How to Set Up an Outdoor Fish Pond

Lay out a bright-colored string on the ground in the outline of your proposed pond. If you're using a preformed pond, lay the liner out and outline it with string.

Look at it from your windows, patio and yard to be sure you like the location.

Use spray paint to mark the entire outline of your pond when you're satisfied with the shape and location.

Start about 3 inches out from the paint marks with a shovel and begin removing the sod and topsoil around the perimeter of the pond.

Lay a 2-by-4-inch board across the width of one end of the pond.

Set a carpenter's level on the board and make sure that the edge of the pond is level. Add topsoil to the edge if it's not.

Continue this process until you are certain that the entire pond edge is perfectly level. If it isn't, the liner will show where it's higher than the rest and could leak water where it's lower.

Start digging at the center of the pond. The walls should slope at about a 20 to 30 degree angle. Dig 2 inches deeper than the pond will be.

When the hole is complete, check for things poking out of the ground that might tear the liner, such as rocks or roots. Remove them if you find any.

Lay 2 inches of sand evenly across the bottom for drainage. It packs well if you get it wet.

Roll the liner out in the sun to heat it up. This will make it more flexible and easier to work with.

Lay the liner in the correct position in the pond, being careful not to move the sand too much.

Fill the pond with water.

Cut away the extra liner in places where it sticks up above ground level. Keep these pieces in case you need to patch the liner in the future.

Dechlorinate the water before you add fish and plants.