Building a Pond

There are a number of factors to consider when building a pond, these include:

• Size – This is going to be personal preference. You may want something small to attract frogs or birds to your garden, or you may want something large to keep koi. Having a large pond is advantageous as they are easier to stabilise and maintain, whereas a small pond can heat up and lead to algae issues (which isn’t to say you won’t get algae issues in a large pond, this will really depend on a number of factors). The size of your pond may also depend on your local council as there may be restrictions in place.
• Location – You need to consider what you want in your pond. For example, if you want to keep water lilies you will need to place your pond in an area where is will get at least six hours of sun a day. We recommend to avoid placing ponds under trees which will shed a lot of leaves as this may cause frustration down the track. The breakdown of leaf litter can cause algae blooms and can be harmful to aquatic life. Ponds can be situated near garden plants if you are trying to attract wildlife but make sure that the plants are not poisonous or toxic to fish. You will also want to make sure any nearby plant life does not have intrusive roots that may puncture pond liner. The use of underlay can help in this instance.
• Power Supply – Solar powered pumps are an option but they are more expensive to buy and will limit your options. They are only suitable for smaller ponds or water features and are not recommended for ponds with koi or high fish stock. If you can get power to your pond you will have a lot more options. 
• Noise – Having a massive waterfall running can be quite peaceful but when you are trying to sleep it can be quite irritating for you or your neighbours.

When you have decided on the right location for your pond the next step will be determining which type will suit you.

Preformed Ponds:

Preformed ponds are available in many different shapes and sizes. You have shaped ponds to give you a more natural look, which generally have shelves around the sides for your aquatic plants and a deeper section for water lilies. A range of formal (round, square or rectangle) ponds are also available for a more modern design.

Pre-formed ponds come in fibreglass or poly and are UV resistant and very durable. Fibreglass ponds do need care when in transit and installing, If care is not taken you run the risk of it cracking. Pre-formed ponds are a lot quicker and easier to install. A pre-formed pond just restricts you to a certain size and you have to make sure that you have the correct measurements. Pre-formed ponds, unless otherwise stated, need to have some sort of support. They cannot be free-standing except for round ponds. 

Concrete Ponds:

You can build a pond out of concrete but you need to use a good thickness with reinforcing mesh and make sure that the pond is sealed properly in order to stop lime leaching into the pond, as this can affect the water condition. We don’t usually recommend to build a pond with concrete as it tends to require regular maintenance, as concrete will move and crack over time. If you are intent on making a concrete pond, we recommend the use of Clearpond Pondshield Pro sealer.

Pond Liner:

Pond Liner is generally the cheapest option when looking to build a pond and it allows you to get creative. There are two types of materials available. The standard PVC 0.5mm thick liner or the heavy duty EPDM Rubber 1.1mm thick. Just be aware that you cannot use builder’s plastic. It is not fish friendly and it is also not UV stabilised. This means that over time it will break down in the sun and cause you major issues.

When installing liner you can use an underlay first to give the liner protection from any sharp pieces within the soil. A really good option is the yellow brickie sand. It is perfect as it is clean and is easy to mold to shape.

PVC Liner comes in 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 metre wide rolls, whereas the EPDM Liner comes in 3, 4.5 and 6.1 metre rolls. Some larger rolls are available to order. To calculate how much liner you need you will need to measure the longest length, widest width and deepest depth.

Liner Length = Length + Depth + Depth + 60cm (This allows for 30cm overlap each side)

Liner Width = Width + Depth + Depth + 60cm (This allows for 30cm overlap each side)

Example:

3m (Length) + 0.3m (Depth) + 0.3m (Depth) + 0.6m = 4.2m

2m (width) + 0.3m (Depth) + 0.3m (Depth) + 0.6m = 3.2m

The liner is only sold in 0.5m increments off the roll. This means you would be looking at a 4.5m x 4.0m piece in the PVC liner, or 4.5m x 3.5m in the EPDM. It is always best to over allow a little.

Please contact us with any questions you may have on setting up your pond!