16 Essential Garden Pond Building Tips

A garden pond adds beauty, elegance, and lively interest to a yard.

Whether it's a fish pond, a receiving basin for a waterfall, or a tranquil spot for meditation and reflection, a garden pond enhances your outdoor space. To achieve a natural-looking, easy-to-maintain pond, follow these essential tips to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Make the Pond Edges Level

Proper planning and preparation are key to constructing a pond with level edges. Before starting any digging, take time to thoroughly examine the intended pond area and note any spots that are lower than the rest. Use a spirit level or laser leveling tool to accurately measure the heights around the entire perimeter. Flag or mark any low spots so they can be addressed before excavation begins.

Carefully removing soil a consistent depth around the whole pond will help create an even surface. Go slowly with a spade or garden shovel, digging no more than a few inches at a time. Stop frequently to check levelness with your tools. As you work, pile the excess soil nearby for later use. Compact heavier clay soils as you go to avoid future settling issues.

For irregularly shaped ponds, divide the area into four quadrants and work on one section at a time. This allows pausing to fine-tune levels between areas. Consider bringing in additional topsoil if needed to build up lower spots to the proper grade rather than just digging down everywhere else. An even amount of digging will yield a reliably flat edge.

Once excavation is complete, thoroughly inspect the entire perimeter by eye and with your measurement tools. Do not hesitate to do further tweaking where necessary, such as removing or adding small amounts of dirt with hand tools. Pay closest attention where the angles meet on curved edges to avoid unintended dips. Once 100% satisfied, the soil is ready for lining installation.

Taking these initial steps to meticulously level the pond edge during construction will avoid potential headaches later. Careful planning, subdivision of the work area, and frequent checking will result in a beautifully flat pond outline that holds water permanently at an even grade. Without uniform edges, ponds risk leaks, overflow, and an unreliable water line that fluctuates—ruining the intended effect of your new garden feature. Proper leveling through preparation and diligence pays off for years of low maintenance and aesthetic enjoyment.

Pond Depth Matters—Choose Wisely

The depth of your garden pond impacts numerous factors, including algae growth, safety, fish visibility, and overall appearance.

• Deep Ponds: A deeper pond hides the bottom and can make fish less visible. These ponds require more liner material and can pose safety risks, especially if there are young children around.

• Shallow Ponds: Shallow ponds allow for visible decorative rocks and more prominent fish, but they tend to accumulate algae faster due to increased sunlight penetration.

Protect the Liner Against Burrowing Animals

Burrowing animals like groundhogs and moles can cause significant damage by creating holes under your pond, which can compromise the liner. To prevent this, place a metal mesh, known as hardware cloth, at the bottom of the pond before adding dirt. Cover the mesh with a layer of dirt, then proceed with the underlayment and pond liner on top. If your pond sides are dirt rather than retaining walls, also apply hardware cloth to these areas.

Budget for the Pond Liner

Pond liners, particularly EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) liners, can be a significant expense. A high-quality 45mil EPDM liner, measuring 15 by 20 feet, costs between $325 and $375. If you need a more budget-friendly option, PVC liners are available but don’t hold up as well to weather conditions and are less flexible than EPDM liners.

Accentuate Shapes

To maintain the distinct curves and shapes of your pond, emphasize them during the digging phase. Subtle curves and inlets look fantastic initially but may become less defined with each subsequent stage of construction. The addition of underlayment, liner, rocks, and plants can soften these shapes, so plan for this in the early stages.

Create a Diversion Point For Spillover

Design a spillover point to manage excess water and prevent potential damage to your home. This feature ensures that any overflow from the pond is directed safely away from basements and foundations, reducing the risk of water damage.

Avoid Tall, Vertical Pond Walls

Steer clear of constructing tall, vertical walls for your pond, as loose, natural stones are challenging to stack vertically and may lead to instability. Instead, aim for pond banks with a 45-degree angle or less. This approach requires fewer rocks and ensures a more stable structure.

Install a Water Filter and Skimmer

A permanent water filter is essential for effective pond maintenance. Though installation can be more complex and costly initially, it simplifies ongoing upkeep by automatically filtering water. Alternatives like manual skimming or floating filters can be less effective and more labor-intensive.

Terrace the Pond Bottom

To prevent rocks from sliding down, terrace the pond’s sides and bottom. Create terraces in the dirt with a shovel, making sure each riser is no higher than about 6 inches. This method helps maintain stability and prevents rocks from piling up in a disorganized manner.

Cover the Pond Liner

To extend the life of your pond liner, cover it with rocks, pebbles, smooth gravel, or plants. A well-designed garden pond hides the liner from view. Trim the liner near the pond edges to reduce the amount that needs to be covered, creating a more natural look.

Find Natural Sources For the Rocks

Gather rocks from natural sources during your travels, such as rivers and beaches. Ensure that you are legally permitted to collect stones before taking them. These natural materials can enhance the aesthetic of your pond and blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Think Ahead to Cleaning

A garden pond requires regular cleaning to manage debris like leaves and dust. Opt for a smoother pond bottom to facilitate easier cleaning. Avoid heavily rocked or jagged bottoms, as smaller, smoother rocks are simpler to maintain and clean.

Use an EPDM Liner For Durability

Although EPDM liners are more expensive than PVC options, they offer superior durability and longevity. EPDM liners are thicker, resist UV rays, and remain flexible in warm weather, making them a worthwhile investment for a long-lasting pond.

Protect the Pond Liner With an Underlayment

To safeguard your EPDM liner, place it on an underlayment made from polypropylene nonwoven fabric, a layer of sand, or even old carpeting. This additional layer helps cushion the liner against sharp objects and roots that could cause damage.

Terrace the Pond With Foam

Landscaping foam or rigid foam blocks can be used to create terraces around and beneath your pond. Foam provides flexibility for shaping and terracing, allowing you to add detailed contours and supports for your pond design.

Protect Against Algae Growth

Algae growth is a common issue in garden ponds exposed to sunlight. To combat this, position your pond away from direct sunlight, or consider using natural algaecides or inhibitors. Some pond owners choose to drain their ponds during peak sunlight periods to minimize algae problems.

By following these tips, you can create a stunning garden pond that enhances your outdoor space and provides enjoyment for years to come. Happy pond building!