How to dig a pond step by step?

Adding a pond to your garden can transform your home into a serene and picturesque space. Building a pond is a comprehensive process, and if you’re keen to design it yourself, here is a detailed step-by-step guide for you:

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Step 1: Outline the Area

First, decide the location in your backyard or garden where you want the pond. Use suitable tools to outline the shape of your pond. If you’re planning an ecosystem pond, ensure it’s large enough to accommodate fish. Use marking paint to outline both the pond and the waterfall, and ensure the curves of your pond are broad.

Step 2: Position Skimmer, Waterfall Filter, and Pipe

Place the waterfall filter in its designated spot and position the skimmer at the opposite end. Lay the tubing from the waterfall filter to the skimmer and prepare adapters and cement to connect the tubing.

Step 3: Excavate the Pond Area

Begin by digging about 6-8 inches deep and create a plant shelf and a retaining wall using the soil. Then, mark another deeper outline within your pond, around 2 feet deep. Be aware that the area will contain rocks, so keep the curves wide. The last area to excavate is for the skimmer box.

Step 4: Install Skimmer and Pump

Before installing the skimmer, level and compact the soil. Place the tubing and the check valve assembly into the skimmer through the grommet and pump. Attach the tubing to the check valve and connect the overflow pipe to the back of the skimmer, ensuring the overflow hole is above water level. Attach a leak-proof bulkhead to the overflow hole and use a male adapter to link your tubing to a drainage ditch.

Step 5: Install Underlayment and Liner

Lay the underlayment beginning from the center of the pond, extending to its edges. Next, lay the liner similarly. The underlayment provides insulation against heat and moisture.

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Step 6: Connect Liner to Skimmer

Attach the liner to the skimmer using a faceplate. Create two holes for the bolts with a nail and apply silicone over the holes before reattaching the liner and faceplate. Tighten all bolts securely.

Step 7: Add Boulders

Start placing large boulders vertically along the pond walls, followed by smaller boulders and rocks at the pond's bottom.

Step 8: Attach Liner to Waterfall Box

Ensure the waterfall box is horizontally and vertically level with a slight one-inch forward slant. Position the liner in front of the waterfall box, mark the top bolts on opposite sides, and apply a silicone bead over the holes before reattaching the liner. Secure with bolts and trim the liner if necessary.

Step 9: Add Plants

Place bog plants on the plant shelves and water lilies at the pond's bottom. Fill the pond with water!

Step 10: Add Waterfall Foam

Use waterfall foam to fill gaps between rocks, ensuring the water cascades down beautifully from the waterfall pump. Once the foam has filled the gaps, water will circulate from the top of the rocks, flowing down continuously.

Congratulations, you’re almost done building your pond! Add finishing touches like gravel, lights, and water treatments to prepare your pond for fish. If you find the steps too challenging, Fitz’s Fish Ponds can assist you in completing your project.

First, dig a suitable hole for your pond. I examined available liners and chose one measuring 2.5x2m for $39, aiming to keep my pond size under 1.5x1m and no deeper than 50cm. Use a garden hose to outline the shape.

Dig the sides straight down, ensuring the walls remain solid. Start small, expanding gradually to avoid collapsing the walls. Once rocks are added, the pond will appear smaller. Remove the top soil to a width of 4-5 inches around the hole for stability.

Using a straight plank and spirit level, ensure the pond’s sides are level. Create a deep central area and a shallow edge, accommodating various plants. Consider the types of fish, such as Koi, which require a deeper area.

Remove rocks and roots to prevent liner punctures. After scraping with a shovel, manually check for remaining debris. Add an inch of sand or other underlayment materials to line the pond hole.

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