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For thousands of years, creative architects have
employed formal ponds to provide focus, noise abatement,
and evaporative cooling in both public and private
gardens. Although formal ponds were traditionally built
of stone, today they can also be built with brick,
concrete, or pressure treated wood. A raised perimeter
wall can highlight the attractive structural materials
and offer visitors a place to sit by the water; a flush
edge is easier to build and will make the garden feel
more spacious. Simple rectangular shapes with vertical
side walls are recommended for ease of waterproofing,
but other shapes are possible. Fish and plants are
optional, but a fountain is a virtual necessity. A
depth of 10" to 24" is sufficient.
Formal pods can match a more formal architectural
design but can be difficult to maintain and expensive
to build. Their pumps can clog easily and there is
no biological or mechanical filtration. Also, if built
from concrete, it can crack.
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