Building a pond isn't too labor intensive compared to most other home renovations, such as adding a new bedroom. Yet, there should be some planning before you start digging a hole to ensure that the final outcome is what you actually wanted. Here are a few things to consider that should help make your pond project a success when all is said and done:

The Pond Liner

Even if you're planning to make your pond out of concrete to hold the water in place, you'll want to install a pond liner before filling it up and putting it into production. A pond liner will help keep the water clean and ensure that water doesn't leak out through the ground as time goes on. When choosing a new liner for your pond, look for an option made from EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer material.

EPDM liners can last about 20 years and are designed to be puncture-proof so you don't have to worry about sharp rocks ripping it. Another good option is butyl liner, as it's easy to work with and has a life expectancy of approximately 20 years – and both options are fish-friendly. It's important to make sure that whatever pond liner you decide to invest in comes with a patch kit and that additional patch kits can be purchased in the future if they're needed.

For more information, visit sites like http://billboardtarps.com/.

Water Filtration

If you don't want to have to change the water in your pond on a regular basis due to dirt and debris build up, consider installing some type of filtration system that will keep the water flowing and free of grime. And by making sure that the water constantly flows, mosquitoes will be less likely to breed eggs in your pond.

You can install a pump and filter designed for an above-ground system pool and run the system a few times a week to keep the water in your pond clean. And any water that's pumped out of the pond when you want to replace some of the water can be directed to your gardens with the use of hoses and PVC pipes for watering. In addition, it's a good idea to install a solar water fountain in the pond so it circulates the water 24-hours a day and keeps unwanted critters from congregating in it.

Child Safety

Unfortunately, almost 1,000 children succumb to drownings each and every year, making it the second leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 24. Toddlers are at the most risk because no more than 2 inches of water need to be present for drowning. Whether you have kids of your own, or you'll have visitors who are young at some point in the future, it's important to make sure that your pond is safe for kids to be around.

To start, consider putting a net over the pond that has holes of no more than a couple of inches wide so that young children who fall into it won't sink before an adult can get them out. You can also install a motion sensor that goes off when someone gets too close to the edge of the pond so an adult can be on alert and check for the safety of any kids around.

Accommodating Foliage

Rocks can be used along the edge of your pond to make it look more natural, and incorporating foliage will help cover any undesirable spots as well as make the pond look like it's been there forever. Consider putting marginal plants on shallow shelves along the interior walls of your pond. They'll grow out of the water and toward the edges of the pond, providing some extra depth and dimension. Around the outer edge of the pool, you can introduce options such as irises, umbrella palms, and arrowheads for added color.

Making these considerations during the planning stage should help ensure that your finished pond meets your needs and expectations for many years in the future. 

Share