Types of Backyard Ponds

Not all ponds are equal; some have expensive water features, some others have exotic aquatic life and some have it all. What features you want in your pond, is something that you need to decide before-hand, based on your preferences, budget and yard facilities. Some details about the types of backyard ponds are given below.

Starter Ponds

These are small ponds (generally preformed) that may be in-ground or above ground. They may have features like water fountains, but will lack aquatic life because of their small size. Some starter ponds do accommodate small aquatic plants.

Water Gardens/Ornamental Ponds

Water Gardens are typical ponds that can have a combination of ornamental plants, fish (other than Koi) and other forms of wildlife. They may also feature pond features like waterfalls or fountains with proper lighting.

Fish Ponds

Fish ponds are ponds constructed specifically for keeping fish. They can have different varieties of fish and are generally large in size. Fish ponds also always feature aquatic plants, gravels and stones. They can also have waterfalls and fountains.

Koi Ponds

Koi ponds are ponds constructed specifically for keeping Koi craps ((Japanese fancy carp)). They have to be constructed keeping in mind the various needs of the Koi fish and generally require a lot of maintanence.

Wildlife Ponds

Wildlife ponds are ponds that have been constructed from keeping aquatic wildlife like turtles, fishes, frogs, tadpoles, Dragonflies etc. Wildlife ponds need as much care as Koi ponds as they have amphibious wildlife that can venture outside water. We won't be discussing more about wildlife ponds in this website. To get further information these types of ponds you can visit the link.

Above the Ground and Below the Ground Ponds
Depending upon your preferences you can decide to go for above the ground or below the ground ponds. Above the ground ponds as the name suggests are ponds that remain above the surface of ground. As no digging is required, these ponds can be brought into working condition in very less time. These types of backyard ponds are best considered when the requirement is of a non-permanent pond.

Below the ground ponds are permanent ponds that are built by digging the soil surface to required depths. They can be built using performed liners, flexible liners or concrete.

Continue to Pond Design - Size and Location

Pond Building Guide

Introduction
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