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5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Garden Ponds

Team McFly Oct 31, 2023
9 People Read
Garden-Ponds
Table of Contents
  1. A Garden Pond Is an Excellent Way to Add Beauty to Your Yard
    1. Intro
    2. Pre-formed ponds
    3. Flexible Pond Liner Options
    4. Need For Good Bacteria
    5. Cost
    6. Location
    7. Recent Featured Posts:

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. View our Affiliate Disclaimer.  

A Garden Pond Is an Excellent Way to Add Beauty to Your Yard

Intro

A small garden pond can be the perfect place for a few goldfish. Unlike a natural pond, which is often too large to contain fish, a garden pond can be any size.

When choosing the location of your pond, make sure to avoid digging near underground utilities or on a slope. Check your local authorities or property deeds for information on potential underground utilities. Also, avoid planting deciduous trees near your pond, as you'll need to remove leafy branches.

Pre-formed ponds

If you want a beautiful garden pond, but don't have the time to dig a hole for a bespoke-shaped koi pond, a pre-formed skimmer is worth considering. These ponds are ready-made and come with all the features you need, including a built-in plant shelf. Pre-formed koi ponds are particularly popular with urban gardeners, as they are easier to install and maintain.

Some people may think that pre-formed ponds look inorganic, but they can be offset with unique landscaping. A planned design will enable you to identify materials and distribute them more efficiently. Some pond shells need to be cleaned before filling and may need a liner and rock filling before the pond can be filled.

Pre-formed ponds are more attractive than their traditional counterparts, and may even have decorative features like a waterfall.

Flexible Pond Liner Options

There are several types of flexible liners for garden ponds. Most are made from EPDM or polypropylene, which is innately flexible and does not require any plasticizers.

This type of liner is capable of conforming to irregular shapes, taking up strain from various angles, and remaining flexible even at temperatures as low as -50°C. In addition, this type of liner is durable and has a 20-year warranty.

Reinforced polyethylene (RPE) liners are made from a plastic compound and are very durable, lasting for up to 40 years. They are also very lightweight and can be welded together with a heat gun. In addition, reinforced polyethylene liners are certified safe for use with potable water.

These types of liners are less bendable than EPDM rubber. However, they are still durable and offer the best value for money.

Need For Good Bacteria

Besides keeping your pond clean, you can use beneficial bacteria to control algae and other harmful pollutants. These organisms break down ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates into less harmful compounds. They can also help break down dead organic matter. In fact, these bacteria are a must for keeping your pond clean and healthy. You can find many different strains of bacteria, including the ones mentioned below.

Adding beneficial bacteria is relatively easy. Just make sure you test the water quality before you begin. You don't want to overpopulate the pond because this will cause the oxygen to decrease. Alternatively, you can purchase bacteria for your pond at aquatic and gardening stores.

They can also be obtained online. For a better understanding of the bacteria's benefits, you can check out the different types of beneficial bacteria available.

Cost

The cost of a garden pond depends on several factors. The location, size, and type of liner used will determine how much the whole project will cost. The liner material you choose, as well as the price of the water filter and heater, will also affect the overall cost.

Some ponds even have fish that live in them, which can increase the total cost. If you decide to install fish, the cost of keeping them will be higher than if you do not.

There are two main types of garden ponds: concrete and stone. Concrete ponds will cost $60 to $120 per square foot. Although concrete is not the most common material for backyard ponds, it is a durable and long-lasting choice. These ponds can be painted black or left natural.

This type of pond also lasts for years, without requiring too much maintenance. However, concrete ponds are not suitable for most landscapes.

Location

One of the most important factors when installing a garden pond is the location. Consider how much sun the area will get - a pond will need three to four hours of direct sunlight each day to grow. If it gets too much sun, it can cause the water to become too cold, or even evaporate during the hot summer months.

Avoid placing it in a low spot to avoid these problems. Lastly, decide what kind of view you want to give guests and family members. If the area is not accessible from outside, you can always install a seat or two so they can view the pond.

Before you build your pond, you must consider the location of utility lines. The pond should be at least 20 feet away from property lines. You should mark them if they run through the area.

You can also call 811 to mark their location. Also, avoid building your pond in an area where winds blow. Windy areas can cause water to run off your pond, so it is important to plan your location accordingly.

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Table of Contents
  1. A Garden Pond Is an Excellent Way to Add Beauty to Your Yard
    1. Intro
    2. Pre-formed ponds
    3. Flexible Pond Liner Options
    4. Need For Good Bacteria
    5. Cost
    6. Location
    7. Recent Featured Posts:

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. View our Affiliate Disclaimer.