Building a raised garden pond is easy, with the end result being a beautiful and functional water feature. You’ll need your chosen landscaping pond liner or other container, a concrete footing, and a concrete wall. Choose Your Liners. Most garden pond liners are available in various sizes, thicknesses, widths, and shapes to suit different garden pond configurations. You’ll need to decide on a liner size that’s right for your pond, depending on its shape and depth.
A half-inch thick half-inch polyethylene liner works well for a garden pond with a single liner system. Half-inch pond liners also work well for multiple layers of concrete. Liners can also be purchased in different colors and finishes, such as vibrant polyethylene and natural looking acrylic. Before making your selection, consider your desired finish and the existing landscaping around your pond.
Concrete and Wood Frame: Building a wood frame garden pond offers a simple solution for those with limited garden planning skills and materials. A wood frame garden pond requires no soil or fill dirt and can be built relatively quickly. There are a variety of styles, including free standing, walk-behind models, or decking models. Wood frame ponds generally require staining of the exposed concrete and may require the use of an edging brush. A shallow pond liner that fits neatly inside the wood frame prevents structural damage.
Raised Garden Ponds: Building a raised garden pond can be a more involved project. However, many of the challenges associated with garden pond construction are avoidable with careful planning and research. Garden ponds can be built on site using traditional pond construction methods. These ponds typically require a liner and mechanical equipment to maintain water depth and maintain a normal water flow rate. Garden ponds require more frequent cleanings due to organic growth and leaves. Lastly, ponds placed in natural landscapes require periodic removal and recycling.
Preformed Garden Ponds: Building preformed garden ponds is an ideal DIY project for the novice gardener. With preformed ponds, you simply need to determine the correct specifications and materials. You then choose the appropriate pond liner and place it in the location. Garden ponds are typically sold in plastic sheets, but vinyl is also available. If using a vinyl liner, be sure it is designed to withstand exposure to UV light.
Self Sufficient Pond Lining: As the primary component of garden raised ponds, self-sufficiency is essential to long-term success. Self-sufficiency begins with the installation of the pond liner. Self sufficiency is enhanced by selecting a suitable pond liner. Choose a pond liner that is made of polyethylene and does not contain any plasticizers or VOCs.
Fill Dirt Filtration System: The proper size of the pond liner is determined by the volume of water and the thickness of the soil surrounding the structure. A good rule of thumb is to add three inches of fill dirt for every 100 gallons of water. If the pond will be used for fish, be sure to select a material that encourages the growth of fish. The final step of the process, the proper installation of the pond liner, is best left to a professional. Although DIYers may be able to perform some of this work, the lack of experience with such projects means that there is a great chance that the installation could be messy, take extra time, or result in water damage to the pond lining.
Wood Frame Steps: When the pond liner is installed, and the mechanical and chemical components of the pond system have been installed, the last thing required is the addition of wood frame steps. Installing the wood frame steps requires a bit more work than installing the liners. The wood frame steps are actually held together by galvanized hinges and threaded inserts that allow the steps to attach to the posts. Depending on the desired height, the tread must be securely placed in the ground at each step. Once all of the steps are in place the concrete cover is then screwed onto the frame, and finally the top coat of weatherproof paint is applied. When the paint is dry, the wood frame can be removed, the steps are reinstalled, and the liner and pump can be reinstalled on the surface of the pond liner.