How to install a pond in your garden?

You have decided to install an ornamental pond in the garden but you don’t know where to start… In this article you will find all the information you need to install your pond yourself and which type of pond to choose.

What kind of pool?

There are 2 types of washbasins on the market:

• Preformed tubs
• Covered ponds

Which preformed washbasin to choose?

The already shaped and pre-formed ponds offer the possibility of easily and quickly installing your garden pond. They are generally UV and frost resistant and come in a multitude of shapes and levels.

The choice of preformed washbasin occurs mainly in relation tothe desired shape and use : a pond with a few plants and a fountain, a complex pond with various plants, fish, water features, etc.

If you plan to install fish and leave them outside, this is essential a multi-level preformed swimming pool with a depth of 80 cm. The fish will be able to take refuge during the cold of winter.

For this type of pool it is sufficient to remember that it is suitable for maximum water volumes of 4000 litres.

Which tarpaulin to choose?

There are mainly two types of materials for the tarpaulin which are:

• PVC or polyvinyl chloride : this material has the advantage of being inexpensive but unfortunately also less durable. It is more fragile to frost and UV rays and has a lifespan of approximately ten years.
• EPDM or ethylene propylene diene monomer: EPDM tarpaulin has a very long lifespan, which can reach up to several decades. More expensive, it is also very resistant to temperatures.
  Installation is easier than PVC tarpaulin, more elastic, EPDM tarpaulin can stretch and produce less wrinkles.

For the ornamental pond it is necessary to choose a tarpaulin thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm depending on the size of the pond.

How much tarpaulin?

To calculate the necessary amount of tarpaulin, you need to measure the pit with a tape measure, in length and width (you need to place the tape measure in the pit). Just add 1m to the length and width and you will get the size of the tarpaulin.

For example, my pit measures L.5 m x L.3.50 m, I have to bring L.6 m x L.4.50 m of tarpaulin.

Which place to choose for your ornamental pond?

To install your pond, the area must benefit from sufficient sunlight.Minimum 4 to 6 hours a day. This condition is necessary for vegetation to develop optimally.

The ideal, if your garden allows it, would be for the pool to be in the shade (or partially) during the hot hours of the summer season (from 12 to 4 pm) and in the sun the rest of the time.

Plants and/or fish?

The pond needs plants for proper functioning and in particular for the oxygen they release. However, you should not cover more than 30% of the pond surface with plants. The sun must be able to penetrate the waters. You need to make sure that the roots of the plants do not leave the pond.

Of course you can put some fish in there. To do this, you need to wait 2 to 3 months so that the installed plants have had time to develop and the water has been purified. To preserve the water balance, it is highly recommended to install a filtration system. Be sure to inquire about the type of fish and the number of fish depending on the volume of water in your pond.

Jardideco’s tips: «shimmering duckweed», «water buttercup» and dense elodea provide plenty of oxygen

Install a preformed pond

5. You can then fill the tray with water and plant the plants.

Install a tarp pond

A pond is ideally composed of several water levels:

1) Create a deep water area
The ideal depth for the deep water area is between 100 and 150 cm. This is so that the water does not warm up too quickly in the summer and does not freeze in the winter so that the fish can take refuge in the deep area.

2) Create an area of ​​reduced depth
The depth should be between 30 and 50 cm. This area allows you to observe animals and many plants thrive.

3) Create a swampy area
With a depth of up to 30 cm, it is suitable for abundant planting.

5. Finalize

Cut off the excess tarpaulin.

For more information on ponds, I will post an article on the topic soonlayout of your pond with a fountain, waterfall, etc. and an article on pond decoration. You’ll have to wait a while!