There are not many homeowners who don’t like the idea of having a water feature in their garden
and their thoughts then turn to installing a pond.
If you are tempted by the prospect of pond fountains and the sound of water soothing your mood,
but find the installation process maybe a bit daunting, relax, it won’t take long to get a handle on
filters, fish, flowers and fountains, and anything else that you might need to create a stunning
water feature.
“Installing a pond is not as daunting
as it first seems, especially when
you plan it out properly
before you start work.”
Before you start digging
You may be really keen to get started on your project to install a pond in your yard, but before you
start getting to work and digging out the space for installing it in, there are a few important things
to consider.
Make sure you are entirely happy with the location for your water feature and that it is in the best
position to service it with power and water, as well as being in a great spot to enjoy it when it
is completed.
When choosing the location, bear in mind that you don’t want to put your pond in a low area where
it could be vulnerable to runoff when it rains.
Ideally, you want to pick a spot where the ground is level and is well placed to enjoy plenty of sunshine.
Don’t put your pond too close to any trees and shrubs, or you will be spending some of your
leisure time clearing debris from the pond, which you don’t want to be doing if you can help it.
Make a checklist of requirements, including location, amenities, and what sort of features you
are looking for.
Mark out the area with some rope so that you can get an idea of what it will look like, then when
you are completely satisfied with everything, you can start digging.
Working to a budget
As with any DIY project, you need to cost out the job as accurately as possible and work out
a budget.
It is very easy to get carried away with a pond project as there are so many different features
that you can add and things you can do to make your water feature attractive.
Most of us don’t have unlimited financial resources, and you don’t want to cut corners at the
end of the project when funds run low, so cost everything out beforehand.
The cost of installing your pond will depend on a number of different factors, from the size of
the feature, to what equipment you install and whether you want to keep fish in the water or not.
You should be able to get some guidance on how to maintain water quality and what sort of filters
you need, and once you have decided on all of the features you want, from fountains to rocks, you
will have a much better idea of the budget you are working to.
A wildlife magnet
If you have kids, a pond can be a great feature to install, as it not only looks great, it can be set up
to encourage nature and wildlife, which children love learning about.
Think about your landscaping and work on a design that encourages birds, butterflies and other
creatures to want to share your feature, making it feel that you are more at one with nature as a result.
You will have to consider installing a top quality pump in order to keep your water fresh and clear,
so that it remains a popular focal point for the local wildlife.
You should also consider safety as a top priority if you have young children and want to ensure they
are kept safe around water.
Kids are naturally curious and they need to be protected from falling into the pond, so work out a
way to do this.
If you think that this may be an issue, you can always consider the idea of a waterfall, as the water
won’t have to be so deep for that.
Other considerations
It is often a good idea to talk to others who have installed a pond, or a local professional so that
you avoid making some elementary mistakes in planning and installing your pond.
Checking where utility lines are before you start digging is a good idea, as is ensuring that your
pond is sufficiently deep enough to keep fish from freezing in the winter months.
Installing a pond is not as daunting as it first seems, especially when you plan it out properly before
you start work.
About the Author
Summer Long is a garden designer, or an exterior designer if you like. She is passionate about people truly making the most of their outdoor space for round-the-year enjoyment.
Have you considered installing a pond in your yard?
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