How to Build Your Own Pond

Need expert advice on how to build your own pond? Read more below.

Just like building your own home - it’s all about location, location, location!

The ideal position for any pond is an area that gets good sun and a little shade. Six hours of light will be sufficient for plants and fish. If your pond is in full sunlight you should consider the use of a shade sail or be prepared to invest in an Ultra Violet Light that will reduce the sun’s effect on algal blooms.

You may be able to create shade with careful consideration when planting out your pond and surrounding garden.

Ground levels are a factor when considering where to place your pond. Level ground will make it easier to build but for those areas that are not, you can build up your levels using excess soil that you remove from the pond site.

Run off will pollute a pond every time you water or it rains. To avoid this, take into consideration the natural fall of the land.

Gullies and low spots that will fill with water from heavy rain must be avoided. Garden run off can be redirected through the use of capillary barriers or other external drainage.

Leaves will break down in water and release nutrients that feed algae so avoid building your pond directly under large trees that drop leaves and flowers. If you have a leaf problem, try using an internal pond skimmer to collect them. Root damage can be avoided by staying well clear of trees.

Power is needed to operate pumps, filters and lights. Most pond pumps come with a 10m lead but you may need to get power moved to your pond; if this is the case, please contact and hire a qualified electrician,

If power is unable to be installed to the desired location you could consider using the Oase range of solar products.

Ground substrates will determine in which way you build you pond. Sandy soils may need to be stiffened using a sand cement mix, clay is ideal for shaping the perfect pond and may need no more preparation than a good pond liner underlay.

Rock is the least desirable substrate to be digging in, so if you do hit rock; ensure there are no sharp pieces that could damage the liner. A better option may be to build above ground.