pond building tips

Are you ready for your pond project?

Every phase involved in building a water feature requires utmost attention. And it’s important to go over these details while you’re still in the planning process. You can easily apply changes in paper unlike when the construction has already began.

Check out this list to avoid unnecessary expenses and so you can build your pond successfully.

Not Testing Soil

Your pond should be able to retain water. Unfortunately, not all types of soil have this ability. Sand and gravel wouldn’t be able to hold water so a great choice would be clay.

One way you can check if the soil is fit for backyard pond installation is by going around the neighborhood. Ask actual pond owners how their soil holds up after their pond has been installed.

You can also test the soil in your yard. Dig a hole, fill it with water, and observe how long it takes for the surrounding soil to soak up the water. You can consult professional pond builders on this, and inquire as well about prefabricated pond shells.

Poor Location

Another essential factor that is often overlooked in pond building is choosing the best pond location.

It is not enough that the area is unused. It also shouldn’t be in a low spot. Otherwise, your pond will only suffer from contamination and runoff.

Also, consider installing your pond where it will enjoy traffic. You might even want to place it close to your windows where you can hear the soothing sound of water even when you’re inside your home.

Sides are Either Too Shallow or Too Deep

Your pond should be deep enough to withstand evaporation and harsh summer heat, but not too deep to give you a hard time on routine maintenance.

Also, allow for ledges or shallow areas where you can stack stones or plants. If you’d dig your pond into the shape of a bowl, it will be difficult to edge around it as stones will slide down.

Overlooking Safety Procedures

You will be working around boulders and heavy equipment so you might as well equip yourself with safety gears. Also, since this project includes digging, make sure you’re not hitting any utility lines.

More so, if you’re adding features to your pond that require dealing with electrical components, stay safe and seek assistance from a licensed electrician.

This can mean additional cost but it should be worth it considering the potential losses you can incur for a mishandled electrical job.

Improper Rock Placement

In building your pond, you need both large and small rocks that are carefully arranged to resemble a natural setting.

The larger ones shall make up your perimeter or foundation stones, and the smaller stones will complete the design. You will also need small, polished rocks at the bottom of the pond.

Ignoring Advice from Professional Pond Builders

If you’re still not sure how to get started, you can get in touch with water feature installation experts or pond builders for help. Building a pond may seem simple, but truth is, it takes a lot more than digging a hole in your yard.

At California Waterscapes, we can work with you every step of the way to make sure that the pond turns out the way you want it. We can take care of the heavy work for you so you can focus on other important matters you need done.

If you want to learn more about pond products and services that we offer, simply sign up for a no obligation, FREE estimate so we can get in touch with you at the soonest possible time.