DIY decorative pond in the garden. A pond in the garden: typical mistakes of amateurs. Use large flowerpots

The pond in the garden is a wonderful place to relax on a hot summer day. Those lucky people whose dachas are located on the banks of a river or lake are incredibly lucky. If there is no natural pond nearby, you will have to build an artificial pond yourself.

We outline an action plan

First, let's try to figure out where to place a man-made pond in the country. It is advisable to allocate a place for it at the design stage of a summer cottage.

Photo: marking the area for a decorative pond on the site

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The pond must meet the following criteria:

• be in an open place - leaves and branches from trees will clog the water, and roots will damage the artificial bottom of the pond;
• do not be exposed to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight - constantly heated water provokes the rapid development of microorganisms and algae. The pond will quickly become cloudy and begin to emit an unpleasant musty odor.

Photo: a small pond on a site with a wooden bridge

It would be useful to provide for the option of expanding the surface of a man-made lake over time. Perhaps you would like to transform the mini-pond into a full-fledged water complex - with a bridge and a small fountain.

Experienced builders recommend making the pond shallow - after all, it is used primarily as a beautiful detail of the surrounding landscape. In addition, immediately think about how you are going to care for the pond. Make a convenient approach to the pond - of course, not through the garden or alpine slides.

You will have to change the water yourself, because it is not purified naturally, like in natural lakes and rivers. Therefore, make sure that the tap at the dacha is located in close proximity to the artificial reservoir.

Choosing the base material

Before you grab a shovel, decide what will serve as the basis for an artificial pond. There are several standard solutions. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of popular options.

Reinforced concrete structure

Using this material you can create a long-lasting pond. The bottom and banks, filled with concrete and reinforced with reinforcement, will withstand various additional loads - installation of a fountain, for example, or sculptural compositions on the banks.

The complexity of the process makes it impractical to use this technology for the construction of small reservoirs or decorative ponds in the country. The negative aspects of this solution include the high cost of constructing man-made lakes made of reinforced concrete. You will have to use a lot of building materials and rent special equipment. Dismantling the structure will also cause difficulties, so you must immediately carefully consider the location of the pond.

PVC film

This is a budget solution for creating a simple country pond. The shape and depth of such a structure can be easily changed, and the dimensions can also be expanded or reduced. A pond with a PVC base is often made seasonal - for example, it is filled in for the winter and re-arranged in the spring.

The disadvantages of this solution include the fragility and fragility of the film coating - this material can be easily damaged, and if the seal is broken, the water from the pond will quickly go into the ground. Therefore, it is not recommended to swim or play in such home lakes; they are intended to decorate a summer cottage.

Photo: decorative pond with a bridge in the landscape design of a summer cottage

Artificial store ponds

This option is the golden mean for those who dream of their own pond and at the same time do not want to bother with materials to create it. Store-bought molds for artificial reservoirs are made from strong and durable materials - polyvinyl chloride or fiberglass.

The last option is much more expensive. But the cost of such a product is fully compensated by the high performance characteristics of the material. It’s easy to install such a form yourself, without involving friends or acquaintances in the process. The disadvantage of this option is that the pit will have to be dug under the mold, and not vice versa.

In this case, the opportunity to use the unevenness of the terrain to create natural coastal contours is lost. In addition, the method will cost much more than using film or improvised materials. The photo below shows a finished form for arranging a pond at the dacha.

Making a pond from scrap materials

Another interesting option is to use various containers that have become unusable. Old cast iron bathtubs, troughs, vagons - all unnecessary containers will be useful for construction.

The advantages of this method are that you do not have to buy standard forms or build bulky reinforced concrete structures. The disadvantages include the low decorative quality of old containers - you will have to show imagination and skill to make, for example, a small pond in the Japanese style from a dilapidated trough.

Tire mini pond

For those who have a catastrophic lack of space at their dacha, craftsmen recommend using a simple and convenient tire pond. Old car tires are dug in, a film is laid inside, and the banks of the mini-reservoir are decorated according to your own wishes.

The result obtained sometimes surprises even experienced landscape designers - the finished pond at the dacha becomes an exclusive detail of the garden plot. For example, who will say that this pond in the photo is made from an old car tire?

Pit

Once the material has been selected, it is time to begin excavation work. It is best to do this in the summer, when the groundwater has receded as much as possible. The depth of the hole is calculated based on the material chosen as the basis. If this is a finished form or an old bathtub, dig a pit 20-30 cm deeper than the parameters of the container.

If you plan to build a pond made of PVC film, you will have to dig to a depth of about 80 cm, since the shallow reservoir will completely freeze in winter and quickly dry out in the summer heat. For ponds made of reinforced concrete, they dig a pit over one and a half meters deep - here you can’t do without special equipment.

Technology for constructing a film reservoir

When the pit is ready, all that remains is to clean the bottom and make small terraces about a third of a meter deep and up to 20 cm wide on the sides of the future mini-lake. The bottom of the reservoir is compacted, stones, crushed stone, pebbles, and foreign objects are removed. The cleaned surface of the pit is sprinkled with washed sand and lined with geotextile fabric. Such preparation of the bottom will significantly increase the strength and service life of the coating.

The next stage is laying the film. The size of the canvas is calculated as follows: it is necessary to add the length of the coastline with twice the depth of the reservoir. The material is fixed on the terraces with a margin of about 50 cm. The laid film is laid with bricks or stones - this is done to maintain its shape.

Then they fill the pond with water, check the tightness of the film and begin work on the design of the coastline. Do not cut off the remaining film under the bricks too quickly. It will serve as a hydrosealant during the construction of the blind area.

We are building a pond from an old tank

To create a country mini-lake from an unnecessary bathtub or other container you will need:

• a piece of mesh;
• some crushed stone;
• decorative stones;
• a coil of aluminum or steel wire;
• cement, sand or ready-mixed concrete.

After the foundation pit has been dug and a bathtub has been installed in it (30 centimeters below ground level), they begin to develop the coastline. To do this, remove the top layer of soil at least 40 cm wide along the entire perimeter of the future pond and dig a trench, the depth of which reaches the upper edge of the installed container.

To give a natural look to the man-made lake, tile adhesive is applied to the bottom and walls of the bathtub. After the treatment, the container is allowed to dry thoroughly - this usually takes at least two days.

Then a chain-link mesh is laid around the entire perimeter of the bathtub, which is necessary to reinforce the sides and bottom of the pond. Concrete mortar or sand-cement mixture is applied to it and allowed to dry. Next comes the turn of decorative design of the banks: planting plants, decorating with stones, paving paths, installing figures and other design techniques.

Thematic material:

Pond from a ready-made mold

The pit prepared for the reservoir is cleared of branches, piles of earth and other debris. The bottom and walls of the pit are compacted. If the soil at the dacha is too loose, they are strengthened. For the finished form, a perfectly flat surface of the pit is important. The plane is leveled using a building level.

The bottom of the future pond is covered with clean, washed sand, which is also compacted. This layer ensures the integrity of the finished form.

After this, the container is placed in a pit and filled with water. The empty spaces between the sides of the mold and the walls of the pit are filled with sand, and this is done gradually. First, pour a layer 25-30 cm thick and water it with water. After the sand is evenly distributed, the steps are repeated until the space between the installed bowl and the walls of the pit is completely filled.

Carrying out this procedure is mandatory, since the shape for an artificial reservoir is quite fragile and easily deformed. Even pressure on all sides will prevent warping.

After 24 hours, check the gap between the sides of the container and the walls of the pit: if there are voids, add sand to them. Then the water is pumped out of the pond, the mold is finally washed and filled with clean water.

The final stage is decorating the finished mini-lake at your discretion. There are no strict rules or trends here. Just make sure that your dacha pond brings pleasure and joy. After all, that is precisely why it is installed.

Even in a small area, you can equip a quite decent artificial pond, sacrificing only a few beds. It won't cost much. In order to create a pond at your dacha with your own hands, you only need geotextiles, PVC film or polyethylene and a few days of free time.

Choosing a location for an artificial pond

The most suitable area for placing an artificial pond is a place near the fence in the corner of the garden, which is illuminated in the morning, but is in partial shade at noon. The pond should not be placed near large trees: growing roots can damage the covering of the pit. And during leaf fall, you will have to clean the pond of leaves almost every day.

It is better to place an artificial pond in partial shade

Pit preparation

1. With the help of driven stakes and rope, markings are made in the selected place according to the shape of the pond.

2. The turf is removed along the perimeter of the marking.

3. A small pit can be dug with an ordinary shovel. To prevent the walls of the pit from crumbling, its walls must have slight slope. There is no need to make the artificial pond too deep. Minimum depth bowls - 60 cm (plus 30-40 cm for backfilling drainage with crushed stone and sand).

4. If fish are planned to be released into the pond, its depth should be lower soil freezing level in this climatic region. Otherwise, the water at the bottom will freeze and the fish will die. In the central part of Russia, the soil freezes to a depth of about 1.4-1.5 m.

5. For planting aquatic plants, it is better if the edges of the pit are stepped. The size of each of these steps is 10-15 cm.

Stepped pit for a pond

6. All large stones and branches that can damage the not very strong film are removed from the bottom of the pit.

7. Fill the bottom of the pit with drainage: crushed stone, and then sand in each layer of 20 cm and compacted.

8. To protect against soil erosion, a layer of geotextiles. It can be replaced with any durable fabric: old carpets, blankets, old oilcloth or roofing felt. This protective layer is laid with an overlap of about 50 cm on the edges of the pit.

Laying roofing felt

9. Next, you can lay it on the bottom of the reservoir plastic film(its shelf life is about 3 years), PVC film(it will last longer, about 15 years) or durable butyl rubber. To prevent the film from being damaged when filling with water, it must be laid without tension.

A film is placed on the bottom of the pit

10. Excess geotextile and film should not be cut off immediately. They will take the desired shape only after filling the pond with water. It is better to dig around the perimeter of the pit shallow trench, into which you can place the edges of the fabric and film and lightly cover it with earth.

11. After filling the artificial reservoir with water, stones are laid along its edges, which will not only hold the material covering the bottom of the pond, but also serve as decoration. The edges of such an artificial reservoir can be decorate and decorative tiles, slate, sandstone or other suitable sized stones or bricks.

Stones are laid along the edges of the reservoir

12. The area adjacent to the reservoir can be filled with crushed stone or marble chips.

Decoration of the edge of the pond

13. In the center or at the edge of the pond you can install a small artificial fountain.

14. Along the edges of the reservoir you can install several small lamps on solar batteries.

Advice. If there is too little space on the site, a small artificial pond can be made from an old wheel or bathtub, buried in the ground and trimmed around the edge with stones (see photo).

A small artificial pond made from an old bathtub

Pond from an old wheel

Pond cleaning

Pond filter

A small pond only needs to be cleaned manually once a season. To do this, completely pump out the water from it using a submersible pump and remove accumulated dirt from the bottom. To clean the pond, you can also use a special vacuum cleaner equipped with a filter, which can be used to collect dirt from the bottom.

Vacuum cleaner for pond cleaning

Advice. If you place a vessel filled with charcoal at the bottom of a pond, the water in it will not bloom for a long time.

Fallen leaves can be collected from the surface of the pond using a net. In autumn, during heavy leaf fall, the pond can be covered with a special net. To prevent dirt from entering during the winter, the pond is covered with any covering material.

Advice. To prevent the film from cracking in cold weather, it is better not to drain the water during the winter. To compensate for the pressure generated when ice expands, you can throw several wooden boards or plastic bottles filled with water into the water.

Planting aquatic plants

Naturally, only those plants that can develop well in a given climatic region should be planted. To decorate the pond, you can use traditional plants: reeds, sedges, reeds. Large plants (lilies, water lilies) can cover the water surface from the bright scorching sun and reduce the heating of the water. Flowering plants that prefer to settle near bodies of water include arrowhead, kupena, weeping grass, fern, bergenia, lungwort, water iris, etc.

Advice. To plant plants, you can use special containers that are placed along the bottom of the pit. In this case, caring for the plants will be much easier.

Planting aquatic plants

Video: Do-it-yourself pond at the dacha

A decorative pond is not only one of the most beautiful elements of landscape design, but also an ideal place for relaxation - water soothes, relaxes, saturates the air with freshness and coolness. Making and equipping a pond is not easy, but with desire and perseverance, you can easily overcome any difficulties.

Having a beautiful pond in the garden is the dream of any summer resident. In order for the reservoir to be original and easy to maintain, it is necessary to think through all the details: choose a location, select materials, select residents and plants, and then begin construction.

A pond in the garden: how to choose a site and not make a mistake with the shape and size

At the initial stage, often due to their inexperience and lack of awareness, gardeners make mistakes that can cause many problems in the future. Only correctly selected terrain, size and shape ideally suited to the area of ​​the site is the key to successful construction. That is why, before carrying out such work, a diagram is drawn up and planning of landscape design objects and buildings in the garden is carried out.

Site selection

• An open area is best suited for a pond, as tall trees and shrubs will constantly clog the water. Alternatively, you can cover the surface with a net during leaf fall, but in the summer the protection will have to be removed, and debris from surrounding plants will still end up at the bottom of the reservoir. A pond placed in the shade will take a long time to warm up, especially in early spring.
• It is very important that the selected area is exposed to sunlight either in the first half of the day or in the second.
• The surface of the construction site must be perfectly flat. Even a slight difference in height can spoil the entire appearance; for example, waterproofing protruding from high banks does not look aesthetically pleasing.

Form

The laws of landscape design state that for a small palisade in a natural style, the optimal solution is a winding, intricate shape. As practice shows, placing such a pond in a small area is quite problematic, and it will look comical.

But this is not a reason to abandon the reservoir; you can make a waterfall with a height difference or a small semi-fountain. With proper decoration, even the simplest geometric model will fit into all kinds of plantings without disturbing the landscape.

If the palisade is designed in a certain style, then the pond should correspond to it. So, for the English style a round pond is suitable, for the classical one - with strictly defined corners, and the oriental design will allow you to choose a completely arbitrary shape.

Size and depth

It is not necessary to make a pond in the garden large, even if the area allows it. A properly placed small pond will look much more impressive than a lake in the middle of the lawn. Although the larger ones are easier to care for, easier to decorate and can be used for swimming or fishing.

The optimal depth of the pond is from 30 to 50 cm; under such a thickness of water both vegetation and living creatures will be comfortable. But it is worth considering that such a reservoir will freeze, and fish and plants will have to be relocated for the winter. It is much easier to install and design a shallow reservoir with gently sloping banks.

DIY pond in the garden

Garden ponds are installed from a wide variety of materials: plastic, concrete, stone, film, geotextiles. You can also buy a ready-made base - it is relatively easy to install, it is suitable for wintering aquatic plants and has a fairly long service life.

The purpose of a pond can be different:

• a mini pond made from a cast iron bathtub or garden cart;
• a decorative swamp with which you can drain a problem area;
• home to local flora and fauna;
• a haven for exotic fish and plants;
• pool with iridescent water.

Arrangement of a pond from a ready-made mold

Using a specially designed container made of polyethylene or fiberglass, creating a small mini-pond with standing water is quite simple. They come in a variety of shapes and types and are sold in specialty stores and at themed landscape design exhibitions.

1. Place a two-level base in a predetermined place and outline its contours on the surface of the ground, adding 15 cm for seams. Dig a pit for one level, and then, after re-trying, for another, but 15-20 cm deeper than the bath itself
2. Thoroughly clean the recess from stones and plant debris and compact it well. Next, make a layer of dry sand, 10 cm thick, and level it. Using a level and a ruler, ensure that the container is installed correctly.
3. Fill the resulting air space with sand, moistening it until it stops seeping down. At the same time, fill the pond with water and monitor its level. If necessary, twist until the position is even.
4. After 24 hours, check to see if the pond has subsided. If this happens, add sand and compact it. Then empty the container, wash and fill with clean water.
5. That's it, the pond is ready for decoration. Place pebbles around it or make paths from colored gravel, plant plants in containers.

Original do-it-yourself pond in the garden photo

Often the main determining factor when choosing one of the decorative pond options is the financial side. We offer several very original and relatively inexpensive ways to build a treasured water feature.

Second Life

Old barrels located in a secluded place will serve as an excellent habitat for aquatic plants. The principle of laying such a mini-pond is the same as in the previous method. It is better to use wooden barrels made of oak, the main thing is that they are not dry. But with metal containers you will have to tinker a little: wash them, cover the outer surface with bitumen, and paint the inside with black oil paint to give visual depth.

Man-made lake

What could be more charming than a small lake next to a country house? You will need plastic film, which can be used to cover 3 by 3 meter pieces of cardboard and plywood or similar pieces of plastic (5 pieces).

You'll have to work hard:

• dig a pit with a volume of 3*3*3 m;
• secure the ground (using thin plywood or construction cardboard); if the plastic compound will not be installed, then first cover them with plastic film;
• It is ideal to install the plastic coating on the inner surface and bottom evenly.

As a result, your creation will delight the eye for many years.

raised pond

If the garden area is very small, this is not a reason to deprive yourself of the pleasure of admiring the water composition. The basis can be an ordinary old bathtub, the sides of which will be successfully disguised by wood or stone. This design is not recommended for breeding fish, but it is ideal for aquatic plants and snails.

To make cleaning in the pond easier and to disguise the white enamel, use black film, securing its edges with decorative stones so that the bathtub is not visible at all.

DIY pond in the garden photo: choosing plants for compositions

Without a doubt, a pond made with your own hands is a great achievement, but in order for the pond to attract the eye and invite you to relax, you should choose the right vegetation.

Floating crops

The key place in every garden pond is occupied by the well-known water lily or nymphea (lat. Nymphaea). Many small-flowered and large-flowered varieties allow you to beautifully decorate a pond of any size.

For example, for a small pond, the most suitable are dwarf water lilies (Pygmaea Alba, N. tetragona, Marliacea Rosea), as they can visually increase the area. It is not advisable to plant other floating plants next to the nymph, or to erect a rockery or fountain (splashes can damage the leaves).

Marsh buttercup (Hottonia palustris) and water buttercup (Ranunculus aquatilis) will look very impressive on the water. These species are unpretentious; a piece of shoot is enough for their reproduction, but they are completely unsuited to wintering under thick ice, so during the cold period the plants should be moved to the basement.

Shallow water plants

The peculiarities of the root system of amphibian crops make them most suitable for landscaping ornamental swamps, reservoirs located in low areas, as well as shallow waters. This group includes: iris, marsh marigold, manna, arrowhead.

Coastal zone

The selection of plants for edging the pond depends on the level of soil drainage and the depth of groundwater. Heuchera, daylilies (Hemerocallis), bathwort (Tróllius), Siberian iris (Íris sibírica), and cornflower (Thalictrum) will take root on a gently sloping, damp bank. The numerous varieties and the most unusual colors make it possible to combine these aquatic plants advantageously.

The coastal zone, framed by rocky hills, involves planting drought-resistant, light-loving plants, such as saxifrage (Saxifraga) and young (Sempervivum), as well as low-growing bells and cereals, edelweiss and phlox. When planting crops, it is necessary to regulate the layering of plantings: plant low-growing perennials at the top, in a kind of water plateau, and tall ones - several levels lower.

Bottom line

A garden pond is not just a water feature - it is a real architectural structure, the erection and arrangement of which will require a lot of effort and time. But thanks to our practical tips and instructions, the creative process of constructing and landscaping a pond will bring a lot of pleasure.

How nice it is to sit by the pond on a fine sunny day, admire the surface of the water, relax, unwind. But what to do if there is no body of water nearby? Build it yourself on your own site! This will not require colossal financial influences. All the nuances of creating and arranging a small country pond will be discussed in our article.

Purpose

If you are planning to arrange the landscape of your site and have decided that you must have a pond in your yard, then before you begin work, you need to determine what functionality the pond on your site will have.

According to their purpose, ponds can be divided into three types:

• decorative;
• fish pond;
• for swimming (pool).

Decorative

A decorative pond can be small, built solely to decorate some area of ​​the garden. Being a component of a landscape composition, it can be its finishing touch or an original addition to a design project.

Such a pond is created for an aesthetic purpose: it is pleasant to admire it while sitting in the garden.

Decorative ponds can be larger: the pond itself is deeper, the compositions are larger, where bridges, fountains, streams, and lighting can serve as decoration. In addition to being a pleasant sight, such ponds are also a place for relaxation: on a warm summer day, you can sit around the pond on sun loungers and get your dose of ultraviolet radiation.

For fish farming

Who among us doesn’t dream of watching fish frolicking in our own pond and pleasing the eyes of our household? In addition to its decorative function, such a pond will also serve as an antidepressant: fish swimming in a pond are an excellent calming and relaxing remedy.

Such a pond should be large enough for your fish to feel comfortable. It can be of absolutely any shape. But no matter who you plan to breed - crucian carp or ducks - do not forget about the need to filter the water, as well as enrich it with oxygen.

For swimming

A homemade swimming pond is a salvation on a hot summer day! The size of such a pool will depend on your wishes and the capabilities of your site. If the size of the plot allows, then you can build a beautiful pond in your yard in which you can swim in the summer. You can get by with a smaller pool, which will be just as nice to just take a dip in to cool off on a hot day.

Artificial pond style

Conventionally, ponds can be divided into two large main groups, each of which has many varieties:

• regular pond;
• landscape pond.

A regular pond is created using a ready-made mold. You've probably thought through your landscape project in advance, so you already have a good idea of ​​what a home pond should look like. Based on your wishes for the design of the pond, you can choose a suitable ready-made shape: they come not only in regular geometric shapes, but also in more complex types: broken, asymmetrical, and so on.

A landscape pond differs from a regular one in that a ready-made form is not used in its construction. Therefore, it can be given any configuration.

The size and appearance of the pond can also be different: you can build a small pond in the Japanese style, the main advantage of which is simplicity, or you can give free rein to your imagination, not limited to the standard round shape, and create a large pond filled with various decorations.

How to make a pond with your own hands?

Let's assume that you have decided on the type and functionality of the pond. Now let's look at how to practically implement the conceived idea.

Where to begin?

You should start, of course, by determining the location and size of the future pond. The choice of location is very important. Still, a pond, even if it is functional, should please the owner’s eye, complement the landscape composition, fitting perfectly into it, or even become an accent in your design project.

When choosing a place for a pond in your country house, you should take into account not only and not so much its visual advantages, but a number of other factors that influence the choice of location:

• Plot size. It goes without saying that the size of the pond will be whatever the size of your garden allows it to be.
• Relief of the site. Different terrain allows you to achieve different results: on a flat surface you can create a wonderful, laconic pond, the water in which will delight the eye with its smooth surface; the uneven surface allows you to fantasize with fountains and waterfalls.

• Groundwater level and soil. You should consider these factors when determining the depth of the pond (you may need certain supplies and additional strength).
• Lighting. It is preferable to keep the pond in the shade: exposure to direct sunlight for a long time will increase the evaporation of water, and microorganisms living in the water will become more active, and the pond will lose all its attractiveness. To prevent this from happening, pay attention to the lighting conditions when choosing a location. This is especially true for small bodies of water and ponds with fish.
• Environment. Of course, the trees and shrubs surrounding the pond look very attractive, but do not forget that the foliage falling from these plants will pollute the pond, and the close proximity of tree roots can ruin the waterproofing.

• Electricity supply. Particular attention should be paid to the location if the pond is planned to be decorated with fountains or lighting, in order to think about the electrification of this part of the summer cottage in advance.
• Expansion prospects. You should always take this point into account; perhaps in the future you will want to enlarge the pond itself or expand the recreation area near the pond, or you will want to fix or redo something.

To do this, be sure to leave a piece of empty space in the garden on one side of the pond.

• Consistency with other buildings: after all, a pond is part of the overall composition, so it is necessary to take into account the general appearance of the summer cottage when thinking through the design of the reservoir.
• And finally, the visual component. Of course, the pond should be pleasing to the eye, so its location must be arranged so that it can be seen from most places in the garden.

The size of the pond, of course, depends on the dimensions of the site, but not only on this. The size of the reservoir also depends on your design project, in the end, simply on your desire.

So, let's look at the main parameters:

• Dimensions. There are no specific recommendations regarding pond size. Some sources have information that a pond should be located on an area up to approximately 10% of the entire garden area, but these are not fixed standards.
• Lenght and width. These parameters are taken into account based on the overall size of the plot. If you dig a hole for a pond with your own hands, then they also depend on your physical capabilities.
• Depth. Depends on the size of the reservoir, its potential functionality, soil and your physical strength (again, if you are digging a pit yourself).

• Zoning. Experts distinguish three parts:

1. Coastal(100-300 mm): it houses plants growing in shallow water and contains the entrance to the reservoir.
2. Shallow(300-900 mm): This is space for other plants that live deeper.
3. deep sea(from a meter onwards): the area necessary for fish habitat. The larger and more diverse the living world of a reservoir, the larger part of the area is allocated to the deep-water zone. Also keep in mind: to prevent the fish in the pond from freezing in winter, the lower part of the pond should be located below the freezing level of the ground.

• Content. U Surprisingly, it is easier to care for a large reservoir than a small one.

What will you need?

When you have decided on the location and size of the future reservoir, it is time to purchase materials. Now on the market of construction and finishing materials you can purchase everything you need for arranging a pond:

• One of the most financially expensive options is concrete pond. This pond will serve you for a long time, but take into account the functionality of the future pond: if you are going to build a pool, then this option may be the best choice for you, but if not, study the other proposed options and choose the one that is most suitable for you.

• Plastic containers- a simpler option. They come in different compositions (polyvinyl chloride or fiberglass), so their service life is also different: on average from 10 to 30 years. The work of installing the bowl is not complicated, so this option is quite convenient: you need to dig a hole, install a mold, and fill the voids with sand. However, there are also disadvantages to this option: plastic forms are quite expensive, they also require especially careful transportation, are not resistant to ultraviolet radiation, but are resistant to frost.

The best choice in this case is a fiberglass mold with a rubber base.

The strongest and most reliable film is butyl rubber: it will last up to 50 years, it is also frost-resistant and very durable.

• You will also need the following materials and tools: a shovel, a hose for watering, a cord (for marking), stakes, a wheelbarrow for removing soil, a cleaning filter (especially relevant for reservoirs where fish are raised), a pump (with its help, the pressure necessary to fill the water is generated, it will also be needed for construction of fountains and for the operation of cleaning filters), a sterilizer (needed for water purification), a compressor (aerator) (necessary for reservoirs in which fish live, as it saturates the water with oxygen).

Plan and calculations

So, you have thought about what your future pond will look like, found a suitable place for it, decided on the size and materials, but you still don’t know exactly how many materials will be needed to build the pond of your dreams. To find out, let’s make calculations and, based on the size of the pond, calculate the optimal amount of materials needed for its construction.

Suppose we decide to use polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) as a basis, since this material is affordable, quite durable and easy to use, and can also be repaired.

PVC film comes in different colors: black, brown, blue (or cream):

• a black film will cover the bottom and allow you to observe the reflection of the sky on the surface of the reservoir;
• the brown film resembles the real bottom in color, which will make the pond more realistic;
• A light film (blue or cream) will allow you to see its inhabitants, for example, fish, under water.

When purchasing a film, you should take into account the composition (PVC is more durable than, for example, polyethylene film) and thickness (we need a film whose thickness is more than half a millimeter).

It is also worth paying attention to the manufacturer, strength, ultraviolet resistance and absence of toxic substances.

1. The length of the film is equal to the length of the reservoir + 2 depths of the reservoir + 400-500 mm just in case.
2. The width of the film is equal to the width of the reservoir + 2 depths of the reservoir + 400-500 mm just in case.

The film must be glued with glue purchased there, at a hardware store, for example, “Tangit” or adhesive tape.

Once you're done with the film, you'll need to sketch out your pond. First, draw a mini-sketch on paper and then directly on the ground, indicating the depth and width of the container, as well as the depth and width of the steps. You can write with a garden hose or sand - it's convenient.

Making: step-by-step guide

After all the preparatory stages have been successfully completed, you can begin the main actions:

1. We remove the top layer of soil.
2. We dig a hole.
3. We remove the earth.

It all sounds quite simple, but be careful, do not forget to take into account all the recesses necessary in the future (for plants, for steps, etc.), as well as the features of your body of water (waterfall, pond, pool). When installing a pool, a large pit will have to be dug with an excavator, as during full-scale construction.

When the job is done, the pit has been dug, and the walls have been thoroughly compacted, you can begin waterproofing. If you don’t pay close attention to it, then water will begin to flow into the soil, and we don’t need that at all. If you act correctly, everything will work out as it should.

There are three ways to form a liner at the bottom of your pond:

• The easiest and cheapest way is to fill the bottom with sand and stones. But the result of this method is short-lived: a few years and such a substrate will cease to function properly.
• Another way is to cover the bottom with geotextiles. The result, of course, is more durable, but the cost of this method is also higher.
• This method is the most reliable: cover the bottom with PVC film. It is not very energy intensive, and the result is the most durable.

Let's take a closer look at the third option, since its result will allow us to enjoy the pond in our garden for many years. The main thing is to act according to the instructions.

The fact that we have chosen the film method of waterproofing does not at all prohibit us from filling the bottom with sand before laying the film: this way we will protect the film from unnecessary damage from stones or roots. When laying, unfortunately, it will not be possible to completely avoid folds, but it is better to make one large fold than many small ones: it can then be pressed with stones or glued. The main thing is not to stretch the film, otherwise it will break under the weight of the water.

To secure it, you need to dig an additional track, lay down a film, secure it with rods and sprinkle the track with stones, and then fill the hole itself with them. Once you have finished with the film, you should pour water into your hole. Do this carefully, without sudden pressure. You should act with caution: although the film is durable, it can still deteriorate and tear if done incorrectly. 1-2 days after pouring water, you can cut the film.

Now it is necessary to strengthen the bank so that the reservoir looks beautiful and neat. Let's pay attention to the soil: if it is black soil or clay, then you can make vertical walls, but if it is sand, then the walls should be inclined. It is believed that the ideal slope of the pond bank is 45°. With such a slope, the shore does not crumble, and during freezing the ice does not bulge. Don’t forget about plants: since the planting depth for all plants is different, it is necessary to provide shelves for planting in advance.

Sloping banks can be strengthened with geogrid or geomat, and steep banks can be strengthened with gabions, piles and retaining walls. By the way, there is an option for those who are not yet ready for such large-scale work on their site, but still want to be the owner of a small island of happiness in their garden. A pond can be built from very improvised means. For example, from a tire.

The hole will need to be much less deep, much less film will be needed, and in the end there will be just as much joy. The creation process is extremely simple: you need to dig a hole the size of a tire, insert it into this hole, lay film on the bottom, fill it with water, and decorate the outside with stones.

Of course, the pond will be very small, but if it is properly decorated, it will please the eye no worse than a full-fledged reservoir.

What plants should I plant?

Of course, for your pond to look impressive and attractive, it needs to be decorated accordingly: decorated with plants. In order for your pond to be as close as possible to a natural reservoir, you need to do landscaping.

We offer several options:

• You can plant plants at the bottom of your pond. It is better to use local plants: they will take root faster.

• You can also plant various plants in some container, for example, in a barrel and put it around the pond. At the same time, you can plant whatever your heart desires, choosing containers to your taste and, in accordance with the style of the pond and the garden composition as a whole: it will look impressive, without being visually separated from the overall picture. In addition, just by replacing the container, you can easily change the appearance of the entire environment if you suddenly become bored with the previous look.

• The highlight of your design project can be the decoration in the middle of the pond. Place a beautiful stone in the middle of the pond, and place a pot with some interesting plant on it, or decorate it with some figure, for example, a mermaid. Such a move will certainly attract the attention of others.

• To keep the water in your pond clean for as long as possible, you need to protect it from leaves, branches and insects falling from trees with a special mesh structure.
• If the leaves end up in the water, a net will help you: just remove unnecessary debris from the water so that it remains clean for as long as possible, and the reservoir delights you with its beauty. But a net will not help get rid of debris from the bottom of the reservoir. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to clean the pond using a water purifier.

From this article you will learn:

• How to choose the right place for an artificial pond in your country house
• What size should an artificial pond be?
• How to make an artificial pond on your own site
• How to decorate an artificial pond at the dacha

Many owners of dachas or houses outside the city would like to equip an artificial pond on their site - after all, it will look much more attractive this way! Until relatively recently, realizing such a dream was quite difficult, including financially. But today, an artificial pond in a dacha is no longer something unusual: many can afford it.

As a rule, most summer cottages are limited to 6 acres. In such conditions, owners do not have much opportunity to place a large pond on their property. But in general, if you act correctly, it is quite possible to build an artificial reservoir yourself.

Do not rush to start construction on a grand scale, first decide for what purpose it is being started.

Depending on what function the artificial reservoir will have to perform, it can be:

A small pond. Such an artificial pond will become an element of the landscape composition; its purpose is to decorate the area as a whole and delight others with a beautiful view. Of course, you won’t be able to actively relax near such a pond.

Decorative pond. This is a deeper reservoir, which is equipped with decor in the form of a bridge, fountain, and lighting. Most often it is located next to the house or gazebo; benches, sun loungers and canopies of various types are installed nearby. Near such an artificial reservoir, dacha owners often arrange pleasant gatherings with family or friends.

An artificial reservoir where fish are bred. Not only fishermen dream of having an artificial lake for personal use with fish swimming in it. Contemplating bright fish will be a pleasant experience for every family member while relaxing in the lap of nature.

Swimming pools. In addition to the fact that such a pond will decorate the territory of the dacha, it will also provide its owners and their guests with the opportunity to freshen up and, if the size of the pool allows, even swim.

Having decided on the function of the reservoir and indicating the limit of financial capabilities, you can begin to choose the location of the pond and its shape.

The garden pond can be presented in two versions, with many modifications:

• Formal (regular) body of water.

It is a structure with a clearly defined shape.

When arranging a site in a classical style, as well as modern, minimalism and high-tech styles, a geometrically correct shape of a reservoir will be a good choice.

The formal type of pond, in addition to rectangular ones, includes designs in the form of a circle or square, as well as broken (symmetrical or asymmetrical) shapes.

This option is in great demand among consumers due to its natural outline. An irregular coastline creates the illusion of a natural body of water, and the imagination of the creators in this case is not limited by any boundaries.

Advice: the owners determine the outlines of an artificial pond for their dacha themselves, but the more complex the coastline, the more difficult it will be to subsequently lay the film.

When choosing a pond style, it is important to pay attention to the terrain. If there is a flat surface, it will be possible to equip an artificial pond of any configuration. If there are unevenness and changes, it is better to give preference to a reservoir with a waterfall or a cascade of ponds - they look most organic in such conditions. A bridge or artificial slide will also fit well into the composition.

The pond can be raised above ground level on your own. Technologically, the work will differ only in the structure of the foundation, which will prevent the distortion of the concrete bowl of the artificial lake.

A high pond minimizes excavation work, is easier to maintain, and is suitable for families with small children (the edge is equipped with a fence with railings). Such a pond can be arranged near a covered terrace, then it will not only decorate the landscape of the dacha, but also become a place of relaxation.

Advice: if you plan to make an artificial pond with a fountain on the site, it is better to give preference to a high pond.

The pond should be placed in a place where it will be visible from anywhere on the site. To make a good choice, you need to consider certain factors.

• Land area. This criterion determines the size of the reservoir and its shape.
• Illumination. It is better to arrange an artificial pond in a shaded place. It is important that the exposure of this area to direct sunlight does not exceed 5–6 hours a day, otherwise the water will simply evaporate. In addition, the presence of constant sunlight activates biological activity in the reservoir and will lead it to an improper appearance. Therefore, having decided on the location, it is necessary to monitor the solar regime that operates in this territory for several days.
• Relief. This criterion dictates the shape of the artificial reservoir and additional decorative elements (for example, the presence of a certain type of relief will significantly simplify the installation of fountains, etc.).
• Groundwater level, soil composition. Such factors determine the depth of the future reservoir, also make it possible to assess the complexity of the upcoming work and budget for additional costs for their implementation in the proper amount.
• Possibility of expansion. Do not forget that in the future the reservoir can be expanded, so it is better to leave free space on one side.
• Visibility. It is necessary to place the artificial lake in such a place that it can be seen from the house and recreation areas.
• Electricity supply. If you want to additionally equip the fountain or add lighting, you need to think about electrification in advance. It is better to lay wires underground already at the project development stage, while ensuring their protection with reliable corrugation. There must be small hatches for access at the connection points.
• Reflection. The reservoir will have a much more attractive appearance if the sky or beautiful buildings (but not utility structures!) are reflected on its surface.
• Landscaping. It is better to avoid the temptation to plant any trees or shrubs near an artificial lake. Sure, it looks nice, but falling leaves will pollute the water and create silt. In addition, tree root systems can damage the waterproofing layer.
• Compatibility with the overall design and other objects.

It is better to start work in the spring - then there will be enough time for the reservoir to “take root” on the site.

The optimal size of an artificial pond in the country

Are there any absolutely optimal sizes of an artificial reservoir and its shape? No. The same shape can look different in different areas. First of all, when choosing the right option, you should start from the technical requirements. For example, the size of a minimum reservoir should be no less than 3 x 2 m, because only with such parameters can a biodynamic balance be established, when the water can purify itself. If the size of the plot allows you to equip such a pond, then you need to pay attention to other parameters:

• Dimensions. Depends on the location of the reservoir. It is believed that the pond should occupy no more than 3–10% of the area of ​​the entire territory of the dacha site. There are no clear restrictions; everything is determined by the customer’s preferences.
• Lenght and width. These parameters depend on the size of the plot, the functions of the reservoir and the capabilities of the owners, who can dig a small pit on their own, and hire special equipment for a large one.
• Depth. The larger the pond, the deeper it can be made. If the depth of a small reservoir is several tens of centimeters, then the depth of a swimming pool is several meters.
• Zoning. This parameter is important for large reservoirs. Landscape designers recommend dividing the pond into three zones. The coastal zone is characterized by a depth of 10–40 cm; ornamental plants can be planted here. Shallow water zone - from 40 cm to 1 meter, in this part a winter-hardy water lily or nymph is already planted. If you plan to use a pond at your dacha for swimming, then this area will provide an opportunity to go into the water; children can swim in this part. The third, deep-sea zone is more than 1 meter deep. Adults swim here, and you can also raise fish.
• Biodynamic balance. If the reservoir will be inhabited by various kinds of living creatures, it is necessary to create such a balance so that the artificial lake can clean itself. It is not possible to purify the water in a pond with fish or plants using bleach; this is strictly prohibited.
• Care. Generally, the larger the pond, the easier it will be to clean. It is imperative to think through ways to care for the structure and the fish and plants in it.

What is the best thing to do - build a pond or buy an artificial pond for your dacha? There is no clear answer. The choice is determined by the purpose for which it is planned to equip the reservoir, to what extent its future owner has time and funds.

In its finished form, the design of a pond for a summer residence is a plastic form that is dug into the ground or installed on a special frame. What are the pros and cons of such a purchase?

1. prepare a foundation pit;
2. set the form according to the level and fix it;
3. fill with water;
4. decorate.

This option is suitable when you need to make a small pond for your garden quickly, but you want its maintenance to not take much time. But the main disadvantage of such structures is their fragility.

Such forms are made, laying down the necessary margin of safety, but the threat of damaging them still exists. It is possible to repair the cracks that have appeared, but to do this the mold will need to be dug up and moved to the workshop and back, which will require a lot of effort and financial expenses.

When building a reservoir for a summer residence, its shape can be either a complex concrete structure or an ordinary hole dug in the ground and lined with pebbles or a special butyl rubber film for waterproofing purposes.

The advantages of such an artificial pond:

• a huge selection of shapes, depths, sizes;
• the effect of a natural zone is created;
• wide possibilities for decoration.

This option for building an artificial pond at the dacha has its drawbacks. The main one is time: it will take much more than digging a finished plastic mold into the ground.

To carry out such work you need experience and tools. You will have to purchase the necessary materials and pay for the work of the craftsmen, which will ultimately lead to high costs for arranging an artificial reservoir for your dacha.

The amount of equipment required is determined by how complex in shape and filling the artificial reservoir is planned to be created at the dacha. To build a simple version you will need:

• Shovel.
• Ground trolley.
• Building level.
• Cord for marking.
• Pegs.
• Water supply hose.
• Film for waterproofing a pond or any other base.

To build a more complex artificial pond for a summer residence, additional equipment is needed:

• Filter for water purification. Needed if you want to create a pond for fish breeding.
• Water pump. A similar device is used to pump and pump out water, to ensure the operation of filters, fountains and waterfalls.
• Sterilizer. Serves as a guarantee of clean water in an artificial reservoir.
• Aerator (compressor). Enriches the water for an artificial pond at the dacha with oxygen. We need a model specifically for a pond; analogues for aquariums are not powerful enough. Additionally, an excavator may be required to dig the pond.

An artificial pond at the dacha should be erected following clear instructions. In this case, it will be possible to properly dig out the boiler and line it with waterproofing. Step-by-step construction of a pond using PVC film looks like this:

1. Work begins with a plan. It is necessary to select the desired scale and draw all the details of the project, including the depth of each zone. At this stage, it is recommended to think about decorating the reservoir (especially if the construction of an artificial lake with a waterfall is planned at the dacha). A detailed plan will help you avoid many mistakes. In search of ideas, you can turn to the Internet - there are many photos of artificial ponds in the country.
2. The next step is marking the future pit. It is done using a rope stretched over pegs, a rubber hose or even sand (the outline is drawn with it). It is important to ensure that the banks are located at the same height. The pit should be dug in accordance with the plan, periodically checking the level of the banks.
3. Next comes the excavation stage. It is necessary to dig a hole, the depth of which will correspond to the depth of the coastal zone. Then make markings and fix the burial line. Next, a second tier is built and a line is made for digging an artificial pond in its deepest part. It’s better to work together with someone, and to build a large reservoir at your dacha, hire an excavator.
4. At the dug hole, you need to measure the dimensions and depth using a cord. Add 50 cm to the obtained values ​​on each side of the pit - this way you will know how much PVC film you will need to buy.
5. The pit is tightly covered with film. It is recommended to lay geotextiles underneath so that over time the root system of trees does not damage the waterproofing. The structure can also be strengthened with roofing felt or linoleum. You can also strengthen the shore and bottom with sand compacted tightly. It is better to carry out the work in sunny weather - the heated film will lie firmly on all the bends of the pit.
6. The edges of the film sheet are tucked into a previously prepared trench around the perimeter of the pond, which is then filled with crushed stone or other stone. This way you can securely fasten the film.
7. To prevent the earth from subsequently crumbling, the edge of the artificial pond for the dacha should be strengthened. This is done using stone blocks or plastic pipes nailed to pegs. It is recommended to line the edge with natural stones, complementing the overall picture with large boulders.
8. Plants for decorating a pond at the dacha are placed in special baskets and installed in the right places, focusing on the plan. The bottom is laid out with small stones or gravel.
9. At this stage, the pit is filled with water. A hose is the best way to do this, since carrying water in buckets is inconvenient. Standing water can cause certain problems, including an unpleasant odor. To ensure that the water mass in the artificial reservoir at the dacha does not stagnate, you need to make the pond a stream. To do this, the source is raised just above the level of the pond, and water is supplied to it by a pump from the bowl itself. Such a device will deprive pond owners of unnecessary hassle.
10. Finally, a submersible pump is connected to the source of the stream and a filter is installed. It is better to use a pressure filter - it is more effective for water purification.

One of the most popular materials for arranging an artificial pond is PVC film. This is due to its low cost and good performance properties. In addition, to independently build a pond for a summer residence using PVC film, you do not need any special skills or knowledge.

For artificial reservoirs in the countryside, films with a thickness of 0.5 mm or more are used, but for a really deep pit it is better to use the thickest film.

The advantages of this material are the variety of colors that allow you to achieve different optical effects. Thus, a black film coating will make the bottom of an artificial reservoir for a summer residence mirror-like - nearby trees and buildings will be effectively reflected in it. A brown film will imitate a soil bottom, a light blue or cream film will make the pond as transparent as possible, which will make it possible to see everything that happens in it.

The film is cut with a margin - so that after lining the bottom and walls of the reservoir, about a meter of film remains. The cut pieces are connected with special glue or adhesive tape.

As a design element for an artificial pond at your dacha, you can install a decorative fountain in the pond. You can build it yourself or purchase it ready-made. Often the pond is equipped with bridges and decorated with garden figurines along the banks. Flowers and plants planted in an artificial pond at the dacha require special care. There are deep-water and shallow-water plants.

The first ones are pre-planted at the bottom in baskets intended for this purpose. Such plants should occupy no more than 30% of the total area of ​​the reservoir, otherwise the artificial lake at the dacha will turn into a swamp. In addition, exceeding the number of plants can lead to the death of other inhabitants of the reservoir, in particular fish. On the coast, flowers also need to be planted carefully, remembering that over time they tend to grow.

First, nymphs are planted in a pond at the dacha, then the bottom is covered with decorative stones in the direction from the deepest zone. Susak, calamus, marsh whitewing, sedge and chastuha are planted on the terrace. On the surface of the water you can place hyacinth, bagel, pistia or swampweed.

The coastline is decorated with various types of iris, reeds, aruncus, miscanthus, and buzulnik. The composition can be diluted with perennials: hostas, primroses, buttercups, astilbes or swimsuits.

An artificial pond at the dacha can be populated with different fauna, for example, ducks and even swans, it all depends on the capabilities of the owners. As a rule, fish most often live in reservoirs at the dacha. Their choice must be approached extremely responsibly and carefully. Most often among the inhabitants: crucian carp, goldfish, carp. It must be taken into account that one fish up to 15 cm in size requires about 50 liters of water space.

A fabulous garden would be a great idea for landscaping your dacha. The paths can be laid out with colored slabs. In this version, an artificial pond is designed as a magical place: plants with irregularly shaped leaves are planted, colorful fish are released into the pond, boulders along the banks of the pond are painted with bright colors. You can also actively use decorative lighting or lanterns to achieve a spectacular result.

If the artificial pond at the dacha is intended for swimming, then the perimeter area can be designed in the form of a sunny beach. A certain space is separated from the rest of the area using a fence; inside the fence you can lay out sand, put sun loungers, a table and umbrellas.

Where to buy an artificial pond for your dacha

The Sportstyle company was founded in 1992 and has been successfully presenting its products and services in the markets of Russia and neighboring countries for more than 25 years.

One of the main activities of the company is the production of frame-awning structures, sports equipment, and recreational goods. Our products are very popular and in demand, including:

Swimming pools. Resistant to household chemicals, sealed with sealed seams and a special film that is safe for health.

Waterproofing. Industrial waterproofing, as well as for roofing and foundations.

Covering awnings. Protective awnings, covering canopies of any size made of PVC fabric or tarpaulin complete with fastening fittings. Pool covers protect the water from contamination.

Pond bowls. We can make bowls for ponds of any shape and size.

Curtains for gazebos, verandas. Protective curtains with the ability to open in good weather and close in bad weather.