will oxygenate the water? Yes! So make sure to place them on opposite ends of the longest length for best circulation. Need to understand more about pond equipment? Click HERE.
A perfectly circular pond is fine, but where there is more shape to the pond it allows for more creative planting both in and out of the pond. Whether you have a compact backyard or acres of space, there’s a pond design suited to your needs.
Liner or concrete?
When a pond is created using liner, underlayment and natural mountain boulders it can look natural. While the old way may have bene to use concrete, we have to remember that here in Colorado, the freeze and thaw cycle is going to crack that concrete in no time! Liner can withstand the winters here and it is flexible so you can adjust as needed.
Structural Integrity Build Your Pond Right the First Time!
Structural integrity can not be stressed enough! The dirt work is the foundation of the pond. When it is done well, everything else can fall into place. Stepping down the dirt shelves that will later be lined allows the pond to be rocked in a sturdy and sound way. Steps also provide an easier way for people or animals to get out of the pond if they end up in the pond. When a pond is sloped in like a bowl it can be really hard to work on and if a dog or other animal were in the pond they may have trouble getting out.
How large should a pond be?
Many ponds are 8 x 8 or 10 x 12. We often find that once someone enjoys their pond and loves to feed their fish, they want the pond to be larger! Not only does a large pond offer endless possibilities for creativity and customization, but it is easier to keep the water healthy and clean than it is with a super small pond.
How deep are we talking here?
It depends. If you want to have an ecosystem pond that you swim in (YES! That IS a thing!) you may want it to be 5 or 6 feet deep at least on one end. If you do not plan on swimming in it a small pond is usually 3 feet deep. Fish can over winter here in Colorado at 3 feet. A slightly larger pond could be 4 feet deep.
Where to put the pond?
Where you put the pond is going to affect your interaction with it. Do you have a great deck or patio area that it could be near? Are there windows in the living room, kitchen or bedroom that would be perfect to look at the pond from? Sometimes people put a pond in the far corner of the yard and later wish it was much closer. You can not only keep an eye on it but feed the fish more easily and enjoy it more.
Ponds also need sunlight and shade. Yes, both! If the house will shade the pond in the late afternoon sun, that works well. Trees look beautiful near a pond but beware – some types of trees will put roots right into your skimmer causing it to have to be replaced (the skimmer, and the tree will have to be removed!)
Putting the pond in the right place is very important.
What about pond water usage?
Worried about water usage? Did you know that a structurally sound pond uses less water than the same space with a lawn? It does! Read more about it HERE.
Let’s talk about POND PLANTS!
When you are creating a healthy ecosystem pond, it needs circulation, oxygenation, sunlight and PLANTS! Do you love gardening? Ponds offer a new gardening experiment; aquatic plants can be stunning and there are so many to choose from! Do you hate gardening? Aquatic plants don’t need to be watered!
Pond plants are crucial to a healthy pond. Yes, of course they are gorgeous and make everything look lush and can hide some of the rockiness but the real work of plants in a pond is filtration. Plants are the best filtration out there! Different plants use slightly different nutrients. Plants should comprise 40 to 60% of the surface of the pond for best results.
There are plants that are fully submerged in water, those that float and those that have their leafy, flowery selves out in the air while their roots are in the water. A variety of plants makes for really good filtration. Consider putting in a “bog” or “wetland” chalk full of plants for optimal water quality. Remember than some plants are invasive so look into the type of plant you want to use before installing it.
Filtration
Talking about filtration, using a skimmer and biofall in the construction of your pond is not complicated. The skimmer skims the water and catches large debris like leaves. The filter pad catches slightly smaller debris. Then at the top of the waterfall the biofall holds filter media that allows natural, unseen beneficial bacteria to filter the water. Combine a skimmer a biofall and a good amount of plants and you will have a beautiful and healthy pond!
To Fish or not to Fish?
Did you know that watching fish swim around is extremely relaxing? It is! It can bring down your worries and your blood pressure! While there are things to know, fish are the easiest pets to have! They are part of a healthy pond and I highly recommend having some! read more about fish HERE.
Transform your outdoor space with a breathtaking pond that reflects your style and enhances your enjoyment of nature. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a stunning water feature that becomes the focal point of your landscape. Would you love a pond professional to design and install your pond? Are you somewhere on the Colorado Front Range? Call us!
Here is another article on planning on a pond by Premier Ponds called ” 11 BEAUTIFUL POND LANDSCAPING IDEAS TO BRING YOUR POND TO LIFE”