Five Steps to Backyard Fish Pond Construction

A backyard fish pond improves the look of almost any yard. Water features are increasing in popularity across the country. It seems everyone wants to add a pond or fountain to their landscaping. While building a backyard fish pond requires more extensive planning and construction than listed here, these ten steps will help you make a decision about whether you wish to undertake this extensive outdoor building project.

Backyard Fish Pond - Choose a Location

Choosing the right location for your water garden addition is vital to its long-term health and maintenance. Moderate temperatures and close to full sun are vital for both plant and fish growth. Take a week or two to track the movement of sunlight through your yard before deciding where to put your fish pond.

Backyard Fish Pond - Plan the Design

Will you use a rigid liner that requires a very specific sized hole and support, or choose a flexible liner that can be made into more shapes and styles? How deep should the pond be to support the fish and plants you wish to house there? Research is necessary for the basic dimensions and shape of the water garden.

Backyard Fish Pond - Gather the Materials

Every fish pond requires some type of liner, a pong pump, filter and various hoses and tubes. There are also maintenance materials such as a fish net, skimmer net and various chemicals and treatments that can be purchased right away. Be sure to have the right tools to dig and shape the pond opening.

Backyard Fish Pond - Dig the Pond

Lay out the outline of the backyard fish pond before digging. Try to choose a location where rocks and tree roots will not be a problem. Then, jump in with your shovel or pick and get to work! Remove sod carefully if it is in good condition. This can be used for other parts of the lawn that need help or composted into rich loam. To keep fish in your pond, you will need to dig the hole at least 18 inches deep. End up with a smooth sided backyard fish pond hole with no sharp rocks or roots.

Backyard Fish Pond - Position the Liner

Building a backyard fish pond requires more than just plunking the rigid liner in the ground and calling it a pond. Flexible liners also need liners for the liners and some sort of sand or other material substrate to support it smoothly. The last thing you want is for your backyard fish pond liner to shift or become punctured or crack after your pond is in the ground for several weeks or months. Don't skimp on materials or labor when building a backyard fish pond that will last for a long time.