Tips for Creating a Backyard Pond

By Ronald J. Pawley

Ronald J. Pawley is a retired fire chief with the Kodak Park Fire Department. His commitment to hard work carried over from his career into his personal life, as he thrives on setting personal goals and enjoys numerous hobbies. One of Ronald J. Pawley’s passions is garden landscaping, which includes designing waterscapes like waterfalls and ponds. Here are some tips for creating a backyard pond for your own home:

Introduction

-Choose a location free of trees, which drop leaves in the pond and prevent sunlight from reaching the fish and plants.

-Provide at least 40 cubic feet of space for the pond. This allows better water circulation for steadier temperatures and a healthier ecosystem.

-Obtain a fish-safe, long-lasting waterproof skin. Covering the edges of rocks with burlap or newspaper will protect the liner.

-Once in the digging stage, create several different layers of depth and some terraces for plants. Slightly slope the pond floor.

-Dig out a trench for the cord connected to the pump.

Tips

-Cover the bottom area of the pond with sand and smooth it out to prevent roots or stones from puncturing the liner, which you will place over the sand.

-As you add water to the pond, continuously pull the liner tighter so the pressure of the water can press it smoothly into place.

-Line the edges with large stones, staggering them to fill in gaps. Place the pump in the deepest pool and thread the cable through the trench.

-Add plants and fish. Occasionally add water to the pond when watering plants to compensate for evaporation.

Conclusion