Before you start your do-it-yourself pond project consider these tips from Mark The Pond Guy, an expert in designing and building residential ponds, waterfalls, pondless water features and the new rainwater harvesting water features.
Tip #1--Think bigger.
The most common mistake people make in a DIY pond project is creating a pond that is too small. If you have a typical yard, think about your pond as a focal point, a destination, and as an area for relaxation. You want the wow factor that only a larger pond can give. If you have a very small space, such as a courtyard, a Pondless® Waterfall may be a better choice than a pond. According to Mark The Pond Guy, the average pond owner will have three water features in their lifetime with each one getting bigger.
Tip #2--Add a waterfall or fountain.
The sound of moving water will add to the enjoyment of your pond. When designing a waterfall, natural stone is the only way to go according to Mark The Pond Guy. Synthetic stone rarely looks real. Alternatives to a waterfall that will bring the sound of water to your pond include bubbling rocks, fountains and jets of water.
Tip #3--Place the pond close to your living spaces.
For maximum enjoyment of your pond, build your pond where you can see and hear it from inside your home and from your outdoor seating or dining area. If you intend to grow flowering, sun-loving plants, such as water lilies, place the pond in an area that will receive 6 hours of sunshine.
Tip #4—Deeper is not necessarily better. Experts disagree on the depth that a pond must be if you are going to add koi. After hundreds of pond installations, Mark The Pond Guy has proven that a pond depth of 2 feet is enough to support and overwinter koi (in western Washington).
Tip #5—Build for easy maintenance.
Ponds can practically take care of themselves when you include skimmers and filters in your construction. Skimmers will catch large floating debris, such as tree leaves and needles that will clog filters and pumps, and decay in the bottom of the pond.
Filters help to purify the water to keep it clear and remove impurities. Filters come in different sizes. The right one for you will depend on the size of your pond and whether you have fish.
Tip #6—Set a realistic budget.
Think of your pond as an investment in the value of your home and a source of personal enjoyment. Mark The Pond Guy suggests comparing the value and cost of a pond with that of other enhancements to outdoor living, such as a spa, deck, natural stone patio, or gazebo.
Tip #7—Learn first, dig second.
Pond construction can be an enjoyable, fulfilling and trouble-free if you do your research first. Many books, websites and “how to” DVD’s are available with valuable information about building a pond. Pond kits and equipment also come with very helpful manuals. Mark The Pond Guy recommends that you read and follow those instruction manuals.
Tip #8--Know your limitations.
Making a natural-looking and well-functioning pond involves vision, attention to detail, and hours, days, perhaps weeks, of your time. An unfinished pond project can be costly and discouraging. S
For homeowners who want to make sure they build their pond right, experts can help. In addition to designing and building custom ponds, Mark the Pond Guy offers on-site consultations to help you design your pond and includes a list of the equipment, with pricing, that you will need. To set up a consultation, email Mark at mark@markthepondguy.com or call (253) 863-3499.
