Installation and Set up of Your Garden Pond

Once you have decided to set up a water feature in your garden, your next move would be to seek a location for your garden pond or pool. If you plan to grow water lilies or water lotuses, choose a spot that gets at least four hours of sunlight a day since these plants prefer warm climates. You might also want to find a spot that is away from trees since the leaves may rot in the water causing toxins to be released to the fishes. All this can affect the state of your pond so stay away from trees and shrubs which lose their leaves often. Some of these trees and shrubs include holly, laurel, rhododendron, poplar, horse chestnut and willow. Their salts and gases will affect the health of your fishes in the pond or pool, so be warned. Some tree roots could also damage your pond linings so it is wise to set up your pond away from such interference.

Water Lilies prefer warm temperatures

As you plan the location of your pond, you will want to ensure that it is close to electrical sources that would run your water feature. You also have to decide the size, shape and style of the pond or pool. Some like it geometric, others may prefer free form while some may also prefer the formal approach as others lean towards the informal styles.

Availability of Flexible and Rigid Pond Liners

Kois symbolize good luck and prosperity

These days, with a little investment coupled with some careful reading and preparation, homeowners can install their garden ponds without paying for a landscaper. Setting up a garden pond or pool no longer requires you to mix concrete. Now, you can build a pond using either a lightweight synthetic liner or a rigid fiberglass shell. Of course, you still need to work to dig the hole and get the liner and shell fitted in well, but at least you do not need to mix concrete and set the foundation.

Sometimes you might have to opt for a flexible liner when the pond you want may be too large for a prefabricated liner. You also use these liners when you plan on a shape that is freeform. There are a number of flexible liners available today. They include:

Polyethylene is used but is not permanent and can be a consideration for temporary pools. The problem is it tears easily and can crack with exposure to sunlight. Most last only about 2-3 years.

Polyvinyl chloride or PVC has a lifespan about 10-15 years and is more durable than polyethylene.

You can use fountainheads to create unique water sprays for your garden pond

Synthetic rubber sheeting might be a suitable consideration for long term use and is durable using materials which are safe for all aquatic life. It is also known to be impervious to sunlight, frost and air pollution. Its stretchable quality is better considered for lining pools and ponds than traditional concrete which might crack under stress. There are two types of synthetic rubber sheeting in the marketplace – EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and butyl rubber. Both types last longer than any other liner after 20 years of field tests. Although it can be expensive, it is an investment if you are planning a pool or pond that will last for years.

Fiberglass and reinforced plastic are certainly suitable for use as lasting rigid liners. Fiberglass as an instance, is impervious to freezing, heaving and degradation from the sun’s UV rays. Look for a guarantee of at least 20 years when shopping for rigid liners which are also suitable for lining small raised pools.