Backyard Pond DIY
By: Nexstar Staff
Updated: February 3, 2012
We are building a 6'x8' kidney shaped pond. However, you may choose any desired shape or size.
Preparation
-It's always a good idea to call your utility companies before you begin digging. Normally, they will come out and check for buried lines free of charge.
-It's also a good idea to determine where your sprinkler system (if you have one) to ensure that it doesn't run under the location you've selected for your pond.
-Once you have selected your site (and it is best to choose a spot that receives five to six hours of sunlight a day so that your aquatic plants and fish may thrive), map out your shape on the ground using a string, rope or garden hose.
Basic Materials
-String or Rope
-Mortar
-Can of Spray Paint
-Rocks or Stones
-Shovel
-Sponge
-Wheelbarrow
-Bucket
-Wooden Stakes
-Pump
-Hammer
-Fountain (Optional)
-Rake
-Dechlorinator
-Rubber Lining
-Aquatic Plants, Fish, Snails & Tadpoles
-Hose
-Concrete Blocks
-After you have chosen your desired location of your pond and mapped out the pattern, spray paint over the string or rope. This will give you a permanent mark to follow when you begin digging.
-Take up the string and start digging. A depth of 18 inches is recommended for aquatic plants and fish to thrive.
-Once you're done digging, drive stakes into the ground around your pond about 12" apart.
-Using a level, work your way from stake to stake leveling each one with the next. This guarantees your pond will be level at both ends.
-Take the dirt you dug up and use a rack to backfill around the top of the stakes until the ground around the pond is level.
-Place the rubber lining in the pond. (If you live in a rocky area of the country, it's best to cushion the liner with sand or old carpet.)
-Begin filling your pond with water.
-As the water level rises, tuck and fold the excess lining. The folds will flatten out as the water rises.
-Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions, then spread it out around the edges of your pond.
-Set your rocks or stones in place then fill in mortar between them.
-While the mortar is still wet, wipe any residue from the rocks or stones using a sponge. Act quickly as mortar will stain your rocks or stones. Also, clean any excess mortar from around the edge of the lining underneath the rocks or stones.
-Cut away any excess rubber lining along the outside edges of the rocks or stones.
-Using a rack, backfill leftover dirt up against the rocks.
-Put the pump in place in the pond.
-Add the fountain if desired.
-Submerge the aquatic plants in the pond. It's recommended you place them on concrete blocks so that you can see them better from the surface.
-Add the dechlorinator to the water so that your fish will survive.
-Add the fish, snails and tadpoles.
Preparation
-It's always a good idea to call your utility companies before you begin digging. Normally, they will come out and check for buried lines free of charge.
-It's also a good idea to determine where your sprinkler system (if you have one) to ensure that it doesn't run under the location you've selected for your pond.
-Once you have selected your site (and it is best to choose a spot that receives five to six hours of sunlight a day so that your aquatic plants and fish may thrive), map out your shape on the ground using a string, rope or garden hose.
Basic Materials
-String or Rope
-Mortar
-Can of Spray Paint
-Rocks or Stones
-Shovel
-Sponge
-Wheelbarrow
-Bucket
-Wooden Stakes
-Pump
-Hammer
-Fountain (Optional)
-Rake
-Dechlorinator
-Rubber Lining
-Aquatic Plants, Fish, Snails & Tadpoles
-Hose
-Concrete Blocks
-After you have chosen your desired location of your pond and mapped out the pattern, spray paint over the string or rope. This will give you a permanent mark to follow when you begin digging.
-Take up the string and start digging. A depth of 18 inches is recommended for aquatic plants and fish to thrive.
-Once you're done digging, drive stakes into the ground around your pond about 12" apart.
-Using a level, work your way from stake to stake leveling each one with the next. This guarantees your pond will be level at both ends.
-Take the dirt you dug up and use a rack to backfill around the top of the stakes until the ground around the pond is level.
-Place the rubber lining in the pond. (If you live in a rocky area of the country, it's best to cushion the liner with sand or old carpet.)
-Begin filling your pond with water.
-As the water level rises, tuck and fold the excess lining. The folds will flatten out as the water rises.
-Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions, then spread it out around the edges of your pond.
-Set your rocks or stones in place then fill in mortar between them.
-While the mortar is still wet, wipe any residue from the rocks or stones using a sponge. Act quickly as mortar will stain your rocks or stones. Also, clean any excess mortar from around the edge of the lining underneath the rocks or stones.
-Cut away any excess rubber lining along the outside edges of the rocks or stones.
-Using a rack, backfill leftover dirt up against the rocks.
-Put the pump in place in the pond.
-Add the fountain if desired.
-Submerge the aquatic plants in the pond. It's recommended you place them on concrete blocks so that you can see them better from the surface.
-Add the dechlorinator to the water so that your fish will survive.
-Add the fish, snails and tadpoles.
