Outdoor Pond Installation

Add a unique water feature to your backyard. Watch a video of this and other half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It.

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-106 -- More Projects »
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Before: Unused Flower Bed
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After: Stunning Pond
Materials:

1 pond kit (includes liner and pump materials)
stone
spray paint

Tools:

shovels and picks
utility knife
wheelbarrow
hose
backhoe (optional)

Steps:

1. Choose a location for the pond that is relatively flat. Before digging for the pond, contact your local utility marking service to make sure there are no buried electrical, gas or plumbing lines.

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Figure A
2. Decide on the shape of the pond. If using a flexible pond liner, use a garden hose to outline different shapes. Once you've decided on a shape, spray paint the outline on the ground (figure A). If using a pre-formed hard plastic liner, trace it with the spray paint.
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
3. Use hand shovels and picks to dig out the pond shape (figure B). If putting in a large pond, you may want to consider renting a backhoe. Dig out a place for the filter (figure C) and pump (figure D) to sit on the side of the pond area.
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Figure E
4. Lay out the felt liner or underlayment (figure E), pulling tight to get rid of as many wrinkles as possible. Next, lay out the pond liner. Don't cut the flexible liner yet, since it will stretch into the hole as it is filled.
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Figure F
5. Fill about 3/4 full with water, stretching the liner to pull out the majority of wrinkles (figure F).
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Figure G
6. Cut the liner around the pump and filter with a utility knife (Figure G). Tuck the liner into the pump or filter. Snap frame in place to seal opening, according to manufacturer's instructions.
7. Line the bottom and sides of pond with fieldstones to hide the liner. To keep the water from looking muddy, hose and scrub the stones first.
9. Cut the liner and finish filling with water. Landscape the area as desired. Note: If the water looks murky, don't worry. The sediment will settle to the bottom or get filtered out within a couple of weeks.

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Also in this Episode
Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-106
•Outdoor Pond Installation
•Build an Interior Wall with Pocket Doors
•Installing Outdoor Lighting