garden pond

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Project Cost Estimator

Materials Description Quantity Cost

Pond Liner

Bedding Sand

Rocks, Pavers, Pebbles etc

Water Plants

Submersible pump (optional)

Optional pond filter,

fountain or spray head

Vinyl tubing

Equipment

Garden hose

Shovel

Wheelbarrow

Spirit level

Utility knife

TotalAll these materials you need for this job are available at Magnet Mart, yourhome improvement warehouse.

Phillip Hindmarsh Dr Ph 6281 1744 Fax 6285 2493Belconnen Lathlain St Ph 6251 4622 Fax 6253 1087Mitchell Vicars St Ph 6241 7311 Fax 6241 7545Gungahlin Crinigan Cir Ph 6228 9300 Fax 6228 9311Queanbeyan Yass Rd Ph 6297 8711 Fax 6299 2226Goulburn Sloane St Ph 4821 3533 Fax 4821 7347Bowral Bong Bong St Ph 4861 2355 Fax 4862 1066

Note: Due to the general nature of this advice and its individual application,neither the publisher nor the retailer assumes any responsibility for any loss,damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result ofthe use of this pamphlet. Magnet Mart 2004

HomeProject

MagnetMARTHome Warehouse

Easy to follow step-by-step guide

Important and handy tips

Materials check list Project Cost Estimator

Before you start, please read through this pamphlet carefully and

estimate and assemble all the materials you will need for the

project and gather your tools and equipment together. Refer to

the checklist and estimating form on the back panel of the

pamphlet to assist in this preparation.

Build aGarden

Pond


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Building A Lined Pond

These instructions relate to building a pond using a butyl rubber

pond liner, allowing a wide range of design options for the DIYpond installer.

1. Lay out the plan of the pond using a garden hose to mark thepond outline (see Fig 1). For a square or rectangular pond, usea string line stretched between stakes to mark the outline (seeFig 2).

2. Scrape away the topsoil and save it for future use this darkhumus is valuable to either spread over your garden or use to

establish new plantings around the pond.3. Dig the pond, sloping the sides at an angle of around 45o, you

can incorporate shallow shelves around the edge of the pond

for potted water plants as you dig (see Fig 3).

A water feature in your garden provides a focal point and addsgreat appeal to your outdoor living. Ponds are simple to install

and may be stocked with fish and a range of interesting marsh

and water plants.This brochure outlines the basics of building a pond with a butyl

rubber liner. Read the instructions carefully and assemble all thematerials and tools you will need for the job prior to commencingwork. The Project Estimator in this brochure will assist you to

collate materials and costs for your pond.

Siting The Pond

Look at your garden and think about the best location for the

new pond, ideally it should be at the lowest point as waterwould naturally gather there. If this is not appropriate, site thepond where it will receive adequate sunlight and be seen to best

effect.

Take note of your house plans and see if there are any

underground essential service lines passing under your proposedsite better to be sure before you start digging! If you wish toinstall a fountain, pond filter or cascade you will need easy accessto a power point for the pump.

Size and Shape

Generally, the larger and deeper a pond, the better it will be for

fish and water plants. Small ponds tend to dry out quickly in hotweather and the water temperature fluctuates widely, making itunsuitable for some plants and fish. Of course, you need to

consider how much digging you are prepared to do in decidingthe final size.

If you plan to build a pond using a rubber liner, the shape can beirregular as the liner can be fitted to just about any shape youwish. If you are installing a fibreglass pond, remember that atleast 600mm depth is best for water lilies and similar deep-water

plants. This depth will also help to protect your fish fromtemperature extremes and predatory birds.

You Can Build a Garden Pond

Fig 1 Mark the pond outlinewith a garden hose.

Fig 2 Use string line for a squareor rectangular pond.

Fig 3 Incorporate shallow shelvesfor water plants.


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7. Take the rolled-up liner and place it at one end of the pond,with the help of an assistant, unroll the liner across the pond,laying it gently into the excavation (see Fig 7).

8. Mould the liner with yourhands to the shape of thepond (see Fig 8), it is notnecessary to smooth out

every wrinkle, but doensure that there issufficient liner to conformto the internal shape ofthe pond.

9. Secure the edges of the liner with stones or bricks and start tofill the pond with water (see Fig 9). Watch the liner as thepond fills as you may need release sections of the liner to allowit to settle into the hole.

10. Allow the pond to settle for a few days, checking for leaksprior to completing the pond edging.

4. While shaping the pond, think about where overflow waterwill go in the event of heavy rain it is worth making provisionfor an overflow on the low side of the pond (see Fig 4),ensuring that the water will be directed away from the nearestbuilding.

5. Use a spirit level and length of timber to check that the edgesare level (see Fig 5). Clear the excavation of any protrudingrocks or other objects that may damage the liner.

6. Prepare the excavation for the liner by first lining it with a 50 80mm layer of sand, smoothing the sand layer with a trowel,spade or piece of timber (see Fig 6).

Fig 4 Allow overflow on the lowside of the pond and awayfrom buildings.

Fig 7 Unroll the lining across the pond.

Fig 8 Mould the liner to the shape ofthe pond.

Fig 9 Secure the liner with rocksand bricks before filling upthe pond.

Fig 5 Ensure edges are level with a spirit level.

Fig 6 Smooth out the sand layer.


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11. Dig a 150mm deep trench all around the pond to hide theoverhanging liner (see Fig 10). Lay the excess liner in thetrench and cover with soil, cut off any liner that cannot be

buried in the trench.

12. Complete the edging by placing flat rocks, timber sleepers or

pavers around the pond (see Fig 11) ensure that the edginghides the liner and the trench from view, giving your pond anatural look. Now you can stock your pond with fish and

plants to complete your new garden feature. Treat the pondwith a suitable ageing solution before adding fish for moreinformation consult your nearest aquarium specialist.

Adding Interesting Features

In your planning, consider the addition of a small fountain or a

flowing cascade. Fountains can be run cheaply using a lowvoltage submersible pump installed in the bottom of your pond.A cascade will involve the excavation of a series of ponds andthe addition of some rocks to create the illusion of a naturalcreek system.

Magnet Mart has a range of pumps suited to all types of garden

ponds, for advice on the pump to suit your needs talk to one ofour friendly Garden Department staff.

Some design guidelines for cascades:

Sloping blocks are best for creating a cascade, but you canconstruct an effective one on a flat block if you keep the system lowand wide to give the impression of a natural system (see Fig 12).

One or two very large bush rocks can add a great deal ofcharacter to your water feature, providing sheltered spots forplantings and habitat for frogs once the system is established.

Use pond liner to construct the waterway, placing stones and alayer of pebbles at the edges to create a natural appearance.

Place stones and river pebbles at the bottom of each fall toprotect the liner from the force of the water. Each fall should bea vertical drop of at least 150mm, remembering that the higher

the fall, the volume of water the pump will move will be reduced.

Set the pump in the lowest pond about 100mm above the pondbottom to keep it free of weed and sludge. Placing the pumpunder the falling water will reduce turbulence in the lower pool.Use vinyl tubing buried underground to take the water back upto the top of the system (see Fig 13).

Ensure that the pump is safely connected to a power supply.Solar energy pumps are available, obviously oncloudy days or at night these pumps dontwork without a backup power supply.

Fig 10Dig a trench to hide theoverhanging liner.

Fig 12Create a cascade.

Fig 13Set the pump system.

Fig 11Place flatrocks overthe edge ofthe pond.

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