Pond Guide Chapter 2: How to Build a Pond
Backyard Pond with Waterfall
Koi Ponds
In this second part of our 3-part series, Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping will help show you how to build a pond. Let’s do a “deep dive” into the following information:
Build a Pond
1. DIY vs Hiring Professionals
Is it always best to hire the pros?
Well, we would certainly be inclined to say so. But, let’s review the pros and cons of DIY anyways. Then we will show you why it might make sense for you to hire a professional below.
Why should I hire the pros?
While some people may have the knowledge, experience, time, money, and equipment to build a pond themselves, most people do not. This is why we recommend hiring professionals like Clearwater to build a pond.
With Clearwater, you are still part of the planning, designing, and installation; however, you have the comfort of knowing that professionals can do the work you are unable or unwilling to do for a variety of good reasons.
Here are the top reasons to hire professionals:
Landscaping assessment and advice
Budgeting advice and recommendations that suit your needs and preferences
Experienced labourers with the right equipment
High-quality materials and proper installation
Worry-free and Hassle-free
Guaranteed satisfaction
If you still aren’t convinced, take a look at the Steps to Build a Pond below to see why it saves you a lot of time, work, and money to hire the pros.
2. Building The Pond
In our last article we reviewed how to design a pond. Once you have decided on the type of pond you want - an Ecosystem Pond, Recreational Pond, or Patio Pond, it is time to build it. Here is a brief step by step about how professionals typically build a pond.
Steps to Build a Pond
1. Inspect Your Pond’s Location
Before digging around your property, you need to make sure you have approval from your city or conservation authority. You need to make sure it is safe to dig, but you will want to assess the land to see what works best for your plans.
2. Measure & Outline Your Pond
Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional to build a pond, you should have a general outline of where you plan to dig. You will want to map out the dimensions of your pond, as well as the dimensions of any other features you will incorporate such as a waterfall, stream, or area for filtration.
3. Dig
Once you and/or your team of professionals are satisfied with the location and size of your pond, the digging will begin.
4. Installation
Unless you are installing a Patio Pond, generally your pond will require the following items to be installed:
Pond Liner & Commercial Underlay
Biological and Mechanical Filters
Energy Efficient Pump
Aerator
Boulders, rocks, stones, gravel (Remember that this will vary depending on whether Waterfalls, Streams, or Diving Rocks are added to Recreational Ponds)
Plants or Fish
Other finishing touches such as Fountains, Waterfalls, Lighting or Décor
5. Final Check
Once the individual parts of your pond have been installed, everything needs to be connected and tested. Plants need to be secured, wires need to be plugged in, water needs to added, and then filters, pumps, aerators, and lighting need to be checked to see that everything is working. Water depth and quality can be assessed, and then fish can be introduced.
Below are 3 videos each providing you with a glimpse of what the installation process involves for the 3 main types of ponds:
Ecosystem Pond
Recreation Pond
Patio Pond
Ecosystem Ponds
All Ecosystem Package Ponds from Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping come complete with:
Fieldstone Boulders
Riverstone
45 EPDM Liner
Commercial Underlay
Biological and Mechanical Filters
LED Lighting
Energy Efficient Pump
Aerator
Aquatic and Garden Berm Perennials
Mulch, Natural Wood Elements and Moss
Recreational Ponds
This video from Aquascape will blow your mind - Watch the massive excavation and installation of this Recreational Pond used for swimming and even diving!
Recreational Ponds can be as simple or as fancy as you like! Talk to Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping about any extras you’d like to add such as:
Boulders for Jumping
Diving Boards
Waterfalls
Sandy “Beachfront”
Floating Docks
Slides
Patios
Patio Ponds
Watch this other video from Aqauscape showing you how a Patio Pond is installed.
Patio Ponds can come in a variety of styles and prices. Contact Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping for pricing.
Here are 3 popular patio ponds that suit all sorts of spaces whether big or small.
3. Finishing Touches
Once the actual pond has been installed and checked, you can add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas for you:
Fish: Koi, Goldfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed
Plants: Water Lilies, Water Iris, Sweet Flag or Water Lettuce.
Lights:
Enjoy your pond at night with warm white lights or light up a fountain or waterfall.
Paving: Add some decorative paving to border your pond or add pretty pathways for walking.
Décor: Customize your pond with a variety of décor. What brings you joy? Is it relaxing by your pond in a woven hammock or a wooden bench, admiring a sculpture or the birds feeding at a nearby feeder, the humour of an eccentric-looking garden gnome? So many personalized options!
Accentuate and highlight your pond with lighting or pretty paved borders.
If you need expert advice or professional assistance , contact Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping today.
Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping
Serving Eastern Ontario since 2011
905-242-4521
epiphanyponds@outlook.com