Thinking of Building a Pond?
- Barbara Holder
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31
As far back as I can remember, I have always dug in the dirt, played with rocks, water, and flowers. A year ago, when we moved into a new home, there was an area of erosion beside a concrete brick wall. My husband said, “We need to extend the wall.” I said no, it’s a waterfall! After a few months of research, including reading and watching videos, I was ready to dig in!
Steps included:
Determine how big a pond and/or waterfall that you desire. Measure and place wood stakes in your desired area.
Order your supplies. I chose to purchase a pond kit from Half Off Ponds. It arrived via freight and contained everything I would need (minus a shovel). The website will aid you in choosing the right kit, brand, liner, and size. The pond calculator makes it so easy to ensure that you order the correct size. Keep in mind that the pond depth for fish should be at least three feet.
Dig! Personally, I started with the waterfall and worked my way down the spillway to the pond. On the way downward, rock walls were built to decrease the chance of further erosion during the project. The spillway was sculpted to include four smaller waterfalls separated by wading pools. Remove roots, rocks, and sharp objects. The skimmer basket that will also house the pond pump should be placed at the edge of the lowest perimeter point for the water flow.
Place the underlayment.
Place the liner (I chose the thickest, as my daughter’s Golden Retriever jumps and swims in the pond).
Secure the perimeter. My chosen medium was rock, delivered from a local nursery.
Place the waterfall container. I chose to place it inside the liner. Place the skimmer box. I chose to place it outside of the liner due to it floating. Cut the hole in the liner for the skimmer basket. Place the pump into the back of the skimmer basket and connect the flexible hose to it. Connect the hose to the waterfall container, making certain that the plug is placed at the bottom.
Water test. Fill the pond with water. Check the pump. As the water flows, check for leaks and areas where the water is not contained. The spillway is the crucial area.
Place Florida Native Plants, mulch, add good bacteria to the pond water, and add fish to the pond in a few days following a water test and balancing.
Enjoy!
Feel free to contact your extension office and speak with a Master Gardener Volunteer.
References:
Bing Videos; Build a Pond with a Waterfall
Preventing Erosion - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)
Principle 5 Attract Wildlife - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)
Principle 8 Reduce Runoff - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS (ufl.edu)
University of Florida. Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design
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