Pond Guide Chapter 1: How to Design a Pond
Discover pond life and design a pond with Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping
Image Source: Ben Vaughn on Unsplash
In this first part of our 3-part series, Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping will help show you how to design a pond. This article will provide you with the following information:
Design a Pond
1. Pond Design Inspiration
Take a moment and imagine yourself floating carefree in your pond, gazing up at blue skies and white clouds above while you let your mind drift into day dreams.
Before we dive in, take some time to reflect on what it is you want.
What do you dream up when you start thinking about pond design?
How would you design a pond?
What would you use it for?
Where would you place it?
Who would use it?
What special features would you like for your pond?
Before you begin to design a pond, reflect on what you want in and around your pond.
Image Source: Thyla Jane on Unsplash
Next, start looking at pond designs out there. Who knows what someone else's idea will inspire in your design?
Here is a gallery of pond photos to inspire you before we “dive below the surface”!
2. Type of Pond Designs
If you aren't sure of what you want when you design a pond, consider that there are 3 main types of pond designs:
Ecosystem Ponds
Recreational Ponds
Patio Ponds
Ecosystem Ponds
Ecosystem ponds are designed to be "a complete low-maintenance system that works with Mother Nature to provide food, shelter, and safety to the wildlife around it".
These ponds include 5 elements:
Filtration System
Recirculating System
Aquatic Plants
Rocks and Gravel
Fish
Together, these elements keep your pond (and pets) healthy. You can have ecosystem ponds of various sizes, and most of Epiphany's ecosystem ponds incorporate a stream to aid in filtration and in the circulation of oxygen throughout your water feature.
Ecosystem Ponds range in price from $6000 for a 6'×8' Ecosystem Pond' with a 3’ long Stream to $12500 for an 11'×16' Ecosystem Pond with a 10’ long stream.
A recreational pond differs from an ecosystem pond in that it is really like a natural swimming pool. It is designed for recreation like swimming in summer and skating/hockey in winter (or paddling if you have a really big recreational pond!) and consists of 2 main areas: a natural filtration system and a swimming area.
Keep in mind that if you want to design a pond for recreational use, you will need more space than if you are designing a small ecosystem pond.
Still, recreational ponds vary in size. And, as far as price, they cost about $50 per square foot according to HomeAdvisor.com.
If you want to design a pond and you don't have a lot of space in your yard, you are not limited. You can still enjoy the pond life on a smaller scale by installing a patio pond. These little gems "can incorporate the same features of a large scale pond including fountains, fish, and plants". They can be placed on a patio, deck, or even an apartment terrace.
Patio ponds cost between $250 and $600 or more. This is clearly a more affordable option for those on a tighter budget.
3. Filtration Systems, Depth & Other Things To Consider
Filtration
To promote the health of your pond, it is important to plan for proper filtration. According to Aquasape.com, "There are two forms of filtration critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem pond: mechanical and biological."
Choosing the proper filtration also depends on the type of pond you want.
An ecosystem pond relies on a BioFalls Filter (Biological Filtration) and a Pond Skimmer (Mechanical Filtration) which also contains pond pumps.
If you have a patio pond, you'll need a Container Water Garden Filter which is small and very affordable.
A recreational pond relies on wetland filtration: Watch below to learn more.
Depth
The depth of your pond will depend on where you live and what you are using your pond for.
Generally, unless you live in a very cold climate, the minimum depth of a pond is about 2 feet deep. This depth can support small fish like goldfish. If you have larger fish or many fish in your pond, you'll want at least a pond with a depth of 3 feet. The following video from Anypond.com talks about the varying sizes of ponds most people will require for fish.
If you are installing a recreation pond, you will need a pond of greater depth.
As a recreation pond has 2 sections, the wetland filtration area needs to be about a foot deep for aquatic plants while the swimming area can range anywhere between 6 to 8 feet deep.
Other Things to Consider
Some other things to consider as you design your pond are the technical and/or legal implications of your pond. In this HGTV article, you are reminded to:
You don’t want to run into problems after you’ve invested time and money into designing and building your pond, so make sure you do your research. Better yet, book an on-site consultation with Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping and find out what questions you need to be asking before you begin your pond project. Epiphany will also help you determine the optimal location for the pond on your property for aesthetics, functionality and ease of maintenance.
4. Pond Location
Most homeowners enjoy backyard ponds that can be seen from rear windows and easily accessed and enjoyed throughout the day or evening.
A flat area is ideal for a pond; however, waterfalls can be nicely incorporated into your pond design if you have sloped areas in your yard, too. It is wise to avoid low-lying areas so that your pond does not flood or receive harmful run-off.
A mix of sun and shade is helpful for maintaining healthy pond water - and happy fish. You also want to make sure that your pond is not going to collect a lot of debris - particularly leaves from trees, unless you want to use a pond net.
Also, remember that you need access to a power source and a water source, either for running a pump or for refilling your pond when water evaporates.
If you need access to electricity for your pond pump or lighting, remember this when picking a location.
Lastly, if you have kids or pets, then you will want to think about safety. A fence can be installed around the pond to prevent children or animals from accidentally falling in.
For a more detailed outline of what to consider when you design a pond, see this article from watergardenadvice.com.
Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping has been in the business of helping people design a pond for over 10 years now. Serving customers in Eastern Ontario, these Certified Aquascape Contractors have the knowledge and expertise to transform your outdoor living space into the oasis of your dreams. Contact Epiphany Ponds & Landscaping to get started - it is never too late to start planning!
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