Ponds.
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Posted: Nov/23/2007 5:50 PM PST
Ok so we're getting a plan for the backyard and we're going to gate it I think so the dog can't get to it at all. Now, we want to add a pond. One of our neighbors has a really nice pond thing but it cost like 2000$. Is there a cheaper way to do it? Are those pond things any good? Could you add things to those ready made things to make them better? Thoughts, suggestions? |
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Posted: Nov/25/2007 3:31 AM PST
Well, I don't have a pond, but have thought about it, and viewed several pictures of good and bad ponds. It seems that there are two different kinds of liners-- the hard black plastic liners that look like kiddie pools, and the soft black plastic that's like a really thick and big garbage bag. The ponds that I have seen that seem to be most problematic aesthetically are the kiddie pool ponds. The biggest problem being covering up the edging adequately with stones so that it blends in with the surroundings. Other than that, because they tend to be shallow, you can see the plastic bottom. Also, because they are pre-formed, they're more likely to look unnatural and will require greater ingenuity to make the surroundings "work" with the pond, rather than creating a pond that works with the surroundings. So, I think it's fair to say that I am not particularly fond of pre-formed ponds. That said, they are probably the easiest to install and sturdier than the other liners, and so are probably adequate if you just want to have a water feature that isn't too fancy. If you're using the other kind of plastic, I think you're supposed to let it hang over above ground and cut it back to (I forget exactly) a foot, then weight it down/cover it up with stones or something. I would also suggest putting pea gravel or some other smooth stone at the bottom so you can't see the plastic. If you're going to have fish, it might be worthwhile to stack a few rocks in ther and/or water plants so they have somewhere to take refuge from predatory birds. As far as saving money, well for me, I would feel comfortable digging the hole and doing the liner and rocks, etc., but I would hire an electrician to make it possible to have a pump and filter in it. Even if you don't have a waterfall, you would probably still want a pump for air circulation. And another thing  , if the pond is over 3 feet deep, it's considered a pool and requires permits. Also, if you have underground electricity or natural gas, call those companies first to mark those lines before you start digging.... just some thoughts... hope this helps a little. 
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Posted: Nov/25/2007 12:30 PM PST
That does help. I did call to have them mark where the lines are to give me an idea of where I could put it. I didn't know about the depth thing, good to know. I don't mind digging myself and lining it. I just need to know how to do it..hehehe. You gave me a lot to think about, I appreciate that. |
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Posted: Nov/25/2007 12:46 PM PST
Up here in Ohio, everytime you dig in the ground to put a deep end in a swimming pool that's mostly above ground and bilevel or dig a pond you have to pay additional taxes on it. I don't know if your state is like that or not, but it might be something to look into, too. |
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Posted: Jan/29/2008 10:06 AM PST
Deirdre were you able to start your pond?? Got any pictures of it? |
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Posted: Mar/06/2008 4:16 PM PST
I like the idea of a pond in my yard, but just don`t have alot of money to put into one. Soooo, a friend of mine suggested getting a large round tub-type container digging a large enough hole to hold it and submerge it in the dirt. Then fill it with water, a pump and filter, and place some easy-to-care-for water plants in it. Da-dah! She also said to place some plants around it to make it look all tropical-like. I may give this a try soem time this year.
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Posted: Mar/10/2008 1:04 PM PST
Moonflower I see no reason why that wouldn't work. |
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Posted: Mar/10/2008 1:14 PM PST
We had 3 kinds of ponds, one all dirt and well fed, two hard molded plastic and one plastic liner. We pulled out the plastic liner because it was leaking and filled the hole with dirt and planted 3 25yr old Rhodo. trees there. The dirt pond that is well fed has a leak thanks to a muskrat digging threw it to the creek, and one molded plastic leaks, but only if we clean it. We have tried to patch it and it leaks but when it gets dirty it quits leaking so we only use it for a frog pond. So we have one molded plastic that works real good, no leaks...(knock on wood) and thats the one we keep the fish in. |
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Posted: Mar/10/2008 2:58 PM PST
They sell the big round tubs for water plants at a nursery here that sells water plants. I'm not even sure you need a pump for them. I think the plants clear the water for you after a certain percentage of the surface is covered in plant material. I dipped my toe in a water bowl garden last year but had only a 9 inch deep container. I had a dwarf papyrus, curly something grass, and water clover. They did fine and are in my garage still looking alive, but I'll need to find a bigger container this year. |
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Posted: Mar/12/2008 10:54 AM PST
Tubs are great for a pond...just make sure you have it set a bit above ground so the rain water does not create a run off into it! I have a how to I published here: (make sure to take out the weird space!) http://www.ehow.com/how_2001970_mostly-self-mainta ined-water-feature.html |
