Surely every summer resident at least once thought about how great it would be to have a pond on your own plot, because it is so nice to turn gray by the water at sunset and enjoy the pleasant evening coolness. It is quite possible to realize this dream on your own, you just need to familiarize yourself with the features of the technology of an artificial reservoir, and you can get to work. Next, we will take a closer look at how to make a pond in the country.
Where to begin
So, you finally decided to decorate the site with an artificial reservoir. But how to make sure that the pond at the summer cottage harmoniously complements the surrounding landscape, while being durable and not a problem area that requires constant care? To do this, you need to approach the construction in stages, carefully thinking over each step, down to the smallest detail.
You need to start arranging a pond in the country with the preparatory stages, which we will get acquainted with below.
Style selection
First of all, it is necessary to decide how to arrange a pond in the country, so that it does not get out of the general picture of the landscape. When choosing a style solution, one should focus on the architectural concept of the country house and the existing layout of the garden.
It is advisable to make the coastline and the blind area of the paths in the same vein with the design of the entire garden plot. In this case, the bowl of the reservoir can be supplemented with a waterfall or a decorative stream.
If the reservoir is located in the depths of the garden, near the gazebo or, then a landscape pond with natural outlines is an excellent solution. For example, it can be made in the style of "nature garden", which implies planting only local plants that are characteristic of the region. Moreover, any exotic will be inappropriate.
Another interesting solution is to design a summer cottage pond in a lush Chinese style. In this case, do not forget to make a curved bridge and emphasize the tree with variegated foliage.
The more restrained Japanese style is also popular, its characteristic elements are boulders of various kinds. Unlike the Chinese style, the Japanese style lacks multicolored herbs.
If the mini pond in the country will be located next to the house, then it is better to give preference to geometric shapes. A formal rectangular or square pond will emphasize the horizontal and vertical lines of the building. In addition, such a pond will look good next to a patio, especially if there are straight flower beds nearby.
I must say that formal ponds also include round ponds, which can be an excellent decoration for an open lawn or lawn. In addition, such a pond can be located near a picturesque group of trees.
It should be noted that it is easiest to make a round pond with your own hands, since you can use concrete rings or plastic containers for this.
Recently, a popular technique in landscape design is the laying of paths from a terrace board, which are thrown over the pond in the form of a bridge of a broken geometric shape. In addition, the path through the reservoir can be made of concrete square slabs, which, as it were, hover over the water surface.
It is also always interesting to look at cascades of different sizes, where, through small waterfalls, water flows from one bowl to another.
Choice of location and dimensions
The location of the pond will determine how long it will function without seasonal flowering. The thing is that green algae are activated under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the pond should be shaded for part of the day, so that algae will not multiply as actively.
However, you should not completely shade the artificial pond in the country, as this will negatively affect the development of ornamental plants. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the golden mean.
Note!
The reservoir should be lit for about five hours a day, while leaving it open from the southwest.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that it is undesirable to locate the pond under shady trees, since the falling foliage is the source of its pollution.
Another important point to be determined is the size of the reservoir. Ideally, it should occupy 3 percent of the land area. At the same time, the smaller the size of the pond, the easier it is to build, and less materials are required. Accordingly, the price of the project will also depend on the size.
Therefore, before deciding on the width and length of the reservoir, it is necessary to take into account the following points:
As for the depth of the pond, it should be divided into three steps:
Materials (edit)
Before starting the construction of a pond in the country, you also need to decide on the materials that will be needed for this. The most expensive, but at the same time, the most capacious option is to fill the base with concrete. In this case, you will need to perform formwork and reinforcement.
A less costly option would be to use a ready-made plastic container that is dug into the ground. However, the size and shape of the reservoir in this case will be limited by the choice of capacity.
The most convenient and at the same time, the most budgetary option for building a reservoir is the use of a special moisture-resistant film that is placed on the bottom and wall of the pond. I must say that this option has recently been the most common, so we will take it as a basis.
Construction of a reservoir
Before digging a pond in the country, it is advisable to sketch on paper a plan on a scale, indicating all sizes and depths of the pit. This will avoid mistakes and alterations when arranging a reservoir. At this stage, you can also think about an accent for the composition of the future lake, it can be a large stone, tree or sculpture.
Further instructions for building a pond are as follows:
- First of all, it is necessary to outline the boundaries of the future reservoir and align the banks so that they are on the same level.
- Then you can start excavation work.... First, you need to dig a pit to the depth of the first tier and mark a line from which the pond will deepen to the second tier. Next, you need to dig the second tier and also apply the markings, from which the deepest hole is dug.
- When the pit is ready, using a cord, measure its dimensions, taking into account the depth and allowance of about 50 cm... This size will be needed when purchasing a film, which should be enough to completely cover the pit.
- Further, the bottom is covered with geotextiles to protect the waterproof film from damage. As an alternative to this material, you can use linoleum, roofing felt or even sand.
- A waterproof film is laid on top of the geotextile.
In the photo - laying oilcloth
- To equip the edges of the reservoir, an auxiliary trench should be dug around the perimeter, which will allow you to tuck and secure the film... Having laid the edges of the film in the trench, it must be fixed by filling the trench with rubble.
- After that, it is necessary to strengthen the edge of the pond with stone blocks.... This will prevent soil from falling from the coastal zone into the basin of the reservoir. For example, you can lay out the edge with natural stone and then decorate with a lonely block or a group of boulders.
- Then the bottom of the pond must be laid out with stones and rubble.... Prepared plants should be placed in plastic containers and arranged on curtains. You can also fill the bottom with soil and plant river plants at the bottom.
- After that, you can pour water into the reservoir.... In order to select pumping equipment and the required amount of hydrochemistry for the care of the pond in the future, you should take the meter readings before and after filling the bowl.
- So that the water does not stagnate, it is advisable to equip the reservoir with a stream that will ensure its circulation... The source of the stream should be located above the pond level. Water is supplied to it from the reservoir using a submersible pump.
Natural stones can be used to decorate the river mouth.
- Then a submersible pump is installed at the bottom, a pipeline is pulled to the source of the stream... In this case, a water filter should be used.
Advice!
In the process of performing earthworks, a problem will arise - where to put the earth taken out of the pit?
The most optimal solution to this problem is to evenly distribute the soil throughout the entire area, and thus raise its level.
Your homemade pond in the country is ready. Now you just need to take good care of it - use means to revitalize the water, as well as periodically clean it from contamination. For the winter, container plants should be removed to the basement.
If the reservoir will be located near the gazebo, it should be illuminated, which will allow you to admire the landscape at night.
Advice!
If there is no electricity at the dacha, you can install a diesel generator.
Of course, this equipment is quite expensive, however, renting a diesel generator for a summer residence will solve this problem.
The main mistakes when arranging artificial reservoirs
When building something on your own, it is quite difficult to avoid mistakes.
- Decorating the shore with stones of the same diameter, as a result of which the pond looks dull. It is advisable to combine large stones with small ones, however, do not overwhelm the entire coastal zone with them.
- The reservoir is very deep, with sheer walls. This design looks unnatural and resembles a stone bag. Therefore, you should not make the reservoir very deep, especially if you do not plan to breed fish in it.
- Craving for container gardening, which interferes with the normal development of plants. The good thing about container planting is that it allows you to quickly change the design of the pond if desired, since the plants can be quickly regrouped, but planting algae will make the pond more alive. Algae is especially necessary if you plan to breed fish.
Advice!
If you bought a plot for a summer residence without buildings, then first of all you should build a house.
This process is quite lengthy, however, if you want to equip the dacha as quickly as possible, dacha houses from block containers will help with this.
It takes much less time to install them than to build an ordinary house.
Conclusion
Every home craftsman can build a pond on a summer cottage. The most important thing is to approach this business competently, so that the reservoir really becomes a decoration of the site and at the same time does not take too much of your time for constant care of it. Therefore, when performing work, you should adhere to the above technology.
You can get more information on this topic from the video in this article.
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O One of the best accents in landscape design can be an artificial reservoir. Such a structure will delight the owners of the site and will serve as an excellent place to relax. Many summer cottages are limited in size and are not suitable for large bodies of water, but with instructions and certain construction skills, you can make a small pond in the country with your own hands step by step. Photos of all stages of installation will allow you to determine the technical side of the issue. Before installing the reservoir, you will need to prepare certain materials, choose a suitable project and get acquainted with the recommendations from specialists.
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to build a beautiful pond in the country. From the available options, you can build a budget option
When deciding how to make a pond in the country with your own hands, you first need to decide on the size and shape of the structure. These parameters depend on the size of the site and the preferences of the owners. In this case, the reservoir can be either of a strict geometric shape or have the natural contours of a natural pond.
The following requirements are imposed on the place of the future location of the water structure:
- the reservoir should not be illuminated by the sun's rays all day, only 7-8 hours a day is enough. In intense light, water can bloom;
- the pond should not be located in a too shaded place;
- there should be no trees nearby, as foliage will pollute the water;
- the selected place should not be heavily blown by the wind.
When choosing a good place, the terrain and a good view of the structure from any place are important.
If you plan to install a fountain in the pond, then you should take care of convenient electrification. There are no special rules for choosing the configuration of a structure. The pond can be of any shape - asymmetrical, meandering, oblong or square.
Helpful information! The deeper the container, the lighter the place the pond should be. If a fish dwells in the water, then it should be borne in mind that the amount of oxygen decreases in highly heated water.
Do-it-yourself pond in the country step by step: photo and installation guide
There are several ways to build a pond in the country with your own hands. Landscape photo ideas will help you choose. For quick installation work, it is worth purchasing a ready-made form. On sale there are special containers made of rubber rubber and reinforced plastic. Insulating film is considered a budget option.
Installation using a prefabricated form
After choosing a suitable place, the finished form must be laid on the ground and a contour drawn. A trench is made according to the marks. After installing the tank, it must be filled by a third and sand should be poured into the resulting voids. Then the bowl is filled with water. After shrinkage, plants are planted around the resulting reservoir, and a stone is laid.
Helpful information! Plastic containers are durable and easy to install, but such structures are destroyed over time under the influence of ultraviolet rays. The best option is a fiberglass tank that is reinforced with a rubber base.
Arrangement with film
With the right approach, you can equip a pond from a film in the country with your own hands. A step-by-step photo demonstrates how to perform such a job with high quality. You can choose the following film colors for installation:
- black reflects clouds well, the bottom looks like a mirror;
- brown material imitates soil at the bottom;
- the creamy and blue film will give the resemblance to a pool and at the same time, fish are remarkably visible against such a background.
When choosing a material, you should pay attention to the composition of the material, thickness and resistance to mechanical damage. The material is glued with a special glue. The use of the film can be accompanied by the preliminary arrangement of the sand cushion. The laid film should lie freely, without excessive tension. After laying the material, the pit can be filled with stones. After the water has settled in the container for several days, the film can be cut.
Helpful information! The more complex the structure of the reservoir, the stronger the film should be.
Features of water filtration and planting
The installation of the filter system must necessarily accompany the design of the pond in the country with your own hands. In this case, a photo of the necessary work can be viewed on the website. This is especially important when launching fish into the water.
Filtration kits are available in stores. They are accompanied by instructions with which the equipment is installed. Planting is considered an important stage. Arrowhead and tail are suitable for landing in water. You can pick up floating crops: hyacinths and lilies. Ferns, reeds and reeds will look good around the reservoir.
Helpful information! The artificial reservoir must be cleaned periodically. In this case, the bottom should be cleaned of silt, leaves and other debris.
Related article:
Do-it-yourself pond in the country: landscape photo ideas and decoration
Do-it-yourself ponds in the country require special design. The photo reflects the very best design techniques. Figurines, stones and beautiful trees can be used as decoration. The drops and uneven terrain make it possible to build a reservoir with a cascade and a waterfall. An original solution will be a bridge or an artificial slide.
The finished building can be decorated with the following elements:
- underwater lighting looks mesmerizing, for this mini spotlights are mounted;
- for the installation of fountains, different types of pumps are required.
Vegetation is considered an important decoration. It can be planted in baskets filled with earth and installed on the surface of the reservoir. Tall varieties of plants will look good nearby.
Helpful information! Before purchasing fish, you need to clarify the conditions for their maintenance. Some types of fish are at war with each other, so you need to choose those that get along with each other.
Useful tips: how to equip a pond in the country with your own hands, video
- it is better to decorate the pond with stones of different sizes. The harmonious combination of lumps with small stones will create a magnificent view;
- when creating a reservoir, you should not use sheer surfaces on which it is difficult to place plants;
- when landscaping, it is worth using containers that will prevent strong overgrowth of plants.
Helpful information! For planting aquatic crops, special soil is required. In this case, plants should not occupy more than half of the area of the reservoir.
How to prepare a reservoir for winter
A pond made of a plastic bowl withstands cold weather well in winter. To prevent the bowl from deforming under the load of ice, several plastic bottles of sand can be lowered into the container.
In the case of film construction, a similar method can also be used. Equipment and plants should be covered during the winter. At the first appearance of leaf fall, the pond must be covered with a fine mesh. Before frosts, the reservoir is cleaned and water is pumped out. Plants and fish must be sent to winter in warm rooms. Pumps and filtering equipment should also be removed.
In spring, the reservoir can be launched when night temperatures rise above zero. Subject to all the installation rules and in the presence of high-quality material, you can build a beautiful pond in the shortest possible time. The use of stylish decor elements will create an excellent central composition on the site.
I really want to relax after the summer heat and physical labor near a picturesque place. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is water. Unfortunately, not all site owners are lucky enough to have a reservoir in the country. Therefore, many summer residents equip a mini pond in the country with their own hands. We will talk about this in this article.
Perhaps at first you will have questions: how to do it? what material? where to place? But believe me, you can build a pond with your own hands. Moreover, we are talking about a small pond in the country - mini copies of reservoirs from 0.5 to 1.5 m3.
Design of the future pond
Thanks to today's technology, the owner can build a pond of any complexity. For example, there are three possible options for a small pond: cover a recess in the ground with foil and fill it with water; use a ready-made container that may be right at hand; pour concrete into the walls of the recess in the ground and fill it with water.
Option 1
First, on paper, create a project for the future pond. Consider planting widths, depths, and sills. Start contouring on the ground. This can be done with paint or sand.
If several tiers are planned in the pond, then mark them and dig them one by one. Purchase a film for your reservoir with the calculation of +0.5 m on the sides on the sides of the pit bowl. You will also need purchases: geofabric - a material that is placed on the bottom and walls of the bowl to protect the film from damage. Although you can use something from the bins: unnecessary carpet, old linoleum.
Geofabric for reservoirs You can fix the film with crushed stone, laying it in trenches dug along the edges of the thresholds. Fill the pond with water gradually, taking breaks. Line the shoreline with stones and cover the bottom of the pond with small pebbles.
Option 2
First, decide on the shape of the container in which the water will be. Then dig a pit for it, stepping back 30 cm from the sides. Tamp the bottom to keep it flat. If you have chosen a multi-tiered plastic mold, then fill the water gradually, and fill the space between the mold and the pit bowl with sand.
There are many more options for a small pond in the country. Can be used:
- An unnecessary bath. Apply the dimensions of the bathroom to the area, adding 10 cm to the sides. Dig a pit 20 cm deeper. Under the bathtub drain, drain the drain stones. Pour crushed stone with sand at the bottom of the pit and tamp.
- The pelvis. We follow the path of least resistance and use the most budgetary option, because even a leaky basin can be used by covering the hole with a film. Leave the edges of the pelvis above the ground. Under the bottom and between the walls of the basin and the pit, lay a layer of clay and sand solution. Pour soil at the bottom of the basin to plant duckweed and urut or whatever you choose. Such a pond will be tiny and beautiful.
Bathroom pond And more tires, a barrel, a boat, or even an old cabinet! Conveniently, some of these containers can be brought into the house for the winter. Indeed, making a pond with your own hands is not difficult!
How to make a pond from the bathroom (video tutorial)
Option 3
I think many will agree that building a pond according to the third option requires some, at least basic, builder skills. But at the same time, do not let this scare you, because any summer resident or owner of a plot in the private sector is already a little builder. And as a reward for your efforts, you will have an almost eternal paradise in your yard.
Stages of construction of a reservoir in the country (video)
Be serious about choosing the location of the pond, because it will no longer be possible to move it. Now you can start.
If you decide to make a reservoir without rapids, then this will greatly simplify the task. Dig a pit with slopes at 45 degrees. Tamp down the groove and cover it with sand.
Lay the PET or PVC film on the bottom without pulling it tight. Start pouring concrete from the walls, and then go to the bottom.
Try to do this part of the work in one day to avoid cracks at the joints.
Press in reinforced mesh. Pour the second layer of concrete as soon as the first dries. Constantly check the horizon with the level. Fill with water when the concrete is completely hardened.
Concrete pond Before deciding on the option for building a pond, decide which design idea will look especially organic on your site. If the house, paths and flower beds are designed in a strict style, feel free to break a pond of clear forms. If you like everything natural, then any arbitrary shape will do.
Decide on a place
How to make all the inhabitants of the pond comfortable? If you have a large plot of land, then carefully study the area so as not to be mistaken with the choice. There are several secrets that we will share with you.
- The roots of old trees can interfere with work, and over time, even the walls of the reservoir. Falling leaves and fruits will also make you clean up your pond often.
- Choose a location with the expectation that the pond will be in the shade for some time so that algae and microorganisms do not develop too actively in it.
- At the same time, the sun is needed for the plants along the coast. So you will have to look for the best option, taking into account these nuances.
- If your body of water is small, but deep, then make sure that it is always in sight when children are playing nearby. And why hide such beauty from sight?
- The pond will look best in a depression. Almost always descend to the lake, river, sea.
Mini pond for summer cottages We will think over a possible ecosystem
If you want fish to live in your pond and flowers to bloom, then a few rules from this section will help you.
Plant selection
Decorative flowers in the pond do not suffer from temperature changes and can even tolerate frost (of course, except for southern varieties of plants, which will need to be hidden for the winter). But still make sure that the water in the pond will be warmed by the sun for at least five hours during the day.
The less light, the faster the mini pond in the country will turn into a small swamp. Then it will look completely unattractive, a characteristic smell and flowering will appear.
In nature, an amazing self-purification process has been launched, and at home the owner should take care of the purity of the reservoir.
As in a natural pond, plants in a home pond are divided into the following types:
- those that grow on the shore;
- those that grow in a humid zone on the border with water;
- floating on the surface;
- shallow and those that grow at depth.
Although the air humidity will be higher on the shore along the pond than in other places, simple garden plants will be able to take root there. But still, consider that they do not look ridiculous or accidentally next to other inhabitants of the pond. Begonias, aquilegia, balsam and many other perennial plants that are used to decorate landscapes will be harmoniously combined.
An area with constant humidity, but without stagnant water, is the best place for moisture-loving perennials. Among such stars are meadowsweet (meadowsweet), lisichiton, darmera, iris and many others.
Irises also thrive in shallow waters. Susak, pontederia, tail are competing with them. The deep sea queen can rightfully be called a water lily. She copes with harsh winters calmly. Water lilies are not only beautiful but also useful. It is they who can create the shade necessary for the pond. Among other deep-sea beauties, the lotus (although it needs to be dug out for the winter, because in most of the territory of the former USSR, for almost 8 months, the water does not warm up as needed for the flowering of such varieties), vodokras, oronium, water walnut and many other bizarre inhabitants of the depths.
The rivals of deep-sea plants are algae, which saturate the pond water with oxygen and support the vital activity of other organisms. Among them are bog, hornwort, etc.
Animal inhabitants
Insects, microorganisms and protozoa will start in your pond on their own. You will have to take care of the fish yourself.
Fish in a pond in the country But do not think that you cannot start them. In fact, there is nothing supernatural here. Check the depth of your pond - it should be at least 90 cm deep. This is necessary for the fish, because this way they will be able to overwinter. And in summer, the water will not get too warm. Shallower ponds are only suitable for growing ornamental plants.
By the way, in ponds with fish, a third of the water surface should be covered with greenery.
How pleasant it is to spend a few hours by a shady pond or lake in the hot summer season! Of course, it's great if there is one in the neighborhood. However, most often we spend free summer days in the country, and not everyone has the funds for a large country house and the services of a landscape designer. In this case, there is nothing left to do but make a pond with your own hands, especially since it is not so difficult.
It all depends on your imagination, the size of the site and what is at hand. If you make a little effort and money, then the summer cottage pond will not only delight you, but also cause burning envy among your neighbors.
The size and shape of yours primarily depends on the area allocated for these purposes of the site. But the larger the area of the pond, the easier it is to take care of it - the small one needs to be cleaned more often. If you plan to have fish and plant a lot of aquatic plants, then a small reservoir will not work for you either, because it is very difficult to maintain the correct eco-balance in it.
The best place for a home pond will be an open part of the site, at the same time protected from strong winds. You should not place the reservoir in a well-lit place: the location should be such that the sun's rays do not fall into the water for more than 6 hours in a row, otherwise it will bloom, and only frogs can live there. Doubtful prospect, right? At the same time, if the lighting is insufficient, plants will grow slowly, and a beautiful resting corner will not work.
If you decide to equip a small fountain, you will definitely need a pond diagram in order to properly connect the pump and other equipment. With a little effort, you can sketch out the plan yourself. Of course, in this case, it will be necessary to consider the proximity of the location of the power supply network.
You should not place your home pond under the crowns of trees. Firstly, this will lead to additional pollution of the water with fallen leaves, and the pond will have to be cleaned much more often, and secondly, the roots of the tree can damage the bed of the tank, and it will dry out quickly.
And, of course, the whole idea will become useless if you cannot enjoy the beautiful view from the window or from the terrace, so when planning to make a pond on the site with your own hands, do not forget about the aesthetic side of the issue.
Home pond on a rigid base
If you are a supporter of solid, durable construction, then you can approach the process on a grand scale: dig a pit of sufficient size and, using metal reinforcement and cement, cast a reinforced concrete pond bowl. Such a design, of course, will cost a lot, but it will last for many years (at least 30). If you are not a supporter of a global approach, you can get by with an easier and cheaper option.
So, how to make one of the most elementary ways to make a dream come true is a ready-made "bowl", which can be purchased in the store. Perhaps the main disadvantage of this option will be that it will not be possible to come up with your own original form of the reservoir, you will have to be content with the offered assortment.
The most inexpensive solution is a small plastic pond, from 4 to 8 m 2. Of course, there are bigger molds, but they already belong to the category of pools and are much more expensive. When choosing a container, you should definitely pay attention to its depth - it should be at least 0.8-1 meters. In summer, the water in such a pond will warm up completely, and all its inhabitants will feel comfortable, but in winter such a pond will not freeze to the bottom, which is also very important.
If you decide to organize a pond on the site with your own hands and want to use a ready-made base for this, then first of all you need to study the materials from which the forms are made - there are also several nuances here.
The simplest and cheapest option may be a regular plastic container, but it has its drawbacks. First of all, you need to be very careful during transportation and installation - such a tank can crack even with a slight bend. Also, plastic tends to collapse from sunlight, which means that the service life of such a product is not too long - 5-10 years.
If you want your reservoir to serve longer, choose forms made of special reinforced plastic - they have a much longer service life (up to 20 years). These reservoirs are more flexible and less susceptible to UV radiation.
The highest quality and, of course, the most expensive are products made of fiberglass on a rubber base. This form is resistant to temperature changes, does not collapse from exposure to sunlight and does not emit harmful substances into the water, which is very important for the inhabitants of the reservoir. Such a reservoir will last more than 30 years, in addition, it can be repaired, which extends the time of use for almost an unlimited period.
The construction of ponds from a fiberglass bath is a simple process, and the result is quite aesthetic, since these forms come in different colors, and some are even coated with a coating that imitates stones, sand or small pebbles. This allows you to beautifully mask the edges of the pond and give it the most natural look.
We build ourselves
So, in order to build a pond on a site with your own hands, you first need to decide on the location and shape of the reservoir. Have you decided? We start construction work:
- First, we mark the contour of the pit. It is very simple to do this - set the shape in the right place and outline its silhouette using an ordinary bayonet shovel, tightly pressing the handle at the edge of the bath.
- Add about 20 cm to the resulting contour to add sand to the plastic pond.
- If you have acquired a form with ledges, then each level must be marked and dug out separately, from larger to smaller, and do not forget to add 10-15 cm on each floor for a sandy substrate.
- When the pit is ready, its edges should be well leveled and tamped, all glass, stones and tree roots should be selected. Failure to do this can damage the mold. Then you need to fill in and carefully tamp the sand with a layer of at least 10 cm - this will save your pond from subsidence.
- Install the plastic mold and make sure it is level, you can also use the rule for this. Then carefully fill the pond with water about a third, being careful not to budge it.
- Carefully fill the gaps between the edge of the pit and the mold with sand. In this case, you need to ensure that there are no voids left. For this, periodically water the soil with water, but try to keep the pressure not too strong.
For a week after installation, water the area around the pond regularly and add sand as needed. After the subsidence of the soil stops, you can completely fill the reservoir, decorate the edges of the pond bowl with stones, flagstone and plant ornamental plants.
Country pond made of flexible materials
Now let's talk about how to make a pond on the site, if it is not possible to purchase a ready-made container, or if you want to equip a large pond of a bizarre shape.
The most budgetary option in this case will be the use of ordinary polyethylene with a thickness of at least 500 microns. However, despite the fact that it is quite inexpensive, there are quite a few disadvantages of such a coating. The fact is that polyethylene is a fairly thin material, it is very easy to damage it, and under the influence of sunlight, it completely becomes fragile and quickly collapses. A pond on a polyethylene backing will last you a maximum of 2-3 years.
PVC film for a pond - the material is also not too expensive, but much more durable, such a coating can withstand 8-10 years. Polyvinyl chloride coating can be ordinary and two-layer, in which a woven mesh is laid for strength. Of course, PVC has the same disadvantages as polyethylene - it is destroyed by ultraviolet radiation, it is easily cut and torn, but, unlike the latter, it can be repaired. For this, special kits are sold. In addition, PVC stretches better, and after filling the pond with water, most of the folds stretch and straighten over time.
The most expensive, but at the same time the most high-quality coating is made of butyl rubber: the service life of such a material is about 50 years, and it does not care about the sun's rays. In addition, butyl rubber is not afraid of low temperatures, so you do not have to drain the water from the pond in the winter. This is a very flexible and plastic material that can withstand significant loads, therefore, if you decide to equip a spacious reservoir of an unusual shape, you simply cannot do without it.
We mark the pit
To equip a pond on a site with your own hands, you will need:
- pegs;
- rope;
- film coating;
- geotextile or felt;
- sand;
- crushed stone or large pebbles;
- shovel;
- special set for repairing the film coating;
- bricks;
- garden hose for watering;
With the help of twine and pegs, you need to mark the desired shape of the pit and start earthworks. If you plan on setting up a fairly large pond, you can use an excavator. In the process of work, it is necessary to ensure that the ledges and descents alternate, this will make the banks of the pond more stable. You also need to provide terraces (at least 30 cm wide) for planting plants. Slopes from one level to another must be made fairly gentle, with an angle of inclination up to 45˚.
It is worth remembering that the depth of the pond should not be less than 80 cm, otherwise in winter the water in it will freeze to the bottom, and its inhabitants will die. Thus, you need to dig a pit, which is about 15-20 centimeters larger than the estimated size of the reservoir. This is necessary in order to be able to fill the terraces and the bottom of the pond with sand, in order to avoid subsidence and damage to the film. The sand pillow must be carefully leveled and tamped, after removing all pebbles, sharp sticks and plant roots from the bottom.
Drainage and waterproofing
When the sand drainage cushion is ready, proceed to the next stage of work. In order for the pond film to remain intact as long as possible, geotextiles need to be laid on the sand layer, preferably in 2 layers. Next, we straighten the film itself and fix it on the banks with bricks or large stones. Do not necessarily try to straighten and unfold all the folds - let the water do it for you.
We place the flexible one in such a way that its end is in the center of the future reservoir, and we begin to supply water, making sure that the pressure is not too strong. As the pond fills with water, partially loosen the edges of the film and spread it along the slopes of the pit. After the reservoir is filled to the brim, leave it for 1-2 days. During this time, under the weight of water, the film will expand and fill all the voids.
After it completely sags, you need to cut off the excess parts, leaving at least 40-50 cm for the arrangement of the banks. The edges are fixed with pegs or special metal arms, and then masked with flagstone, large stones and pebbles. It's time to install the pump, decorate the hoses from the fountains and start planting the plants.
Pond above the ground in the country
When there are kids in the family, then one of the main problems in the construction of a reservoir: how to make the pond safe. It is best if such a reservoir is slightly raised above the soil surface. Firstly, this greatly facilitates caring for him, and secondly, the risk of small children or pets accidentally falling there is significantly reduced.
In this case, you cannot do without a reinforced concrete foundation. Dig a pit in the deepest part of the pond, form terraces for plants, as in the previous case. On the banks of the reservoir, using wooden formwork, fill in a concrete foundation of the required height; for strength it can be reinforced with a metal mesh. After the foundation is completely dry and settled (this will take at least two days), the formwork can be removed, and the inner walls can be plastered until smooth. This will help prevent tearing of the film. We line the bottom of the pit with it and fill the bowl with water. At the same time, we fix the edges of the material so that they are behind the concrete fence. After the pond is full, let the water settle, cut off the excess film, fix it and decorate the edges of the bowl.
Inventory: what you need
Of course, the construction of ponds is not an easy task, but what cannot be done for yourself, your loved one, because if everything is organized correctly, the result will please the eye for more than one year.
However, it is not enough to build a home reservoir - you also need to take care of it. Here are some technical gadgets that will come in handy for you:
Rules for caring for a summer cottage
A pond in the garden is, of course, very beautiful, but if you do not want to become the happy owner of a personal swamp, in which frogs croak in the evenings, then you need to properly care for it. First of all, you need to ensure that the water does not bloom in it. Of course, it is best to purchase a special purification system, but this, unfortunately, is not a cheap pleasure. However, there is another, more affordable means: take a canvas bag and fill it. Place such a "surprise" under the water, and there will be practically no algae at the bottom of the pond.
It is also necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the reservoir - regularly remove debris from the surface and add water as it evaporates. If your pond is small, then it is recommended to completely drain it for the winter period, and for large tanks, complete cleaning is required at least 2-3 times a year, while the water must be completely pumped out.
From what is at hand
And what about those who do not allow the size of the site to accommodate even a small body of water? Do not be upset: a small pond can also be arranged in the front garden by adapting a cut metal barrel or just a large basin for this purpose. Such a mini-pond can even be placed on the balcony of a city apartment, decorating the container with glued pebbles or mosaics. Of course, you will not hear the murmur of a fountain near such a "reservoir", but the coolness and lush green of aquatic plants are guaranteed to you.
Even the presence of the smallest pond at the summer cottage allows you to create a unique picturesque landscape. An artificial reservoir, by the way, can also change the microclimate. In dry areas, it will increase humidity, which will have a beneficial effect on all plants.
How to create a small pond in the garden or in the country with your own hands? We will try to answer this question in this article.
Choosing a place
First of all, you need to determine where the pond will look best. A suitable site looks like this:
- there are no trees on it (their leaves clog the reservoir, and the roots can damage the bottom);
- enough sun (minimum 6 hours) for the development of aquatic plants;
- there is free space in case of possible expansion of the pond;
- the surface is as flat as possible.
Also remember - the reservoir cannot occupy more than 3 percent of the total area of the entire site.
In order for a variety of aquatic plants to feel good in it, it is necessary to create a special zone for them. In general, the bottom is always made with steps:
- water lilies are planted in shallow water;
- ornamental fish hibernate at the lower level.
A pit should not be made more than 180 centimeters deep. In terms of size, the greatest deepening is ideally no more than 20 percent of the total area of the reservoir.
It is also necessary to leave room for coastal plants.
Base options
The least problems will be caused by arranging the pond with the help of a ready-made plastic container. You can choose it in hardware stores. Such tubs are relatively inexpensive, and they are installed very simply. The disadvantages include the inability to change the shape.
If you have an old bathtub on the farm, you can also put it on a decorative pond. Its shape, however, will be quite primitive, but it is suitable for small areas and will last for more than a decade.
A very small body of water is also easy to make from tires (for example, from a tractor).
More beautiful landscape ponds are constructed using PVC film. Its thickness is up to 0.5 millimeters. It is ideal for a small pond. Its indisputable advantage is the ability to freely choose the shape of the reservoir - even a very bizarre one is created very simply.
Since the installation of the first options will not be able to cause difficulties even for an inexperienced person, we will talk about the last method.
The step-by-step execution of work will allow you to avoid mistakes and unnecessary waste of time and money.
Materials (edit)
Even for a small pond, you will need to prepare a lot:
- PVC film;
- large stones (preferably round);
- roofing material;
- slate slabs;
- bricks;
- sand;
- fine gravel or screenings;
- aquatic plants.
Pit
To make it easier to work, draw a drawing of the future pond and indicate on it all the necessary dimensions, including:
- width of curtains;
- the size of the sides;
- depths.
It is better to decide on the shape with photos of artificial ponds, which are easy to find on the Internet. Think about an accent element. It can be a large bizarre stone, sculpture, ceramic vessel, etc.
We draw the contours of the reservoir on the ground. We mark them either with twine on pegs or with a sand line. It is important that the bank is at the same level on all sides. After that, we remove the sod and fertile soil.
The pit is dug initially to the depth of the first level - it is about 40 centimeters. On the bottom we mark the line of the next deepening - here the hole is made 0.9 meters. And, finally, we dig a hollow for the wintering of fish - 1.8 m. If there are no living creatures, then we skip this stage. The soil must be immediately removed from the site, in particular, it should be used to create an alpine slide.
Upon completion of excavation, the bottom is cleaned of:
- roots;
- sharp stones;
- irregularities.
This helps to ensure the safety of the film.
A ditch 20 cm deep is dug along the bank, about 30 centimeters from the edge. It is necessary to strengthen the film. The pond is then measured along with the groove in length and width. Add one meter to the obtained results. It is with such a margin that you should buy a PVC coating. If its width is not enough, then the film is soldered.
Bottom arrangement
The entire bottom must be covered with sifted sand. The thickness of the pillow is 15 cm. It needs to be tamped well. Roofing material is laid on top of it with an overlap of up to 100 mm.
Then comes the turn of the film. It is deployed over the pit and laid as freely as possible, but so that a normal supply remains on the shore. The edges are pressed with bricks along the perimeter. This stage is easier to carry out on a hot sunny day - PVC will become more elastic and easier to work with.
Finally, water is poured into the pond. In this state, it is left for a day - during this time the film will take the required shape. Only after that, the excess is cut off, and the edges are laid in the prepared ditch and covered with gravel.
Shore decoration
To make the reservoir durable, it is not enough just to put the PVC canvas correctly, it is also important to prevent the shore from collapsing. For this it is necessary to reinforce the edge. This is done using:
- concrete blocks;
- PVC pipes and stakes;
- bricks.
We lay out tiles made of natural stone along the bank. We additionally decorate one of the banks with a composition of large boulders. One big one will do here.
We fill the bottom with pebbles or rubble. We place the prepared plants in containers on the curtains. For a pond, those that saturate the water with oxygen are suitable:
- water lily;
- hornwort;
- swamp.
After the arrangement of the banks, the reservoir is filled to the top.
A submersible pump is installed at the bottom. We lay the tubes from it to the source and there we connect it to the filter.
With the help of this video, you will get a better understanding of the construction of a pond: