Location
One of the most important decisions you will make regarding your new pond is its location. Most aquatic plants prefer direct sun. So, to maximize plant growth and blooms, position your pond to receive at least five hours of sun a day. If this is not an option, don’t be discouraged, there are also many shade tolerant plants to choose from. Another factor to consider is the pond’s proximity to trees. If possible, avoid locating your pond directly under trees to prevent excessive accumulation of leaves in your pond. Be sure to create your water garden in a location where you will get the most enjoyment from it. Many people prefer a view from a deck or patio.
Size and Depth
A comment often made by pond owners is that they wish they had made their pond larger. If you plan to have koi, consider making your pond at least 10′ x 15′ to include a section that is 3 feet deep. Smaller more shallow ponds are usually adequate for goldfish. Goldfish and lilies do best with at least 18″ of water depth. Most water lilies can adjust to a depth of up to 3 feet, but for ponds deeper than 3 feet, they will need to be raised with plant stands or rocks.
Liner
We recommend a 45 mil. EDPM rubber liner, available through Hill Country Water Gardens. It is fish and plant safe, puncture, scratch and UV resistant and has a 20-year warranty. Rubber liner is the most common material used to build ponds because there are no restrictions on style, size or shape.
Pumps and Filter Systems
We recommend some type of filtration system on all ponds. There are several options, and one of our staff will be glad to help you select the one best suited to your pond. When selecting a pump, choose one that will circulate the total amount of water in your pond once every hour to hour and a half. Your water feature (waterfall, fountain, etc.) will also help determine what size pump is needed.
Estimating Number of Gallons in your Pond
Average width x average length x average depth x 7.5 = estimated total gallons.
Estimating Liner Size
We recommend you dig the hole for your pond first, and then calculate the liner size using the following formula:
maximum length in feet
+ maximum depth in feet
+ maximum depth in feet
+ 3 feet
______________________
minimum length in feet
maximum width in feet
+ maximum depth in feet
+ maximum depth in feet
+ 3 feet
______________________
minimum width in feet
Example
A 6 ft. wide by 9ft. long by 1.5 ft. deep hole
9ft. + 1.5ft. + 1.5ft. + 3ft. = 15ft.
6ft. + 1.5ft. + 1.5ft. + 3ft. = 12ft.
Minimum size 12′ x 15′ = 180 square feet
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