People who like to spend most of their free time in the yard, know how important its landscaping is. In addition to the decorative plants that we usually think of first in such cases, many other cute details can fit perfectly into the outdoor arrangement. And not only will it fit in great, but it will also have a calming effect and be pleasing to the eyes and ears. Have you ever thought about how a fountain, imitation of a well, or a fish pond would fit perfectly in that corner next to the lawn? Installing a backyard fish pond has a lot of advantages, including a beautiful outdoor landscape, a lot of pleasure and it will surely make you unique in the neighborhood. Another advantage is the increase in the value of your property in case you decide to sell your house one day.
Until you get to the end result and get a fantastic outdoor aquarium, you must first go through the construction process. You will need adequate tools, a lot of time, effort, maybe even lost nerves, and you may have to set aside a slightly larger budget. But as with all the good things in life that are worth working for and worth waiting for and worth investing in, be patient because the end result will delight you.
If you are doing this for the first time and need a guide, take a look at the following instructions we have prepared for you.
1. Think about the place
The first thing to think about when you want to start building your own backyard pond is the location. Neither constant sun exposure nor complete shade is a good option. Complete shade during the day isn’t desirable if you want additional decoration in the form of aquatic plants. They will require at least 5 hours of sunshine. Constant exposure to the sun won’t be pleasant for you if you want to spend time sitting next to it.
Make sure that the place where you will place your fish pond won’t be endangered by water runoff during heavy rainfall. In the case of poorly placed linings at the beginning, this can affect their floating. So in addition to paying attention to this segment during installation, you must protect this space from all extreme weather conditions. This will ensure its long lifespan and maximum enjoyment.
2. Think about dimensions and shape
The next step involves considering the dimensions that will be necessary for us to plan to dig. First, you need to think about the depth, which on the recommendation of more experienced people shouldn’t be less than 1.2m. It will also depend on the depth of whether you will need to add steps or not. According to the regulations, at a depth of more than half a meter, there must be steps in case a person falls inside.
How big a pool for your fish do you want? The answer to this question will give you the amount of your budget, as well as the speed at which you want to complete the project. Of course, the bigger it is, the more beautiful it will be, and the better it will complete the landscape, but keep in mind that it will require more frequent maintenance. Otherwise, fish and various plants will multiply quickly.
You can also choose the shape you want. It can be classic and reminiscent of a natural lake, without accentuated outer edges, but you can also choose some desired shape. The rounded edges will allow the best water circulation.
3. Digging
In the digging phase, you should first mark the area where you will be digging, bypassing the utility installations below. Then it would be good to invest a little more time in external pages. The crucial aesthetic thing is their proper alignment, because otherwise when you finish the project, everything will look very uneven. In a word, it will look like the kids were playing with it. Make sure the edge is sloping to protect the pond from rain. Of course, keep in mind that the weight of the digging phase will depend on what kind of soil it is (gravelly or sandy).
Remember to legally cover yourself. Call 811 and get in touch with experts who will come to you for free to assess whether it’s possible to implement this project on the site or not.
4. Don’t forget the pump and bottom drain
This kind of project cannot be complete without providing a pump. Its role is to recirculate the total amount of water, which should happen many times a day, which will provide a sufficient amount of oxygen for the fish, but also regular hygienic maintenance. Experts recommend the use of PVC, given the ease of installation as well as the lower price. You shouldn’t go through this phase alone unless you are an electrician. Hire a specialist who will take care of all installations related to the pump so that it is well-grounded. This reduces the possibility of risky situations.
Proper construction includes the lower drain. Put a protective cover on it to prevent the fish from being sucked in and jam it well to prevent leakage. Otherwise, everything will fail.
5. Consider the lining issue
Now we come to one of the most important elements of a backyard pond – the lining. The role of pond liners is of great importance because it will prevent the drainage of excess water, and on the other hand, it will enable the growth of plants and a favorable habitat for fish. It’s important to find a reliable manufacturer and models with a longer lifespan. Sun resistance, easy installation, and eco-friendly are just some of the features that will intrigue you. Check this offer to confirm our claims.
6. Add filters and purifiers
Before you reach the stage when you need to fill your pond with water, be sure to install filters and water purifiers in the last step. A filtration system is necessary, because, you will agree, a person doesn’t have enough time to dedicate to daily cleaning and maintenance of water in the fish pool. On the other hand, a clean environment is necessary for fish to survive.
All remaining sand, algae, and other plants must be eliminated from the water. In this process, care should be taken to ensure that bacteria whose presence is desirable for fish to remain inside the pool. You can also protect yourself from algae with the help of a UV purifier, but also with the help of gravel that will enclose the pond.
In the end, you still have to form an overflowing waterfall or choose another water circulation system and the fish pond is ready to fill it.
Would you recommend this experience to your friends?