The most common artificial decorative reservoirs in summer cottages are ponds and swimming pools. Everyone can afford a small pond. Everything depends not so much on financial capabilities, but on desire and hard work. An artificially created pond can have absolutely any shape, just like in nature. Marsh plants are usually planted along the perimeter of such ponds; it goes well with any type of landscape design. You can make a pond of a certain geometric shape; such a pond will fit well into the design idea, in which clear, regular shapes also predominate.
To create an artificial reservoir at your dacha, the most important task is to choose its future location and size. It should be remembered that the condition of the pond is poorly affected by direct sunlight for more than 6 hours a day (long-term exposure can stimulate the growth of bacteria), as well as the close proximity of trees - leaves falling into the water will pollute the pond, and tree roots can completely destroy the structure of the reservoir .
The size of the pond depends directly on how much free space there is. garden plot. But it is worth remembering that the larger the pond, the easier it is to create a stable ecosystem, that is, a balance between the animal and plant worlds in the reservoir, therefore it is easier to care for a large reservoir than a small one.
At the base of the future reservoir there can be either a ready-made container (for example, an old cast iron bath or any plastic container), or a film made of polyvinyl chloride or butyl rubber, or even a reinforced concrete bowl.
Of course, using a ready-made container makes it easier and faster to make a pond. For the existing container, simply dig a hole and place it there. It is, of course, impossible to make a large reservoir in this way.
Using film you can make a pond of any shape and depth. Although this option will require a fair amount of tinkering, it is more economical and convenient. It is not recommended to use ordinary polyethylene for film reservoirs, since it has a short service life and will lose its properties in a couple of years.
A reinforced concrete bowl at the base is the most reliable way to create a pond. However, this option is the most expensive, and it will be very difficult to remake such a decorative pond at the dacha with your own hands.
So, due to the many options in size and shape and cost-effectiveness, the most common type of dacha ponds are ponds created using film.
To create such a pond, you need to complete several steps:
- Preparing the bottom of the future reservoir (pit). The main thing for film reservoirs is to create a flat bottom, without stones, roots and other sharp protrusions, so as not to damage the film.
- Drainage. To prevent shrinkage, place a layer of sand on the bottom. To protect against rodents, it is also recommended to lay a geotextile layer.
- Laying the film.
- Pouring water.
- Decor. Here everything depends on the designer’s imagination.
- Pond care. It should be remembered that artificial reservoirs require filtration to prevent water stagnation. For these purposes, either special filtration systems are used, or plants are placed in the pond that can saturate the water with oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and mineral salts.
A combination of these methods can be used. During the winter, water should be removed from the pond, and the plants should be sent to an aquarium or a large pond located nearby to overwinter.
DIY artificial decorative ponds
Summer is just around the corner, which means it's time to open summer season. To make your work at your dacha easier and to improve your dacha plot, you can build an artificial pond on it. An artificial pond will decorate your site, and will also serve as a source for watering plants, swimming, and breeding fish.
Ponds on the site can be of different geometric shapes, but they must be raised above the soil level. When building a pond, as with any other construction, you need to adhere to a certain algorithm. First you need to determine the location of the artificial pond on summer cottage. It is recommended to place it not far from trees and shrubs in an area with turf.
Trees and shrubs should be located at least 1.5 - 2 meters from the pond, so that tree roots do not distort the landscape of the pond, and fallen leaves do not litter it. Provide free access to the pond from all sides, make paths around it. Paths can be lined with stones or plastic plugs.
It will do appearance the pond is more aesthetically pleasing. The pond should be located on a sunny, but slightly dark side, so that the water in it does not heat up too much. Strong heating of the water will promote flowering of the pond and rapid growth of algae.
Once the location has been chosen, construction can begin. First you need to dig a pit of the desired shape. Its depth should be at least one meter, total area 3-4 sq. m.
When constructing an artificial reservoir, a difficult dilemma arises: “What should the bottom be made of?” You can make the bottom of the reservoir by filling it with concrete, laying it out with granite or even marble. But this will require large financial investments and will make the pond unnatural; also, when redeveloping the garden, changing the position of such a pond will be problematic.
Therefore, bottom planning must be taken very seriously. The following design will be convenient and practical. Pour sand into the bottom of the pit and distribute it evenly. Cover the bottom of the pit with a waterproof film on top of the sand. We fix the edges of the film along the shore line.
Be sure to use heavy stones to strengthen it, and then fill the edges river pebbles or gravel. Ready-made plastic containers, which already have recesses for planting, are also very convenient for organizing the bottom.
We install a pump in the pond to circulate water and provide artificial lighting. Whatever evening time the pond was a delight to your eyes. After the pond is built, it must be decorated with plants and decorative elements. To do this, we plant the plants in baskets, which we strengthen at the bottom of the pond. Water lilies, lilies, and egg capsules can also serve as a good decorative element for your pond.
Lilies on a decorative pond If you wish, you can populate the pond with fish, but keep in mind that the fish will need to be looked after and the pond must be cleaned in a timely manner. A properly equipped and organized artificial pond will decorate and enhance your area.
How to make a reservoir - a pond on a plot, in a dacha - video instructions
How to care for an artificial pond
It’s not enough to create a small pond on your summer cottage - it still requires care, without the owner’s care it will turn into a dirty swamp which will then dry up over time. To prevent this from happening, experts advise what and when to do so that the pond is always colorful.
Spring
It is recommended to carry out the first inspection of the year as soon as the ice melts - from mid to late March. This is the most favorable working hours in the garden and in the beds have not yet begun, so you can thoroughly and slowly examine the entire pond. Everything is subject to inspection - starting with appearance - how the banks survived the winter, whether they are intact.
If the fish spent the winter in a deep pond, their condition is checked to see if they are alive. It is necessary to pay attention to all electrical devices - how filters and pumps work. The integrity of the bottom must be checked - if a leak or crack appears, the fish will be temporarily resettled and the damage repaired.
At the same time, at the end of March you can take care of plants. If the owners are satisfied with the plants they had last year, plant them; if it is necessary to update the plants, purchase new ones. Also don't forget about the garden.
After the autumn winds, a lot of foliage blew into the pond - in the spring it must be removed so that the rotting leaves do not spoil the quality of the water - this can affect the health and life of the fish. If the pond is small, they practice pumping out water, relocating fish and cleaning the walls and bottom with a regular brush. Dirty water drains and changes to clean.
Summer
The most important and pressing problem for the summer period in a pond is maintaining the water level. The spring maintenance of the pond ended with the stabilization of order, and in the summer it is only necessary to maintain this order. When the water level drops due to evaporation, the water is pumped up; if the days are too hot, the oxygen level in the water is artificially increased using compressors and creating shade.
The second action near the pond in the summer is to check the condition of the plants - their growth, and trim them if necessary. If there are weeds in the plants, they are removed. Insect control is also carried out - it is better to wash them off in water - the fish will receive fresh food and the leaves of the plants will be freed from dust. After each feeding of the fish, the remaining food in the pond is checked and removed so that it does not spoil the quality of the water.
Autumn
With the onset of autumn and the beginning of leaf fall, the most important thing in caring for a pond is to preserve it from contamination by leaves and debris carried by the wind. Fallen leaves are systematically removed, plants on the shore are trimmed, and a fine mesh is hung over the pond to prevent leaves from falling onto the water.
Plants that have sprouted buds are removed until spring in a warm room. If there are pots with plants near the pond, they are also brought into a warm room. The fish are fed - for the winter it must have reserves of nutrients and fat reserves, since the fish are not active in the winter - this will be enough for it for the winter.
Winter
A shallow pond that can freeze to the bottom and kill the fish is pumped out. The fish are temporarily moved indoors until spring. If the fish winter in a pond, it is necessary to provide for the creation of wormwood - either by placing a hot object on the ice or by drilling out the wormwood. In winter, if necessary, you can heat the water.
The reservoir should begin with the choice suitable place and determining the size of the future pond. It is best to place the site at the lowest point, but make sure that it is well lit by the sun throughout the day. It is important that it is not near widely developed crowns. Otherwise, they will constantly fall into the water, and large roots can seriously disrupt the waterproofing of the reservoir.
The size of the pond depends on the scale of the entire site and the intentions of its owner. A pond with a diameter of about 3.5 m and a depth of about 100-120 cm is considered classic. But if the area is small, you can make a pond about a meter in size and no more than 50 cm deep. It is important to remember that if you plan to breed any aquatic plants, the depth should be a little greater - about 100 cm.
The next step in pond construction is preparing the pit. In essence, it is just a hole of a certain depth with a relatively flat bottom and walls. The shape of the pit can be made almost any way. If it is subsequently intended to use a ready-made purchased form for waterproofing, then the foundation pit must follow its lines. If there is no rigid shape, you can give the future pond the contours of a circle, oval, figure eight, etc. The walls of the finished pit are cleared of protruding roots and sharp stones, and the bottom is covered with a thick layer of sand, which is well compacted.
Creating good waterproofing is a very important step in arranging a pond. If the choice is made on a purchased rigid form, it is important to ensure that it is made of high-quality material. Cheap plastic will quickly crack and crumble when exposed to sunlight and temperature changes. Homemade waterproofing is usually made either from concrete, pouring it into the bottom and walls of pits, or from film laid in several layers. For flexible waterproofing, you should choose PVC film or, if your budget allows, butyl rubber. Such material can last from 15 to 30 years. The bottom and walls of the pit are lined with film, leaving small allowances at the edges for fixation.
The finished pond is decorated around the edges with natural materials: large cobblestones, plants, and lined with turf. To replenish fresh water, it is good to draw an artificial stream to the pond, the edges of which can also be lined natural stone. The bottom can be decorated with a variety of stones (necessarily with blunt edges) and aquatic plants planted in baskets or small permeable containers. The most suitable flowers are water lilies (nymphs), which beautifully cover the surface of the water.
Contemplation is the way to restore your inner strength and distance yourself from the hustle and bustle. Admiring nature in any of its manifestations - be it a leaf, a blade of grass or even a small pebble, we fall into a kind of trance, delving into our “I” without reference to current events. This is probably why there is a massive “flight” of city dwellers away from noisy habitats, closer to Mother Nature, where on their own, even a very tiny piece of land, they can relax and rest their souls. How to create a relaxing atmosphere in your garden? Nothing could be easier! Instead of a couple of beds with potatoes and tomatoes, create a small pond at your dacha - now you will have more time to relax and contemplate the surface of the water - and this, as you know, best medicine from stress and loss of strength. Do you think that such a complex hydraulic design is beyond your capabilities? With our recommendations, you will be “knee-deep in the sea,” not to mention a small pond, which you will be able to manage on your own.
So, you realized that your life is no longer conceivable without a lovely lake designed to please your eyes and calm your nerves. How to create a pond at your dacha with your own hands so that it harmoniously complements the garden landscape and lasts long enough, rather than becoming a problem area that requires tireless care?
Not an original feature big pond decorated with boulders can become an unusual path of flat stones
Let's start by choosing a pond style and choosing a location to plant it. Then, we will tell you how to make a pond technologically correctly and equip it. Chosen in the right style and laid with all the subtleties, an artificial pond will become a real pearl of your garden and a wonderful place for peace.
A short excursion into history
A special charm to the landscape pond is given by its smooth outlines and decorative vegetation decorating the water surface.
A landscape pond with natural contours will always be appropriate in the depths of the garden next to the gazebo or not far from the terrace of the house - after all, you should be able to sit comfortably to watch the surface of the water.
The design of the reservoir can be more restrained according to the Japanese principle - boulders of various sizes, conifers, the absence of multi-colored herbs. Or in chinese style- more lush and bright, with the obligatory accent in the form of a tree with variegated foliage and a curved bridge. A landscape pond can also be created in the “nature garden” style, which involves planting only local plants characteristic of a given region and the absence of any exotic plants.
The most laconic shape is a formal pond with rectangular outlines.
A formal pond with a geometric shape - a square or rectangular configuration - looks good next to the house, emphasizing its vertical and horizontal lines. Such a pond goes well with a courtyard or patio, especially if there are straight flower beds or linear paths nearby.
An unusual coloring of a pond can be given by a path passing over its surface - either in the form of a bridge, or with individual stones or slabs
An interesting technique that is widely used in modern landscape design is the laying of paths lined terrace board and thrown in the form of a bridge across a body of broken geometric shape. A similar path across a pond could also look like concrete path or individual square slabs, as if floating above the water. Cascades of small ponds of different sizes, where water flows from one bowl to another through small waterfalls, look original.
A system of cascading ponds at the dacha will not only add unusualness to its landscape, but will also fill the garden with a pleasant murmur
formal bodies of water round shape will decorate the patio or front group of your summer cottage
Round ponds, along with rectangular shapes, also belong to formal ponds and can decorate a lawn or open lawn, stylistically complement a garden area with a pergola, or be located near a picturesque group of trees. Round-shaped mini ponds in the garden can be made with your own hands much easier than any other configuration by using ready-made concrete rings, wooden tubs, plastic containers and even car tires.
Select location, size, material
A correctly chosen location for a reservoir will be the key to its long-term functioning without seasonal “blooming” in spring and summer, when green algae are activated under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. The pond must be in the shade for a certain period of daylight hours so that algae do not multiply so intensively. On the other hand, placing a reservoir in a completely shaded area will lead to a delay in development ornamental plants. It is important to maintain a golden mean here.
By placing a recreation area with a barbecue in close proximity to the pond, you can always admire the beauty of the water surface
It is important to know that the pond should be illuminated by the sun for about 5 hours a day and be open from the southwest. It is undesirable to place a pond under shady trees - falling autumn leaves will pollute it.
As for the size of the pond, ideally the pond should occupy 3% of the area of the site. When the garden is small - with a standard area of 6 acres, not every summer resident is ready to allocate 18 m2 for a pond. Of course, the smaller the dimensions, the easier it is to make a pond with your own hands - not so many materials will be required, and labor costs will be minimal. Therefore, when deciding on the width and length of an artificial reservoir, take into account your physical capabilities and the harmony of the perception of the pond as a compositional spot on your site - that is, how its dimensions are combined with other elements of the dacha landscape.
An ascetic solution in the design of a reservoir using only stones is specific feature Celtic style pond
The design of a pond with a waterfall flowing from a small wall made of beige sandstone will fit perfectly into landscape style garden
In terms of depth, it is recommended to divide the pond into three stages: a zone for coastal plants, a shallow zone for the queen of the pond, Nymphea - winter-hardy water lilies, and a deeper zone for wintering fish - if you plan to breed them.
You shouldn’t make the pond too deep; just dig a winter fish hole about 150-180 cm deep (below the freezing mark of the soil) so that it takes up about 1/5 of the pond’s area.
A cute rectangular pond can be arranged on a small summer cottage, and the edging made of terrace boards will make the pond unusual.
The highlight of an avant-garde pond can be an extravagant installation made of wood, reminiscent of an exotic animal or plant
A continuous supply of water to the pond can be arranged old column or a group of brightly colored glass bottles
When you have decided on the location and approximate dimensions of the pond, it’s time to think about what materials to use to make the pond as simple and quick as possible. The most capital and expensive option for arranging a pond is a concrete foundation, which requires the construction of formwork and reinforcement. A less expensive way to lay a reservoir is to use a ready-made plastic container.
The pit for the pond is formed by characteristic ledges - curtains for planting plants
To ensure water circulation in the pond, a pump is installed at its bottom, from which water flows to the purification filter and returns back to the reservoir.
And finally, the most convenient and budget-friendly way to make an artificial pond with your own hands is to use a special moisture-resistant film to line the bowl of the pond. This method We took the foundations of the pond as the basis for a detailed description.
Step-by-step technology for creating a pond using film
1. Initially, it is necessary to sketch a plan of the future artificial pond to scale, indicating the depth and width of the curtains (shelves for planting plants), and it is also advisable to draw a rough sketch of the decoration of the reservoir. This approach will help to avoid various alterations during the construction of the pond and at the stage of planting. At this stage, think about what will serve as an accent in the composition of your lake - it could be original stone, tree or sculpture.
Before you start laying a pond on your summer cottage, draw a plan of the reservoir indicating the depths and placement of the main elements of the arrangement
2. Using regular water hose or by scattering sand along the perimeter of the pond in the form of a line, outline the expected contour of the pond. Be sure to check that the shores of your future lake are at the same level.
Having marked the outline of the pond with a hose, dig a pit according to the drawn plan
Periodically measure the level of the banks of the pond during the formation of the pit. If you don't have a water level required length, you can adapt an ordinary long board and install a small 50-centimeter level on it.
3. We begin excavation work - we dig a pit to the depth of the coastal tier and mark a line from which the pond is deepened to the next mark. Having received the second tier, we lay a line for digging the deepest part of the pond and take out the last portion of the earth.
The process of digging a pond is quite difficult, so it is better to resort to the services of professional excavation workers accompanied by a mini excavator. However, if you still decide to do this labor-intensive part yourself, be prepared for the fact that water may accumulate at the bottom of the hole and you will have to fiddle around in the dirty slurry. A pump specially designed for pumping water with impurities and solids will help you remove water from the bottom of the pit. You can dig a auxiliary hole nearby and dump water into it.
4. After the pit is completely dug, using a cord we measure its dimensions taking into account the depth, adding allowances of about 50 cm on the sides of the bowl - this is necessary to purchase the film of the required size.
The problem you will inevitably encounter during the process earthworks- where to put the earth taken out of the pit for the pond? A good option for solving this problem is to raise the level of the site, evenly distributing the soil throughout the garden. You can also use the excavation soil as an embankment for a stream or as a foundation for alpine slide.
5. The pond bowl is lined with durable moisture-resistant film. As a rule, in order to protect the main film from damage by stones and plant roots, an additional layer of geotextile is laid under it. Also suitable for this purpose old linoleum or roofing felt, or you can simply fill the hole with sand and compact it.
When the pit is formed, lay a layer of geotextiles, and then the film, tucking the edges of the panels into a specially dug trench around the perimeter of the reservoir
To make the pond film more elastic, it is better to choose a sunny day for laying it - then it will heat up a little and will stretch better, easily going around all the ledges of the pit.
6. To arrange the edge of the pond, an auxiliary trench is dug along its perimeter to tuck and secure the film. Having laid the edges of the film in the trench, sprinkle it with crushed stone - this way it will be securely fixed.
7. Reinforce the edge of the pond with stone blocks or plastic pipes nailed to pegs - this will prevent soil from falling from the coastal zone into the pond bowl. Line the edge with natural stone and decorate with a beautiful single block or group of boulders.
8. Place the prepared plants in special plastic containers and place them on curtains, line the bottom of the pond with stones and gravel.
9. Now you can pour water into the reservoir. To make it easier to choose in the future pump equipment and volumes of hydrochemicals for pond care, do not be lazy to take the water meter readings before and after filling the reservoir.
10. To prevent the water in the pond from stagnating, it is better to equip the reservoir with a stream - it will ensure constant circulation of water. To do this, the source of the stream is raised above the level of the pond, and water will be supplied to it from the bowl of the pond using a submersible pump. Be sure to think about how to decorate the mouth of the stream - use stones, plantings, clay or glass containers.
Fill the pond with water, arrange a stream, install and connect a pump with a filter, plant aquatic plants
11. Install at the bottom of the pond submersible pump, extend the pipes to the source of the stream and connect them to a filter for water purification. It is better to take a pressure filter (with a reverse cleaning system) as a cleaning filter - it is more effective than a flow filter.
Material about the construction of an artificial stream in a country house will also be useful:
Your pond is ready, now you just need to carefully care for it - clean it of dirt, use it occasionally prophylactic agents to revitalize the water and prevent the spread of algae, and take the plants into the basement of the house for the winter.
The main mistakes when arranging ponds
When creating something with your own hands, it is not easy to avoid some mistakes, especially such as compositional ones, so in order to make your pond correctly, take into account some standard mistakes inherent in our gardeners:
- Decorating the banks of the pond with pellets of the same diameter, which makes the pond look somewhat boring. It is better to combine large stones with smaller ones, but do not fill the entire coastal zone of the reservoir with them.
- The ponds are dug very deep, have steep walls and resemble a kind of stone bag. A little research showed that it is profitable for excavation companies to dig deep ponds, since they are paid by the number of cubic meters of earth removed. Pay attention to the depth of your pond - you should not make it too deep, especially if you are not planning to breed fish.
- A craving for container gardening, which interferes with the normal development of plants, and a fear of filling the pond with soil for planting. On the one hand, container planting allows you to quickly change the plant design of the pond by rearranging and rearranging plants. Gardeners are probably also afraid of the prospect of a dirty looking pond after filling the soil, but there is nothing to be afraid of - soil for aquatic plants is heavy mixture With great content clay, which is not washed away by water, and over time will be strengthened by the root system of plants.
When you plan to create a pond with your own hands, do not forget that it is not easy - practice first by forming a miniature pond at home.
If the dimensions of your site do not allow you to arrange a pond in your dacha, create a miniature pond in a very ordinary cup
If it works out, feel free to start a large-scale project of laying a full-fledged pond on your summer cottage. We are sure you can do it!
How to turn your suburban area to real heaven? Just. Need to create a nice place, pleasing to the eye. And where the soul rests, there the mood improves and vitality increases.
One of the brightest touches in landscape design can be a decorative pond in the country, comfortably located among the greenery.
Despite the fact that most summer cottages are limited in size to the standard six acres, and the owners do not have the opportunity to make a large pond, this is not a reason to deny themselves the pleasure of having an artificial pond on the site. The technical side of the issue will also not become an obstacle if there is a desire and competent instructions describing step by step how to make a pond with your own hands.
Stage 1 – Idea (types of ponds)
Before you start on a large scale construction works and to build an entire lake with your own hands, you need to think about what purpose the creation of a reservoir on the site serves.
In terms of functionality (goals), four types can be distinguished:
Little pond.
This is a body of water that is part landscape composition. Their purpose is to decorate a corner of the garden and please the eye. Active recreation near such a pond is not expected.
Decorative pond
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Is a deeper body of water. As a rule, they are decorated with bridges, fountains, and lighting is installed. Such a pond is being built not far from country house, terraces or gazebos, benches, sun loungers and umbrellas (or canopies) are installed nearby. And the pond becomes the center of the recreation area for the inhabitants of a private house.
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A personal artificial lake in which fish swim is a dream not only for fishermen. Children, cats and other family members will enjoy watching colorful fish while relaxing in nature.
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They are also dacha ponds, which are designed, in addition to aesthetic function, provide the opportunity to cool off or even swim, depending on the size.
Based on the goal and one’s own capabilities, the location of the pond, its parameters and geometry will be determined.
Stage 2 – Style of a pond at the dacha
A garden pond can be made in two versions with an endless variety of different modifications:
Formal (regular) body of water.
The name successfully reflects the essence of the pond; it is a structure that has a strictly defined shape.
The geometrically correct shape of the pond is more suitable for areas maintained in classic style or in modern, minimalist or hi-tech styles.
Along with rectangular shapes, round, square and broken (symmetrical or asymmetrical) also belong to the formal type of pond.
Landscape pond on the site.
A more popular option among users because it has an irregular coastline, natural look, creates the effect of closeness to nature and does not limit the flight of imagination of the creators.
Tip: The outline of the pond is determined by the preferences of the owners, but the more complex the shore line, the harder it is to lay the film.
An important aspect that you need to pay attention to when choosing the style of a reservoir on your site is the terrain. A flat surface makes it possible to arrange a pond of any configuration. Changes and unevenness require increased attention, but they allow you to create a reservoir with a waterfall or a cascade of ponds. A bridge or an artificial slide will look natural on such a terrain.
You can also raise the pond above ground level yourself. The only difference in the technology of performing the work will be the construction of the foundation, which allows to avoid 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 built near a covered terrace, making it not only an element of landscape design, but also a place of relaxation. Tip: If you are planning to make a pond with a fountain, give preference to a tall pond.
Stage 3 – Place (location) for the pond
Creating a pond on a property for the sake of a pond is illogical. It is much more pleasant if the pond adds zest, a decorative accent to the color of the landscape of the site. This means you need to place it in a good place. It is the location that will allow you to admire the artificial lake from anywhere.
How to choose the right place for a pond in your country house?
To do this, you need to take into account a number of factors:
- plot size. Directly affects the size of the pond itself and its configuration;
- relief. It also determines the shape of the pond and provides the opportunity to simplify the creation of fountains, waterfalls, or vice versa, achieving a perfectly smooth water surface;
- soil composition and level groundwater. Have a direct impact on the depth of the pond, the complexity of the work and the need for additional materials;
- illumination It is advisable that the pond be located in a shaded area. Direct exposure time sun rays should not exceed 5-6 hours. Otherwise, some of the water from the pond risks evaporating, and biological activity will negate all the beauty of the reservoir. Recommendation: after choosing a place for a pond, observe the solar regime for several days.
Tip: The deeper the pond, the more illuminated the place it can be located.
A pond intended for fish all the more needs thoughtful placement, because in highly heated water the oxygen level decreases.
- visibility. It is better to place the pond so that it can be seen from the window of the house or from the gazebo. Good visibility is especially important for families with children.
- reflection. The pond will only benefit if only clouds or beautiful buildings are reflected on its surface, and not a toilet or greenhouse.
- degree of landscaping. Trees and bushes growing around the pond are certainly a very organic addition. But these are also fallen leaves and branches, which, falling into the water, will pollute its surface and, ultimately, settle to the bottom in the form of silt. In addition, tree roots can damage the waterproofing of the pond.
Tip: you can provide a sufficient amount of greenery near the pond by decorating it with plants in tubs (barrels).
- power supply For those owners who plan to install a fountain on the pond, lighting, etc. must consider in advance the possibility of electrifying this area and yard.
Advice: it is better to supply electricity at the development stage and lay the wires in a protected and durable corrugation underground, and equip the connection points with a hatch for easy access.
- the possibility of expanding the reservoir or creating a recreation area. You need to plan for the future. In both cases, it is important that at least one side of the pond has enough space for possible redevelopment, adding a gazebo, barbecue area, installing sun loungers or a small waterfall.
- compatibility of the pond with other buildings and the general appearance of the site.
Advice: it is better to start building a pond at your dacha with your own hands at the beginning of the warm season - in the spring. This way, there will be time for the device and the pond will have time to fit into the design (“take root”).
Stage 4 – Dimensions of the pond on the site
It cannot be said unequivocally that a large pond is a luxury, and a small one is a budget option or an opportunity to save money. A small pond does not always mean cheap, sometimes even the opposite. Each type has its own advantages. Therefore, let's focus on the key points:
- dimensions. Depends on the location of the pond in the country. There are recommendations on websites regarding how much area a pond should occupy - from 3 to 10% of total area plot. In reality, there can be no clear recommendations;
- width and length. Determined by the size of the site and the physical capabilities of the person. After all, the foundation pit for a pond is most often dug by hand;
Tip: the aspect ratio will determine the harmony of the pond.
- depth. Depends on the size of the pool, pond or lake and the purpose of the arrangement.
- zoning. Professionals recommend dividing an artificial pond into three sections:
- coastal zone (100-400 mm). Designed for planting plants and entering the pond;
- shallow (400-1000 mm). For plants growing deeper. Tip: Nymphea or winter-hardy water lily grows well at this depth;
- deep-sea (over 1 m). Necessary in those ponds where it is planned to breed fish. The area of the deep-water zone depends on the type and quantity of fish, but should be at least 20% of the pond area.
Tip: The lowest point of reservoirs should be below the freezing level of the soil. This is especially important for those ponds in which fish live. Thus, she can safely spend the winter in an ice-free pond.
- biodynamic balance. A pond is a place that is inhabited by living creatures, therefore, it is necessary to ensure balance so that the pond can clean itself. Special water treatment such as chlorination or ozonation is not provided for the pond.
Tip: plants should not occupy more than 50% of the pond area.
- complexity of content. It’s a paradox, but the larger the reservoir, the easier it is to maintain.
Ponds - from small to large
Stage 5 – Material for a pond at the dacha
Moving forward in the field of studying country ponds, we gradually got to one of the key questions, how to make a pond with your own hands. Any construction begins with the choice of material.
The market offers a lot building materials to create a pond. And craftsmen advise making a pond from scrap materials; this will allow you to build a small pond in your dacha without any special financial costs.
Let's consider all the materials suitable for building a garden pond.
Concrete pond.
An expensive option that allows you to operate the pond for a long time. Pouring a pond with concrete (constructing a concrete bowl) is a method that is more suitable for constructing a swimming pool.
Plastic bowl (container). More suitable option. Made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or fiberglass, the form allows you to quickly complete all arrangement work and operate the pond from 5 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the bowl.
The purchased form allows you to make a pond in 3 stages: dig a pit, install a bowl and fill the voids with sand.
The plastic bowl for the pond is characterized by ease of installation, durability and frost resistance.
Their minus is high cost, difficulty of transportation (with a large volume) and the need to have basic installation skills. Otherwise, the bowl is very easy to damage. Please note that plastic bowls are destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
Tip: the clear shape of the plastic bowl limits the possibility of creating a landscape pond on the site (subjective opinion).
In this subgroup, the best option is a bowl (shape) for a pond made of fiberglass, reinforced with a rubber base. The undoubted advantage of fiberglass is reliability and maintainability.
Polymer film. Provides unlimited possibilities in terms of choosing the shape of the reservoir. The simplest and available material in this category, we can call polyethylene film. It is available and cheap, but will not last long.
PVC film has a longer life. At correct installation and with proper care it will last more than 10 years. 
Tip: instead of PVC film, you can use advertising banners (transparencies). They are trying to get rid of used banners and they can be bought inexpensively. 
Butyl rubber pond film. Most reliable material(rubber) for waterproofing a reservoir. Experts recommend butyl rubber membrane (EPDM) for those who have a rocky bottom, a lot of roots, or a significant pool depth. The service life of butyl rubber is 50 years. It can withstand repeated freezing. Folk ways to make a pond from scrap materials
Bath pond
An old bathtub is an ideal container, specifically designed to hold water. It can be painted in bright color and install it in a beautiful corner of the garden. Or you can dig deep into the soil and get a small country pond even with a fountain.
Pond from a tire (pond from a tire or from a wheel) Another simple way to make a mini pond in the garden.
How to make a pond from a tire with your own hands is shown in the photo.
Pond from a basin
The method is so simple that its construction is often done by women or even children. The basin holds water easily. Like a bathtub, it can be installed on the ground or deepened. The main thing in arranging a pond from a basin is the decor. And then, the garden mini-pond will decorate the area no worse than a full-fledged reservoir.
Decorative pond from plastic bottles.
Suitable for those who want to combine two in one: create a decorative pond and eliminate the buzzing of mosquitoes.
Material prepared for the website www.site
Please note that the choice of material for a pond has a direct impact on the design, appearance and lifespan of the pond.
Tip: when choosing material for a pond, make sure that it is environmentally friendly.
Stage 6 – tools and equipment for the pond
To make a simple pond at the dacha, you need to prepare a level, a cord (for marking), pegs, a hose for watering, a shovel and a cart for removing soil.
For a more technologically advanced (capital) reservoir, pond equipment will be required:
- filter for water purification. It is especially important to install a filter in reservoirs where fish are raised.
- pond pump. Allows you to organize water supply under pressure. Used for pumping/pumping water, watering the garden, installing fountains, waterfalls, operating filters (cleaning);
- pond sterilizer. Necessary for eliminating algae (helps make the water clear);
- compressor (aerator) for the pond. Important for fish and plants. Pond aeration allows you to saturate the water with oxygen. Compared to an aquarium compressor, it has more power.
Stage 7 – We build a pond at the dacha with our own hands
As you can see, there are more than enough materials to create a pond on your own. We will focus on how to make a pond at the dacha from PVC film. The choice is due to the fact that the film takes shape better, it is quite affordable, working with it does not require special skills, and the film can be repaired.
Advice: so that the film does not tear in winter time, it is necessary to provide a deep-water part (below the depth of soil freezing), which will serve as a kind of compensator.
7.1 Choosing a pond film
PVC film colors:
- black - will turn the bottom of the lake into a mirror. Clouds, etc. will be reflected well in a dark body of water;
- brown - perfectly imitates bottom soil. Suitable for creating landscape ponds;
- blue or cream - will give the pond a resemblance to a swimming pool, but the fish are clearly visible against a light background.
When choosing a film, pay attention to:
- compound. Polyethylene is fragile, PVC is stronger;
- thickness. A film with a thickness of more than 0.5 mm is suitable for a pond. The maximum thickness available on the domestic market is 1.9 mm;
Tip: The deeper the pond and the more complex it is coastline, the stronger and thicker the film should be. The presence of stones or tree roots is also a reason to choose a stronger film.
- trade mark (brand). According to reviews, as well as from practice, it is recommended to use film from the brands Gardena, Heissner, OASE;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- UV resistance.
Advice: For pond depths greater than 1.5 m. the best solution will use butyl rubber (EPDM or synthetic rubber, as it is also called). The rubber film is stretchable, resistant to UV and mechanical damage. Withstands from 40 to 80 °C.
- absence of toxic components in the film composition.
Pond film calculation
- film length = length of the reservoir + 2 x depth of the reservoir + reserve (500-600 mm);
- film width = reservoir width + 2 x reservoir depth + reserve (500-600 mm).
How and with what to glue PVC film for the pond
The film for the pond is glued with a special glue (for example, Tangit (Tangit) PVC-U) or with adhesive tape, for example, Quick Seam 3.
Advice: it is better to immediately adjust the geometry of the pond to the size of the film.
7.2 Sketch and diagram of a pond at the dacha
Before you start digging a pit for a pond, you need to draw a sketch on paper and also transfer it to the surface of the ground. It is advisable to indicate the depth and width of shelves for plants or steps. This technique will allow you to avoid problems during the construction of the pond. It is convenient to apply markings with a garden hose (it is flexible, bright, and easy to adjust) or sand.
Tip: after marking the ground, cover the resulting area with a light film and look at it from different corners of the area. You may actually have to make adjustments to the future pond.
7.3 Digging a pit for a pond
The pit structure includes:
- removal of turf (excavation);
- digging a pit. It is convenient to dig from the edge to the center, gradually going deeper in the right places. For decoration, laying stone or laying turf, you need to dig a ledge 600-700 mm deep;
- removal of soil, as well as construction waste, roots, stones and anything that can damage the film.
Advice: since the excavated soil needs to be put somewhere, you can build an alpine slide or level the surface of an area where there are depressions.
During excavation work, you must constantly ensure that the banks are on the same line. If you are planning a waterfall, then you need to maintain the required height difference.
Advice. If you need a building level (level) of great length, you can make it yourself. To do this, you need to lay a regular building level 500 mm long on a long board.
7.4 Laying the pond liner
After the pit is dug, its bottom and walls are well compacted (this is necessary to give it shape) and proceed to waterproofing. Waterproofing for a pond is needed to prevent water from escaping into the soil.
Tip: Some users prefer to do without isolation. In practice, this results in water levels that are inconsistent.
There are several ways to form a substrate:
- line the compacted pit with stones, gravel and fill it with sand. But after a few years, such waterproofing will cease to fulfill its functions;
- lay geotextiles on the bottom and cover with sand. A more reliable method, but also more expensive;
- lay PVC film. Specifically about film, as the most common option we're talking about in this article.
7.5 Laying pond liner
Proper laying of the film does not exclude the installation of a sand cushion at the bottom of the future pond. According to professionals, such a pillow eliminates the possibility of damage to the film by roots or stones.
Advice. It is better to lay the film on a hot day. As it heats up, it will become more pliable.
Considering the topography of the bottom and banks of the reservoir, everyone will be faced with the fact that the film will be laid in folds. At the same time, users advise making one large fold, rather than many small ones. The formed fold can be pressed down with stones or glued to the main part of the film.
It is important that the laid film lies on the surface of the pit freely, without tension. Otherwise, after filling the pond with water, it may stretch even more and tear.
In order to secure the film, it is enough to dig an auxiliary trench. Having laid the film, you can secure it with rods and fill the trench with crushed stone.
After the film is laid, the pit is filled with stones.
Tip: choose a large stone for the bottom. The flat bottom of the stone will prevent the film from tearing. For walls, it is better to use rounded stones, since flat ones slide.
Upon completion of the work, the pit is filled with water. Moreover, it must be supplied without pressure to the middle of the pit.
Only after the water in the pit has stood for 1-2 days can the film be cut off.
7.6 Strengthening the banks of the pond
A homemade pond in the garden will look well-groomed and reliable only when there are beautiful and durable banks.
Depending on the type of soil, the shore of the pond should have a slope:
- with chernozem or clay, it is allowed to make vertical walls;
- at sandy soil– inclined.
Practical users believe that the optimal slope for the shore of a reservoir is 45°. This angle will prevent the shore from crumbling and prevent ice from bulging during freezing/thawing.
When finishing and decorating the banks of the pond, take into account the plants that will be planted on them. Since they all grow at different depths, care should be taken to ensure that planting shelves are formed at a certain depth.
In the process of digging a pit, every owner will inevitably face the question of how to strengthen the shore of the pond.
The following engineering methods are suitable for strengthening the shore:
For a flat coast:
- geomat;
- geogrid (perforated polymer);
- geogrid.
Craftsmen advise using a more conventional chain-link mesh, the cells of which are filled with earth with clover seeds (or other perennial grasses) or strengthening the shore of the pond with plants and bushes.
For a steep bank:
- gabions;
- piles (sheet piling or regular);
- retaining walls.
Biological methods can strengthen the shore just as well. The photo shows plants that can not only strengthen the shore, but also decorate an artificial pond.
Advice. For greater reliability, it is better to combine engineering and biological methods of strengthening the shore of a reservoir.
Stage 8 – Decorating a pond at your dacha with your own hands
A pond in a dacha will become a full-fledged design element of garden decor only after its final finishing.
To make a country pond look natural or decoratively decorate a shaped pond, you can use:
- plants planted directly on the bottom of the pond. To do this, you need to place the prepared plants in special containers on the curtains (steps of the pond). Tip: Native plants do better in a pond;
- plants in tubs. To do this, any plant is planted in a tub (barrel, bucket, pot) and placed on the shore of the pond. The advantage of this method of decorating the coast is that you can use any plants, even exotic ones, and constantly change the appearance of the coastline;
- build a “dream” island in the middle of a pond. Install on the island decorative rock boulder or place the plant in a flower pot;
- launch bright fish;
- lay beautiful stones.
Advice: it is better to alternate the laying of large stones with the laying of smaller ones, thus avoiding uniformity in the design of the bank.
- lay comfortable and beautiful paths from natural stone, gravel, wood cuts or bricks;
Tip: gravel paths require more maintenance because... they are washed away by rain and grass grows through them.
- build a bridge across a body of water;
- complement it with a waterfall;
- install a beautiful fence made of wood or stone;
- organize night illumination of the pond. Moreover, you can install LED lights, or place lights in transparent glass balls on the water surface. They can be lowered to the bottom using weights;
- install sun loungers or a gazebo on the shore of the pond.
Stage 9 – Caring for a pond at the dacha
- protection of the pond from leaves will be provided by a mesh structure on a light frame.
- cloudy water that will remain in the pond for 2-3 weeks settles over time. In addition, the biological activity of small inhabitants will soon make it transparent.
- a net is useful to clear the pond of leaves;
- to increase the water level, you need to periodically add it (with a bucket or hose without pressure);
- you need to monitor the rate of spread of algae, in order to limit their growth you can plant cattails or nymphs (lilies);
- protect plants planted in the pond from the cold or bring them into the house;
- Periodic cleaning of the reservoir will eliminate bottom debris;
Tip: You can clean your pond quickly and effectively in winter. To do this, it is enough to split the ice and transport it along with the silt outside the pond.
- algaecides are an emergency measure for cleaning a pond. But due to its high toxicity, you should not use it unless absolutely necessary.
Stage 10 – Preparing the pond for winter
A pond based on a special plastic bowl can survive the winter, because the bowl can withstand significant temperature changes. And so that it does not deform from pressure, created by ice, just place a few empty plastic bottles in the container. The bottles must first be tightly closed with lids. To prevent the bowl from collapsing, 1 bottle per 1 square meter of container is enough.
But what about those who have a film pond - will the film crack from frost? If the depth of the pond exceeds the freezing depth of the soil, there is no need to worry. To protect smaller bodies of water, you can also use empty bottles.
Important! All equipment and plants must be covered for the winter.
Conclusion
In this article we covered everything key points creating a pond with your own hands, starting from the idea and ending with care. We hope that we have dispelled doubts and given confidence in our abilities. Go for it! And by the beginning of the season you will have a wonderful water corner in your suburban area.
A decorative pond at the dacha is a fashionable element of landscape design. And if maintaining a full-fledged pool is quite a troublesome task, then even the owner of a small plot can build a small pond.
The presence of a pond on a personal plot is determined not only by aesthetic considerations, but also by a practical component. On a hot summer day, even from a small body of water there is a breath of coolness, the air seems much cleaner and fresher.
Most popular types artificial reservoirs in landscape design:
- pond;
- Creek;
- fountain;
- waterfall.
The shape of the reservoirs personal plots They can be either round, with an irregular coastline, or of regular geometric shape. It all depends on the location of the site, its features and your imagination. The main rule here is that the reservoir must fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape.
The most common shape for an artificial pond is round or oval. This is exactly what natural lakes look like, so if you want to create a corner of nature in your garden, then this option will be the most acceptable. In this case, there may even be an irregular coastline and asymmetric planting of the reservoir with plants.
If the pond is located on an area where everything is done in a classic style, straight lines dominate, then a pond is built correct form. Often, this is the basis for a fountain, which is the center of the exhibition.
It should be noted that the most common and least expensive in terms of labor and financial investments is a pond. But it is quite possible to arrange one on your site yourself without involving specialists.
Advice! Before you start arranging a decorative pond in your dacha, you need to decide on its purpose.
A decorative pond in a garden can be small and shallow, because the most valuable thing about it is the aesthetic perception of the water surface surrounded by greenery and stones. Therefore, its arrangement may simply involve creating a waterproofing layer.
Having removed the soil and given the future pond the required depth, it is necessary to compact the walls well, after first pouring a layer of sand on them. If you plan to have a deep enough reservoir in which fish will be kept, so as not to risk the walls collapsing, they are made in the form of terraces going down to the bottom. This results in a more reliable structure that is not prone to landslides. And in horizontal areas it will be possible to place flowerpots with plants and decorative items for decoration of the pond.
Any waterproof material can be used as waterproofing - polyethylene film, PVC fabric, roofing felt. It is important that over time and humidity this material does not deteriorate and can for a long time serve without accidents.
Having laid overlapping sheets of waterproofing, you need to make sure that in places where there is overlap, the layers are aligned and fit tightly to one another. This ensures that under water pressure they will not move anywhere and will hold it securely.
The edges of the film protruding over the sides are laid out and sprinkled with soil so that they do not curl up or move. In accordance with the design project, you can lay stones on them, or build an alpine slide on the edge of the pond, or place pots with above-water plants.
Decorative plastic pond at the dacha.
- easy to transport,
- easy to install
- withstands significant loads,
- washes and handles well,
- may have different sizes and shapes,
- small price.
This is the simplest and quick way make an artificial pond at the dacha. Stores sell bowls of different shapes, sizes and colors (mostly blue, green and black).
When installing such a reservoir, you need to carefully ensure that its bottom is exactly parallel to the ground, otherwise the plastic container may crack.
In addition, you need to fill the plastic container with water gradually, while simultaneously pouring sand into the gap between the wall and the pit.
Of the commercially available tanks, a plastic pond is the best option as it is rigid and durable, and is relatively inexpensive.
You can design it as a natural pond, or you can make it the central object of a picnic area. Such a decorative pond can also be used as a small safe pool for children, especially since the plastic has dark color and accumulates solar heat well.
Plastic pond care
Compliance with the basic rules of caring for an artificial reservoir will preserve its attractive appearance throughout the entire summer holiday:
- It is necessary to regularly remove plant leaves and small debris from the surface of the water.
- A net stretched over the surface of the pond during autumn leaf fall helps collect fallen leaves.
- Blooming, stagnation and unpleasant odor are prevented by a complete change of water in the decorative pond.
- The walls and bottom of the empty plastic container cleaned with a brush to remove plaque and rinsed with clean water.
- Aquatic plants grow very quickly; it is recommended to consult a specialist before planting them.
Capital construction
For adherents of good and solid solutions, capital structures are more suitable. In this case, they build from concrete reliable design, which involves containing a significant volume of water. It can be used to create a resting place in a summer cottage, or as a large fish pond.
One way or another, a decorative pond can be built without any help and in one season. The prepared recess is reinforced with reinforced concrete: reinforcement is laid along its walls and bottom, tying it at intersections or fastening it by welding. The finished structure is fixed with studs and a concrete solution is poured. The screed must harden completely, after which the entire surface of the pool is treated with sealant. The last stage is the design of the sides.
A decorative pond at the dacha is important element landscape design, the arrangement of which must be approached with all seriousness! And then the beauty created by your hands will delight both you and your guests!
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