With the addition of a pond to your current landscape, you can transform the look and feel of your property. And, in many ways, increase its value, too. You’ve likely seen ponds and thought how you’d love to have one of your own. But, where do you start?
Pond construction involves a lot more than a hole in the ground with some water. There are different types and different methods for constructing them. There are also some things you should consider and others you should never do.
Welcome to pond construction 101 where we will discuss all of these things and more.
What is Pond Construction?
Pond construction is what happens when you decide you are ready to have a pond added to your property. All too often homeowners try to take on this task on their own – only to find that it is a bit more challenging than they realized. It is at this point when many pond construction contractors have their first contact with the customer.
If you realize initially that pond construction is nothing to sneeze at, then you understand why there is a need for plans to be drawn up, heavy digging to take place, and a strategic method to bring the whole design to fruition. While it is not on the same scale as, say, the construction of a new home, pond construction is not something that can be considered an easy weekend project. Throwing together your own pond without carefully planning and constructing it can leave you with unforeseen problems – that may or may not be able to be fixed.
Pond Design and Construction
Before the pond construction can take place, you have to know your pond design – and there are so many to choose from. Consider the type of pond you would like, where you would like it to go, its dimensions, aesthetics, and more. How do you see yourself using it?
The following are a few of the most popular artificial pond construction designs. Though, it is important to note that a pond construction contractor can help you gain a better understanding of all the options available to you.
Natural Swimming Pond
Unlike farm pond construction methods that have the natural look and feel of an actual pond, a natural swimming pond offers you a beautiful, clean place to swim that is natural — without the use of heavy chemicals.
Constructing a natural swimming pond means that you have to plan, excavate the land, give your swimming pond a slope, set up your filtration system, and waterproof it.
Duck Pond Construction
Duck pond construction involves having a good size pond with some depth to it. Use a pond liner and river sand or rocks to hold it in place. Because it is intended for ducks, you will want to make sure it has a good filtration system to keep the pond looking beautiful while keeping it healthy for the wildlife.
Koi Pond Construction
Koi ponds are popular and fun ponds to add to your landscape. If you have ever wanted to know how to construct a koi pond, you will need to have enough space for the number of koi you intend to have, a drain and filtration system to keep the water healthy (crystal clear water is optimal for their survival), and large rocks to add to the habitat.
Keep in mind that these ponds can be created above or in-ground.
Small Garden Pond Construction
There is nothing that can take a garden to the next level quite like a small garden pond. Depending on the room you have available in your garden, this pond can be as small or large as you’d like it to be. Once you dig, line it, add a filter, and fill it with water, you can decide how you’d like to decorate the pond. Will you add fish? Plants? A place to rest? The options are endless.
What to Know About Pond Construction
When you have decided to add a pond to your property, here are the steps you need to take:
- Determine the design of the pond you want to create.
- Find the best location on your property for construction.
- Gather the material and equipment needed.
- Get to work.
Materials Needed
Generally speaking, to build a pond you will need the following items:
- Underlayment
- Pond liner
- Heavy rocks or bricks
- Pump
- Filter
- Tubing, pipes, and fittings
- Skimmer
- Aerator
- Heater
- Lighting
- Edging material
Best Soil for Pond Construction
All soils are not created equal – especially when it comes to constructing a pond. The best soils for building your pond are sand-type soils that are large and loose, clay soil that is fine and densely packed, and silt with particles that retain water well.
Speaking to a pond construction contractor can help you determine the best sand for your pond project.
Build it Where You Will Use it
What good is building a pond if you aren’t ever around it? You want it to be seen. You want to be able to have a bench nearby to enjoy it. You want it to be accessible. Keep this in mind when you are deciding on where to build your pond.
Use Rocks
Adding rocks to your pond makes it look more natural and organic. But, it also adds to the habitat – helping you maintain a successful pond.
Choose the Best Location
Choosing the proper location is important. You may have areas of your yard that naturally pool water when it rains and believe that this may be the best location to construct the pond. However, this rain and runoff water can actually disrupt your pond’s ecosystem. Talk to your pond construction contractor to determine the best location on your property to build a thriving pond.
Average cost
The average cost for building a pond is $2.50 to $8.00 per square foot. Though keep in mind that there are so many elements and types of ponds available that your choice may increase or decrease this price range.
How to Choose a Pond Construction Contractor
Building a pond is much more difficult than it may seem. As we said before, you are not just filling a hole with water and calling it a day. Instead, you are building a whole new ecosystem from scratch. You need someone who understands each part of the part and how it works together to give you the best result. Hire a professional.
A pond construction contractor will work with you to design the pond of your dreams, help you determine where to construct it, and the best elements to use throughout. He or she will address things like proper filtration, necessary depth, the creation of waterfalls, and more.
Any questions you have about your pond, don’t hesitate to ask. Just as you expect your pond construction contractor to know how to design a healthy pond for you, you should also expect to get educated about it. You need to know how to care for your pond and how to address any common issues that arise. A good contractor will make sure you know these things before the project is complete.
Your pond construction contractor should:
- Have a portfolio of pond constructions that have been successfully built.
- Have a list of referrals if requested.
- Have a deep understanding of the local area and climate.
And, as always, your contractor should be licensed and insured.
When you are ready to add a new pond to your property, do a quick search online of pond construction near me to find some local pond construction contractors that can help you build the pond of your dreams.