A pond in the garden not only increases the comfort factor of the plot. It can also be a home for several different types of plants that only thrive in and around water. In your pond, you can also make room for fish and other aquatic animals.
Of course, there is a bit to consider if you want to build a pond. Careful planning and careful work are the keys to a good result. In this article, you can read our best tips and get inspiration for your build.
Build a pond – think about size and location!
The first question to consider is that of size. How much space you have in the garden is of course a factor to take into account. How much space you want to give different plants and animals as well.
There are some basic rules that you can start from:
1. A larger and deeper pond provides more opportunities for richer plant and animal life as well as more opportunities for fountains, waterfalls and other features
2. The bigger the pond, the easier it is to take care of (yes, actually!)
3. A pond in the garden should have direct sunlight and be free of trees and larger bushes
4. For larger fish, a volume of at least four cubic meters and a depth of up to one meter is required – for smaller fish, a depth of at least 50 centimeters is required
A natural question is what can be considered a “big” pond. Here, too, you have a rule of thumb to use. A pond with an area of more than six square meters can be considered large. Because the depth is 50 cm or more to be considered deep.
When you are thinking about size and location, it is wise to step out into the garden and measure. Bring string, measuring tape and maybe a water hose to measure and get a picture of your future water table.
Can you use a bathtub to build a garden pond?
It is absolutely possible to bury a bathtub as a foundation for a pond, a barrel and a tub as well. Aquatic plants and animals such as amphibians are quick to move into even smaller ponds.
This is how you build your pond!
Once you know where to place the pond and have planned the size and depth, you can start digging and building. A number of steps are required but it does not have to take very many days to complete.
ATTENTION! This guide applies to a pond in the slightly larger size that you dig out in your garden. For smaller models and burying tubs and more, you can skip some of the steps.
Step 1: Mark out the shapes
This is where the garden hose can come in handy again! Use it and mark with a spray bottle where the contours of the water should be.
Step 2: Start digging
There are two options here. You can dig by hand and you can use a mini digger. It is the size of your pond that determines what is most suitable. It is quite tiring for the back to dig up cubic meters upon cubic meters with a shovel!
Step 3: Add edging
Now place the edging strips and sticks with brackets. The edging band holds up the canvas and creates a stable frame around the entire pond.
Step 4: Fill with sand and put in dust cloth
With sand, you can level the bottom and create the level differences you want. When you are satisfied, put on a rubber cloth.
Step 5: Fill with water and place the pump
When the rubber mat is in place, fasten it around the edge band, fill with water and place any pump. You connect the pump to a filter system.
Step 6: Decoration and planting
The last step is probably the most fun. Here you must first pack sand around the edging band. Then you are free to place the plants you want in and by the water, place decorative stones and possibly add functions such as fountains and more.
Do I need planning permission to build a pond?
In normal cases, you do not need planning permission to build a pond in the garden. In some municipalities, however, a building permit is required if you are going to dig deeper than 50 centimeters. Contact the municipality. The officers are usually able to give straight and quick answers.
5 great tips for your pond
Regardless of where you build your water mirror and how big it is, there are some tips that are always viable.
● Create different water depths: Different plants like different depths. For example, water lilies need a greater water depth than so-called swamp zone plants.
● Fill with natural water (rain or lake) to get the biological processes started faster.
● Check the water values at regular intervals. Nitrite, ammonium and the water’s pH value are values you should keep an eye on.
● Build a fence or provide the pond with flat banks to reduce the risk of accidents.
● Keep in mind that there is a difference between your measurements and how your facility is perceived when it is finished – it may be an idea to add a little to the measurements when planning.
Dust cleaning – How does it work?
In an article like this, there is nothing wrong with a section on dust cleaning. Your job does not end when your oasis in the garden is ready. You need to do ongoing maintenance and that job also includes cleaning.
It is natural if you are wondering how to clean a pond. Exactly what is to be cleaned and how do you go about it in practical terms?
With a pump and filter, you keep the water both oxygen-rich and clear. From time to time you also need to clean both the bottom and the water, for example once a year, and when the water becomes cloudy or gets a low pH value.
Completely emptying a pond of water is not a good idea. The emptying risks disturbing the biological balance. A better option is to use a vacuum cleaner for the purpose.
One such is equipped with a pump and nozzle and cleans both the water and the bottom. There are also so-called skimmers on the market that clean the surface water of debris such as pollen and pollution.
Then you should not underestimate the power of an ordinary water net. With one like this, you can do ongoing dust cleaning both easily and efficiently!
Will I get more mosquitoes in the garden with a pond?
Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to water. Many times the water also attracts other animals that eat the mosquito larvae and thereby create a balance.
Summary – garden pond
A pond on the plot becomes a beautiful water mirror that enhances the comfort. With greenery around and perhaps rippling water (and maybe even fish) you create a lovely oasis at home. In this article, we have provided tips and inspiration for your project. Now it’s just for you to start planning!
