Building a Pond
Building a pond is a rewarding endeavor. The beauty and sounds that building a pond can bring to your backyard are the main reasons why so many have begun the process of installing a pond.
The first thing you’ll want to consider when building a pond is pond size. Ponds have virtually no range limit and can be as big or small as you want them to be. The reason we start with pond size is because this will determine the type of liner you will need to use.
Pond liners can come in three main forms: rigid, flexible, and concrete. Rigid pond liners come in preformed shapes and are best used in small ponds. Flexible and concrete pond liners can be used in medium to large ponds but installation and repair costs can increase dramatically with concrete liners.
The single most important piece of equipment to consider, when building a pond, is your pond pump. It is this device that will keep water circulating in your pond and prevent it from becoming stagnant. In nature, ponds have a constant input of clean water and output of fish waste and debris. Pond pumps mimic this action and are thus perform a vital pond function. A pond pump also powers any water features such as waterfalls or fountains that you may want to build in to your pond.
Pond Fountains and Waterfalls
It is simple and easy to add a waterfall or fountain when building a pond. Most pond fountains include everything you need to get up and running. Pump, filter, and nozzle heads are usually included. Outdoor fountains make a great addition to any pond environment and provide relaxing and soothing sounds.
the other benefit of having a pond fountain or waterfall is that they make great pond aerators. Aerators oxygenate water by exposing as much surface area as possible to the air. Oxygen rich water will ensure that any aquatic life such as koi won’t be stressed. Pond aerators also slow the growth of algae by disturbing the surface of the water as well as limiting the amount of carbon dioxide present in the pond. Algae is one of the biggest problems pond owners can face. Anything you can do to limit algae growth, when building a pond, can lessen maintenance later.
If you do have excess plant or fish waste building up in your pond that you just can not seem to get rid of, a pond vacuum may be a necessary piece of equipment. There are many different sizes and types of pond vacuums but the most important factor when purchasing one for a pond that you’ve built is suction depth. Suction depth refers to the maximum depth that they vacuum created by the hose can continue to suck up debris. After a certain depth, the vacuum created within a pond vacuum simply does not have the strength to remove debris. Make sure that the suction depth of a vacuum you purchase is less than the overall depth of the pond you want to build.
Building a pond is a great way to add a little nature to your backyard.
Category: Pond Building
