from our "home remodeling" project library

Dip into the World of Garden Ponds

A garden pond adds visual interest, beauty, and a lush aesthetic to your landscaping that is hard to achieve otherwise. With the right tools and preparation, you can install a water pond in a few days and immediately begin adding colorful fish, rocks, and aquatic plants to beautify your garden.

First Steps

• Check local building codes. Obtain a permit if one is required.
• Contact local utilities to locate underground lines for gas, water, and other possible hazards.
• Establish the size and location of your garden pond. Consider tree roots, falling leaves, and  sunlight for aquatic plants. Avoid the highest and lowest points in the yard. Consider whether you want a waterfall.
• Determine how to provide power to the pond's water pump.

What You Need

Two key items are need for installing a garden pond: a pond liner and filtration system. Pond liners come in a many shapes and sizes. But most are made of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). This low-cost, non-toxic material has a long lifespan and is resistant to cold weather.

Pond kits are available that include everything you need, plus extras such as a skimmer, lighting, and a waterfall addition. Do-it-yourselfers can easily find step-by-step installation instructions on the Internet and in home improvement books.

How to Care for Your Pond

Like most everything in your garden, a water pond requires regular care and maintenance. You must keep the pond's water clean and free of harmful chemicals; regularly empty the pond's filter; prune aquatic plants; feed the fish; and keep the water level consistent. But all the effort comes with a wonderful payoff: a beautiful garden pond that you can enjoy for years to come.