DIY Pond Construction vs Working With The Pros
Before you start your pond project, stop and consider the pros and cons of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) pond construction with the pros and cons of working with the experts. Whatever route you choose, Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping is ready to help you:
1. Pros and Cons of DIY Pond Construction
Be prepared before starting your pond project and consider the pros and cons of pond construction.
Image Source: Aquascape Inc.
Pond Construction
Pros and Cons of DIY Pond Construction
Use our handy chart below for a quick reference or keep reading for more details on some basic pros and cons of DIY Pond Construction.
Pros of DIY
1. Learning and developing new skills
Ok, so if you aren't relying on professionals to construct your pond, you will need to learn a lot, either by reading, watching videos, or asking others for their input. Even small ponds require tons of work and knowledge, including:
What bylaws are involved in adding a pond to your property
The type of pond most suited to your property and lifestyle
The best location for your pond and what existing features will impact your pond project
How to construct a pond that will function efficiently and suit your property and lifestyle
How pond ecosystems function and what components are essential to a healthy pond
What materials and equipment are best for your pond
How to maintain a pond successfully
If you are ready to take on a project of this extent, you will find that it is highly rewarding to acquire such knowledge and to develop such skills. And you will meet many interesting people along the way, from city officials to those in the pond business.
2. Saving on labour costs
If you have the equipment, like an excavator or even shovels, and you are fairly fit, you can save on labour costs. Digging a pond and creating ledges is hard work, especially if you plan on using a shovel, but if you’re up to the challenge it can save you money. You can also consider asking some friends to help you with the excavation.
If you are willing to dig your pond yourself, DIY will save you some labour costs.
Cons of DIY
1. Costly equipment rentals
As mentioned before, digging a pond is difficult work and may require an excavator, particularly if you are constructing a larger or deeper pond to be used for recreational purposes. Even a fish pond here in Ontario where we have freezing temperatures should be about 3 feet deep. So, you may need to rent an excavator - and you'll need to be prepared to drive it, too!
2. Difficulty transporting heavy rock and other materials
A variety of rocks are used in pond design and they serve more than just an aesthetic feature - the rocks also help with filtration! So, you will most likely be transporting stones and rocks to your project site as well as any needed soil, sand, or other water features. Be prepared to haul these heavy loads and also consider where you will store materials on your property. You may end up renting a truck if you don't have one.
3. Knowing how to troubleshoot when problems arise
Many problems can arise when building a pond. Aquascape has a list of common pond building blunders to help you out if you do decide to go the DIY route, such as choosing a poor pond location and placing rocks improperly throughout your pond. Just keep in mind that some mistakes result in more time and money spent. Read their article, Common Pond Building Blunders.
Transporting and properly placing rocks is a challenge for DIY pond construction.
Pros and Cons of Hiring Experts for Pond Construction
Once again you will see a reference chart below with some of the pros and cons of working with the experts for your pond construction, but each of these points is outlined in further detail if you keep scanning.
Pros of Hiring Experts
1. Expert work - and expert advice
If you want an expert job, it is best to hire experts who have experience designing and constructing your pond. Designing a pond involves assessing your property and its existing features, understanding bylaws, and choosing a pond design that is right for your existing property as well as your lifestyle. Will you have a koi pond, ecosystem pond, or recreational pond?
Once the construction of a pond begins, it is important that all the essential elements are added to keep your pond healthy. Experts can advise you on what works best and how to get the most out of your pond for years to come. Professionals also know how to avoid those common blunders you read about in Aquascape’s article Common Pond Building Blunders. They also understand the maintenance required to keep your pond healthy and can save you money in the future.
2. No heavy labour involved
One of the best reasons to hire experts for your pond construction is so that you are not left with heavy labour all by yourself. Professionals have crew members and equipment that work together to make a difficult job look easy. They have trucks, excavators, access to all the equipment and materials you need to successfully run your pond, as well as the man power some of us are lacking.
3. High-quality materials and construction
As mentioned, experts will have access to all the equipment and materials you will need. As experienced pond constructors, they will provide you with high-quality materials and there will be no need for you to do the work of hiring and running expensive equipment - particularly if you are building a large and deep pond.
Don’t underestimate the work involved in pond construction. Hiring experts ensures your safety.
Cons of Hiring Experts
1. Costly labour
As with anything, if you want quality you need to be willing to pay a little extra. While the initial labour costs may be expensive when constructing a pond, the end results will be worth it. Also, you won’t have to break your back excavating the pond or ripping out faulty filtration systems that you mistakenly installed.
If the cost of hiring experts makes you pause, consider a small to medium pond like the one above.
Hiring the Pros at Clearwater Creations
Whether you decide to construct a pond on your own or you hire experts for your pond construction, contact Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping. These experts from Eastern Ontario have been building award-winning ponds since 2011 that will be sure to wow you! They can help you choose the right pond, find equipment, advise you on plants, and keep your pond in top shape.
Testimonials
“Knowledgeable, industrious, creative and thorough are words that come to mind to describe my interactions with Tim and Joey.”
“The pond is absolutely spectacular! We use it everyday, we can’t get the kids out of it. Everyone who see’s it is absolutely blown away!”