Pond waterfall and stream construction materials for gardens vary greatly and include fibre glass pre formed ponds, lightweight artificial rocks and waterfall kits as well as ponds constructed using pond liners.
Garden ponds are used as ornamental fish ponds, as an aesthetic feature or as a place to grow water plants such as Water Lilies and Water Iris. Backyard ponds are also great for frogs. Building a backyard pond can be a DIY project or the work can be contracted out to a landscaping contractor. When looking at ideas for a pond you need to consider size, depth and location.
One of the major considerations when constructing a backyard pond is safety, most councils have regulations relating to ponds and swimming pools so commence by contacting your local council to determine appropriate safety precautions. Ponds need to be constructed to minimize water loss, proper pond liner or a fibre glass pre formed pond are essential, masonry ponds are not often used due to costs. The purpose of the pond needs to be established when considering pond design, if you wish to keep fish in a pond you will need to have a fairly deep pond so that the water remains cool and fish are offered some protection by overhanging rocks and vegetation. Lighting, pumps, waterfalls and streams are part of backyard pond construction ideas and techniques. Lightweight artificial rocks and waterfall kits are a new addition to backyard pond supplies in Australia
Backyard Ponds – Lining techniques and materials
In order to prevent seepage and water loss all ponds need to be lined or constructed of a water proof material such as
- Fibre Glass preformed ponds.
These come in a range of shapes and sizes and can even be build in a series so water cascades from one pond to the next. Usually installed on a bed of sand. - Masonry
Concrete or brick can be used, however it is usually more expensive - Pond Liner.
Pond liners are made from a butyl rubber substance that is tough and flexible, black plastic is not a suitable substitute as it degrades relatively quickly and easily punctures.Pond liners allow a more flexible approach to backyard pond design, size and shape are unlimited.
Pond Depth
For Aquatic plants a pond does not need to be very deep 2/3rds to 1m is usually plenty. For fish 1m to 1.5m is really the minimum.
Remember that a shallow pond will have greater variations in water temperature than a deep pond, so the type of fish you intend to keep can determine the required pond depth requirements.
Water Falls, Streams and Pond Fountains.
Although all of these are aesthetic considerations they are also important for backyard pond health. Water movement provided by pond pumps helps re oxygenate water provide life giving oxygen for fish. Solar pond pumps need to have a battery backup if used for a fish pond. Waterfalls and Fountains increase the amount of oxygen in backyard ponds.
Pond Plants
Providing a more natural look pond plants also help to provide oxygen during the day. Most pond plants are grown in pots submerged in the water, many ponds are built with a shallow edge designed to sit pots on. (see below)
Rocks and lightweight artificial rocks and waterfall kits for BackYard Ponds
Rocks used as surrounds for backyard ponds are very popular, natural flat rocks can make an attractive surround, lightweight artificial rocks are also availble. Lightweight artificial rocks come in a range of sizes as well as in kit form. Some lightweight rock kits also co me as waterfalls. Usually made from a fibreglass material.
Pond Lighting for Backyard ponds.
Consider installing pond lighting at the same time as construction. 240V systems will require an electrician, however pond lighting will allow you pond to be feature at night as well as during the day.
And if you are looking for something a little simpler then a water feature with the right design might just be the answer.