Choosing a Location for a Pond
Here are some tips for choosing the perfect site for your pond. First, take into account the slope and grade of the land, using natural features to accent or simplify installation. For instance, a hill makes a great natural waterfall and stream, but creating a waterfall on flat ground requires much more labor and materials. If you plan to grow plants or fish in your pond, you'll need to have some direct sunlight on your pond to sustain plant growth.
Designing and Measuring for a Pond
The next step is to make a sketch of the intended size and shape of the pond. When the design is decided, use rope or a garden hose to lay out the design on the actual site. Once you are satisfied with the position of the pond, spray paint onto the grass or dirt to mark the shape.
After excavation, lay a rope down into the pond pit across the longest axis. Be sure to leave at least 12 inches of additional length outside the pond on each side so the liner is adequately anchored. Mark the length on the rope, then pull the rope straight and measure to your length mark. That is the length dimension for the liner.
Next, run the rope across 90 degrees from the first line, using the same method. That will be the width dimension. Keep in mind that liner comes on rolls that are 10', 15', 20' and 30' wide. Choose one of these dimensions as one of your dimensions; the other dimension can be custom cut.
More Calculations...
Our Pond Calculator page gives more formulas for calculating the amount of materials you'll need to build your pond: water, rocks, gravel, fish, boulders, etc.
Pond Installers
If you'd like a professional to install your pond, please check out our Installers page. This listing includes several companies that design and install garden ponds.
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