We build a pond in the country with our own hands: instructions from A to Z

Pond options

Landscape designers offer several types of self-made ponds, differing in design and functionality:

1. Miniature pond. The small size of the structure does not allow organizing a full-fledged recreation area around it. This mini-option should be considered exclusively as a decoration of the garden plot.
2. Decorative reservoir. Such a structure is large and deep. Sun loungers and benches are usually installed next to it, a canopy is built and even lighting is carried out, organizing a full-fledged patio area. A decorative pond can have a small fountain or a waterfall, and a fully functional bridge is sometimes thrown across it.
3. A fish breeding lake. In this case, the reservoir can be large. Avid fishermen can even practice fishing rod here, although often hosts and guests simply admire mirror carps and other fish species while relaxing nearby or walking along the shore.
4. Pool. These structures are also classified as artificial reservoirs. By organizing such a pool in the country, the owners can cool off on a hot day or swim for their own pleasure. There are options for children and adults.

Different approaches to the organization of a decorative reservoir allow you to get one of two common styles - regular or landscape. Each style has its own branches, but they are all united by a single design feature:

1. Regular variations are created on the basis of an already prepared form. It can be ordered, having previously determined the size, dug in on the site in the right place, and then decoratively decorate. The shape of the pond can vary: broken models are made, symmetrical and free geometry. The disadvantage of such reservoirs is that they cannot be expanded or given a different shape over time. Small decorative ponds and functional pools are created on the basis of shapes of different sizes.
2. The landscape option does not use ready-made frames. This allows the owner to give the pond any configuration and size, decorating and filling it with all kinds of decorations.

Video "Do-it-yourself decorative pond"

From this video you will learn how to independently build a decorative pond on your summer cottage.

How to build

Choosing the right location in the country will help you determine the appropriate type and size of a decorative pond. Designers recommend adhering to the following rules:

• the size of the structure should not exceed 5-10% of the area of ​​the entire summer cottage;
• the area of ​​deep water should not exceed ⅕ of the area of ​​the reservoir;
• the maximum depth should be below the soil freezing depth (1.7-1.9 m);
• for initially small structures, it is useful to have a reserve for future expansion;
• trees should not grow nearby, whose root system can damage the bottom over time, and falling leaves - pollute the reservoir;
• the area can be open, since sunlight stimulates the growth of algae, although, on the other hand, the water evaporates faster, microorganisms are activated and the pond loses its attractiveness.

It is advisable to make the depth of the landscape pond in several levels:

• plants along the coast should grow at a minimum depth of 10–30 cm;
• winter-hardy water lily requires shallow water - 30–90 cm;
• for ornamental fish, places with a certain depth (more than a meter) will be required.

Used for construction:

• ready-made plastic forms;
• a special film with which the bottom is laid out;
• concrete (for pouring the bottom).

We will analyze all three construction options with our own hands in more detail.

With a ready-made form

A plastic pond bowl is ordered from a specialist store. Then, a hole of sufficient depth is dug on the site, where the form is lowered. That's it, now all that remains is to pour water and start designing the surrounding area!

On tape

This option is used for small decorative ponds. A PVC film or a butyl rubber film with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm is purchased - its strength for an artificial reservoir will be quite enough.

All work is performed step by step. The first stage is earthworks:

1. A draft of the future pond is being developed on paper. It takes into account the size and depth of the reservoir, the width of all stages of the structure (for coastal and shallow plants, for fish), as well as the decorative finish of the water composition.
2. On the site, the contour of the future structure is outlined, then the sod is cut off with a shovel over the entire area.
3. A pit is dug: first, to the depth of the first level, then they deepen to the line of the second level, then to the maximum depth.
4. Rectangular ledges are outlined for planting plants. In the course of work, water may begin to accumulate at the bottom, which is pumped out with a special pump or scooped out into another hole dug nearby.
5. They check the bottom of the pit, getting rid of objects that can damage the film. Align the banks.
6. You will need a moat to secure the film. It is dug along the perimeter of the pond to a depth of 20 cm.

To lay the PVC film, the foundation pit should be prepared:

1. At the bottom, a sand cushion 15 cm high is erected.
2. Roofing material is laid on top, which will prevent the film from damage (the sheets are overlapped).
3. The film is placed in a bowl, leaving a small margin along the banks.

Everything needs to be done on a sunny day, since the heated film has better elasticity and fits snugly to all steps and ledges. If the available solid sheet of coating is not enough, you can solder several large pieces together.

The reservoir is filled with water and left for a day - this period will allow the film to take its final shape. Then its edges are laid in the previously dug moat, the excess is cut off, the rest is tucked in. The moat is covered with rubble.

It remains only to decorate the reservoir decoratively.

The advantage of this design option is that over time you can change the shape of the reservoir, as well as increase or decrease its scale.

Concrete bowl

Such construction requires a serious approach and a decent investment of money. The construction of stationary pools with concrete pouring of the bowl is a separate construction topic.

The main steps will be as follows:

1. The pit is dug out in the same way as for the case of PVC film.
2. The bottom is cleaned, reinforced, covered with plaster and waterproofed.
3. The water supply system and water treatment are being set up.
4. The bowl is poured with concrete.

Decor

The surrounding landscape is able to give an artificial reservoir a unique look. Several methods of design finishing of the peri-ore and water space are used:

1. Plants are planted at the bottom and near the coast. To do this, they are placed in special containers that are placed in the right places.It is recommended to use crops that thrive in the local climate.
2. In the central part of the reservoir, you can make a miniature island. A large boulder decorated with plants is suitable for this.
3. Beautiful stones of various sizes are laid out along the coast, garden figures are arranged, paths are organized.
4. They build a fountain, waterfall or alpine slide.
5. Artificial lighting of the shores and surface of the lake is organized.

How to make a fountain

If the pond has an uneven surface, it is recommended to experiment with fountains and waterfalls when decorating it. For this, a special zone of stones is built in advance. To build a fountain, you will need:

• hose for water circulation;
• circulation pump equipped with a filter;
• nozzle for organizing a water jet;
• remote control.

The pump must be powerful enough to maintain the jet at the desired height. Be aware that it will need electrical wiring for it to work.

The fountain will operate according to the following principle:

• the pump is lowered to a depth where a stone platform is constructed for it;
• water from the pond enters the pump through a filter;
• the pump through the pipe system supplies water to the nozzle located above the surface of the pond;
• through the nozzle, water is sprayed over the entire area.

Using the remote control, the fountain can be turned on and off by controlling the operation of the circulation pump.

A decorative pond allows you to get a real paradise on your summer cottage. It is pleasant to relax here after work, to sit with friends, enjoying the scent of flowers and fresh air.