Site Location
Selecting the site is extremely important. Is this to be a secluded getaway or a landscape feature to be viewed and enjoyed from inside the house? If the pond contains plants it needs to receive four to six hours of sunlight a day. Don’t site the pond where rain or sprinkler runoff will flood it or carry debris and lawn fertilizer into it. Keeping it from under trees that shed leaves or needles into the water will keep the pond cleaner. Be certain to locate near a power source if any of the pond components require electricity.

Types of Pond Liners
The first requirement for any pond is the ability to hold water. Pond liners and concrete ponds are good alternatives to natural water features. A pond liner can be rigid like a preformed pond liner or flexible to conform to custom excavations. Fiberglass liners now come with a more natural looking rock finish. The rougher finish also provides a habitat for beneficial bacteria to grow. A preformed pond liner is good for small ponds of 130 gallons or less. A concrete pond is long lasing and the most expensive to install. It can also leaks toxins into the water for a period of time if not properly sealed.
Fish ponds should be deep enough not to freeze solid in the winter and can be located in the shade. They require certain types of non-toxic fish pond liners. A Butyl pond liner or a fish grade pvc pond liner are the most commonly used. These flexible liners are easy to install and conform to the shape of the excavation.

Water garden ponds are home to a variety of plants and also need a non-toxic pond liner and one that won’t degrade in sunlight. A water lilly pond requires about the same depth and conditions as a fish pond.
Listening to the sound of a waterfall is soothing and relaxing after a hard day’s work. A huge amount of very realistic looking preformed waterfalls are available that are easy to install and give instant gratification. Simple designs are easiest to work with.

Maintenance
Fighting algae growth is the biggest battle in keeping the pond healthy and attractive. With proper care the pond will reach a balance where constant vigilance is unnecessary. Algae requires sunlight and excessive nutrients to grow. Broad leaf water plants shade the water and protect from too much light. The also make use of nutrients and so prevent their buildup. Plants may need monthly trimming to be kept in check and dying leaves should be removed. Scavengers, such as snails, feed on pond waste thereby performing a necessary service. Pond filters reduce algae, but need frequent cleaning to be effective. There are also chemicals that can be used to control algae, but care must be used since they may be toxic to plants and fish.

What You Need for a DIY Pond
First, you will need to look at the multitude of garden pond designs you could have. These are readily available online. You can usually find a number of examples that will give you some fantastic garden pond ideas and help you figure out what you want in a garden pond. You can create your own designs, as well. However, getting ideas from others is a great way to start. Try sketching out your own ideas, heart shaped, oval, or irregular, anything goes when it’s your own body of water! You can even change the depth of the pond, if you are so inclined; it’s completely up to you.

There are a number of factors to think about when it comes to building a backyard pond. Location is an obvious one, since you will want the pond to be in a good spot where it won’t overflow too quickly with a little rain, excessive run-off can adversely affect your garden pond water quality. You will also need to consider the pond liner, as well as pond pumps to keep the water fresh and any fountains flowing. If you opt for a waterfall, you’ll need to use a garden pond pump. This is also a good idea if you plan to put koi in your pond, as it keeps the water oxygenated for them.

Pond filters really help keep the water clean and clear and are a good investment. If you’re thinking that you can get away without all this gear, you probably can. However, then you’ll end up with a stagnant pond, full of green algae that leaks into the surrounding soil and needs to be refilled on a continual basis. This type of pond is unattractive and not a lot of fun to relax by. There are many garden pond kits on the market these days that make it all a lot easier for novices.

Instead of skipping the goods, make sure you have everything on hand and invest in the correct garden pond supplies, it makes life so much easier! Its not hard to create your dream garden, complete with a pool and waterfall. You won’t regret it, and it will transform your garden in ways you can’t imagine. A well made backyard pond brings peace and tranquility, but you do need to invest in the right goods, including a good quality butyl rubber liner to keep the water in, the right pond filter to ensure the water is fresh and clean and, of course, a pond pump which will keep that garden pond waterfall going.

Whatever pond items you need, from design ideas to the technical side of things, I am sure I can help you create the perfect garden pond for you.