Guest writer: Micheal Weskey
Before you start your own backyard pond, it’s best to get used to building one first. Don’t worry if it sounds difficult – this outline will have you building and finishing a pond in just one day.
Yup, you read that right. All it takes is one day.
Starting Small
You’re probably thinking, “What is a starter pond?” Put simply, it’s a trial pond project that allows you to get used to building a pond. This is especially helpful to first time pond builders who haven’t a clue as to what kind of pond to build and what they need to build it.
Now, the idea of the starter pond is that you should keep things small. As Mel Gibson said in The Patriot, “Aim small, miss small.” If you limit the size of the pond, you also limit the things that could go wrong. With that in mind, you’ll be able to judge just how big your starter pond should be.
Tools and Equipment
You’ll need to prepare some tools and equipment for your starter pond. It may not be as complicated as some other construction projects, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. There are some tools and implements that you absolutely must have to successfully accomplish this project.
Obviously, the first thing you need is some sturdy digging tools. Whatever kind of pond you’re building, you’re going to be digging a lot.
If you don’t want to use a pond shell, flexible liner will do the job. Canvas is a popular choice, although you should check out what else is on sale at your local pond supply store.
It will help you a lot if you mark the location of your pond before you start digging. You can do this easily with a garden hose or a few cans of spray paint. Indicate the size and shape of your starter pond on the ground so you know exactly where to dig.
Pond pumps and filters are a must for any home pond. A filtration system keeps your pond water clean, saving you a lot of maintenance work. Just remember that the equipment needs electricity. You may need to install a power source near your pond, preferably somewhere out of sight so it doesn’t disturb the look of your pond.
The Starter Pond Building Procedure
To sum things up, these are the steps in making your one-day pond.
1. Make a pond plan.
2. Mark your pond’s shape with a garden hose or spray paint.
3. Dig the hole for your pond.
4. Put in the pre-made pond shell or pond liner.
5. Install the pump, filter and tubes that will cycle your pond’s water.
6. Fill the pond with water.
7. Plug the pump and filter to the nearest power source.
And that’s all there is to it! Don’t expect anything fancy though, this is just a starter pond after all. If you want to make it look good, go ahead and add plants and fish. But remember that this is just practice for making your real, full-blown pond project.
Learn more about Pond Building. Visit Michael W.’s site where you can find out all about building an outdoor pond, with practical tips, tutorials and inspiration.
Leave a Reply