One of the first and most important pond building choices you'll have to make is whether to make an above or below the ground pond. It sounds like a simple matter, but you should know that there are major differences between the two. The type of pond you choose to build will determine what methods you need to use in constructing it.
The site of your water garden will be the biggest influence on your choice. Depending on your pond's position in the garden, you'll have to prepare for things such as debris, weather, light exposure, utilities, and soil quality. Above and below the ground ponds each have advantages that will make one or the other more suited for the pond site.
Ultimately, planning, thinking, and research should go into this and every other choice you make in your pond project.
Building Below Ground
Below the ground ponds are simply excavated ditches that are lined and filled with water. In backyards, as well as in nature, the majority of ponds are below ground. This type of pond is usually easier and cheaper to build, not to mention that it has a more natural look than an above ground pond. Outdoor ponds built below the ground seamlessly blend with most garden and yard designs.
Below the ground ponds have the usual problems: debris, water runoff, ground conditions, and climate changes.
Above the Ground Ponds
Similar to raised swimming pools, an above the ground pond needs a thick, heavy wall. The usual materials for building your pond's wall are timber, brick, or cement. Your pond will also need waterproof lining before it is filled with water.
While the natural look works for most, there are some cases in which the pond design calls for a formal pond, perfect for an above the ground pond. You can build your backyard pond's structure to complement the surrounding architectural features. It also gives you the chance to integrate maintenance function such as built-in insulation and filtration systems, which cannot be done with below the ground ponds. If done well, a raised pond can look as beautiful as any other water garden.
And now for the cons. The biggest problem of building a raised pond is judging the strength of the wall. It must be built to contain the weight of the water. Otherwise, it could crack and leak water all over your beautiful garden.
Slow and steady is the key to successful pond building. Think things through before executing them and try to plan ahead for problems. Design your pond in a way that is both practical and beautiful to your eyes. - 33393
The site of your water garden will be the biggest influence on your choice. Depending on your pond's position in the garden, you'll have to prepare for things such as debris, weather, light exposure, utilities, and soil quality. Above and below the ground ponds each have advantages that will make one or the other more suited for the pond site.
Ultimately, planning, thinking, and research should go into this and every other choice you make in your pond project.
Building Below Ground
Below the ground ponds are simply excavated ditches that are lined and filled with water. In backyards, as well as in nature, the majority of ponds are below ground. This type of pond is usually easier and cheaper to build, not to mention that it has a more natural look than an above ground pond. Outdoor ponds built below the ground seamlessly blend with most garden and yard designs.
Below the ground ponds have the usual problems: debris, water runoff, ground conditions, and climate changes.
Above the Ground Ponds
Similar to raised swimming pools, an above the ground pond needs a thick, heavy wall. The usual materials for building your pond's wall are timber, brick, or cement. Your pond will also need waterproof lining before it is filled with water.
While the natural look works for most, there are some cases in which the pond design calls for a formal pond, perfect for an above the ground pond. You can build your backyard pond's structure to complement the surrounding architectural features. It also gives you the chance to integrate maintenance function such as built-in insulation and filtration systems, which cannot be done with below the ground ponds. If done well, a raised pond can look as beautiful as any other water garden.
And now for the cons. The biggest problem of building a raised pond is judging the strength of the wall. It must be built to contain the weight of the water. Otherwise, it could crack and leak water all over your beautiful garden.
Slow and steady is the key to successful pond building. Think things through before executing them and try to plan ahead for problems. Design your pond in a way that is both practical and beautiful to your eyes. - 33393
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