Choosing the best location is the first step. Provide as much direct sunlight as possible, blooming plants require 5 – 6 hours per day. Avoid low lying areas and areas with trees that shed their leaves.

Material Lists

• Pond material (liner, preformed plastic or fiberglass)
• Pump
• Filter
• Underlayment
• Stone and gravel material

Calculations

Length of liner = length of pond + (depth X 2) + 2’

Width of liner = width of pond + (depth X 2) + 2’

Capacity (gallons) = length (ft) X width (ft) X depth (ft) X 7.5

• Outline the desired shape & size with a hose, rope or marking paint.
• Excavate area so that the pond will have a flat bottom, sloped sides (55% - 70%) and a coping shelf approximately 9” – 12” below ground level & up to 12” wide. A good pond depth is 18”.
• Check the levelness of the pond (use a 2 X 4 to span & place 2’ level on the 2 X 4)
• The excavated pond should be with a cushion layer (damp sand, damp newspaper, carpet, or underlayment fabric)
• Drape the liner as evenly as possible, working out creases.
• Place any stones on gravel that is covering bottom and/or sides of the pond
• Fill with water, pumping out 2 or 3 times achieve cleaner water.
• Place stones on shelf & edges and finish filling.
• Use a combination of stone, gravel & plants to finish off the pond.

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