Rigid preformed ponds. Flexible preformed pond kits. Installing a preformed pond |
Location
You should be able to have a good view of the pond from where you will be spending most of the time such as the deck or patio. The area you choose should be as level as possible but that is not a critical objective as you can adjust the landscaping accordingly once the pond is installed. |
Material
The two most common materials used for rigid preformed ponds are Fiberglass and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Generally speaking fiberglass ponds are much stronger than those made of plastic, are more rigid and last longer. They are also more expensive than ponds made of PVC plastic. Both products are non-toxic to plants and fish. |
TIPS
1- Make sure to install a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet near the pond. The receptacle should be located close enough to the pond to accommodate a pump with a 1.8 m (6 feet) long electrical cord. Most pump cords however, are much longer.
2- Install an exterior on/off switch so power can be turned off temporarily when you are working on or around the pond. It is not a good idea to put your hands in the water for let's say, planting plants or cleaning the water intake on your pump. I know, you installed a GFCI outlet to prevent deadly mishaps but be smart and turn off the power because water, or wet conditions, and electricity are a bad mix. |
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Rigid preformed ponds. Installing a preformed pond
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| Rigid Preformed Ponds |
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Rigid preformed ponds
Installing a preformed pond
A preformed pond is ideal for smaller backyards. You will find that relaxing in the evening after a busy day, the sound of running water can be very soothing. Installation is fast and the pond could be up and running in a day or two.
Is having a pond always a good idea?
The answer is NO if you have small children. It does not matter if you have a large or a wee tiny pond, water and small kids are a bad mix, period. If you still like the sound of running water you may want to install a waterless pond right inside your preformed pond. Later, when the kids are older it can be converted easily into a regular pond. For more information on this option click here.
Installation
- Do NOT place the pond upside down to outline the shape unless the pond is symmetrical. If it is not symmetrical the pond will not fit in the hole!! When I installed my preformed pond I used stakes to outline the shape of the pond and then dug a hole approximately 20 cm. (8 inches) bigger than the pond.
- Make sure that the hole is a bit deeper than the actual preformed pond. Place pond in the hole to check if it is deep enough. At this stage the top of the pond should be flush with the finished grade.
- Remove the pond and all exposed roots and rocks.
- Add 5 cm. (2 inches) of sand to the bottom of the hole and reinstall the preformed pond. The top of the pond should now be 5 cm. (2 inches) higher than the finished grade. This is what you want so that no contaminated surface water runoff can drain into your pond.
- Use a level (the longer the level the better) to check for levelness, both front to back and left to right. If the preformed pond is longer or wider than the length of the level place it on a straightedge.
A straightedge is is a long piece of lumber that is straight and free of curves.
- Once you are satisfied that everything is level start to fill the pond with water while back filling. This ensures that the back filling process does not warp or bend the wall.
For back filling do not use left over excavated soil from the hole but sand.
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Peanut shaped rigid preformed pond with two plant shelves. Once the pump has been installed the rocks will be moved to the bottom of the pond
Place the level on a straightedge if the pond is wider or longer than the length of your level |
Sand drains well which will help to prevent frost heave in northern climates. Pack the sand well for maximum support. Keep checking for levelness as you add more back fill and water. Now all you have to do is add some plants and fish and, if you wish, a waterfall, a fountain or pond lights.
TIPS
1- Make sure to install a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet near the pond. The receptacle should be located close enough to the pond to accommodate a pump with a 1.8 m (6 feet) long electrical cord. Most pump cords however, are much longer.
2- Install an exterior on/off switch so power can be turned off temporarily when you are working on or around the pond. It is not a good idea to put your hands in the water for let's say, planting plants or cleaning the water intake on your pump. I know, you installed a GFCI outlet to prevent deadly mishaps but be smart and turn off the power because water, or wet conditions, and electricity are a bad mix. |
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