In this article, we will discuss how to build a small backyard pond.
The Clearwater Creations team has over a decade of experience creating “the water feature lifestyle.” We are Certified Aquascape Contractors, as well as Graduates of the Horticulture Technician Program from Durham College. Contact us today to get started on your small backyard pond.
Now, let’s dig in and discuss how to build a small backyard pond.
How To Build A Small Backyard Pond
Step 1 – Choose the location
When determining a location for your pond, it’s important to remember they need partial sun and partial shade. A good rule of thumb is to plan on shade for half the pond as too much sun encourages the growth of unsightly algae and shade can help keep the water clean.
The challenge here is to not dig a pond directly under a tree or next to shrubs because you may damage the roots, and to avoid fallen leaves that can cause issues with the water. You can use a screen in fall to mitigate the latter, and you can also create shade by other means.
Many municipalities require a permit to build a pond. This may also mean your yard must be fenced.
Look into local rules and regulations to avoid fines or accidents
Step 2 – Choose a liner
Hard and flexible pond liners are available for your pond.
A preformed, hard pond liner provides a shelf for plants. By going this route, you know exactly how the pond will look.
On the other hand, a flexible pond liner will allow for a level of creativity in small backyard pond design. You can dig out the hole in a way that creates a shelf for plants and, therefore, give it a more natural look tailored to your yard.
Step 3 – Dig and install the liner
It’s recommended that garden ponds be at least 2 feet in depth to make sure there is enough water volume to avoid murkiness. If you live in a cold climate where the pond may freeze, as we have in Ontario, you should go down to 3 feet.
After you’ve dug the hole, remove all stones and protrusions to protect the liner. With a preformed pond liner, it’s important to back-fill along the outside edges for support. Additionally, make sure to level the preformed pond and the area around it.
A flexible pond liner should be secured by wrapping the edges around flat rocks. Make sure you leave plenty of overlap when you cut the liner so that it does not slip down.
This video will help with liner installation
Step 4 – Install a filter and consider aeration
Purchase a filter and pump in order to keep the pond water moving. A filtration system keeps the water moving and clean. You will need a specific size of filter depending on the volume of water in the pond. Biological filters are also available.
Aeration helps keep the water clean and provides oxygen for any fish you may be adding to the pond. This is accomplished by moving the surface of the water. A very large pond is aerated by breezes and you can replicate this in your own small backyard pond by adding a waterfall or installing a fountain.
An aerator keeps the water clean and provides oxygen for any fish you may be adding to the pond
Step 5 – Add plants and fish
Plants are a vital part of a pond’s ecosystem as they provide nutrition and shelter for fish and frogs.
Some plants can float freely, others can be placed in pots and sunk to the bottom, and there are some that prefer shallow water and can be set in pots on the shelves discussed earlier.
Here are 10 popular pond plants to consider if you don’t know where to start.
On top of that, frogs and fish are a valuable addition to your pond. Frogs and fish eat insects including mosquitoes and mosquito larvae! Plus, they’re also a joy to watch for people of all ages.
You’ll have to go and purchase small fish, but chances are if you build it, frogs will find come on their own!
Step 6 – Perform regular maintenance
The fight against algae will be a regular occurrence, but not overly difficult to win if you stay on top of it.
To avoid algae build-up, add plants for oxygenation. You can also add a block of barley straw to the pond as an inexpensive, natural way to fight algae. As the barely straw decays, it produces a chemical that inhibits the growth of algae. Most pond equipment dealers stock it.
As mentioned above, prevent leaves from falling into the water during autumn months. The decay of leaves produces harmful ammonia. A fall pond netting service is helpful here, and you can also download our fall maintenance request form.
In the spring, your pond will need a full cleaning. Clear the bottom of the pond of any plant debris and other types of build-up, and scrub down the liner. Note: Do not use soap, detergent, or bleach as the chemicals will kill the fish upon their return. Refill the pond and wait a day or two before you put the fish back. For help with this, be sure to invest in a spring cleaning service.
Trust Clearwater To Create The Perfect Small Backyard Pond
As a Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC), Clearwater Creations is proud to be part of the best team of pond builders in the world!
We have the education and experience to enhance ANY outdoor living space. We have the best-trained staff a landscaping company can have. Everyone on the team is educated, knowledgeable and experienced in our field.
We pride ourselves in being the best aquatic feature and landscape company in your area!
What our customers are saying:
“The pond is absolutely spectacular! We use it everyday, we can’t get the kids out of it. Everyone who see’s it is absolutely blown away!…Can’t thank you enough for the great job, professionalism, and follow up service we received! You guys are truly a grade A company and we feel so lucky to have found you. Please feel free to forward any future clients our way for a reference.”
– Peter P.