Building a backyard pond requires some planning to make sure you do things right and prevent problems from developing in the future. Here are some things you should know before you get started.
Equipment Needed
Making sure a pond stays healthy doesn’t take much when you have the right equipment. Water agitators, such as pond aerators and fountains, keep the water constantly oxygenated while a filter maintains cleanliness. A liner prevents water leakage, and an underlayment helps protect the liner from holes and tears during installation. You also need a pump for water circulation, with a covered GFCI outlet to prevent lethal shocks from occurring.
Location
The location of your pond can help keep maintenance low and your pond water healthy. Pay attention to where the sun shines throughout the day. An ideal location would include sun during the morning hours and shade in the afternoon and evening to maintain cooler water and prevent algae bloom growth. You should also regulate the number of trees surrounding the pond. Remember that branches, sticks and leaves need to be constantly removed from pond water to prevent excessive nutrient issues.
Maintenance Requirements
A healthy pond only requires about 15 minutes of maintenance per week. You will need to empty the skimmer basket regularly. Doing this every couple of days is necessary for the fall months when leaves are dropping and in the spring when flowers are blooming. In the summer and winter months, weekly emptying is more than enough. Checking equipment to make sure it’s functioning properly is vital, and you also need to clear debris from the water.
Addition of Plants and Fish
Selecting plants and fish for the pond is an enjoyable activity. Common pond plants include the cattail, lotus, water hyacinth and iris. The best fish for a pond are goldfish or koi. Goldfish can survive on the plants and algae that live in the pond and can grow up to 12 inches long. Koi can be trained to eat from your hand and can become as large as three feet in length. Both species are low maintenance, add visual interest and are fascinating to watch. Make sure your pond is at least 24 inches deep to give your fish a healthy space to grow.
A new pond can be a wonderful addition to your backyard, providing beauty and peace. With proper maintenance and functioning equipment to keep your pond healthy, you’ll have years of enjoyment without any problems.
