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A backyard fish pond can be fun and relaxing. They attract many different types of animals such as butterflies, frogs and birds. The fish and plants used in this type of pond are hearty and should “winter” well.

Most of these ponds are small, maybe no larger than 3 to 4 feet in diameter. They can even be built in patio containers and barrels. 

If you have been wanting to design a soothing, relaxing area in your yard, a pond or water garden will do just that. 

A fish pond will also provide a focal point of your backyard conversation. So spice it up with these tips and techniques.

Where to Put a Backyard Pond

When deciding where to place your fish pond, you’ll need to find a place where you can view it while relaxing or entertaining. Do not place it in where it will have direct sun all day as this could overheat it. Not directly under trees since you will have much more maintenance.

Find a spot where the pond will blend in with the natural surroundings. This will ensure that you get the most pleasure out it.

Landscaping

The soil around the pond should be slightly elevated to keep the surrounding run-off from flooding it. When you are planning your pond, be sure to keep in mind that any run-off from the pond needs to slope away from your house.

Landscaping your pond with plants and rocks provides a natural shelter for birds and frogs. These animals require both and land. Having your pond landscaped will help to ensure that you attract them.

Don’t forget about electricity. If you plan to use lights, filters, or a pump to circulate the water, you’ll need to have electricity readily available.

Pond Liners

The reason for pond liners is to keep the water from leaching into the soil. A liner is required, even in clay soil. Although the clay soil will absorb the water much more slowly, it will still draw the water from the pond.

You can find pond liners in different shapes and sizes. You can even get a liner with built in waterfalls. Shop around to see the varieties that are available before you make your final choice.

Pond liners are durable and convenient.

If you are building your own pond, you can use a polyvinyl chloride liner (PVC liner). The way to determine the size of the PVC that you’ll need is to take the maximum depth of your pond and multiply it by three (3).  Add this number to both the width and the length. This should give you enough PVC to securely hold down the pond edges.

Another consideration in choosing a pond liner is the thickness. Obviously, the thicker pond liner is going to be more durable and more resistant to punctures.

Cement is another option for a liner. It requires a lot more work and know-how to install, and it is much more expensive.

Choose carefully if you decide to design your own liner. Many plastics don’t hold up to the sun very well and they may even give off toxins into your pond.

Pond Installation

There is quite a lot of digging involved with installing a pond. Be sure that you time your installation with the ground. If the ground is still frozen, or wet from recent rainfall, you are much better off to wait a bit before starting.

Mark out the grass in the area that you’ll be placing the pond. Mark carefully so that you do not dig a hole that is too big to support the liner, or so small that you have to dig again.  Keep a tape measure with you and monitor the depth as you get closer.

After you have secured the pond liner, carefully check the surrounding area and remove any unwanted rocks. If your pump will be placed in a deep area of the pond, now is a good time to set it.

Next, landscape the area around the pond. If you plan your landscaping right, you should be able to hide any excess electric cord and probably even the receptacle. 

Once the landscaping is complete, it is time to add the water.

You should let the pond sit for a few days before adding plants. This will give the sun a chance to burn off any chlorine or other chemicals that may harm the plants.

At this point, you’ll want to let  the plants settle for at least a week before you add the fish. At the end of this time, your water will be settled, and the plants have had a chance to take.

All that’s left at this point is to sit back and enjoy your new backyard fish pond!

If you were to list your home for sale, the realtor would pay attention to the outside of the home as well as the interior. He would likely suggest that you primp the landscaping to add “curb appeal” to any potential buyers.

Why on earth would you save this for a buyer? Isn’t it you that comes home each day to the house and yard? How much better would arriving at home be if you enjoy the view when you are pulling in? How much more relaxing sitting in the yard with a view that is all that you imagine?

Landscaping your yard takes a bit of hard work. But the effort is sooooo worth it!

First, take a good look at the lawn. An open lawn space is always beautiful. It is restful, and it adds a feeling of space to even a small yard.

Look carefully.

• Are there areas that are difficult to mow?
• Are there trees that were planted too close to the house?
• Any dead or dying trees?
• Areas that could benefit from dressing up or cleaning up?
• How about overgrown or overcrowded bushes?

Now that you have honestly evaluated the yard, the next step is to get it into shape. Clean up or clear out anything that needs it. Get the yard green and peaceful.

Any shrubs that you want to keep you can cut back, even beyond the thin green layer that is on the outside. It will take a few seasons for them to fill in again, but they will remain strong and healthy.

Use a stiff rake and dethatch the grass. This will encourage the lawn to thicken and help it green.

Use a can of spray paint to outline any areas that you have chosen for flower beds. This will not only keep you in line as you are digging, but it will give you a clear visual of the plan before you start.

Plan trees and shrubs carefully. Pay close attention to the adult height before you plant. Many homeowners have made the mistake of planting a “small” tree or bush close to the house only to find out that it becomes a nightmare as it grows.

Let your imagination run wild! Create your version of paradise in your own yard. You will enjoy it for many years and be grateful that you spent the time doing it.