How to make a pond in your garden, terrace or balcony

pond

pond

If you have a more or less large space and you do not want to have to fill it with plants, but you are looking for something more “exotic”, how about opting for a pond? Believe it or not, doing it is much easier than you think, and we are going to give you ideas of how to make a pond at home

Can you imagine having one on the terrace? Maybe one with a waterfall? What would a fish pond look like in your garden? Discover how it is done step by step.

Make a pond step by step

Make a pond step by step

Make a pond step by step

Building a pond in your house is, to say the least, original. You will make your garden, terrace or even your balcony look totally different and also very elegant. Also, you will not really need a natural source of water, but you can create it artificially. But how to make a pond?

Normally, a pond is a common thing in a garden. In addition, it is used as a way to decorate without requiring more maintenance or dedication (keep in mind that having a garden implies having to maintain it and take good care of it). In general, ponds are made to house them aquatic plants, animals

(such as fish, turtles, etc.) or even for the dogs themselves, a small “pool” for them.

Now, to do so, you need to take into account the needs that that pond is going to have. For example, if you put flowers on it, you will need to locate the pond in an area where it gives it at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, without any shadows. In the case of animals, we would even tell you more hours, because the water will thus be warmer and the animals will appreciate it.

You must also control the place where you are going to build it as well as the materials to be used. Among these materials you have to have stones, plastics, sand, gravel and a geotextile blanket on hand (it is the one that will help the pond not be invaded by plants).

In addition, you will need tools to build it, such as a shovel, scissors, stapler and a hoe.

The steps to take to build it

The steps to take to build your pondThe steps to take to build your pond

Source: Youtube Mayrene Camacho

Now that you have everything, and that you know where you are going to locate the pond, the first step is to dig a hole in the garden. To do this, use the shovel. You have to dig at least 1 meter high, including, if possible, a small step. This is perhaps the most time consuming, and the most tiring.

The next step is pour the sand to the base. For this you can help both with the shovel and with the hoe. You must respect that there are at least 10cm of sand on the entire surface because it will serve as a mattress for what needs to be put next, and at the same time it will avoid problems with insects or other elements of the garden.

First of all, we recommend that, once laid, you compact the sand well. This may cause you to have to add more sand, but it is advisable to do so because you will not have unforeseen surprises.

You already have the hole with the shape you want, and it is prepared with the sand to, in the next step, spread a plastic that covers the entire diameter of the hole. It is important that it be over, because you have to fix it to the ground. That’s what stones are for, to help you shape it.

Of course, remember that the plastic should sink into the holenot be too tense because then you will not be able to fill it with water, or if you do, the weight could drag the stones that you have placed. Take time to fix it well so that it does not fall and that it stays in the hole. Why? Well, because now you will have to fill it with water. If you do it little by little you will be able to shape the plastic so that it is as smooth as possible.

Finally, you will only have to outline the edges so that the plastic is not visible (putting stones and decorative elements) and placing the geotextile blanket so that no herbs or plants come out around the pond.

A pond on a terrace or balcony?

Do you think you can’t have your own pond on a terrace or on a balcony? Well, the truth is that you are wrong; Yes, they can be had, although it is true that they will not be as you really imagine them.

A pond can be perfectly created in a small space, and you will only need a container that houses the water and the plants or animals that you want to put inside. To do this, the steps to take are:

  • Get a container or container. It is important that it is resistant, that it is insulated (or that you can insulate it), and even, if it can be, isothermal, that is, that it prevents very low or very high temperatures). You can also do it in a way, with slats to build a kind of box, square or rectangular. Other options are flowerpots (without a hole at the bottom), large fountains, amphoras …). You are spoiled for choice.
  • Buy insulation. In this case it can be with rock wool, cork, styrofoam, or even plastic, like making a pond in the garden but with smaller dimensions and without digging.
  • Sealant paint. It is important, regardless of the insulation, that you also use it because it will give more assurance that the water will not leak.

The last thing you need to do is choose the plants or animals to introduce. Now, in the case of the latter, take into account the size of the pond since, if it is very small, they may not feel comfortable in it, especially if they start to grow.

Can you make a pond with a waterfall?

Can you make a pond with a waterfall?Can you make a pond with a waterfall?

Source: Youtube Steve Noara

One question that may arise when building your pond is whether it could have a waterfall. The answer is yes, now, the construction process is more elaborate because you need to get a water return system so that it falls through the stones you place. This also implies creating two levels of height, one for the base and another that simulates the waterfall (usually made with stones to make it look more natural).

Another alternative is to place a water pump that, even if it protrudes, makes the water move. It is much easier to apply but has the same drawback as the water return system: you will need to have it plugged into the power for it to work.

How to make a pond in your garden, terrace or balcony

Leave a Reply

Scroll to top

Discover more from DIY Gardens

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading