From 
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1. Lay out
a garden hose to establish approximate pond borders, adjusting and readjusting
until you’re satisfied with the shape of the pond. Then dig out the pond
bed, terracing both shallow and deeper areas for plants. Exposed rocks, tree
roots and anything else that might puncture the liner must be removed from the
hole.
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2.
Establish the pond borders by setting a level on a board long enough to span
the hole. Make the banks level by building up low spots or cutting down high
spots.
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3. Measure the depth of the hole and plant shelves, keeping in mind that the water level will be a few
inches below the banks of the pond. Fish require a section at least 18 in.
deep.
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4. Line the pond bed with a 1/2-in. layer of newspapers. The newspaper helps prevent liner
punctures and will eventually decompose and form a clay-like layer. You can
also use the special pond underlayment that’s available at your pond
supply dealer. It costs about $3 per square yard.
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5. Lay in the liner so it loosely conforms to the contours of the hole. Don’t worry
about folds and ripples; they’ll flatten out when you add water. Put
rocks on one side to hold the liner in place while you adjust the other. Any
excess material can be trimmed off with scissors or a utility knife after the
pond is full of water and encircled with rocks.
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6. Line the pond sides with boulders and set in the pump container. Wash down the rocks
after they’re in place and then empty the pond with your pump. For large
rocks, lay a scrap piece of liner slightly smaller than the rock on top of the
pond liner before positioning the rock. This helps prevent
punctures.
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Fine-Mesh Net
An easier but more expensive way to clean out this debris is with an automatic skimmer system, kind of a dishwasher for your pond. Once you have one, you can’t imagine pond life without it. A skimmer system works off the inflow of your pump. Water is drawn through a tub containing a mesh bag that collects leaves, paper and other debris. The system bags it for you -- all you have to do is empty the bag about once a week. The frequency will depend on the time of year, the amount of wind and the number of trees in your area.
An easier but more expensive way to clean out this debris is with an automatic skimmer system, kind of a dishwasher for your pond. Once you have one, you can’t imagine pond life without it. A skimmer system works off the inflow of your pump. Water is drawn through a tub containing a mesh bag that collects leaves, paper and other debris. The system bags it for you -- all you have to do is empty the bag about once a week. The frequency will depend on the time of year, the amount of wind and the number of trees in your area.
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Skimmer and Filter System
It’s easiest to install a skimmer system when you build your pond. If you decide to add it later, you’ll have to drain your pond, dig a hole and readjust the liner. Skimmers cost $200 and up.
It’s easiest to install a skimmer system when you build your pond. If you decide to add it later, you’ll have to drain your pond, dig a hole and readjust the liner. Skimmers cost $200 and up.
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Skimmer and Filter System, cont'd
The second threat to a clean pond is algae, microscopic plants that’ll turn your pond green. A small amount of algae is beneficial, but large amounts can have your pond looking like the swamp monster scene from Scooby-Doo.
The second threat to a clean pond is algae, microscopic plants that’ll turn your pond green. A small amount of algae is beneficial, but large amounts can have your pond looking like the swamp monster scene from Scooby-Doo.
