Building Backyard Fish Ponds: It Can Be Done!

Introduction to Backyard Ponds

Building backyard ponds can be a fun do it yourself project. Backyard ponds add grace and beauty to your garden. They are becoming more and more popular, because adding backyard fish ponds to your home is a great way to put a touch of nature in your yard. You might be thinking that building backyard ponds is hard, and it can be, but the truth is that it can be a simple or easy as you want it to be.

Finding a Location

The first step to building a backyard pond is to choose your location. This needs to be done carefully. Remember that you need to have access to electricity for your backyard pond, so think this through before you start digging. Also, large backyard ponds should be located where you can easily view them from the porch or patio. Small backyard ponds should be placed close to whatever outdoor seating area there is, because you will want to have the best opportunity to view your pond life at a close location.

Avoid Trees

While backyard ponds might look nice surrounded by large trees, you are not going to want to be fishing out the leaves and flower petals and other debris that will end up falling inside the pond. Place your pond somewhere that trees do not overhang. This location will save you frustration. Also, tree roots can create a problem when digging the hole for your pond, so it is better to avoid trees altogether.

Dig the Hole

The next step to building an outdoor pond is to dig your hole. Decide how large you want the pond to be. The size of your pond might be determined by the lining you are going to us. If you are using a pre designed lining, make the hole for the pond just slightly larger than the lining. If you are using customizable lining, make the hole as big as you want. Make sure that the depth is between eighteen and twenty-four inches. Ponds that are too shallow will be hazardous for your fish, and ponds that are too deep are difficult to care for. Also, keep the surface area around fifty square feet. Small backyard ponds are much more difficult to keep stable.

When digging the hole, make the bottom level. Also, build up the sides so that they are level, and there is a slight hill around the pond to encourage rainwater to drain off. Create a ledge around the inside edge of the pond to use as a plant shelf for potted plants.

Continue to: Installation of Filter

Introduction
Types of Backyard Ponds
Pond Design, Size and Location
Pond Budgeting, Building and Edging
Pond Filters, Pumps and Lighting
Building Backyard Fish Ponds: It Can Be Done!
Select a Water Pond Pump