How to Design a Backyard Fish Pond

Backyard fish ponds are a source of delight to many gardeners and fish enthusiasts. However, whether you're looking to stock a few colorful goldfish to brighten up your yard or breed dazzling koi, planning your pond design is crucial. Once a pond is installed, it's hard to make any changes. Pond construction also has a significant effect on the health of your fish. Get the design right, however, and your pond will bring you many years of pleasure.

Things You'll Need

  • Spade
  • Ball of twine
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on the type of fish you want to stock in your pond. This will influence the design and depth of the pond. For example, koi need ponds at least 45 inches deep and 72 inches long, according to Langston University's aquaculture program. Ideally, ponds should be at least 3 feet deep to deter bird and animal predators.

    • 2

      Work out how much of your backyard you can devote to pond space. Look for locations well away from building walls and large trees. Fallen tree and shrub leaves can rot in the pond and release toxins, according to the BBC. Choose a level spot that gets plenty of sun for around half of the day, but is partly shaded at times, according to World of Water. Sunlight helps plant life oxygenate your pond, and shade allows your fish to shelter from bright light.

    • 3

      Request a utilities mark-out from the appropriate local government department, such as environmental or construction departments. Check the mark-out for all pipe and cable locations and depths. Ensure that your pond is sited far from any potential conflict with pipes and wires.

    • 4

      Dig a 2-foot-wide hole to your chosen pond depth to determine your backyard's water-table level. Fill the hole with water and leave it for a few days. If the water doesn't drain away, you may have a high water table. This could cause a problem by pushing up the liner and buckling your pond, according to World of Water. If the water remains, you may be able to build a solid clay bottom pond with no liner.

    • 5

      Trace the outline of your pond on the ground using a length of garden twine. Avoid complicated shapes or areas cut off from the main pond. Not only is this harder to build, but it could create problems with water circulation, according to the World of Water.

    • 6

      Plan how you will get an electricity supply to your pond filter. Fish ponds require filtration. You may need underground cabling with outdoor protective covering. Site the pond as near as you can to an electricity source for easier access. Consult qualified electricians before working with electrical wire near water.

    • 7

      Note any special requirements. For example, if you want a waterfall, work out how it will fit with your pond design. You'll need extra space for the feature, or will need to take up some of the marked pond area. Remember that additional features may reduce the amount of space for your fish.

    • 8

      Calculate how much liner you require by measuring the maximum width and length with a measuring tape. Then add double your chosen pond depth to each figure. This gives you the liner dimensions. Add a couple of feet to each total to allow for any slight changes.

    • 9

      Check with local environmental departments for any rules on pond depth or for any fencing requirements.