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Pond Building
Methods and Tips
Use
these formulas to calculate your pond’s capacity
Shape
of Pool |
Formula
for Gallons |
Rectangular
or Square |
length
x width x depth x 7.5 = gallons
|
Circular
|
diameter
x diameter x depth x 5.9 = gallons |
Oval
with straight sides |
length
x width x depth x 6.7 = gallons |
Methods
of Building
There are
many different ways to build a water garden. You can tailor
it to your likes and needs. You have several different building
materials to choose from. There are sturdy, easy-to-use prefabricated
polyethylene ponds. Pond liners are extremely flexible. You
can use old-fashioned cement or even a small tub or half barrel.
Accessories such as lights, waterfalls or fountains can be added
as you choose.
The pre-fabricated
pond and the pond liners are extremely durable and are easy
to install. Liners give you greater variety as far as shape
and size are concerned. Tub gardens can be moved from place
to place.
Site Selection
Put your
pond and waterfall where you will see and enjoy it daily. Locate
the water right where you spend time, even if it means the spot
is not where the best sunlight is available. Include a sitting
place near your water garden so that you can enjoy it fully.
Outline
the proposed pond with a rope or hose on the ground, trying
different shapes until you find the one that pleases you most.
Consider your source of electricity while you are in the building
stages. All electrical pond equipment will need grounded, three-prong
outlets. Placing
your pond away from trees will reduce spring and fall maintenance
caused by flowers, seeds and leaves falling into your pond.
A small
berm needs to be placed around the pond if it is in an area
where run-off from your lawn may occur. Lawn run-off can contain
pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides that are detrimental
to your pond plants and fish.
Install
a well-designed filter system and make the pond deep enough
so that your fish can find protection from harsh weather and
predators. At least thirty-six inches is recommended for our
area. Provide a planting area for water lilies and bog plants
that shades at least 60-75% surface during mid-summer heat waves.
Plants are the most essential item for a successful water garden.
They establish the conditions necessary for the control of algae
and the health of your fish.
Waterfall
Tips
Waterfalls
are one of nature’s most beautiful creations. The backdrop
of your waterfall can be almost anything – dirt left over
from digging the pond, existing walls, or old cement blocks
can serve as backdrops.
When possible,
use liner all in one piece for both pool and waterfall. Do not
trim the liner until the waterfall has run for seven days to
allow for any changes that may be needed.
To determine
which pump will be best suited for your waterfall, determine
how high the water must be pumped vertically from the bottom
of the pool. Select a pump that will turn over the total gallonage
of your pond at lease once an hour at this height.
Be
sure your waterfall will not have more capacity than the pond.
Generally, the base pond should be four times the size of the
waterfall. Waterfalls should have some rocks jut out to create
more noise.
Garden
State Aquatics |
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