Before you start building your pond, you need to understand the basic steps involved in setting it up. You’ll need Underlayment, Liner, Rocks, and an Electrical outlet. The next step is to decide where to get the rocks. Then, follow the instructions carefully. Make sure to measure your backyard carefully so you’ll get the correct size. You may need to build a waterfall and/or other features to decorate the pond.
Underlayment
Before installing a pond liner, you must choose the correct underlayment. Underlayment is a thick fabric made of compressed fibers, and it is usually non-woven. It also limits root penetration, reduces damage caused by rocks, and provides additional protection inside the pond. To get the proper size of underlayment, first measure the size of your pond, then multiply this measurement by two to find the overall area of your pond.
Underlayment can be made of several materials. EPDM is an environmentally friendly synthetic rubber, and is commonly used in the construction of water features. EPDM is a common material used in a wide variety of products, and the EPDM specifically designed for ponds is safe for fish and plants. It is also tear-resistant, and it resists drying and becoming brittle. In addition to the EPDM liner, you can also find nonwoven geotextile fabric to protect the lining of your backyard pond.
Putting underlayment in your pond is essential to protect it from burrowing animals, which can damage the liner. The first layer of underlayment should be flattened with a 1/4-inch-thick layer of dirt. Make sure that the liner is completely supported by the soil around it. This is necessary to avoid punctures and other damage to the pond liner. For more information on how to install underlayment, please read our blog article.
For a perfect pond foundation, use a geotextile sheet of at least 4 or five meters wide. If your pond is larger than the single sheet, consider placing two or more sheets of geotextile on the ground, overlapping the ends. The first sheet will be the bottom layer of your pond, while the second sheet will be on top. In addition to this, consider placing decorative rocks on the bottom of the pond to hide the liner overhang.
Liner
If you’ve recently created a beautiful backyard pond, you probably want to consider getting a liner to protect it. Although you can install a pond yourself, using a pond liner can help ensure that your pond stays as beautiful as possible for as long as you want it to be. While installing a liner, you should remember to wear soft-soled shoes while working on it. You should also be careful not to stretch the liner too tightly, because it may puncture. In addition, cattails need to be planted in containers, as their roots may grow into the pond liner.
The best way to purchase a liner for a backyard pond is to choose a product that’s flexible. This will allow you to fit the liner to any shape and size of the pond, as opposed to a rigid liner. Also, you can buy more flexible liners than rigid ones, allowing you to be creative with your design and placement of the liner. The good news is that most liners can be easily folded or rolled up so that you can move them to a different part of the pond.
The next step in installing a liner for a backyard pond is to determine how deep it needs to be. When planning a water garden, you’ll need to double the depth of your pond’s deepest point and add another one foot to allow for the liner to overhang. To make sure the liner is level, dig an anchor trench at least five feet from the pond’s edge.
Rocks
Using decorative rocks to edge your backyard pond can not only beautify your garden, but they will hide the pond liner and attract wildlife. Choosing the right rocks for your pond can be a laborious process, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. Read on to learn how to choose the right rocks. Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
To create a beautiful and natural look, use a mix of rocks of different sizes. Rocks that range in size from 6 inches to 12 feet are most effective. When placing the rocks, make sure to place them in an order that helps the pond blend into its surroundings. Large boulders should be placed with plants in order to create a more balanced look. If you don’t have any rocks in your backyard, ask your neighbors to donate some.
Place the liner on the ground. It is recommended that the liner be left out in the sun for about half an hour before laying it over the pond. This will make it pliable enough to be moved easily. Care must be taken to avoid dragging the liner on the ground. Once it has been set, place flat stones around the periphery of the pond. The rocks should overhang the water, but be able to be uncovered by water.
Then, dig a foot-deep trench around the pond. Begin digging at the center and work outward. You can make multiple layers to fill the pond. Doing so will make your work easier and preserve the design of the pond. Using several layers will help prevent any problems later on. You can also use short stakes to maintain the shape of the pond. And once you’ve filled up the pond, be sure to use a pond liner.
Electrical Outlet
To power a pond, you need an electrical outlet. It is best to use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which is a type of electrical outlet that shuts off when it comes in contact with water or a cut. Outdoor wiring can be done with conduit or with direct burial cable, and you should check local codes to determine the distance from water to the outlet and the depth of the cable to be buried.
You should also have a GFCI outlet installed at least six feet away from the pond. It should also be buried at least 18 inches deep. You can also install a post on the wall of the pond to provide a platform for plants or as a stepping stone if someone falls in. Before completing the post hole, make sure you place a level and check the level of the post.
If you plan to install a pond with fish, you should consider the location of the skimmer and any other powered water features. You should place the pond in a location where it receives half-day sunlight. Avoid putting it too close to trees or shrubs, as these can cause algae problems. The location should also be near an electrical outlet, as these are required for the pump and aerator. This will also allow you to add additional accessories, such as outdoor lighting.
A pond does not have to be large. Small ponds with just a few fish can be quite attractive. A well-designed pond will increase the value of your property. Alternatively, you can hire a landscaping professional to build a more elaborate water feature for you. Either way, building a pond is relatively easy. Just remember to plan ahead and ensure your garden is convenient to reach with a hose.
Choosing a Location
Choosing a location for a backyard garden pond can be an important decision. Ideally, you should find a site that is level, south-facing, and free of trees. You should also avoid a spot that receives strong winds and is located near a busy street. The best guide for selecting a location for a pond is the view that it offers from the most common parts of your house. Ideally, the pond should provide shade, but also be accessible for children and other members of your family.
Once you’ve chosen a location, you should take measurements of the spaces in your backyard and compare these with the size of the pond. Make sure that you have enough space to accommodate both the pond and the landscaping around it. You might also have to change the size of the pond to accommodate the space. A pond of this size should be at least 30 square feet in area, as this will ensure a more ecologically balanced ecosystem, a more stable temperature, and more movement for fish.
The location of the pond should be easy to see from the patio. It should also be close to a sitting area so that you can enjoy the sounds of running water. Adding a pond in the backyard is an excellent way to integrate water into the yard. Ensure that it is not too close to trees and shrubs, as this may result in a leaky pond. However, make sure that it’s in an area where it can receive adequate light.
Regardless of the location, you should consider the ease of access to all parts of the pond. You should avoid placing the pond near an obstacle because you need to get into the water to tend the water. In addition, you should ensure that there is adequate space around the pond for a pump to aerate the water and prevent algae from growing. There are some benefits to locating your pond near your home, including the fact that it’s convenient for you to access power and water.