Backyard Centerpiece

Homes with waterfront views and accents are admired by many. This is because being around water offers a feeling of beauty, allure, and serenity. Putting up your own water accent in your backyard, such as a fish pond, will also add that visual appeal. Make your yard alive with the soothing sounds of water in motion. Make your fish pond the focal point of your backyard.

However, there are some considerations before constructing one:

Climate

Consider the climate of your area. If your weather experiences winter times, then it is best if you make you fish pond deeper since the fish tend to hibernate at the bottom of the pond and naturally stop eating when the water temperature goes below 45 degrees.

If you live in a location where the pond will completely freeze over, it is imperative that a hole be created in the ice to help the fish remain alive. In this case, aquatic plants should be removed and placed indoors since they may not survive the cold temperature.

Filter

Consider the filtration system of your pond. There is what you call natural filtration where it is provided by the action of the moving water. If this is the case, considering the design of your system and the climate of your area, then you do not need a filter for the pond.

However, to know what is best for your pond, consult a pond professional concerning filtration. There are cartridge filters and biological filters available from shops that provide pond supplies.

Now, to get your backyard pond started:

First step. Make intelligent decisions by educating yourself.

Do not push through water gardening or pond building without knowing the essentials about it. Know what equipment are needed to be used. Find out if your yard is appropriate to hold such an accent. Is the climate compatible with your pond? Are you up for the regular maintenance it needs? Take into consideration the availability of supplies such as electricity, filtration, and water. Decide what type of pond are you willing to make, is it a small one? Or a large one?

Second step. Decide on the location of your pond.

Locate your pond in an area where the sun will be able to shine on it. Do not place it under the trees since it will cause a cleaning nightmare due to the falling leaves. Do not place your pond where runoff water tends to overflow. These will accumulate in your pond making it dirty and murky.

Determine the depth of your pond. The average depth of a back yard pond is between 18″ to 24″ usually. Make the outline of your pond and start digging it. Make steps in order to provide easy access to the pond during cleaning. These steps will also be perfect for holding potted plants just above the water. Make sure that the bottom is leveled as you dig.

Third step. Get hold of an appropriate sized pond liner.

In order to get the right pond liner size, take the width of your pond and add twice the depth of the pond, and then add 24 more inches. Measuring the length will be done using the similar formula. Now, drape the liner over the pond. Arrange it and place stones around the edges. Fourth step. Fill it up with water.

Start filling the pond with water. Fold large creases neatly and remove wrinkles as you fill the pond with water to make it les noticeable.

Fifth step. Install the needed equipment.

After filling it up with water, place filters, pumps, and lightings to the pond. Connect it to the electrical supply. Then add your fish and plants, and you are ready to go!

Aesthetic Appeal

A backyard fish pond offers a aesthetic addition to your landscapes. Installing projects such as these will offer tranquility and relaxation to the whole family as well. However, building, constructing, and taking care of ponds are not as easy as you think. Much effort, planning, and money must go into these. It is important that you think things through before deciding on installing your very own back yard fish pond.

Building fish ponds are not as simple as installing it and letting it go afterwards. It is a consistent and constant endeavor, much like a hobby. Maintenance should be done periodically. Following some of these guidelines may aid you in installing a do it yourself backyard fish pond.

First Tip: Utilize a plastic fish pond liner for your pond.

In separating the fish pond from the surrounding soil, it is better to use a plastic liner (PVC liners work best). It prevents the escape of the aquatic plants, fishes, and other pond contents from the fish pond. In accordance to this, it also prevents the entry of nutrients from the soil or other non pond materials. This will make maintenance and cleaning easier since you will only have to deal with the mess and dirt of the pond itself and the fish that live there.

In building the pond of your preferred size, pond liners are the option to choose. Usually, they are utilized for large ponds that do not have pre-formed sizes available.

However, it is imperative that you choose the right size of the pond liner. Pond lines or liners are used for any size of pond. The sizes available for this kind of pond is 10’ x 15’ to 20’ x 25’ or larger. This can allow you to build a pond to your preferred size either by using them individually or by connecting together two or more pond liners with an adhesive especially made for this material.

A cement pond liner will also do, however, this option is more expensive and may require extra labor in constructing.

Second Tip: Avoid low lying areas.

Installing you fish pond in an area where runoff water from your lawn flows is one big no-no. This runoff water will only accumulate in your fish pond, causing it to overflow and become dirty as well. This is one of the common mistakes of do-it-yourself pond projects. Maintaining a fish pond is difficult enough without excess dirty water coming from your lawn.

On the contrary, installing the pond in an area a little above the ground or in high parts of the lawn will prove to be easier to maintain.

Third Tip: Provide sufficient sunlight.

This means that placing the pond in shady areas will not enhance the growth of the aquatic life. On the other hand, placing it in an area where too much sun shines will just cause them to die. Place your pond where there is enough sunlight to seep through. Most aquatic plants need sunlight to grow, but some do not. Research on what plants suit your weather best.

Fourth Tip: Water your plants.

Adding a variety of aquatic plants may decrease the excess nutrients in the pond. They will also hamper algae growth that makes the pond murky and dirty.

Consulting your local pond professional is also an option. Not only will they provide advices to make your project work, they may also make your work easier to do.

Live like kings

Backyard pond is not just for the smutty rich person. Today, even out the barest homeo wner can attain their own backyard pond as deluxe as the wealthy lands.

Once you get your back yard pond set up, it would provide both fun and enjoyment. It also provides a dwelling place for the fish, wildlife, aquatic plants and flowers. It is a relaxing hobby that not only provides relaxation but appreciation to Mother Nature as well.

Plan Ahead

Building your own backyard pond may not be extremely hard to built but thorough planning should be placed in constructing one. The hardest part in building one is digging the pond. It all depends on what type of soil your region has. This determines how easy or how strenuous the digging part would be.

The size and shape of the pond depends on your preferences. It can be a small, preformed pond or one that needs a pond liner that can hold up to seven thousand gallons of water.

Location

Consider the location of your pond. Where would it be best seen? Picture yourself sitting outside. What location grabs your eye the most? Consider these important elements. Is the water source situated just nearby? Is your pond’s location a flat area? Is electrical supply available? Keep in mind that these are just some questions you need to be answered.

Equipment

Building a pond of any size requires a complete set of tools. Now, take hold of these important equipment. In building and constructing a pond, one must need a water pump, a UV filter, a pond filter, and some pond plants among many. Other must haves are the following: a pond liner of appropriate size, an air diffuser, pond lightings, a skimmer, the aquatic animals, and fish food.

Cost

Another thing to consider in pond building is the cost. Initially, constructing and maintaining the pond could be quite expensive, that is with no doubt. But there are now cheaper do it yourself kits available in the market. Once it is finished, the enjoyment it brings is worth it.

Another plus for the backyard pond is that it turns an oh-so-boring piece of land into a thing of beauty. It works best if you have the proper landscape to go with your pond. Make your pond the centerpiece of your back yard.

However, because of too many do-it-yourself homeowners, they usually make mistakes. Following these guidelines may help you avoid the pitfalls of do it yourself backyard pond disasters.

Initially, it is important to incorporate your pond to the current landscape of your backyard. This works best for amateur landscapers who just wanted to get right down to work. Do not let your pond detract the beauty of your yard. Make it fit and not out of place.

To Sum It Up

Integrate your pond’s design to your landscape. Do not make it lavish if you have a very simple backyard. Take time to choose the design that may flatter the overall landscaping.

Secondly, think of the essential requirements of a pond. Do not place your pond in complete shade since this will hamper the amount of sunlight to your pond. Aquatic animals and plants need ample amount of the warmth of the sun.

Finally, size does matter. Plant the size of your pond. Do not place too much fish on a small pond. Experiment on a variety of aquatic plants.

Provide luster and relaxation to your yard as well as increase your property’s value. Make your backyard more attractive and enjoyable by adding a backyard pond.

Water gardens and backyard ponds are for butterflies, frogs, birds, fish, you, and the whole family. These ponds may be small, may even be no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter. These may be built in patio containers and barrels. Drawing wildlife in your backyard may be done by adding water gardens and ponds. These will not only provide enjoyment and interest but also a natural and relaxing environment as well.

A fish pond in your backyard may become the focal point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up with this tips and techniques.

Where to Put Up a Backyard Pond

Place your fish pond in a place where you can best view it from, whether from a deck or the patio. Make it coincide with the natural surroundings. Do not place the pond where the sun can overheat it. Nestle it in a shaded place but not under the trees.

Landscaping

It is best to slightly elevate the soil surrounding the pond so that excess water will not enter into it. Plan the drainage system of the pond, making sure that it draws the water away from your house.

Landscaping the surroundings around your pond will provide a natural dwelling place for birds and frogs that need water and land. Make sure that electricity is available if you plan to use lights, filters, or a water re-circulating device.

Do not place the pond under the trees to avoid fallen leaves into the pond. This technique will also provide less maintenance to the pond. Expose the pond to sufficient sunlight only since some aquatic plats grow well in full sun and others do not.

Using Pond Liners

Pond liners are used to keep water from leaking into the soil. It is almost always necessary for ponds even if it they are situated in clay soils. Pond liners come in different shapes and sizes. They even include built in waterfalls or any design based on your preferences. They are durable and convenient.

Consider a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner) in building larger ponds. In determining the size of the PVC, you have to know the maximum length, width, and depth of the pond. After which, multiply the maximum depth by 3. Add the answer to the width and the length. Now you have enough PVC to securely hold down the pond edges.

Pond liners come in different thickness as well. The thicker the pond liner, the more resistant it is to punctures. Cement may be considered an optional pool liner. However, it requires more expertise to install and it may cost more than the regular plastic pond liner.

However, considering that many ponds are quite small, other plastics may be used. It may be cheaper but many may break down easily once prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light happens. Some plastics also may prove to be toxic to fish.

Pond Installation

Time your pond building when the ground is not overly wet or frozen. Dig the hole according to the right depth and place (and secure) the pond liner. Then landscape the pond surroundings. Remove any rocks from the surrounding area. Add water, plants, and a pump. Let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants and fish. Let the plants settle for at least one week before placing the fish.

Then sit back and enjoy your backyard fish pond!

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Live Healthy Everyday