Pond in the country: varieties and technology do it yourself

Own artificial pond in the country has ceased to be a luxury, now everyone can build such a masterpiece. Such a structure can be aesthetic and functional. Some ponds are designed to decorate the landscape, others are designed for swimming or breeding fish. Even a simple observation of the water in the pond calms and improves mood. It’s easy to make a pond on your plot; it’s enough to understand the basic nuances.

For some people, an artificial pond is not a decoration, but a necessity. If an annoying stream flows through your site or you have long been reconciled with marshy land, the pond will thoroughly improve your position. It is best to build a reservoir in the spring.For self-built pond there are many options that involve the use of special expensive materials or available (even improvised) tools. Such a construction does not require much time, effort and money. It will only require attention to detail and strict adherence to the recommendations.

An artificial pond at the cottage is built for various purposes. By this criterion we can distinguish the following types:

• Little. The reservoir of the small size becomes part of landscaping. It is designed to decorate a certain area in the garden. Near such a pond, you can read a book in the chair, but it does not imply an active rest.
• Decorative. Deeper than the previous version. Such a pond has a fountain inside, lighting around the perimeter, an openwork bridge and other decorative elements. The purpose of ornamental ponds - to attract all the attention. Such reservoirs are located near the gazebo or open terrace.
• For breeding fish. Such a reservoir will delight fishermen, children and cats. It is pleasant to watch beautiful fish, and many species will fit perfectly for dinner. It is important not only to run the fish, but also to create comfortable conditions for their reproduction.
• For swimming. Own water on the site - a good alternative to a simple pool.Such a pond is not limited only to aesthetic properties, but also carries benefits. A small reservoir will provide an opportunity to refresh in the heat, and a deep and large one will allow you to swim and play water games.

Modern manufacturers offer a large abundance of materials for the independent manufacture of the pond. It all depends on your goals and financial capabilities. To make the right choice, you must carefully examine all possible options. For the device swimming pond a good option would be the construction of a concrete bowl.

Filling the pond allows you to use it for a long time. This option is quite expensive, but reliable. A more suitable and affordable option is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fiberglass. Reliability of materials allows to operate the bowl from 5 to 30 years, it directly depends on the work carried out and the type of material.Both options create a pond allow you to create the desired depth and shape.

Purchased forms - a simplified version. It is enough to dig out the pit, build in the form and reinforce the structure with sand. Plastic bowls are quite durable and easily tolerate winter frosts. Polypropylene bowls are afraid of UV rays and become unusable due to their long-term exposure. The disadvantages of such structures is considered to be a fairly high price and difficult transportation.

A bowl under a large pond will be hard to reach to the destination without damage. Moreover, elementary skills of assembling such constructions will be needed; it is difficult for beginners to cope with such a task without damaging the bowl.

Of all the finished forms, fiberglass construction with a rubber base is considered to be the best option. This form is reliable and durable. If problems occur, it can be repaired, in contrast to simpler options. Such a pond bowl withstands a changeable climate. Quite an interesting material for the pond in the country is a polymer film. With its help, you can create a pond of any desired shape.

Polyethylene film - the most affordable. Lured by this option, be prepared that the pond will delight you for a long time. You can extend the pleasure with the help of PVC film. If you follow all the rules of installation and use, the film will last more than 10 years, as experts say. The material can be replaced by less expensive, using the old advertising banners. They are often sold at low prices.

The most reliable film is butyl rubber, made of rubber. Masters recommend the use of such material to those who have a pond of impressive depth, the bottom with a lot of stones and roots. You can enjoy the pond with such waterproofing for 50 years. The big advantage of the material is its favorable reaction to repeated freezing and thawing. Specialized materials - the preferred option, but not the only one. Craftsmen offer such options:

• Old bath. Such an object can be painted and installed on the surface, or it can be lowered into the ground to an arbitrary depth. Together with the pond, you can easily install a small fountain.
• Tire covers. Variable use tires or wheels as a frame for a small pond.
• Wash. Installation method is similar to the bathroom. The object itself is so light that such ponds are often made by children and women, whereas they cannot cope with the bathroom. It is important to pay special attention to the decor, so as not to overload space with details.
• Plastic bottles. Such material gives the chance to create small reservoirs with the maximum speed. It is enough to cut the bottle at the desired level and prikopat in the right place.

It is impossible to state unequivocally that a large pond will cost more than a small one or it will have better aesthetic properties. The best options to choose, starting from your goals. Key factors when choosing a size:

• Dimensions. This parameter depends solely on the location of the reservoir. It is believed that the reservoir should cover no more than 3-10% of the total area of ​​the dacha. There are no clear boundaries, it all depends on your preferences.
• Length and width. This criterion also depends largely on the size of the site, the purpose of the reservoir and on your capabilities. The last one concerns digging a trench - you can dig a little on your own, for big you need special equipment.
• Depth. The larger the pond, the deeper it can be done. So, a mini-construction can have a depth of several tens of centimeters, and a swimming pool - a few meters.

• Zoning is important for large reservoirs. Design experts recommend dividing the reservoir into 3 zones. The coastal zone is 10-40 cm deep for approaching the pond and disembarking ornamental plants. Shallow water zone - from 40 cm to 1 m, at this depth you can land a winter-hard water lily or nymph. If it is a swimming pool, then such a zone will give the opportunity to smoothly enter the water. At a shallow depth children can swim. The deepwater zone is more than 1 meter deep, adults can swim here, and fish are also bred at that depth.
• Biodynamic balance. It is necessary to take into account this factor if all sorts of animals live in the pond. Ensure a balance so that the artificial pond can be cleaned on its own.Purification of water in a pond with fish or plants using chlorine or ozone is not provided.
• Care. As a rule, the larger the reservoir, the easier it is to clean it. Be sure to think about ways to care for plants, fish and the pond itself.

It is very important to properly arrange the reservoir. Especially if we are talking about a large-scale structure that will serve you for years. Important factors when choosing a place:

• Plot size. This factor is closely related to the size of the pond itself, and hence its location.
• Relief. It is important to consider the combination of land relief with the forms of the pond itself.
• The composition of the soil and groundwater. This factor is directly related to the maximum depth of the pond. In case of unfavorable circumstances, additional efforts and expenses for material are waiting for you.
• Illumination. Choose a shaded place. It is impossible for the sun to fall on the water more than 5-6 hours a day. Neglect of this factor leads to active evaporation of water and to increased activity of bacteria. To select the desired location, observe the solar mode for 2-3 days. It is especially important to correctly evaluate this criterion when breeding fish.In heated water, the amount of oxygen decreases, which can lead to the death of pets.
• Visibility. Choose a place so that the pond can be seen from the window or arbor. The decorative pond will become a visiting card of your site if it is noticeable at the entrance to the territory.

• Reflection. It is not strange, it is better to think out in advance what will be reflected in your reservoir. If a toilet in the yard or a shed will be reflected in it, this can spoil the overall impression.
• The degree of greening. Make sure that the roots of the trees will not damage the pond bowl. Also note that in the fall leaves and branches may fall into the pond, which will turn into silt at the bottom. Negligence in choosing the right place can lead to difficulties in caring for the pond. If you really want to decorate the perimeter of the pond bushes, then consider the option of plants in barrels (tubs).
• Power supply. Some decorative elements work on electricity. So, you can put an interesting fountain, make lighting and much more. The main thing is to carefully consider the option of supplying electricity to water. Think of this question better at the design stage.It is safest to locate the wires underground in a reliable corrugation. Equip the hatch for permanent access.
• Future extensions and improvements. Plan for the future. You might want to expand the pond or work on the recreation area next to it in more detail. Provide free space on at least one side of the pond.

The tone of waterproofing is of great importance, affects the overall image. The bottom of the black color creates the illusion of a mirror. In such a reservoir, plants, the sky are perfectly reflected. The material of brown and black color allows you to create an imitation of natural soil, which is usually located at the bottom of the reservoir.

Blue and cream ponds do not strongly resemble the creation of nature, but are an excellent option when breeding colorful fish. Also, blue and grayish tones are great for the pond in which you are going to swim. These colors mimic the bottom of the pool.

It is almost impossible to describe all forms of ponds, because the imagination of design masters knows no bounds. Conventionally, you can select the correct geometric shapes and fantasy. Among the first most popular designs in the form of a circle, oval, rectangle. Fantasy forms are more fanciful, and this is their charm. Such ponds are most similar to the creation of nature, which does not tolerate severity. Among the popular forms, it is possible to distinguish exactly the imitation of the natural form.

Specialists in the field of design responsibly declare that the dacha pond can be made in two versions, and here they can have many modifications. Design options:

1. Formal. The name speaks for itself. Such a dacha reservoir has clear geometric forms. This option is well suited for areas in the style of modern, hi-tech, minimalism, classic. Formalities include not only rectangular, square and round ponds. This also includes broken shapes, they can be both symmetrical and asymmetrical. The design of such ponds is strict. Classic neutral colors are used. For a formal reservoir is characterized by a small number of additional decorative elements or their complete absence.
2. Landscape. This option is more popular than the previous one.Such a pond has a fuzzy coastline, close to the natural form. It is the landscape style that makes it possible to create a harmonious balance between an artificial reservoir and nature itself. You can embody your wildest ideas. Before choosing the style of the pond, evaluate the relief of the site. Smooth soil guarantees the embodiment of any fantasy form.

You can create a suitable relief by artificial means. It will require the use of more complex technologies when working with the foundation. Negligence will lead to bias due to subsidence of the land. A high pond (located above the ground) is also possible as part of the landscape design. There are many advantages of this design:

• Easy to care.
• The minimum amount of earthworks.
• Safety of children and pets.

Construction of the pond should be carried out according to clear instructions. So you can properly dig up the boiler and lay waterproofing. The construction of the pond using the film step by step:

• The making of the pond begins with a plan.. Choose a convenient scale and draw absolutely everything, including the depth of each zone. It is recommended at the same stage to think over the decoration. It is especially important to do this if you plan to build a pond with a waterfall. A detailed plan will help you avoid mistakes.
• Now you need to make the markup of the future pit. This can be done with the help of a rope strung on a peg, a rubber hose, or even sand (draw a contour with it). It is important that the banks are at the same height. Start digging out the foundation pit. At times check their level.
• It's time for the earthworks.. Dig a hole the depth of which will correspond to the depth of the coastal zone. Make a mark, fix the line of deepening. Equip the second tier and make a line to dig the deepest zone of the future pond. It is better to carry out excavation work together, and for a large pond to hire an excavator at all.

• After the pit is dug, you need to measure the dimensions and depth. Do this with a cord. To the resulting number, add 50 cm on each side of the pit. Now you know how much PVC film you need to purchase.
• Cover the pit tightly with foil. Geotextiles can be laid under the bottom so that over time, the roots of the trees do not damage the waterproofing. In addition, the structure can be strengthened with roofing material or linoleum. Strengthen the coast and the bottom can be and with the help of tightly rammed sand. It is recommended to perform this procedure on a sunny day, so the film will heat up and lie more firmly on all the bends of the pit.
• The edges of the film must be filled in a pre-prepared trench around the perimeter of the pond.. Next, you need to fill the trench with rubble or other stone. So you will ensure reliable fixation of the film.

• Should strengthen the shore so that over time the earth does not crumble. Strengthen the edge of the pond with stone blocks or plastic pipes, they should be nailed to the stakes. It is recommended to lay out the edge with natural stone and complete the picture with large boulders.
• At this stage it is necessary put the plants, which will decorate the pond, in special baskets and set them in the right places in accordance with the plan. Lay the bottom with a small stone or gravel.

• It's time to pour water into the pond. The best helper for you will be a hose. It is not convenient to carry water in buckets, especially if the reservoir is large. Stagnant water can bring many problems, including an unpleasant smell. To eliminate this complexity, you can make a pond stream. To do this, simply raise the source a little above the level of the pond, and water to it from the bowl itself using a pump. Such a device will save you from unnecessary trouble.
• Submersible Pump Installation, pipes to the source of the stream and connecting the filter is the last stage of technical work. It is recommended to use a pressure filter for water purification, it is more efficient.

A more domestic version of the pond from the old bath can be done in such a way that the old plumber will be unrecognizable in the magic composition. The pond construction process can be performed according to the following instruction:

• Dig a hole under the bathroom so that the depth of the pit is 40 cm above the tank itself.
• Handle the edges of the pit. Along the perimeter, remove 35-45 cm of earth.
• Deepen these strips so that the height equals the height of the bath.

• Tape the inside of the bath with small tiles or paint it with waterproof paint of the desired color. After that, cover the bathroom and leave to dry completely.
• The perimeter of the bath cover mesh netting. This material is considered to be the best for reinforcement.
• Cover the rabbit with a mixture of sand and cement.
• Do decorative work. For this you can use stones, tiles, gravel and similar materials.

The amount of inventory depends on how complex and diverse the reservoir you want to create. To build a simple pond, you will need:

• Shovel.
• Trolley for the ground.
• Building level.
• Cord for marking.
• Pegs.
• Hose for water supply.
• A film for waterproofing a pond or any other base.

To create a more complex composition, you need to acquire additional equipment:

• Water purification filter. This is especially important if you are creating a fish pond.
• Water pump. Such a device is used for pumping and pumping water, filters, fountains and waterfalls.
• Sterilizer. This fixture guarantees crystal clear water in the pond.
• Aerator (compressor). The device fills water with oxygen. Relevant in the pond with fish and plants. It is important to choose a model for the pond, models for aquariums do not have the necessary power. It may be necessary to use an excavator to dig a pit.

As an ornament, you can install a decorative fountain in the pond. The design can be bought in finished form or build yourself. Ornamental pond is often supplemented with bridges. Garden figures near perfectly complement the composition. Flowers and plants in the pond require special attention. Plants are divided into deep and shallow water.

The first land on the bottom in special baskets. They must occupy no more than 30% of the total area of ​​the reservoir, otherwise it will turn into a swamp. Such a search may destroy other inhabitants of the reservoir, especially fish. Carefully plant flowers on the coast, keep in mind that they will grow over time.

First of all, nymphs are planted in the pond, and then the bottom is covered with a decorative stone, starting from the deep zone. On the terrace you can land a marsh calla, calamus, sedge, chastuhu and susak. On the water surface, you can place water hyacinth, rogger, piste or bog.

On the shore, you can arrange various types of iris, reed, buzulnik, arunkus, miscanthus. The composition can be supplemented with perennials: hosts, buttercups, primroses, astilbe or bathing suits.

Pond can be inhabited by different fauna. Ducks and even swans can live on the pond, everything depends on you. Most often in the dacha ponds live fish. The choice of the inhabitants of the reservoir should be considered carefully. Most often carp, goldfish, carp and tench become the inhabitants of the ponds. Keep in mind that for one fish up to 15 cm in size you need about 50 liters of water. Suitable types of fish:

• Carps koi. Pisces are distinguished by intelligence and affection for their owners. Pets can even eat with your hands. Fish colors are quite interesting: yellow, blue, black, orange and white. In conditions of an artificial pond, they live for about 20-30 years and grow to 90 cm.
• Gold fish. Such a fish will delight you to 35 years old and grow to 45 cm. The weight of the fish does not exceed 1.5 kg. Daily portion of food is 3% by weight of the fish. You can feed dry mixes.

• Crucian color. Gold carp is a length of 50 cm and weighing 3 kg, and silver grows up to 40 cm and weighs no more than 2 kg. For the winter period it is necessary to provide the fish with a simple condition - a depth of 1 m.
• Tench. On average, fish grow up to 20-40 cm. These fish are lazy in temperament and do not like to be active. Spend time at the bottom, near the plants, do not like bright colors. The main advantage - simplicity. Lin lives where many fish die.

Experts and experienced owners give such important recommendations:

• Position the lowest point of the reservoir below the ground freezing point. It is especially important to follow this advice when building a fish pond. So you will provide pets with the opportunity to endure the winter.
• Even the greenest pond should have 50% free space. It is worth considering that plants grow over time.
• Begin the construction of the dacha reservoir in the spring. So you will gain time for the complete arrangement of the composition and the pond will have time to settle down.
• Want a fountain - build a high pond. So the composition will look more harmonious.

• The land from the boiler can be disposed of in several ways. You can distribute the soil throughout the garden and raise the ground level. You can also use this soil to create an artificial relief.
• A quality water filter will help to clean the water even in the most difficult situation. The combination of mechanical and biological filters and completely eliminate the hassle of water.
• With the help of stones, you can not only decorate the reservoir, but also fix the flexible insulation. This option will add design durability and reliability.
• Special mesh construction will help protect your pond from falling leaves and branches.

• Pull the black thread over the shallow water to protect the fish from hunting birds and pets. To protect against cats, it is better to use a hedge.
• The net will help clear the water of fallen leaves and debris.
• Watch for algae growth at the bottom of the pond. Get rid of surplus in time.

Decorating a homemade pond can carry not only aesthetic character, but also functional. The construction of streams and fountains creates the effect of the natural flow of water. Such a body of water can stretch across the entire garden. The stream should be made of the same materials as the pond itself. So all the components will merge into a harmonious ensemble. Decorating the space around the reservoir can drastically change the overall impression of the site.

Lay a path to work with a decorative stone. An interesting result will give the use of fragments of different sizes.

An excellent option for a country house will be a fabulous garden. Lay out the tracks with colored plates. Pond decorate like a magical place. Plant plants with leaves of non-standard forms. Run into the pond of colorful fish.Boulders around the pond can be painted with bright colors. With the help of decorative lights or lamps you can achieve a very interesting result.

A pleasant light on a summer evening will create a special comfort and emphasize the unusualness of a homemade pond. Flashlights of different colors will help to create a real fairy tale and magic effect. The lighting inside the pond looks especially impressive if there are interesting representatives of flora and fauna in it. Such a pond will not leave you and your guests indifferent.

If your body of water is designed for swimming, then it is important to arrange the area around the perimeter in the form of a sunny beach. Protect some space from the rest of the site with a fence. From the pond to the fence scatter sand and put the chairs, table, umbrella. Such a pleasant atmosphere has to rest. Excellent composition of the bridge, lanterns and waterfalls never get bored.

Such a magical place in the middle of your garden will drastically change the overall atmosphere. Near this design, put a gazebo with soft rocking chairs. Near the pond will be nice to be in any weather. Multi-colored fish or colorful stones at the bottom of the pond will make it more fun and attractive.This design is especially advantageous for families with children. Small inhabitants of the house will definitely appreciate this design.

How to make a pond with your own hands, see the next video.