Construction Methods
There are three basic methods of construction available: poured concrete, preformed molds, and flexible liners.
Concrete:
Concrete ponds are the strongest and most durable. They are also the most expensive and generally require an experienced professional for installation. They must be installed with a liner backup for frost movement.
Preformed:
Preformed pools come in either fiber glass or plastic molds and are available in many shapes and sizes. They must be installed on a well formed base to support them properly.
Flexible Liners:
Flexible liners are durable and suitable for any pond size and shape thus allowing for totally unique and creative designs. There are many types of liners ranging in material grade from thin plastic to heavy rubber.
Edging Material
To achieve a natural looking water feature stones, boulders, or flagstone can be used to ease the transition from water to land. Wood decking can also create an attractive transition by overhanging the water’s edge.
Safety
The safety of children is always a concern when dealing with water features. A waterfall, fence, or various tall plantings can act as a barrier to the water. Building a raised pond or installing a lighting or alarm system are other options. Common sense is the most crucial component in the creation of a safe environment.
Electrical
In order to facilitate lighting, pumps, or fountains, an adequate number of GFI (ground fault interrupt) electrical receptacles are required nearby.
Selecting the Ideal Location
The location of your pond is a crucial component in ensuring continued success and enjoyment. Consider the following components:
Sunlight:
A balance of sun and shade is required. Healthy plant growth requires sunshine, yet too much sun will cause algae problems.
Trees:
A location away from overhanging trees is best to prevent needles and leaves from clogging and polluting the water. Small specimen trees can add colour and life to your pond without the problems of larger varieties.
Viewing
Allow your pond to be the center attraction in your yard. Check the angles from which you will view your pond. Start with the angles from your deck, patio, or from the windows of your home.
Physical Consideration
To determine the optimum pond size there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First, it is important to consider the size of the area into which the pond must fit. If the pond is too small you will not achieve your desired effect. On the other hand, if the pond is too large for the area, there will not be enough room for stonework or marginal plantings that are often necessary to create a natural looking setting for the pond.
The second important factor is the type of plant and aquatic life you would like your pond to sustain. For example, keeping your fish over the winter months can be greatly simplified by increasing the depth of your pond.
A deep pond will also be more balanced and easier to maintain because the water will remain at a more constant temperature.
Water Movement
Fountains and waterfalls create sound and movement on the surface of the water. The splashing and ripples oxygenate the water providing a source of oxygen for fish to breath.
Water lilies and other aquatic plants prefer fairly still surface conditions. So, if you are planning to have a fountain or waterfall just make sure the pond is large enough to keep plants several feet away where the water will be calmer.
