Build an artificial pond. Pond in the country: varieties and do-it-yourself technology. Decorating a country pond

One of the brightest tools in landscape design is a decorative pond. Of course, most suburban areas are limited to the traditional six hundred square meters, and the owners simply cannot build a large pond, but because of this you should not give up the dream of acquiring an artificial pond. As for the technical part, it will not be an obstacle, but only if you have good instructions and desire. So, today we will find out how to make a pond at the dacha with our own hands step by step.

First, you should find out what purpose the construction of a pond on the site will serve. From this point of view, reservoirs can be divided into four large groups.

Table No. 1. Classification of artificial reservoirs by functionality

Group name	Short description
	They are an element of the landscape composition and are intended, first of all, to decorate a particular area of ​​the garden. Active recreation is not provided near such bodies of water.
	They are deeper and are often decorated with fountains, bridges, and sometimes equipped with lighting. Such ponds are built near a house or gazebo, and benches with canopies are placed nearby. Therefore, it is quite obvious that such reservoirs are the heart of the recreation area for the residents of the house.
	This option is suitable not only for avid fishermen, but also for families with children - the latter will enjoy watching colorful fish while relaxing in nature.
	They also belong to artificial country ponds and not only perform an aesthetic function, but also provide an opportunity to freshen up or even swim (it all depends on the size).

Then, based on the goal and our capabilities, we proceed to choosing the style, location, dimensions and shape.

Second phase. Deciding on a style

An artificial pond can be made in one of two possible options, and each of them also has a great variety of modifications.

Table No. 2. Artificial pond styles

Name	Short description
	This name exactly reflects the essence - these are structures that are distinguished by clearly defined outlines. The correct shape of the pond in terms of geometry is suitable for those areas that are decorated in the style of minimalism, high-tech, modern or classic. But, characteristically, the shape can be not only rectangular, but also square, round, oval, and broken.
	They are more popular because they are characterized by naturalness and irregular contours of the banks, which means they bring people closer to nature. The shape of the reservoir here depends only on personal preferences, but the more complex it is, the more difficult it will be to lay the film (more on this later).

The topography of the site also plays a big role when choosing a style. So, if the surface is fairly flat, then the shape of the pond can be any. If there are unevenness and drops on the site, then they need to be given special attention, but they make it possible to additionally arrange a cascade or waterfall. In addition, against the backdrop of all this, say, an artificial slide will look great.

Also, the reservoir can be raised slightly above the ground. In this case, the construction technology will differ only in the arrangement of the foundation, which will prevent possible distortions of the bowl.

When creating such a reservoir, excavation work is minimized, and caring for it will be much easier.

Note! If the reservoir is built with a fountain, then preference should be given to a tall structure.

Third stage. Choosing a place

Let's start with the fact that we place the reservoir in the most favorable place, so that you can admire your creation from anywhere on the site. That is why we take into account several important factors when choosing.

1. Land area. Not only the size of the pond, but also its shape directly depends on it.
2. Illumination. It is preferable to place an artificial pond in a shaded place where exposure to direct sunlight does not exceed five to six hours a day, otherwise some of the water may simply evaporate. Moreover, in sunlight, biological activity may develop, which is unlikely to beautify the pond. Therefore, having chosen a specific place on the site, we observe the solar regime for several days.
3. Relief. The shape of the pond depends on it, and it also simplifies the installation of additional elements (for example, fountains).
4. Groundwater level, soil composition. These indicators affect not only the depth of the reservoir, but also the complexity of the work and the need for additional consumables.

Note! The greater the depth of the pond, the more illuminated place it should be located. If the reservoir is intended for fish, then we take the location even more seriously, since the oxygen content in highly heated water decreases.

1. Expandable. Don't forget about perspective, so we leave some free space on one side.
2. Visibility. It is advisable to position the pond so that it can be seen from home and recreation areas.
3. Electricity supply. If a fountain or lighting is additionally equipped, then we will think about electrification in advance. It is better to lay the wires during development, underground and in a reliable protective corrugation. There should be small access hatches at the connections.
4. Reflection. The pond will look more attractive if the surface reflects the sky or beautiful buildings, rather than some kind of utility structure.
5. Landscaping. Vegetation near the pond is, of course, beautiful, but the leaves will pollute it and form silt. Moreover, tree root systems can damage the waterproofing layer.
6. Compatible with general design and other objects.

We begin work in the spring - this way we will have enough time for the reservoir to “take root” on the site.

Fourth stage. Deciding on the sizes

It’s hard to say that a large pond will cost more than a small one, since there are a lot of nuances here. Therefore, let's look at the key points.

1. Dimensions. They depend on the location of the reservoir. Many say that the pond should account for an average of 3-10% of the total area of ​​the site, although there cannot be any clear recommendations in this case. As for the specific length and width, they depend not only on the area of ​​the land, but also on our capabilities. After all, we will dig a hole under the pond manually.

2. Depth. It depends on the purpose of creating the reservoir, as well as its size.

3. Difficulty of content. The larger the pond, the easier (no matter how paradoxical it may sound) to care for it.

4. Zoning. The reservoir is divided into the following zones:

• coastal (from 10 cm to 40 cm), which will serve as an entrance and for planting;
• shallow water (from 40 cm to 100 cm), where crops that grow deeper (for example, winter-hardy water lily) will be planted;
• deep-sea (more than 100 cm) - it is required only in those reservoirs where fish breeding is planned; the area of ​​this zone depends, first of all, on the number of fish, but on average it should be more than 20% of the total area of ​​the reservoir.

5. Biological balance. In any case, living creatures will inhabit the pond, which means that conditions must be provided so that it can clean itself. No oxygenation or chlorination of water is provided here. It is worth remembering: no more than ½ of the entire area can be allocated for plants.

Note! The lowest point should be lowered below the soil freezing line, especially if you plan to breed fish - this way they can survive the winter in unfrozen water.

Fifth stage. Selecting materials

The next issue that needs to be dealt with is the choice of consumables. There are many options on the modern market that can be used to create an artificial pond. Let's look at them.

concrete pond

The most expensive option, which, nevertheless, allows you to operate the reservoir for quite a long time. Although concrete pouring is more suitable for arranging a swimming pool.

Finished plastic container

This option is more suitable. The mold, made of fiberglass or PVC, allows you to build a pond in record time and use it for up to 30 years (the specific period depends on the quality of the container).

The procedure itself will consist of only four steps:

• digging a pit;
• set the form;
• fill the remaining voids with sand;
• We plant plants and fill the pond with water.

The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of transportation (if the volume is large) and the need for basic installation knowledge (otherwise the bowl may be damaged). Moreover, plastic containers degrade over time when exposed to UV radiation.

Note! It is preferable to use a fiberglass bowl that is reinforced with rubber - this design is more reliable and repairable.

Polymer film

In terms of pond shape, this option provides simply unlimited possibilities. The most affordable material is polyethylene film, although it will not last long.

PVC film has a longer service life; with proper installation, it can last up to ten years.

Perhaps the most reliable option. For ponds with a rocky bottom and great depth, it is recommended to use a butyl rubber membrane (EPDM), which has a service life of up to 50 years. In addition, this material can withstand repeated frosts.

There are several folk ways of making a pond, which use available materials. Let's take a look at the most popular of these methods.

Pond from an old bathtub

An excellent option, because a bathtub is a container that was originally intended to hold liquid. The bathtub can be painted in bright colors and placed in a picturesque corner of the site or, alternatively, buried in the ground.

Tire pond

A simple way to create a mini-reservoir on your site. The manufacturing procedure is shown in the photo below.

Pond from a basin

An even simpler way. The basin is able to hold water well, so it can be installed in the same way as a bathtub. If properly decorated, such a mini-pond will be an excellent decoration for your yard.

Note! Not only the aesthetic characteristics of the pond, but also its service life depend on the choice of material. It is desirable that the selected material is environmentally friendly.

Sixth stage. We prepare the equipment

To create a simple artificial pond, we will need a level, a cart with a shovel, a cord, a hose that is used for watering, and pegs.

If the pond is more technologically advanced, then the following equipment will be needed:

• cleaning filter;
• sterilizer (this will remove algae to keep the water clear);
• pump for pumping/draining water;
• aerator for oxygen saturation (especially important when breeding fish).

Seventh stage. We create an artificial pond

There are plenty of materials that can be used to create a pond, but we will focus on polyvinyl chloride film. The fact is that it is cheaper, takes the desired shape better, can be repaired, and does not require specific knowledge or skills to operate.

Step 1. First, choose the color of the film. There are several possible options here.

1. Black film – it will turn the bottom into a mirror (plants, clouds, etc. will be reflected).
2. Cream, blue– this way the pond will look more like a swimming pool, and the fish will be more clearly visible against a light background.
3. Brown– will imitate the soil of natural reservoirs. An excellent option for a landscape pond.

Also, when choosing a film, pay attention to the composition (PVC is more durable than PE) and thickness (for a pond you will need material thicker than 0.5 mm). Moreover, the greater the depth of the reservoir, the greater the film thickness should be. Equally important is resistance to UV radiation and mechanical damage.

Note! If the depth of the pond exceeds 1.5 m, then we use butyl rubber. This film is resistant to stretching, deformation and UV, moreover, it can withstand temperatures of 40-80°C.

• pond width + (depth x 2) + stock (55-60 cm) = material width;
• pond length + (depth x 2) + stock (55-60 cm) = material length.

For gluing we will use special glue (for example, “Tagnit”) or adhesive tape (Quick Seam 3).

Step 3. The next step is to create a diagram.

First, we draw it on paper, and then transfer it to the ground. We indicate the sizes of steps or “shelves” for plants - this will avoid possible problems. To apply markings, use sand or a flexible garden hose (preferably in a bright color).

After this, we cover the marked area with a piece of light film and examine it from different angles. We make adjustments if necessary.

Step 4. Digging a pit. To do this, perform the following steps.

1. First we remove the turf.
2. Then we dig the pit itself. At the same time, we move from the edges to the center, going deeper in the required places - it’s more convenient. To lay out the stone and decorate it, we arrange a ledge 60-70 cm deep.
3. We remove the soil, and along with it roots, stones, debris and anything that can damage the film. By the way, you can make an alpine slide from excavated soil.

When carrying out excavation work, we pay attention to ensuring that the banks of the future pond are located on the same line. If a waterfall is created, then we maintain the required height difference.

Note! If a large level is required, we can make it ourselves. To do this, place a regular level on a long, flat board.

Step 5. We lay the substrate. We thoroughly compact the bottom of the finished pit, after which we proceed to the waterproofing layer, which will prevent water from penetrating into the soil.

The substrate can be made in several ways:

• we cover the bottom with stones and fill it with sand (this kind of waterproofing will lose its properties in just a few years);
• we lay a layer of geotextiles, which we fill with sand (this will cost a large amount);
• lay PVC film (the most reliable method, so we’ll focus on it).

Step 6. Next, we lay the film, preferably on a sandy “cushion” (the latter will prevent damage from stones and other dangerous objects). It is advisable to install on a hot day - as the film heats up, it becomes more pliable.

This may cause difficulty in forming folds. We try to make one large fold, rather than a large number of small ones, and then glue it or press it down with stones. The film should be loose and loose.

To secure it with a swarm there is an additional trench around the perimeter. We lay the film there, and then fill it with crushed stone. Next, fill the trench with large stones with a flat bottom (so that the film does not tear). We lay the walls with round stones (flat ones will slide). At the end, we fill the pond with water - we supply it without pressure, directing it to the center of the pit. After two days, cut off the excess film.

Step 7. We strengthen the banks. Their slope depends on the type of soil: if it is sandy, then the walls should be sloped, if we are talking about clay or black soil, then vertical. The optimal slope angle should be approximately 45°.

The strengthening itself depends on the type of banks.

If they are flat, then you can use:

• geomat;
• geogrid;
• polymer geogrid.

You can also use a regular chain-link mesh, filling its cells with soil with seeds of perennial grass (for example, clover). There is another option - to strengthen the banks with shrubs or plants.

If the coast is steep, then we can use:

• piles;
• gabions;
• retaining walls.

It can also be effectively strengthened using biological methods (planting). Ideally, biological enhancement methods should be combined with engineering ones.

Eighth stage. We design an artificial pond

There are several ways to decorate a pond. To make it a full-fledged design element, we use one or more of the methods below.

As a conclusion. Features of care

Finally, a few words about further care of the artificial reservoir.

Video - Creating a pond from film

How nice it is to sit by the pond on a fine sunny day, admire the surface of the water, relax, unwind. But what to do if there is no body of water nearby? Build it yourself on your own site! This will not require colossal financial influences. All the nuances of creating and arranging a small country pond will be discussed in our article.

Purpose

If you are planning to arrange the landscape of your site and have decided that you must have a pond in your yard, then before you begin work, you need to determine what functionality the pond on your site will have.

According to their purpose, ponds can be divided into three types:

• decorative;
• fish pond;
• for swimming (pool).

Decorative

A decorative pond can be small, built solely to decorate some area of ​​the garden. Being a component of a landscape composition, it can be its finishing touch or an original addition to a design project.

Such a pond is created for an aesthetic purpose: it is pleasant to admire it while sitting in the garden.

Decorative ponds can be larger: the pond itself is deeper, the compositions are larger, where bridges, fountains, streams, and lighting can serve as decoration. In addition to being a pleasant sight, such ponds are also a place for relaxation: on a warm summer day, you can sit around the pond on sun loungers and get your dose of ultraviolet radiation.

For fish farming

Who among us doesn’t dream of watching fish frolicking in our own pond and pleasing the eyes of our household? In addition to its decorative function, such a pond will also serve as an antidepressant: fish swimming in a pond are an excellent calming and relaxing remedy.

Such a pond should be large enough for your fish to feel comfortable. It can be of absolutely any shape. But no matter who you plan to breed - crucian carp or ducks - do not forget about the need to filter the water, as well as enrich it with oxygen.

For swimming

A homemade swimming pond is a salvation on a hot summer day! The size of such a pool will depend on your wishes and the capabilities of your site. If the size of the plot allows, then you can build a beautiful pond in your yard in which you can swim in the summer. You can get by with a smaller pool, which will be just as nice to just take a dip in to cool off on a hot day.

Artificial pond style

Conventionally, ponds can be divided into two large main groups, each of which has many varieties:

• regular pond;
• landscape pond.

A regular pond is created using a ready-made mold. You've probably thought through your landscape project in advance, so you already have a good idea of ​​what a home pond should look like. Based on your wishes for the design of the pond, you can choose a suitable ready-made shape: they come not only in regular geometric shapes, but also in more complex types: broken, asymmetrical, and so on.

A landscape pond differs from a regular one in that a ready-made form is not used in its construction. Therefore, it can be given any configuration.

The size and appearance of the pond can also be different: you can build a small pond in the Japanese style, the main advantage of which is simplicity, or you can give free rein to your imagination, not limited to the standard round shape, and create a large pond filled with various decorations.

How to make a pond with your own hands?

Let's assume that you have decided on the type and functionality of the pond. Now let's look at how to practically implement the conceived idea.

Where to begin?

You should start, of course, by determining the location and size of the future pond. The choice of location is very important. Still, a pond, even if it is functional, should please the owner’s eye, complement the landscape composition, fitting perfectly into it, or even become an accent in your design project.

When choosing a place for a pond in your country house, you should take into account not only and not so much its visual advantages, but a number of other factors that influence the choice of location:

• Plot size. It goes without saying that the size of the pond will be whatever the size of your garden allows it to be.
• Relief of the site. Different terrain allows you to achieve different results: on a flat surface you can create a wonderful, laconic pond, the water in which will delight the eye with its smooth surface; the uneven surface allows you to fantasize with fountains and waterfalls.

• Groundwater level and soil. You should consider these factors when determining the depth of the pond (you may need certain supplies and additional labor).
• Lighting. It is preferable to keep the pond in the shade: exposure to direct sunlight for a long time will increase the evaporation of water, and microorganisms living in the water will become more active, and the pond will lose all its attractiveness. To prevent this from happening, pay attention to the lighting conditions when choosing a location. This is especially true for small bodies of water and ponds with fish.
• Environment. Of course, the trees and shrubs surrounding the pond look very attractive, but do not forget that the foliage falling from these plants will pollute the pond, and the close proximity of tree roots can ruin the waterproofing.

• Electricity supply. Particular attention should be paid to the location if the pond is planned to be decorated with fountains or lighting, in order to think about the electrification of this part of the summer cottage in advance.
• Expansion prospects. You should always take this point into account; perhaps in the future you will want to enlarge the pond itself or expand the recreation area near the reservoir, or you will want to fix or redo something.

To do this, be sure to leave a piece of empty space in the garden on one side of the pond.

• Consistency with other buildings: after all, a pond is part of the overall composition, so it is necessary to take into account the general appearance of the summer cottage when thinking through the design of the reservoir.
• And finally, the visual component. Of course, the pond should be pleasing to the eye, so its location must be arranged so that it can be seen from most places in the garden.

The size of the pond, of course, depends on the dimensions of the site, but not only on this. The size of the reservoir also depends on your design project, in the end, simply on your desire.

So, let's look at the main parameters:

• Dimensions. There are no specific recommendations regarding pond size. Some sources have information that a pond should be located on an area up to approximately 10% of the entire garden area, but these are not fixed standards.
• Lenght and width. These parameters are taken into account based on the overall size of the plot. If you dig a hole for a pond with your own hands, then they also depend on your physical capabilities.
• Depth. Depends on the size of the reservoir, its potential functionality, soil and your physical strength (again, if you are digging a pit yourself).

• Zoning. Experts distinguish three parts:

1. Coastal(100-300 mm): it houses plants growing in shallow water and contains the entrance to the reservoir.
2. Shallow(300-900 mm): This is space for other plants that live deeper.
3. deep sea(from a meter onwards): the area necessary for fish habitat. The larger and more diverse the living world of a reservoir, the larger part of the area is allocated to the deep-water zone. Also keep in mind: to prevent the fish in the pond from freezing in winter, the lower part of the pond should be located below the freezing level of the ground.

• Content. U Surprisingly, it is easier to care for a large reservoir than a small one.

What will you need?

When you have decided on the location and size of the future reservoir, it is time to purchase materials. Now on the market of construction and finishing materials you can purchase everything you need for arranging a pond:

• One of the most financially expensive options is concrete pond. This pond will serve you for a long time, but take into account the functionality of the future pond: if you are going to build a pool, then this option may be the best choice for you, but if not, study the other proposed options and choose the one that is most suitable for you.

• Plastic containers- a simpler option. They come in different compositions (polyvinyl chloride or fiberglass), so their service life is also different: on average from 10 to 30 years. The work of installing the bowl is not difficult, so this option is quite convenient: you need to dig a hole, install a mold, and fill the voids with sand. However, there are also disadvantages to this option: plastic forms are quite expensive, they also require especially careful transportation, are not resistant to ultraviolet radiation, but are resistant to frost.

The best choice in this case is a fiberglass mold with a rubber base.

The strongest and most reliable film is butyl rubber: it will last up to 50 years, it is also frost-resistant and very durable.

• You will also need the following materials and tools: a shovel, a hose for watering, a cord (for marking), stakes, a wheelbarrow for removing soil, a cleaning filter (especially relevant for reservoirs where fish are raised), a pump (with its help, the pressure necessary to fill the water is generated, it will also be needed for construction of fountains and for the operation of cleaning filters), a sterilizer (needed for water purification), a compressor (aerator) (necessary for reservoirs in which fish live, as it saturates the water with oxygen).

Plan and calculations

So, you have thought about what your future pond will look like, found a suitable place for it, decided on the size and materials, but you still don’t know exactly how many materials will be needed to build the pond of your dreams. To find out, let’s make calculations and, based on the size of the pond, calculate the optimal amount of materials needed for its construction.

Suppose we decide to use polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) as a basis, since this material is affordable, quite durable and easy to use, and can also be repaired.

PVC film comes in different colors: black, brown, blue (or cream):

• a black film will cover the bottom and allow you to observe the reflection of the sky on the surface of the reservoir;
• the brown film resembles the real bottom in color, which will make the pond more realistic;
• A light film (blue or cream) will allow you to see its inhabitants, for example, fish, under water.

When purchasing a film, you should take into account the composition (PVC is more durable than, for example, polyethylene film) and thickness (we need a film whose thickness is more than half a millimeter).

It is also worth paying attention to the manufacturer, strength, ultraviolet resistance and absence of toxic substances.

1. The length of the film is equal to the length of the reservoir + 2 depths of the reservoir + 400-500 mm just in case.
2. The width of the film is equal to the width of the reservoir + 2 depths of the reservoir + 400-500 mm just in case.

The film must be glued with glue purchased there, at a hardware store, for example, “Tangit” or adhesive tape.

Once you're done with the film, you'll need to sketch out your pond. First, draw a mini-sketch on paper and then directly on the ground, indicating the depth and width of the container, as well as the depth and width of the steps. You can write with a garden hose or sand - it's convenient.

Making: step-by-step guide

After all the preparatory stages have been successfully completed, you can begin the main actions:

1. We remove the top layer of soil.
2. We dig a hole.
3. We remove the earth.

It all sounds quite simple, but be careful, do not forget to take into account all the recesses necessary in the future (for plants, for steps, etc.), as well as the features of your body of water (waterfall, pond, pool). When installing a pool, a large pit will have to be dug with an excavator, as in full-scale construction.

When the job is done, the pit has been dug, and the walls have been thoroughly compacted, you can begin waterproofing. If you don’t pay close attention to it, then water will begin to flow into the soil, and we don’t need that at all. If you act correctly, everything will work out as it should.

There are three ways to form a liner at the bottom of your pond:

• The easiest and cheapest way is to fill the bottom with sand and stones. But the result of this method is short-lived: a few years and such a substrate will cease to function properly.
• Another way is to cover the bottom with geotextiles. The result, of course, is more durable, but the cost of this method is also higher.
• This method is the most reliable: cover the bottom with PVC film. It is not very energy intensive, and the result is the most durable.

Let's take a closer look at the third option, since its result will allow us to enjoy the pond in our garden for many years. The main thing is to act according to the instructions.

The fact that we have chosen the film method of waterproofing does not at all prohibit us from filling the bottom with sand before laying the film: this way we will protect the film from unnecessary damage from stones or roots. When laying, unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely avoid folds, but it is better to make one large fold than many small ones: it can then be pressed with stones or glued. The main thing is not to stretch the film, otherwise it will break under the weight of the water.

To secure it, you need to dig an additional track, lay down a film, secure it with rods and sprinkle the track with stones, and then fill the hole itself with them. Once you have finished with the film, you should pour water into your hole. Do this carefully, without sudden pressure. You should act with caution: although the film is durable, it can still deteriorate and tear if done incorrectly. 1-2 days after pouring water, you can cut the film.

Now it is necessary to strengthen the bank so that the reservoir looks beautiful and neat. Let's pay attention to the soil: if it is black soil or clay, then you can make vertical walls, but if it is sand, then the walls should be inclined. It is believed that the ideal slope of the pond bank is 45°. With such a slope, the shore does not crumble, and during freezing the ice does not bulge. Don’t forget about plants: since the planting depth for all plants is different, it is necessary to provide shelves for planting in advance.

Sloping banks can be strengthened with geogrid or geomat, and steep banks can be strengthened with gabions, piles and retaining walls. By the way, there is an option for those who are not yet ready for such large-scale work on their site, but still want to be the owner of a small island of happiness in their garden. A pond can be built from very improvised means. For example, from a tire.

The hole will need to be much less deep, much less film will be needed, and in the end there will be just as much joy. The creation process is extremely simple: you need to dig a hole the size of a tire, insert it into this hole, lay film on the bottom, fill it with water, and decorate the outside with stones.

Of course, the pond will be very small, but if it is properly decorated, it will please the eye no worse than a full-fledged reservoir.

What plants should I plant?

Of course, for your pond to look impressive and attractive, it needs to be decorated accordingly: decorated with plants. In order for your pond to be as close as possible to a natural reservoir, you need to do landscaping.

We offer several options:

• You can plant plants at the bottom of your pond. It is better to use local plants: they will take root faster.

• You can also plant various plants in some container, for example, in a barrel and put it around the pond. At the same time, you can plant whatever your heart desires, choosing containers to your taste and, in accordance with the style of the pond and the garden composition as a whole: it will look impressive, without being visually separated from the overall picture. In addition, by simply replacing the container, you can easily change the appearance of the entire environment if you suddenly become bored with the previous look.

• The highlight of your design project can be the decoration in the middle of the pond. Place a beautiful stone in the middle of the pond, and place a pot with some interesting plant on it, or decorate it with some figure, for example, a mermaid. Such a move will certainly attract the attention of others.

• To keep the water in your pond clean for as long as possible, you need to protect it from leaves, branches and insects falling from trees with a special mesh structure.
• If the leaves end up in the water, a net will help you: just remove unnecessary debris from the water so that it remains clean for as long as possible, and the reservoir delights you with its beauty. But a net will not help get rid of debris from the bottom of the reservoir. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to clean the pond using a water purifier.

Relaxing in the country is a favorite pastime for many people. The only thing that can compete with him is a trip to the shore of a reservoir. By installing an artificial pond in your dacha, you can get an excellent place to get rid of fatigue and relaxation. Moreover, building an artificial pond with your own hands will not be difficult; you just need a little perseverance and imagination.

Types of reservoirs

Depending on what functionality you plan to provide to the pond you have built, artificial reservoirs can be divided into several categories.

Pool

This category includes artificial reservoirs of significant size. Such a pond, built at the dacha with your own hands, as in the photo, has not only decorative properties, but also allows you to refresh yourself, or even swim, without leaving the site.

Pond with fish

A pond for breeding fish is suitable not only for fishing enthusiasts. Your family members, especially children, will enjoy spending time at the lake, watching the bright and beautiful fish.

Mini pond in the country

A small pond that is an element of the landscape composition. Performs exclusively decorative functions and does not involve placing a recreation area around it.

Decorative pond in the garden

A garden pond, built with your own hands, which is the central place of the recreation area. The combination of sufficient size and beautiful design will not only please the eyes, but will also give pleasant coolness on a hot day.

Style

Having decided on the functionality of the reservoir, it is worth moving on to choosing the style in which the decorative pond at the dacha will be executed. There are two main options.

1. Formal (regular) pond. An artificial reservoir of strict geometric shape. Ideal if you want to emphasize the geometric shapes of a building or the site itself. Creates a sense of order and looks appropriate next to geometrically correct flower beds, lawns and other decorative elements on the site.
2. Landscape pond at the dacha. It is carried out in any form and fits very easily into the surrounding landscape. This option fits any style and looks as natural as possible. Its construction requires significantly less effort than equipping a geometric reservoir.

Selecting a location

When organizing a pond at your dacha with your own hands, as in the photo in the article, the terrain is of great importance. On flat areas you can place a pond in a garden of any style and size. Uneven areas create more difficulties when deciding how to make an artificial pond, but at the same time they can serve as natural cascades and elevations for waterfalls.

It is necessary to build a pond with a fountain at the dacha with your own hands in an open area so that the pond is clearly visible from every corner of the dacha. The depth of groundwater and the qualitative composition of the soil can affect the permissible depth of the reservoir, as well as the complexity of the work and the use of additional materials. When thinking about how to build a pond at your dacha with your own hands, in addition to the terrain, you should take into account a number of other important points.

1. Compatibility with the environment. A mini pond at the dacha, visible from all sides, should be combined with buildings and green spaces on the site.
2. Illumination of the area. It is preferable to choose the most shaded place on the site for the location of the reservoir. This will prevent increased water evaporation. In addition, with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, there is a high probability of active development of microorganisms in the water, which will negatively affect the aesthetic component.
3. Environment. Do not overuse vegetation near an artificial pond. Long and thick roots of large trees can eventually lead to damage to the insulating layer, which in turn will require repairs and putting the reservoir in order. Leaves falling into the water from tree branches located too close to the pond can lead to siltation and will require regular cleaning. On clear days, nearby trees or buildings will be reflected on the surface of the water. Therefore, you should worry about a beautiful exterior in advance so that your gaze does not fall on a rickety shed or a dry fallen tree.
4. Expansion of the reservoir. In the future, you may think about the need to increase the area of ​​the reservoir, additional functional and decorative elements. Therefore, it is worthwhile to provide in advance a place for a possible expansion of the reservoir at the dacha with your own hands.
5. Electrification. If you are planning to install lighting next to or directly in a pond, or placing an electric fountain or other movable structures, you should worry about laying all the necessary electrical wiring in advance. It is best to place wires underground, protecting them with durable boxes or corrugation.

Size selection

Having chosen a place on the site that will occupy a pond in the garden, you should decide on the size of the future reservoir. Landscape design specialists do not give clear recommendations in this regard. However, a decorative pond built with your own hands on a summer cottage should not occupy more than 8-10% of the area of ​​the plot, because a larger structure will look like a bulky and alien object.

The depth of a pond in the garden depends on the purposes for which it is created, as well as on the capabilities of the owner, who equips the pond with his own hands on the site. The photos below will help you make your choice.

Selection of materials

When arranging ponds on your summer cottage with your own hands, you should approach the choice of material with the utmost care. There are many options for what material is best to use to build a small pond in your dacha with your own hands.

The photos in the article and the list below highlight the following main categories.

Concrete pond

A capital structure, which is the most expensive option for arranging a pond in a country house. The advantages of using this material include increased strength and durability of use.

Plastic container

An industrially made mold made of high-strength plastic allows you to solve the question in the shortest possible time: how to make a pond at your dacha with your own hands. Various shapes and sizes allow you to choose an option suitable for the most demanding owner.

PVC film or polyethylene film

The use of these materials makes it possible to create a garden pond with your own hands of absolutely any shape. The disadvantages of such a material include low resistance to external influences and a short service life

Butyl rubber membrane

A do-it-yourself garden pond made from such a film will please the eye longer than the decorative pond in the photo below made of polyethylene or PVC. When planning how to make a pond on your site with your own hands, it is worth considering that the service life of the membrane reaches 50 years, and the increased resistance of butyl rubber to severe frosts makes it a very advantageous material.

To save money, you can use various available materials. An old bathtub, basin or car tire for a mini pond - these and other “folk” remedies are used to create ponds in the country. Our photo gallery will suggest other original ideas.

Necessary equipment

Depending on the functionality of the reservoir and the material from which it will be made, the following tools may be required during the creation process: a shovel, a cart for transporting excess soil, a level, pegs and a strong cord for marking, as well as a hose for watering. This set of tools will be enough to place mini ponds in your dacha with your own hands, as in the photo above. If the planned pond in the garden is of significant size, it is worth assessing the feasibility of using construction equipment. For a pond intended for fish breeding or designed for a particularly long service life, the installation of additional equipment may be justified:

1. An aerator that saturates the water with oxygen necessary for fish.
2. Pump for filling or draining water.
3. Cleaning filter.
4. A device for sterilizing water and removing dead algae.

Details of creating a pond from film

PVC film, due to its performance qualities and relatively low cost, is one of the most popular materials for pond construction. In addition, in order to make a pond with your own hands from PVC film, no special skills or special knowledge are required.

To equip reservoirs, you should not use films with a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, and if you plan to create a particularly deep reservoir, it is better to take a film with the maximum available thickness.

The use of multi-colored film allows you to achieve different optical effects: black will make the bottom of the reservoir mirror-like, and nearby trees and buildings will be clearly reflected in it, brown film is perfect for simulating the soil bottom, and film of light blue or cream tones will make the reservoir as transparent as possible, which will allow you to conveniently observe the movement of fish.

The selected film should be cut so that it covers the bottom and walls of the reservoir, leaving a margin of up to one meter. The cut pieces must be joined with specialized glue or adhesive tape for such work.

Before digging a pit, you need to carefully consider the size, shape of the bottom and walls of the reservoir. If you plan to create a complex multi-stage structure, it is better to first draw a detailed diagram on a sheet of paper indicating all dimensions.

Having marked the selected area, we begin to dig a hole. It is better to remove soil in the direction from the edges of the future reservoir to the center, gradually going deeper to the required limits. The bottom and walls of the finished pit must be carefully examined for the detection of foreign objects, sharp roots, etc. Any debris found must be removed to prevent damage to the film. We lay the prepared film on the compacted bottom of the pits, fixing it with stones and sprinkling the edges with soil.

Next, you need to strengthen the banks of the pond. For this you can use various materials. For flat banks, a geogrid or polymer grid is suitable; you can also use a regular chain-link mesh. For vertical banks, the use of piles or supports will be required.

You can complete the design of the pond by adding various decorative elements, planting plants and installing underwater or outdoor lighting.

Decoration with plants

When decorating a pond in the garden with plants, you should understand that they are divided into those that are planted on the shore along the edges of the pond, and plants that live directly in the water. The root system of shore plants will additionally strengthen the walls of the pond. When planting plants in a pond in the garden, it is important to keep in mind the speed of their growth, otherwise, after a long absence, there is a risk of finding a pond completely covered with a thick carpet of vegetation.

Decor

In order to decorate a pond in the yard with your own hands, in addition to various plants, beautiful stones and other decorative elements, the use of lighting gives a good effect. The colored glow spreading from under the water will create a wonderful decoration for your pond at night. Additional lighting can also be placed above the water.

You can use various fountains as decor for decorating a pond at your dacha with your own hands, as in the photo in the article. The functioning of the fountains is ensured by the operation of pumps, which can be hidden at the bottom of the pond under the stones. Surface devices are also used. Pumps come in different capacities, which affects the height and intensity of the water jets.

Fish

You can add decorative fish to a pond at your dacha, when choosing which it is important to fully understand the conditions under which they are kept. It is worth buying those types of fish that get along well with each other and do not quarrel.

Pond care

A decorative pond at the dacha requires some care. Planted plants must be protected from the cold or moved to a warm room. During a long absence, the surface of an artificial reservoir at the dacha should be covered with a special mesh to protect it from debris. Leaves and other debris that have fallen into the country pond are caught with a net, and if a large amount of sludge forms, it is necessary to clean the reservoir. The water must be renewed periodically using a garden hose or a regular bucket (if specialized equipment is not available).

Photo gallery

In our photo gallery you will see more than 33 examples of beautiful ponds in the country.

Contemplation is the way to restore your inner strength and distance yourself from the hustle and bustle. Admiring nature in any of its manifestations - be it a leaf, a blade of grass or even a small pebble, we fall into a kind of trance, delving into our “I” without reference to current events. This is probably why there is a massive “flight” of city dwellers away from noisy habitats, closer to Mother Nature, where on their own, even a very tiny piece of land, they can relax and rest their souls. How to create a relaxing atmosphere in your garden? Nothing could be easier! Instead of a couple of beds with potatoes and tomatoes, create a small pond at your dacha - now you will have more time to relax and contemplate the surface of the water - and this, as you know, is the best cure for stress and loss of strength. Do you think that such a complex hydraulic design is beyond your capabilities? With our recommendations, you will be “knee-deep in the sea,” not to mention a small pond, which you will be able to manage on your own.

So, you realized that your life is no longer conceivable without a lovely lake designed to please your eyes and calm your nerves. How to create a pond at your dacha with your own hands so that it harmoniously complements the garden landscape and lasts long enough, rather than becoming a problem area that requires tireless care?

An original feature of a small pond decorated with boulders can be an unusual path made of flat stones

Let's start by choosing a pond style and choosing a location to plant it. Then, we will tell you how to make a pond technologically correctly and equip it. Chosen in the right style and laid with all the subtleties, an artificial pond will become a real pearl of your garden and a wonderful place for peace.

A short excursion into history

The landscape pond is given a special charm by its smooth outlines and decorative vegetation decorating the water surface.

A landscape pond with natural contours will always be appropriate in the depths of the garden next to the gazebo or not far from the terrace of the house - after all, you should be able to sit comfortably to watch the surface of the water.

The design of the reservoir can be more restrained according to the Japanese principle - boulders of various sizes, conifers, the absence of multi-colored herbs. Or in the Chinese style - more lush and bright, with the obligatory accent in the form of a tree with variegated foliage and a curved bridge. A landscape pond can also be created in the “nature garden” style, which involves planting only local plants characteristic of a given region and the absence of any exotic plants.

The most laconic shape is a formal pond with rectangular outlines.

A formal pond with a geometric shape - a square or rectangular configuration - looks good next to the house, emphasizing its vertical and horizontal lines. Such a pond goes well with a courtyard or patio, especially if there are straight flower beds or linear paths nearby.

An unusual coloring of a pond can be given by a path passing over its surface - either in the form of a bridge, or with individual stones or slabs

An interesting technique that is widely used in modern landscape design is the laying of paths lined with terrace boards and thrown in the form of a bridge over a body of broken geometric shape. A similar path across a pond can also take the form of a concrete path or individual square slabs, as if floating above the water. Cascades of small ponds of different sizes, where water flows from one bowl to another through small waterfalls, look original.

A system of cascading ponds at the dacha will not only add unusualness to its landscape, but will also fill the garden with a pleasant murmur

Formal round ponds will decorate the patio or front group of your summer cottage

Round ponds, along with rectangular shapes, also belong to formal ponds and can decorate a lawn or open lawn, stylistically complement a garden area with a pergola, or be located near a picturesque group of trees. Round-shaped mini ponds in the garden can be made with your own hands much easier than any other configuration, using ready-made concrete rings, wooden tubs, plastic containers and even car tires.

Select location, size, material

A correctly chosen location for a reservoir will be the key to its long-term functioning without seasonal “blooming” in spring and summer, when green algae are activated under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The pond must be in the shade for a certain period of daylight hours so that algae do not multiply so intensively. On the other hand, placing a reservoir in a completely shady area will delay the development of ornamental plants. It is important to maintain a golden mean here.

By placing a recreation area with a barbecue in close proximity to the pond, you can always admire the beauty of the water surface

It is important to know that the pond should be illuminated by the sun for about 5 hours a day and be open from the southwest. It is undesirable to place a pond under shady trees - falling autumn leaves will pollute it.

As for the size of the pond, ideally the pond should occupy 3% of the area of ​​the site. When the garden is small - with a standard area of ​​6 acres, not every summer resident is ready to allocate 18 m2 for a pond. Of course, the smaller the dimensions, the easier it is to make a pond with your own hands - not so many materials will be required, and labor costs will be minimal. Therefore, when deciding on the width and length of an artificial reservoir, take into account your physical capabilities and the harmonious perception of the pond as a compositional spot on your site - that is, how its dimensions are combined with other elements of the dacha landscape.

An ascetic solution in the design of a pond using only stones is a specific feature of a pond in the Celtic style

The design of a pond with a waterfall flowing from a small wall made of beige sandstone will fit perfectly into the landscape style of the garden.

In terms of depth, it is recommended to divide the pond into three stages: a zone for coastal plants, a shallow zone for the queen of the pond, Nymphea - winter-hardy water lilies, and a deeper zone for wintering fish - if you plan to breed them.

You shouldn’t make the pond too deep; just dig a winter fish hole about 150-180 cm deep (below the freezing mark of the soil) so that it takes up about 1/5 of the pond’s area.

A cute rectangular pond can be arranged on a small summer cottage, and the edging made of terrace boards will make the pond unusual.

The highlight of an avant-garde pond can be an extravagant installation made of wood, reminiscent of an exotic animal or plant

A continuous supply of water to the pond can be equipped with an old column or a group of brightly colored glass bottles

When you have decided on the location and approximate dimensions of the pond, it’s time to think about what materials to use to make the pond as simple and quick as possible. The most capital and expensive option for arranging a pond is a concrete foundation, which requires the construction of formwork and reinforcement. A less expensive way to lay a reservoir is to use a ready-made plastic container.

The pit for the pond is formed by characteristic ledges - curtains for planting plants

To ensure water circulation in the pond, a pump is installed at its bottom, from which water flows to the purification filter and returns back to the pond

And finally, the most convenient and budget-friendly way to make an artificial pond with your own hands is to use a special moisture-resistant film to line the bowl of the pond. We took this method of laying a pond as the basis for a detailed description.

Step-by-step technology for creating a pond using film

1. Initially, it is necessary to sketch a plan of the future artificial pond to scale, indicating the depth and width of the curtains (shelves for planting plants), and it is also advisable to draw a rough sketch of the decoration of the reservoir. This approach will help to avoid various alterations during the construction of the pond and at the stage of planting. At this stage, think about what will serve as an accent in the composition of your lake - it could be an original stone, wood or sculpture.

Before you start laying a pond on your summer cottage, draw a plan of the reservoir indicating the depths and placement of the main elements of the arrangement

2. Using a regular water hose or scattering sand along the perimeter of the pond in the form of a line, outline the expected contour of the pond. Be sure to check that the shores of your future lake are at the same level.

Having marked the outline of the pond with a hose, dig a pit according to the drawn plan

Periodically measure the level of the banks of the pond during the formation of the pit. If you do not have a water level of the required length, you can adapt a regular long board and install a small 50 cm level on it.

3. We begin excavation work - we dig a pit to the depth of the coastal tier and mark a line from which the pond is deepened to the next mark. Having received the second tier, we lay a line for digging the deepest part of the pond and take out the last portion of the earth.

The process of digging a pond is quite difficult, so it is better to resort to the services of professional excavation workers accompanied by a mini excavator. However, if you still decide to do this labor-intensive part yourself, be prepared for the fact that water may accumulate at the bottom of the hole and you will have to fiddle around in the dirty slurry. A pump specially designed for pumping water with impurities and solids will help you remove water from the bottom of the pit. You can dig a auxiliary hole nearby and dump water into it.

4. After the pit is completely dug, using a cord we measure its dimensions taking into account the depth, adding allowances of about 50 cm on the sides of the bowl - this is necessary to purchase the film of the required size.

The problem that you will inevitably encounter during the excavation process is where to put the earth removed from the pit for the pond? A good option for solving this problem is to raise the level of the site, evenly distributing the soil throughout the garden. You can also use the ground of the pit as an embankment for a stream or as a foundation for an alpine hill.

5. The pond bowl is lined with durable moisture-resistant film. As a rule, in order to protect the main film from damage by stones and plant roots, an additional layer of geotextile is laid under it. Old linoleum or roofing felt is also suitable for this purpose, or you can simply fill the hole with sand and compact it.

When the pit is formed, lay a layer of geotextile, and then the film, tucking the edges of the panels into a specially dug trench around the perimeter of the reservoir

To make the pond film more elastic, it is better to choose a sunny day for laying it - then it will heat up a little and will stretch better, easily going around all the ledges of the pit.

6. To arrange the edge of the pond, an auxiliary trench is dug along its perimeter to tuck and secure the film. Having laid the edges of the film in the trench, sprinkle it with crushed stone - this way it will be securely fixed.

7. Reinforce the edge of the pond with stone blocks or plastic pipes nailed to pegs - this will prevent soil from falling from the coastal zone into the pond bowl. Line the edge with natural stone and decorate with a beautiful single block or group of boulders.

8. Place the prepared plants in special plastic containers and place them on curtains, line the bottom of the pond with stones and gravel.

9. Now you can pour water into the reservoir. To make it more convenient to select pumping equipment and volumes of hydrochemicals for pond care in the future, do not be too lazy to take the water meter readings before and after filling the reservoir.

10. To prevent the water in the pond from stagnating, it is better to equip the reservoir with a stream - it will ensure constant circulation of water. To do this, the source of the stream is raised above the level of the pond, and water will be supplied to it from the bowl of the pond using a submersible pump. Be sure to think about how to decorate the mouth of the stream - use stones, plantings, clay or glass containers.

Fill the pond with water, arrange a stream, install and connect a pump with a filter, plant aquatic plants

11. Install a submersible pump at the bottom of the pond, extend the pipes to the source of the stream and connect them to a filter to purify the water. It is better to take a pressure filter (with a reverse cleaning system) as a cleaning filter - it is more effective than a flow filter.

Material about the construction of an artificial stream in a country house will also be useful:

Your pond is ready, now you just need to carefully care for it - clean it of contaminants, sometimes use preventive agents to revitalize the water and prevent the spread of algae, and take the plants to the basement of the house for the winter.

The main mistakes when arranging ponds

When creating something with your own hands, it is not easy to avoid some mistakes, especially such as compositional ones, so in order to make your pond correctly, consider some standard mistakes inherent in our gardeners:

1. Decorating the banks of the pond with pellets of the same diameter, which makes the pond look somewhat boring. It is better to combine large stones with smaller ones, but do not fill the entire coastal zone of the reservoir with them.
2. The ponds are dug very deep, have steep walls and resemble a kind of stone bag. A little research showed that it is profitable for excavation companies to dig deep ponds, since they are paid by the number of cubic meters of earth removed. Pay attention to the depth of your pond - you should not make it too deep, especially if you are not planning to breed fish.
3. A craving for container gardening, which interferes with the normal development of plants, and a fear of filling the pond with soil for planting. On the one hand, container planting allows you to quickly change the plant design of the pond by rearranging and rearranging plants. Gardeners are probably also afraid of the prospect of a dirty pond after filling it with soil, but there is nothing to be afraid of - the soil for aquatic plants is a heavy mixture with a high clay content, which is not washed away by water, and over time will be strengthened by the root system of the plants.

When you plan to create a pond with your own hands, do not forget that it is not easy - practice first by forming a miniature pond at home.

If the dimensions of your site do not allow you to arrange a pond in your dacha, create a miniature pond in a very ordinary cup

If it works out, feel free to start a large-scale project of laying a full-fledged pond on your summer cottage. We are sure you can do it!

Sometimes in the summer, on a hot day, you want to relax in nature near a small lake or pond. It’s great if such a body of water is located nearby your place of residence. But, for the most part, we have to relax in our free time in the summer on our garden plots or dachas. And many of us, unfortunately, have the money to build even a small country house and pay for the services of a landscape designer. A person has no other choice but to arrange a pond at his dacha on his own. By the way, it’s not difficult to do and quite realistic. This, as a rule, depends on your desire, effort and personal imagination. Therefore, this article from the construction portal will tell you how to make a pond at your dacha with your own hands step by step.

Important information

So, if you are going to build such a structure at your dacha, then first you need to decide on the place where you want to locate this reservoir. We advise you to immediately determine the size and shape of the future pond. Remember that these configurations and dimensions directly depend on the area of ​​the future pond. The larger it is, the more convenient its further operation and maintenance will be.
A small pond will have to be removed and cleaned much more often than a large one. If you decide to plant a large number of plants in it and have a variety of fish, then it is better not to consider a pond with a small area as an option, because the internal microclimate will be disturbed and it will be difficult to maintain the desired eco-balance in it.

As for choosing a future location, you should choose a future location for a reservoir in an open area. Remember that the pond should be in a quiet area and not subject to strong wind gusts. You should not choose an area with bright lighting. It should be located in a place that is protected from direct sunlight entering the water (more than 7 hours), because in the future the pond will be susceptible to flowering. And its inhabitants will be only frogs. But if there is not enough light, then plant growth will sharply decline, and you are unlikely to see the beauty of this reservoir.
If your plans include installing a small fountain, then you will need to prepare a diagram of the reservoir for proper connection of special equipment. With a little effort, you can make the circuit yourself.
Do not forget about the distance from the pond to the electrical system. If you place a pond under trees, this can lead to the fact that falling leaves from them will lead to water pollution and this pond will need to be cleaned much more often. Also, tree roots can cause damage to the tank, and the pond will begin to dry out.

Pay attention to the site publication: How to make a pipe bender yourself

Setting up a home pond on a rigid basis

If you want to thoroughly equip a reservoir, then you should dig a large pit and cast a large bowl of the reservoir using cement and reinforcement. This design will serve you for many years (at least 25).
If you plan to make the pond small, then you can choose a cheaper and lighter option.
Let's find out below how to arrange a country pond yourself? So, the simplest and most affordable method is to purchase a ready-made “bowl” from a specialized store. But the big disadvantage of this method is that you will have to choose the shape of your future pond that is offered for sale. From less expensive options, you can choose a plastic pond with a total area of ​​5 to 9 sq.m. Naturally, there are larger forms, but this is no longer a pond, but a pool and their cost is much higher.

Before purchasing the design you like, you should ask the seller about its depth. It must have a depth of at least 1 meter. The water in this container will quickly warm up in the summer, and in winter it will not freeze to the bottom. Which in this case is one of the main factors. If you are going to build a pond yourself, on your existing summer cottage, and want to use a ready-made form as the basis of the reservoir, then first you need to familiarize yourself with what materials are used in the manufacture of this product.
A container made of plastic is the cheapest option, but when choosing this product you will need to take into account its disadvantages. When delivering and further installing this product, you should be careful, as the container can easily burst if a slight impact or bend occurs. Materials such as plastic are very susceptible to destruction from exposure to sunlight. Based on this, the operation of such a pond will be short - approximately 4-7 years. To achieve a longer service life, it is necessary to choose a container made of reinforced plastic. This material will last you much longer than usual. Such forms are less susceptible to ultraviolet radiation and their properties are much more plastic than products made from conventional plastic.

A more expensive, but also high-quality product is a fiberglass container with a rubber base. This product can withstand temperature changes, will not be deformed or destroyed by sunlight, and the components included in it are environmentally friendly and are not dangerous for residents of the reservoir. The service life of such a pond will be approximately 30-35 years. It is easy to repair, which, in turn, increases its operation several times. Arranging such a reservoir is not a very difficult job. As a result, you get a place to relax that is beautiful in shape, color, and aesthetically pleasing in all respects.

We build a pond on our summer cottage ourselves

This publication will tell every reader how to make a pond in your country house with your own hands. In general, remember that in order to arrange a pond yourself, you need to choose a place for it on the site and decide on its future shape. Let's say this stage of work is completed. Now we need to prepare for construction work.

• First you need to mark the contours of the future pit. They are quite easy to make. Using a shovel you need to make an edging of the silhouette. 25 cm should be added to the manufactured contour to make it possible to add sand to the pond. If you bought a container that has ledges, you need to dig out each finished level separately, gradually reducing them. You should add 12-17 cm to each resulting level for future addition of sand.
• After you have made the pit, its edges will need to be leveled, compacting it with a shovel. It is also recommended to remove all unnecessary debris and the root system of shrubs or trees from the pit. If this procedure is not followed, the form may be damaged.
• Next, we start pouring out the sand. Each layer must be at least 15 cm; in this case, subsidence of the pond will not occur in the future.
• Then we install the plastic container. It is necessary to carry out this work carefully, using a building level to ensure level installation of the bathtub.
• After the container is installed, you need to carefully pour water into the container, filling it one third. The space remaining between the edges of the pit and the container should be carefully filled with sand. Make sure that all voids are filled. To do this, you need to regularly water the soil. The water pressure in this case should be small.
• After installing the container, you need to continue watering the soil around the reservoir, and if necessary, add sand. After the soil stops settling, the container can be completely filled with water. Using stones, decorate the edge of the bowl and plant plants.

Country pond made of flexible materials

Above we talked about how to make a pond in your country house with your own hands. Now we will tell you about what options there are for making a pond yourself, if you cannot buy a ready-made bowl, but want to build a large pond of an original shape.

So, one of the most affordable options in this case can be polyethylene, 600 microns thick. Although its cost is low, this material has quite a lot of disadvantages.

Polyethylene is very thin in composition, so it can be torn, and under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, it begins to quickly deteriorate. The service life of a reservoir made of a polyethylene backing will, alas, be very short, approximately 3 -3.5 years.

A material such as PVC film is quite cheap, but its composition is much stronger than polyethylene film. Its service life will be 9-10 years. PVC coating can also consist of two layers, with a fabric base. This material also, unfortunately, has a lot of disadvantages. It is also susceptible to destruction from the sun, like polyethylene. But there is one main difference - you can always repair it. So-called repair kits are available for sale. In addition, PVC film has good elasticity and stretches well. And a large number of folds created as a result of filling the pond with water straighten out after a while.

One of the most expensive coatings, but also the highest quality, is butyl rubber. The service life of this material is 50-60 years. It is not subject to temperature fluctuations. Indeed, neither frost nor sun are afraid of him. It has excellent properties - flexibility and ductility. Withstands heavy loads. So if your plans include the construction of a large pond of a bizarre shape, then you will not find better material.

The next step will be marking the pit. To make a pond yourself, you will need to use various materials. You will need:

• sand,
• pebbles,
• rope,
• felt,
• film,
• shovel,
• repair kit for film coating,
• bricks,
• irrigation hose,
• building level.

Using pegs and rope, you need to mark the shape of the pit that you want to make. To equip a large reservoir when performing earthworks, you can use excavators. You should carefully ensure that the levels alternate with each other.

This method is necessary to create more stable shores of a reservoir. It is also worth not forgetting about the terraces (about 25 cm wide) necessary for planting plants. The slopes of the ledges from each other should be gentle. The angle of inclination in this case should correspond to 45 degrees. Do not forget that the depth of the future reservoir should be 90 cm. If this distance is less, then with the onset of winter, all the water in the pond will freeze, and the inhabitants of the reservoir will all die. It follows that it is necessary to make a pit 20-25 cm larger than the planned size of the pond. This is necessary to add sand to its bottom and onto the terraces in order to eliminate future subsidence of the soil and damage to the base of the film. The sand embankment must be thoroughly leveled and compacted properly, having previously removed all debris, stones and roots from the bottom.

Drainage and waterproofing

1. Once the embankment is ready, you can proceed to the next job. In order to preserve the integrity of the film intended for the reservoir for as long as possible, geotextiles should be laid on a layer of sand, preferably in several layers.
2. After that, we level the film and secure its edges to the banks using bricks. No, there is no point in trying to smooth out all the wrinkles that appear on the film. They will subsequently be straightened out by water. Try to place the irrigation hose so that one of its edges is placed in the center of the pond, and gradually begin to supply water with low pressure. When filling the reservoir evenly with water, you need to partially release the edges of the film and level it along the ledges of the pit. After the pond is completely filled with water, it is necessary to stop any work for 2-3 days. During this time, the film will begin to gradually smooth out under the influence of water and as a result, all the voids in the pond will be filled.
3. After its final subsidence, we proceed to cutting off the remaining parts of the film, leaving 45-50 cm for further decoration of the banks. We secure the edges of the film with pegs and small metal arcs. In the future, they will be hidden by ornamental plants and various stones and pebbles.
4. Now we install the pump and begin to plant ornamental plants.

Pond above ground at the dacha

From this article, every reader will be able to learn how to make a pond at the dacha with their own hands step by step. In addition to useful information, in this article we will show an interesting video.

If there are small children in the family, then the most important task in building a reservoir is to ensure children's safety. In this case, it is necessary to arrange the pond slightly above the surface of the water. This method will not only facilitate its further operation, but will also make the pond safe for children. It will be necessary to use a reinforced concrete foundation for this. Let's describe in detail how to build such a pond.

1. To begin with, you should dig a pit in the deepest part of the pond, and then make terraces for future plants, as described above.
2. Along the banks of the reservoir, using formwork, it will be necessary to fill the foundation of the required height.
3. After it has completely dried, the wooden formwork can be removed, and the internal parts of the resulting walls can be treated with plaster to make them smooth. By using this method you will avoid damage to the film.
4. We cover the finished bottom of the pit with film and begin to fill it with water.
5. When securing the edges of the film, we leave them behind the manufactured fence. After the pond is filled with water, let it settle for some time.
6. Then we begin to trim the excess edges of the film, secure it, and create the decor of the edges of the pond.

It should be noted that arranging a pond on your own is not an easy task. But if you approach this wisely, the resulting result can exceed all your expectations and delight you for many years. In this case, you should also try to properly and regularly care for your pond. Here are a few examples of devices that you will probably need:

Equipment designed to remove debris from the water in your pond. These can, as a rule, be all kinds of scissors, nets or devices for cleaning the bottom.

You will also need radio sockets in order to connect to the network of fountains installed in the reservoir, or a filter for water purification.

If you want to add fish to a pond, then you will definitely need equipment such as water filtration units and various UV lamps.

You cannot do without a pump designed to pump water out of the pond. It also ensures its constant renewal, and in winter it drains the reservoir.

Rules for caring for a country pond

There is no dispute - a pond in a dacha is wonderful. But if you do not want to see a small swamp on your site with its croaking inhabitants, then you need to properly care for your pond.

The first step is to regularly monitor the cleanliness of the water in it. You can resort to an expensive purification method - for example, buy a purification system for ponds. But if this option is not affordable for you, then there is another, cheaper remedy: using regular peat. In order to clean the pond in this way, you need to fill a canvas bag with it and lower it to the bottom of the pond. The water will not bloom, and the algae that appear will disappear.

Monitor the overall cleanliness of the pond. Regularly remove various debris from leaves, branches, etc. that has accumulated on the surface of the water.

If you are the owner of a small pond, then it should be drained to the bottom in winter. And if you have a fairly large reservoir, then at least 3 times a year it is necessary to completely purify the water, completely pumping it out.

Instead of a conclusion

From this publication, everyone can learn about how to make a mini-pond in the country with their own hands. But what can you do if the area you have is too small to accommodate a reservoir? Don't despair. In this case, you can place a small pond in some front garden, using a metal barrel or a large basin. Such a reservoir can be easily installed even on the balcony of your own apartment, and then you can decorate the container beautifully using stones or mosaics.

How to properly make a greenhouse at home:... What are the features of installing garage roller shutters