Pond Guide Chapter 2: How to Build a Pond

Chapter 1:
How To Design a Pond

Chapter 2:
How To Build a Pond

Chapter 3:
Best Fish For Backyard Pond

Find out what it takes to build a pond.

In this second part of our 3-part series, Clearwater Creations will help show you how to build a pond. Let’s do a “deep dive” into the following information:

1. DIY vs Hiring Professionals

2. Building The Pond

3. Finishing Touches

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:

1. Landscaping assessment and advice

2. Budgeting advice and recommendations that suit your needs and preferences

3. Experienced labourers with the right equipment

4. High-quality materials and proper installation

5. Worry-free and Hassle-free

6. 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.

Joey and the team at Clearwater Creations will make sure your new pond is safe, enjoyable, functional and worry-free!

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

Watch the Clearwater team in action installing an Ecosystem Pond.

All Ecosystem Package Ponds from Clearwater Creations 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater for pricing. But, in case you missed Pond Guide Chapter 1, check out the gallery below for some ideas and inspiration.

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:

1. Fish: Koi, Goldfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed (See Clearwater’s article here with a full list of fish for backyard ponds)

2. Plants: Water Lilies, Water Iris, Sweet Flag or Water Lettuce.

   Read about popular aquatic plants here.

3. Lights:

   Enjoy your pond at night with warm white lights or light up a fountain or waterfall.

4. Paving: Add some decorative paving to border your pond or add pretty pathways for walking.

5. 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.

Create with Clearwater

Since 2011, Clearwater Creations has been serving customers in Eastern Ontario as Certified Aquascape Contractors.

Known for building award-winning ponds and water features, Clearwater can build a pond that you will be happy with for years to come.

Contact Clearwater to get started on building your pond and experience the joys of pond life.

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