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|  Pond ConstructionThe construction of a liner pond can be divided into a number of stages.
Stage 1 Layout
A garden hose, rope, or electrical cords should be used with wood pegs to mark out the proposed shape of the pond. If the surface is lawn, fill the garden hose with water overnight so that an impression is made. You may also want to mark the final design with spray paint or flour.
Stage 2 Excavation (first steps)
► Remove the turf, and remove the soil down to a depth of 9 inches (or whatever your stone or plant shelf will be.
► Start digging in the middle and work outwards.
► Avoid breaking the pond edges.
► Regular checks of the depth are necessary to ensure that you follow your plans.
► Undisturbed soil makes a much better foundation than an area that has been back-filled and firmed.
► Use a level or string line with line level to determine that the shelves and rim are level with one another. Otherwise, when filled with water, liner material may be exposed.
► Dig deep section inside the pond. Make level.
► Sweep up loose dirt and discard.
► Cut roots extending into pond.
► Remove stones, sticks or roots that may puncture the liner.
Stage 3 Underliner & Sand
This will help protect the liner from puncture from stones. If the bottom is rough with stones, put a 2 inch layer of sand. Even if the soil seems smooth, use a pond underliner, which is a synthetic fabric to cover all surfaces since stones can work their way to the surface. To save money you may choose to use newspapers or old carpeting.
Stage 4
Completely unfold the pond liner on the lawn. Caution; do not leave the liner on the lawn more than a few minutes, especially on a hot day, otherwise the grass could be killed. Fold the liner equally from the outside in from all four sides. Carry the liner into the center of the hole and start unfolding outwards. Make sure the liner is centered in the hole so when completely unfolded all edges extend around the rim. Smooth out the liner and work it into all corners. Avoid stepping next to the edge of the shelves so they do not collapse.
Stage 5
Place stones on the liner perimeter to position liner. As the pond fills with water remove the stones so the liner settles into place. The rising water will help minimize creases. While the pond is filling take the smaller folds and wrinkles and pull together as pleats. Inevitably some soil will fall in the pond during stage 4, so once the pond is 1/10th full, pump out the dirty water and start filling again.
Stage 6
When the pond is completely full, stones can be placed around the perimeter. Once you have completed this stage and are satisfied with the stone placement, then you may trim the excess liner. Do not cut this liner prematurely. The liner should be positioned above the surface of the garden so that runoff of water and mud does not flow into the pond.
Stage 7
Now the pond can be planted. Planting areas for marginal plants can be built into shelves. Line the planting areas with fabric underliner to help hold soil. Plastic planter pots, baskets or Aqua Planters can be used for marginal plants or lilies. Lilies and lotus plants are placed in the bottom of the pond. By confining plants to pots, baskets and built-in planters, roots can be contained and your pond will not become overgrown.
Stage 8
Untreated tap water is not generally safe for pond use. Most tap water contains chlorine, chloramines and heavy metals that are harmful to fish. Use AquaSafe to neutralize and/or remove these additives converting this water into fish-safe pond water. AquaSafe also provides a protective coating for the fish.
Stage 9
Mulch and landscape around pond. Enjoy your new beautiful pond.
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