How to make a garden pond with your own hands. Artificial pond in the country: how to create and arrange. Pond from the finished mold

Decorating a summer cottage with a decorative pond is a good solution. Particularly pleased with the cool pond in the summer heat. Even a small pond in the country can be equipped with a fountain or a waterfall, plants and flowers can be planted, ennobled with stones and placed next to chairs or benches. Get a great seating area. Any summer resident can make this beauty with his own hands in 1-2 days without significant financial costs.

What can you make a decorative pond from?

There are many materials for the manufacture of garden ponds. You can choose more expensive ones and build an impressive deep lake, or you can find improvised materials for free and make a small decorative pond.

From a tire

Old used tires from heavy construction vehicles or tractors can be bought for a penny or found for free. According to its properties, the rubber from which they are made perfectly withstands seasonal temperature changes from frost to heat and does not let water through. This material has a long service life and a finished perfectly round shape. You can find this material at tire shops or car dealerships.

From tires you can make a multi-level pond with a small "waterfall"

From an old bath

A well-used bathtub made of cast iron, steel or acrylic has an oval or angular shape and a shallow depth, just right for a country pond. If the color of the enamel does not suit you, you can paint the bath in a blue tint for the effect of clear water or brown to match the soil.

If you surround the bath with stones, no one will guess what the pond is made of.

From a plastic container

Special ready-made plastic containers are sold for creating reservoirs of various sizes and depths. These bowls can be of very different configurations with steps and separate areas of shallow water and deepening. Durable material will withstand all loads and last for many years. A wide range of colors allows you to choose a bowl for every taste. For the winter, it is not required to drain the water and dismantle the pond.

Blue and blue containers look more positive than black

PVC film

Flexible roll waterproofing materials and membranes for swimming pools are excellent for creating a reservoir of complex multi-stage shape, due to their flexibility and softness. PVC film is the most affordable of all produced. Only polyethylene is cheaper, but it quickly collapses under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, it will have to be laid in 2-3 layers. Polyethylene film is recommended to be used in this capacity only for temporary structures.

From PVC film, you can make a spring of any shape and any size.

Other

Butyl rubber pool membrane costs a lot, but it is specially designed for waterproofing, does not freeze, does not rot. The service life of this film is 50 years, it is capable of tenfold stretching under significant loads without the risk of tearing.

A monolithic concrete bowl is considered the strongest and most durable, you can walk freely on it if you need to clean the bottom or transplant pond plants. To create such a pool, it will take more time due to the time of solidification and curing of the material. Additional costs for reinforcement and drainage will pay off with interest, especially in the case of a large reservoir.

A pond from a monolithic concrete bowl is more practical and effective than others

Choosing a place for a reservoir in a summer cottage

In the process of designing and design ideas, it is important to determine a good place to place the future pond and the adjacent recreation area. Small volumes of water quickly heat up in the sun, they are best placed in the shade. The sun's rays should not fall on the surface for more than 6 hours a day. In the shade, the water will not overheat, and biological pollution will occur more slowly. On hot summer days, evaporation from the surface of a small pond can reach 5 cm, which is dangerous for animals and plants.

Fallen leaves and fruits from trees pollute the surface of the water, and the growing root system can damage the waterproofing layer. Therefore, it is better to place the bowl away from deciduous and fruit trees and shrubs.

Choosing plants for a pond in the garden

A bare pond without plants does not look aesthetically pleasing, it does not look like a real natural reservoir. Suitable plants should be chosen, which in nature live near ponds and lakes, in swamps. They are divided into three groups:

floating in the water;
immersed in water;
coastal.

The first group includes free-floating plants that are not fixed by the root system in the bottom soil. The depth of the water is not important to them. The following plants are popular in this group:

eichornia (water hyacinth) - perennial, with large blue flowers and leaves immersed in water;
pistia (water rose) - has light green rosettes of leaves, similar to roses;
vodokras is recommended to breed in small ponds, this plant with small white flowers and round leaves floats in the water, and in autumn its foliage dies off.

A healthy microclimate is formed in water protected from overheating by large floating leaves.

Submerged in water and growing at the bottom in the ground, in a special container or pot, cultures are included in the second group. The following plants are popular:

water lily is one of the most beautiful and popular aquatic plants. Water lilies are planted in pots, which are placed at the bottom of the pond. Water lily flowers are white, pink and yellow;
the hornwort is an oxygen generator, it floats in the water column and contributes to the natural preservation of the purity of the pond and oxygenation;
The arrowhead got its name from the shape of the leaves, it is planted to a depth of about 10 cm.

Coastal plants are planted around the reservoir, they grow well in waterlogged soil, decorate and shade the coastal zone. Popular plants:

calamus is a tall grass with sharp arrow-shaped leaves, an excellent companion for flowering crops;
marsh marigold - unpretentious bushes with a scattering of small yellow flowers;
swamp iris is similar to garden varieties, has yellow flowers, grows along the banks of rivers and lakes in large bushes.

Swamp iris can become the main focus in the composition of a country pond

How to build an artificial pond in the country with your own hands

This garden decoration is easy to make yourself, and you do not need to spend a lot of money on it. If you strictly follow the technology and find the necessary materials at hand, prepare the tool, then in a couple of days you will be able to admire your creation - a beautiful pond. The large deep pool will be ready in 2 weeks due to more thorough base preparation.

From a plastic container

Polypropylene, polyethylene or fiberglass bowls are available in various depths and shapes. The most popular is an irregularly rounded configuration that mimics a natural body of water. To install the tank, you will need the following materials and tools:

tape measure, pegs and string for marking;
shovel;
level;
sand and gravel, water, cement;
fittings.

The design of the object includes a sketch on the site plan, a drawing with the placement of boulders, plants, technical communications. There are ready-made schemes and design options for a country pond.

Installation of a bowl for a decorative pond

Depending on the planned purpose of the pond, you can buy a container of the desired dimensions. If the reservoir will perform a purely decorative function, then it is recommended to make it multi-stage, shallow and small. For breeding ornamental fish and amphibians, you should choose a bowl with a central area deeper than the freezing point so that the living creatures can overwinter.

A small fountain will decorate any country pond

Before installing a small plastic bowl in the chosen place, it is necessary to prepare the base by making a sand cushion. For this you need:

If a container of impressive size is purchased, then a sand cushion is not enough, a concrete base is required. For this you need:

Mark the outlines of the sides of the bowl, sprinkling the contour with sand. At a distance of 15 cm from the sand line, drive in pegs to mark the edge of the pit.
Clear the surface of grass, turf and stones.
Dig a hole 30 cm deeper than the height of the reservoir.
Level and compact the bottom and fill it with 5 cm of sand.
Pour a 10 cm layer of crushed stone of medium fraction on top, lay a reinforcing mesh and pour concrete mortar 5–7 cm thick. Pillow curing time is approximately 2 weeks.

The bottom of the future pond should be flat

Installing the bowl on the base takes several steps:

Pour water into 1/3 of the volume, fill in the gaps between the bowl and the walls of the pit with wet sand, compact it.
Gradually add water and pour sand into the pit until the entire container is dug into the ground.
After 2 days, the sand will settle, and the form will firmly fall into place.

Now you can mount the technical part: fountains, additional equipment, pipes, filters. An excellent option for a country pond would be a floating fountain, which simultaneously acts as a filter and saturates the water with oxygen. Such a model will not only decorate the pond, but also clean it, ensure the health of fish and coastal plants. Installation is done like this:

After completing the technical work, you can start decorating and planting plants:

PVC film

The best choice for the price and durability of the rolled material for creating a pond is PVC film. For installation you will need:

PVC film with a margin of 50 cm width on each side;
roulette, level;
shovel, rake;
a machine for welding a film or a building hair dryer with a nozzle;
sand, water.

When designing film structures, you can show more imagination and come up with a complex shape. Flexible and soft membrane will allow you to embody the design idea. The stepped structure will allow you to plant plants or enter the water for swimming. First you need to make an accurate drawing to scale and a sketch with design and decor options.

A waterfall will fit well into the design of the pond

The base should be as level as possible, clean and without sharp stones and clods of earth. A sand cushion device is enough.

Stages of work:

Now you can lay tiles or stone that can be cemented together, decorate the pond with boulders and coastal plants, which are displayed in pots on underwater steps near the surface of the water or in the ground in the coastal zone around the boulders. Floating oxygenator crops saturate the water with oxygen, water lilies and lotuses decorate the surface with magnificent flowers.

Light shades of the film will allow you to see fish and plants better, while dark ones will create a complete imitation of real bottom soil.

You can decorate a pond with a dark base with plants and decorative figures.

Floating filters and UV flashlights help keep the water clean longer. Snails will clean the walls from plaque, frogs and fish will reduce the number of mosquitoes and other harmful insects.

From a tire

Having available material at hand, for example, old tires, you can equip a pond absolutely free of charge in one day. The round shape is predetermined. An interesting version of this design consists of three tires of different diameters, which are installed at different heights. It turns out a natural cascading three-stage waterfall.

To work with rubber, you need to prepare:

shovel;
level;
waterproofing film;
knife with a metal blade;
sealant;
sand and gravel;
stones and plants for decoration.

When designing, it should be taken into account that the tire can be dug into the ground completely or only up to half the height, or it can be completely placed on the surface. The frost resistance and durability of rubber will allow you to leave the pond for the winter in its place. The largest diameter of 3 m and a height of 1 m are tires of the Belarus tractor or tires from BelAZ equipment. You can even swim in this pond.

Several individual ponds can not be combined - the composition will turn out to be harmonious from several tires of different sizes

Foundation preparation:

Mark out the site by laying and circling the tire around. Remove the sod and remove the plants.
Dig a pit, expanding it by 15 cm from the size of the tire and deepening it to the height of the tire plus 15–20 cm.
Remove stones, clods of earth and debris, level the bottom of the site according to the level, tamp. A layer of geotextile can be laid to stabilize the ground and prevent the growth of weeds and tree roots.
Pour a layer of 10 cm of crushed stone and 5 cm of sand, spill with water and tamp, check the level.
This item is performed if it is decided to make a concrete platform for the reservoir. A reinforcement grid or reinforcing mesh is laid on top of the sand cushion and poured with a concrete solution 7 cm thick. Cover with plastic wrap and wait for the screed to dry after about 2 weeks.

The base is ready, and now you can start installing and decorating the country pond. The work includes the following steps:

A wonderful ensemble with a reservoir will turn out if you equip a small alpine hill nearby. Pour a hill of soil, compact it a little and give it the desired shape, then lay it out picturesquely with stones. You can use driftwood, old ceramic pots and vases. Plant unpretentious, creeping plants in the soil between the stones, and moisture-loving crops closer to the water. Over time, the plants will grow, and the hill will take on a wild natural look.

Video: do-it-yourself small pond with a fountain

Arrangement ideas

The style of the reservoir should be in harmony with the general style direction of the entire summer cottage, garden. On a small estate, a pond can be made a central decoration and a recreation area for the whole family can be arranged around it. There are many landscape design ideas - everyone will choose the perfect option for themselves.

leaves and debris should be regularly collected from the surface with a special long-handled net. If finances allow, for medium and large volumes it is advisable to buy a skimmer - a floating filter that collects debris from the surface and purifies the water;

after wintering, you should inspect the integrity of the bowl, the performance of the pump and filter, wiring, remove ice residues, fix rickety stones and decor, check how the fish overwintered in the deep part of the pond;

during the winter, a lot of debris and dirt accumulate on the bottom and walls, so you need to pump out almost all the water, leaving a little in the fish pit, temporarily transplant small animals into another container and clean the bottom and walls of the pond. In small bowls, change the water completely;

overwintered plants should be transplanted into large pots, remove dead parts, feed. The soil should be clay and heavy;

in summer, evaporation and overheating of the water can become a major problem. It is necessary to monitor the level and top up water in a timely manner. The easiest way to do this is with a hose;

so that the pond does not overgrow with duckweed and mud, other weeds, they should be removed, the remnants of fish food, garbage and rotten fruits that have fallen into the water should be removed;

In order to successfully overwinter, fish in autumn require enhanced nutrition and a wintering pit with non-freezing water. For large reservoirs and with sufficient financial resources, it is recommended to install a winter water heating system to make the temperature in the reservoir comfortable for wintering exotic fish and animals. If there are no such conditions, it is better to move the fish to the aquarium for the winter. The water from a small pond must be completely drained, and the plants cut and covered or removed to the basement.

By following the simple rules of care and paying attention to animals and plants, you can create a wonderful corner of freshness and coolness, which will become a favorite vacation spot for the whole family. Construction does not require a lot of time and money, and the result will be impressive.

Benefits of a basin pond:

arrangement takes a minimum of time;
fits perfectly into the design of any site;
if necessary, the pond in the basin can be easily transferred to another part of the yard;
needs minimal care;
is a budget option, practically does not require financial costs.

Artificial reservoir from a basin make it very easy. An old metal or plastic basin is taken, dug into the ground. If the basin is full of holes, then its bottom is covered with a construction film. It is desirable that it be thick and durable. Optionally, the bottom of the basin can be decorated with stones and shells. A pond already filled with water is decorated with live or artificial plants, and the “shores” of the reservoir are lined with natural stone or pebbles. You can lay out paving slabs.

A mini-pond from a basin will be much stronger if the bottom and walls of the basin coat with cement mortar. In addition, if you plan to put frogs in the pond, it will be much easier for them to get to the surface on a cement surface than on a slippery film.

The solution is prepared as follows: mix cement and sand in a ratio of 1:3 and dilute with water. Stir well until the density of sour cream, so that there are no lumps left, and coat the basin. Layer thickness - 2 cm. Until the solution at the bottom of the basin has frozen, various compositions of stones can be made in it. A basin covered with cement is left to dry for at least a day. After that, it can be painted with black water-repellent paint. When the basin is filled with water, the black color will give the surface of the water the effect of a mirror.

For mini-reservoirs with aquatic plants, it is better to use basins with a depth of more than 15 cm. In shallow basins, the water will quickly heat up in summer, and in frosts it will freeze to the bottom and the plants will die.

Device

In order for the decorative pond to please the eye, first of all, it is necessary to choose the right place for the reservoir.

Basic selection rules:

Choose a place in partial shade, so the water will bloom less, and aquatic plants will not wither in the sun.
Avoid open and well-ventilated places.
You should not place a pond under the trees, otherwise you will constantly have to remove foliage from the water, and the water will become clogged.

The pond should be located so that it can be clearly seen from everywhere. Choose a place so that the reflections in the pond are interesting and varied. For example, it can be clouds, trees, a house.

As a visual aid when choosing a place for a pond from a basin, you can use ordinary plastic wrap. Put it in the place of the planned reservoir, and take a walk, see: will the pond be visible from the main viewpoints of your site?

Mounting

How to make a small decorative pond from a basin in the country? The basin has been made, the place has been chosen, now we are starting to build a mini-pond with our own hands.

Tools and materials:

Shovel.
Pump (if a fountain is planned).
Clay or sand for the layer.
A small amount of cement mortar.
Natural stone of different sizes.
Pebbles for soil or gravel with non-sharp edges (if the basin is covered with a film).

Stages of work:

Dig a hole slightly larger than your pelvis. The edges of the basin should rise above the ground by 5 cm.
Make a layer of clay or sand under the bottom of the basin and between the walls of the basin and the pit. Such a “cushion” will allow you to install the basin more evenly, and the water in it will not heat up quickly.
The dug-in basin along the edges is poured with cement mortar. This is necessary in order for the reservoir to hold on tighter, and so that during rain the earth does not wash out from under the edges.
Soil is laid at the bottom of the basin, aquatic plants are planted in it (duckweed, vodokras, urut aquatic). You can decorate the pond with artificial flowers.
Fill the basin with water.
The area around the reservoir is decorated with pebbles or stones. It will look better when large stones are laid out first, and then medium and small ones.
Moisture-loving plants, such as ferns or callas, can be planted near the reservoir, and the adjacent area can be planted with lawn grass.

If the water in the pond is from the water supply, it must first be allowed to settle. The best option is water from the nearest natural reservoir, but rainwater can also be used.

Photo of finished ponds from a basin.

Basin Pond Care

In order for a miniature water garden to be clean and well-groomed, it needs change water regularly. Water is scooped out of the pond with a jar or bucket. If there are no planted plants at the bottom, pebbles are selected and washed with water. If the soil is shallow and difficult to choose, then pour a small amount of water and mix the soil with your hand, and then remove the water with a rag. This is repeated several times.

Walls and bottom of the basin wash with a sponge or cloth. It is worth doing this about once a month, otherwise the water will begin to “bloom” and microorganisms will start in it.

In nature, the role of natural orderlies of reservoirs is performed by snails. Therefore, you can populate your mini-pond with them so that they clean both plants and the pond itself from algae.

In hot weather, the water from the water garden evaporates very quickly, and you need to constantly ensure that its level is sufficient. Add water you need in small portions and slowly, so as not to damage the plants and decorative compositions at the bottom of the pond. If necessary, the pond in the heat can be protected with an awning or a canopy.

A miniature pond from a basin can be made on any site, and there are a great many ways to decorate it, it all depends on the author's imagination.

Subject to all the simple rules for the arrangement and maintenance of such a mini-pond, an artificial water garden will become a real decoration of the country landscape and the pride of the owners.

How to turn your suburban area into a real paradise? Just. You need to create a beautiful place that pleases the eye. And where the soul rests, there the mood improves, and the vitality rises.

One of the bright 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 yourself the pleasure of having an artificial reservoir on the site. The technical side of the issue will also not become an obstacle if there is a desire and competent instructions that describe step by step how to make a pond with your own hands.

Stage 1 - Idea (types of ponds)

Before starting large-scale construction work and building a whole lake with your own hands, you need to think about the goal of creating a reservoir on the site.

In terms of functionality (goals), four types can be distinguished:

small pond.

This is a reservoir, which is part of the 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.

It is a deeper body of water. As a rule, they are decorated with bridges, fountains, and lights are mounted. Such a pond is equipped not far from the country house, terraces or gazebos, benches, sun loungers and umbrellas (or awnings) are installed nearby. And the reservoir becomes the center of the recreation area for the inhabitants of a private house.

A personal artificial lake in which fish swim is not only a dream of fishermen. Children, cats and other family members will be happy to watch colorful fish while relaxing in nature.

They are also country ponds, which are designed, in addition to the aesthetic function, to provide an opportunity to refresh or even swim, depending on the size.

Based on the purpose and own capabilities, the location of the pond, its parameters and geometry will be determined.

Stage 2 - The style of the reservoir in the country

The 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 rigidly defined shape.

The geometrically correct shape of the pond is more suitable for areas designed in a classic style or in modern, minimalist or high-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, since it has an irregular coastline, a natural look, creates the effect of being close to nature and does not limit the flight of the creators' imagination.

Tip: The shape 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 the reservoir on the site is the terrain. A flat surface makes it possible to equip a reservoir of any configuration. Differences and irregularities require increased attention, but they allow you to make a reservoir with a waterfall or a cascade of ponds. On such a relief, a bridge or an artificial slide will organically look.

You can also independently raise the pond above ground level. The only difference in the technology of work will be the construction of the foundation, which will avoid the distortion of the concrete bowl of the artificial lake.

The high pond minimizes excavation, is easier to maintain and is suitable for families with small children (the edge is equipped with a fence with railings). Such a reservoir can be built near a covered terrace, making it not only an element of landscape design, but also a place of rest.

Tip: If you're planning on making a pond with a fountain, opt for a tall pond.

Stage 3 - Place (location) for the pond

It is illogical to create a pond for the sake of a pond on the site. It is much more pleasant if the reservoir brings a zest, a decorative accent to the color of the landscape of the site. So, 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 the country?

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 an opportunity to simplify the creation of fountains, waterfalls, or vice versa, to achieve a perfectly smooth water mirror;

soil composition and groundwater levels. Have a direct impact on the depth of the pond, the complexity of the work and the need for additional materials;

illumination. It is desirable that the pond is located in a shaded place. The time of exposure to direct sunlight should not exceed 5-6 hours. Otherwise, part of the water from the pond runs the risk of evaporating, and biological activity will negate all the beauty of the reservoir. Recommendation: after choosing a place for the pond, observe the solar regime for several days.

Tip: The deeper the reservoir, the more illuminated the place it can be located.
A pond intended for fish all the more needs thoughtful placement, because the level of oxygen decreases in very warm water.

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 a greenhouse.

degree of landscaping. The trees and bushes growing around the pond are definitely 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 ensure a sufficient amount of greenery near the pond by decorating it with plants in tubs (barrels).

power supply. For those owners who plan to equip a fountain on the pond, lighting, etc. should consider in advance the possibility of electrifying this site and the yard.

Tip: 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 free access.

the possibility of expanding the reservoir or arranging a recreation area. You need to plan ahead. 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.

the compatibility of the pond with other buildings and the general view of the site.

Tip: it is better to start building a pond in the country with your own hands at the beginning of the warm season - in the spring. Thus, there will be a margin of time for the device and the reservoir will have time to fit into the design (“take root”).

Stage 4 - The size 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. So let's focus on the key points:

dimensions. Depend on the location of the pond in the country. On the sites there are recommendations on how much area the pond should occupy - from 3 to 10% of the total area of \u200b\u200bthe site. In fact, there can be no clear recommendations;

width and length. Determined by the size of the site and the physical capabilities of a person. After all, the pit under the pond is most often dug by hand;

Tip: the aspect ratio will determine the harmony of the pond.

depth. Depends on the dimensions 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 water (over 1 m). It is necessary in those ponds where it is planned to breed fish. The area of the deep-water zone depends on the type and number of fish, but should be at least 20% of the area of the pond.

Tip: The lowest point of the reservoirs should be below the freezing level of the soil. This is especially important for those ponds in which fish live. Thus, she can overwinter painlessly in a non-freezing pond.

biodynamic balance. A pond is a place that is inhabited by living creatures, therefore, a balance must be ensured so that the pond can clean itself. Special water treatment such as chlorination or ozonation for the pond is not provided.

Tip: plants should not occupy more than 50% of the pond area.

content complexity. It's a paradox, but the larger the body of water, the easier it is to maintain.

Ponds - from small to large

Stage 5 - Material for the pond in the country

Moving forward in the field of studying summer cottages, 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 many building materials for creating a pond. And craftsmen advise making a pond from improvised materials, this will allow you to build a small reservoir in the country without any special financial costs.

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. Filling the pond with concrete (construction of a concrete bowl) is a method that is more suitable for building a pool.

Plastic bowl (capacity).

More suitable option. Made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or fiberglass, the form allows you to quickly complete all the work on the arrangement and operate the pond from 5 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the bowl.

The purchased form allows you to make a reservoir in 3 stages: dig a pit, install a bowl and fill the voids with sand.

The plastic bowl for a pond is characterized by simplicity of installation, durability and frost resistance.

Their minus is the high cost, the complexity 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 fiberglass pond bowl (form) reinforced with a rubber base. An absolute plus of fiberglass in reliability and maintainability.

polymer film.

Provides unlimited possibilities in terms of choosing the shape of the reservoir. The simplest and most affordable material in this category is polyethylene film. It is affordable and cheap, but will not last long.

Longer life for PVC film. With proper installation and proper care, it will last more than 10 years.

Tip: instead of PVC film, you can use advertising banners (transparents). They try to get rid of used banners and they can be bought inexpensively.

Butyl rubber film for the pond. The most reliable material (rubber) for waterproofing a reservoir. Experts recommend a butyl rubber membrane (EPDM) for those who have a rocky bottom, many roots, a significant depth of the pool. The service life of butyl rubber is 50 years. It withstands repeated freezing.

Folk ways to make a pond from improvised materials

Bath pond

An old bathtub is the perfect container, specifically designed to hold water. It can be painted in a bright color and set in a beautiful corner of the garden. Or you can deepen it into the soil and get a small country pond, even with a fountain.

Tire pond (tire or wheel pond)

Another easy 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.

Basin pond

The method is so simple that women or even children are more often involved in its device. The basin holds water easily. Like a bath, it can be installed on the ground or deepened. The main thing in arranging a pond from a basin is decor. And then, a garden mini-pond will decorate the site no worse than a full-fledged reservoir.

Decorative pond made of plastic bottles.

Suitable for those who want to combine two in one: create a decorative pond and eliminate the buzzing of mosquitoes.

The material was prepared for the site www.site

Please note that the choice of material for the pond has a direct impact on the arrangement, appearance and service life.

Tip: When choosing a material for a pond, make sure that it is environmentally friendly.

Stage 6 - tools and equipment for the pond

To make a simple pond in the country, you need to prepare a level, a cord (for marking), pegs, a hose for irrigation, a shovel and a cart for removing soil.

For a more technological (capital) reservoir, equipment for the pond will be required:

filter for water purification. The installation of a filter in reservoirs where fish is bred is especially relevant.

pond pump. Allows you to organize the supply of water under pressure. It is used for pumping / pumping water, watering the garden, arranging fountains, waterfalls, operating filters (cleaning);

pond sterilizer. Needed to eliminate algae (will help make the water clear);

compressor (aerator) for a pond. Important for fish and plants. Aeration of the pond allows you to saturate the water with oxygen. Compared to an aquarium compressor, it has more power.

Stage 7 - We build a pond in the country with our own hands

As you can see, there are more than enough materials that allow you to create a pond on your own. We will focus on how to make a pond in the country 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, the film is subject to repair.

Tip: so that the film does not tear in winter, it is necessary to provide for a deep-water part (below the freezing depth of the soil), which will serve as a kind of compensator.

7.1 Choice of pond film

PVC film colors:

black - will turn the bottom of the lake into a mirror. In a dark pond, clouds, etc. will be well reflected;

brown - perfectly imitates bottom soil. Suitable for creating landscape ponds;

blue or cream - will give the pond a resemblance to a pool, but 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 that is on the domestic market is 1.9 mm;

Tip: The deeper the pond and the more complex its shoreline, the stronger and thicker the film should be. The presence of stones or tree roots is also a reason to choose a stronger film.

trademark (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.

Tip: For pond depths over 1.5 m, butyl rubber (EPDM or synthetic rubber as it is also called) is the best solution. The rubber film is capable of stretching, resistant to UV and mechanical damage. Maintains from 40 to 80 °C.

absence of toxic components in the composition of the film.

Calculation of the film for the pond

film length = pond length + 2 x pond depth + margin (500-600 mm);

film width = pond width + 2 x pond depth + margin (500-600 mm).

How and how to glue PVC film for a pond

The gluing of the pool film is carried out with a special adhesive (for example, Tangit (Tangit) PVC-U) or adhesive tape, for example, Quick Seam 3.

Tip: it is better to immediately adjust the geometry of the pond to the dimensions of the film.

7.2 Sketch and diagram of a pond in the country

Before you start digging a pit for a reservoir, you need to draw a sketch on paper, and also transfer it to the surface of the soil. It is advisable to indicate the depth and width of the shelves for plants or steps. This technique will avoid problems in the process of constructing a pond. It is convenient to apply the marking with a garden hose (it is flexible, bright, it is easy to adjust it) or with sand.

Tip: after marking the ground, cover the resulting area with a light film and look at it from different parts of the site. You may actually have to make adjustments to the future pond.

7.3 Digging a pond pit

The pit device includes:

removal of sod (excavation);

excavation pit. It is convenient to dig from the edge to the center, gradually deepening 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 debris, roots, stones and everything that can damage the film.

Tip: since the excavated earth needs to be put somewhere, you can equip an alpine hill or level the surface of the area where there are depressions.

In the process of excavation, it is necessary to constantly ensure that the banks are on the same line. If a waterfall is planned, then you need to maintain the desired height difference.

Advice. If you need a building level (level) of great length, then you can do 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 substrate

After the pit is dug, its bottom and walls are well rammed (this is necessary for shaping) go to waterproofing. Pond waterproofing is needed to prevent water from escaping into the soil.

Tip: some users prefer not to isolate. In practice, this leads to the fact that the water has a variable level.

There are several ways to form a substrate:

lay out 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 geotextile on the bottom and cover with sand. A more reliable method, but also more expensive;

lay PVC film. It is about the film, as the most common option, that is discussed in this article.

7.5 Laying the pond foil

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 warms up, it will become more pliable.

Given the relief 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 are advised to make one large fold, and not 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 freely on the surface of the pit, without tension. Otherwise, after filling the pond with water, it can stretch even more and tear.

In order to fix the film, it is enough to dig an auxiliary trench. After laying the film, you can fix it with rods and fill the trench with rubble.

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 possibility of tearing the film. 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 served without pressure in 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 strong banks.

Depending on the type of soil, the bank of the pond should have a slope:

with chernozem or clay - it is allowed to make vertical walls;

with sandy soil - inclined.

Practical users believe that the optimal slope for the shore of the reservoir is 45 °. Such an angle will prevent the shore from crumbling and will prevent ice 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, you should take care of the landing shelves formed at a certain depth.

In the process of digging a pit, each owner will inevitably face the question of how to strengthen the bank of the pond.

The following engineering methods are suitable for strengthening the coast:

For a gentle coast:

geomat;
geogrid (perforated polymer);
geogrid.

Craftsmen advise using a more familiar chain-link mesh, the cells of which are clogged with earth with clover seeds (or other perennial grasses) or to strengthen the shore of the pond with plants and bushes.

For a steep bank:

gabions;
piles (sheet piling or ordinary);
retaining walls.

Biological methods can strengthen the coast just as well. The photo shows plants that can not only strengthen the shore, but also decorate an artificial reservoir.

Advice. For greater reliability, it is better to combine engineering and biological methods for strengthening the shore of a reservoir.

Stage 8 - Making a pond in the country with your own hands

A pond in the country will become a full-fledged design element of garden decor only when it is finalized.

To make a country pond 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 put prepared plants in special containers on curtains (pond steps). 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 way to decorate the coast is that you can use any, even exotic plants and constantly modify the look of the coastline;

to equip the island of "dream" in the middle of the reservoir. On the island, install a decorative boulder stone or put a plant in a flower pot;

run bright fish;

lay beautiful stones.

Tip: it is better to intersperse the laying of large stones with the laying of smaller ones, in this way, it will be possible to avoid uniformity in the design of the coast.

lay comfortable and beautiful paths made of natural stone, gravel, saw cuts of wood or brick;

Tip: gravel paths require more maintenance as they are washed away by rain and grass grows through them.

throw a bridge over a pond;

complement it with a waterfall;

install a beautiful fence made of wood or stone;

organize a night illumination of the pond. Moreover, you can install LED lights, or place lights in transparent glass balls on the water mirror. They can be lowered to the bottom with the help of weights;

install deck chairs or a gazebo on the shore of the pond.

Stage 9 - Caring for a pond in the country

protection of the pond from the leaves will provide a mesh construction on a light frame.

cloudy water, which will stay 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 raise the water level, you need to periodically top it up (with a bucket or a hose without pressure);

you need to monitor the rate of spread of algae, in order to limit their growth, you can plant cattail or nymphaeum (lily);

shelter plants planted in a pond from the cold or bring them into the house;

periodic cleaning of the reservoir will eliminate bottom debris;

Tip: The pond can be cleaned quickly and effectively in winter. To do this, it is enough to break the ice and take it out of the pond along with the silt.

algicides - an emergency measure for cleaning the pond. But due to its high toxicity, you should not contact it unless absolutely necessary.

Stage 10 - Preparing the pond for winter

The pond, which is based on a special plastic bowl, can winter, because the bowl can withstand significant temperature changes. And so that it does not deform from the pressure created by ice, it is enough to place several empty plastic bottles in the container. Bottles must first be tightly closed with lids. To prevent the destruction of the bowl, 1 bottle per 1 square meter of capacity 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 depth of freezing of the soil, you don’t have to worry. Empty bottles can also be used to protect smaller water bodies.

Important! All equipment and plants need to be covered for the winter.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered all the key points of creating a pond with our own hands, from the idea to the care. We hope that we have dispelled doubts and given confidence in our abilities. Dare! And by the beginning of the season you will have a wonderful water spot in the countryside.

Almost every garden has a pond. And he definitely gets into the frame: the owners love their pond (or even the smallest pond), are proud of it and consider it perhaps their main garden achievement. And this is understandable. But the strict eye of a professional often notes the unfortunate blunders in the creation of reservoirs, which are repeated in many gardens with offensive constancy.

We asked landscape designer Valeria Ilyina to analyze some common amateur mistakes and talk about what you need to know in order to make a decorative pond, stream or waterfall in your garden with your own hands.

Are you building a pond? Make no mistake!

Perhaps it makes no sense to convince someone that a pond in the garden is good. Water like a magnet attracts everyone's attention and even in photographs it always looks mysterious and alluring. Is it any wonder that today the reservoir has become an indispensable attribute of the "gentleman's set" of any design project for the development of a new land plot or the reconstruction of an old one.

Unfortunately, as a result of a formal approach to business, one garden becomes similar to another. Professional designers churn out gardens like they bake pies, and they actually turn out to be cloned. To be honest, the gardens of amateurs are closer to me, which, although they sin with some dilettantism, still attract more with their ingenuous sincerity. All actions of an amateur come from the heart, and therefore the path is often tortuous, but in the end the truth is found, and not least thanks to intuition.

To make the path to beauty shorter, let's try together to analyze the characteristic mistakes that miraculously repeat in many reservoirs, and analyze their nature. And after that, we will gradually analyze all the subtleties and secrets of a quick, easy and economical creation of a reservoir that is ideal for your garden. So, the most typical misses.

Wrong size

This is the most common mistake: the pond does not match the size of the garden and its surrounding plants. A small puddle located somewhere at the fence or at the entrance to the garden and squeezed on all sides by lush and beautiful garden plants, no matter how hard you try, will always look miserable.

Wrong place

In no case do not place a reservoir against the backdrop of unsightly buildings, a sloppy garden, a pile of garbage, a rickety fence, and who knows what else.

old fence- not the best background for a pond

Water always attracts the eye, so placing your pond in an unsightly place, you thereby focus on the shortcomings of the garden.

Mistakes in the selection of material

Purchasing garden supplies follow the law of similarity. If the house is made of brick or stone, then their color, texture, shape and size must be repeated in the material of the fence, paving, finishing of other buildings. The same applies to a wooden house or a house sheathed with siding.

Often you can see a picture when individual corners of the garden are very good: beautiful plants are logically grouped, the reservoir is carefully and with fantasy decorated - and the overall impression of the garden is negative. You start to analyze, and it turns out: a brutal-looking house is made of red brick with white trim of plastic windows, a powerful fence is assembled from ready-made concrete blocks painted with bright pink paint with white scallops on top, a carved gazebo is gilded with turned beams, an asphalt tape of the path leads to it, over which the yokes of openwork white arches for roses are thrown, the presence here and there of colored plastic, various-sized borders, flowerpots, and to top it off - like a gold medal for bad taste - a plastic water lily on a living leaf of a nymphaeum completes the picture. As they say, comments are superfluous.

Conclusion: while arranging the garden, introducing new elements into it, try to predict the end result, predict how the garden as a whole will look like. The body of water should always match the garden, buildings and surrounding plants in size and style, and be positioned in the most advantageous position depending on the image you choose.

Defeat in the fight against the plastic mold

A common misconception: a ready-made plastic mold is the best choice if you decide to create a pond, as they say, with little money. Yes, indeed, manufacturers offer a wide range of such "baths", and it seems that you can choose a shape for every taste. But everything is not so simple. Even the largest of them (and they are very expensive) will not be big enough in the garden, and the small ones just look like a misunderstanding. At the same time, all of them, although obviously small in size, have an overly intricate shape that will never turn out to be natural in place.

The edges of such forms have a rounded profile, on which it is impossible to fix neither soil for coastal plants, nor stone, much less gravel. Some of the more expensive forms have quartz sprinkling glued with a wide tape along the upper edge, but most often it is so strikingly different from our local materials that it still cannot be decorated.

Plastic molds are made by stamping, and cheap products often have an annoying defect - the edges are skewed along the periphery, due to which, no matter how hard you try, you will not be able to dig such a shape neatly and evenly in principle. Needless to say, a piece of black plastic sticking out above the water will negate all your efforts. For clarity, such a reservoir can be compared with a luxurious suit, in which a carelessly sewn lining is bristling in the most visible place. The sight of such a suit is at least regrettable.

Protruding black plastic of the finished form sticking out above the water- poor decoration of the reservoir

It is not superfluous to add that it is not easy and expensive to transport a finished form, especially a large one, and as a result, the final cost of the structure increases significantly. I once had a chance to work with a plastic mold of small size and at the same time intricate design. She was hopelessly skewed. I spent a lot of time, effort and nerves to somehow neutralize this innate flaw, but, unfortunately, there are things that cannot be fixed.

However, rigid forms have a future. In Europe, plastic molds of regular geometric shapes have been produced for several years now: round, rectangular, trapezoidal. They have a wide, flat, horizontal edge, making them easy to mount under all sorts of flooring. It is advisable to use them for raised formal reservoirs, which are effectively decorated with stone, wood, plastic, metal; they can be located at different levels and combined with fountains and waterfalls.

Unfortunately, our trade so far offers only round shapes, but we must not forget: if there is a demand, there will also be a supply. The breadth of the horizons of consumers shapes the market.

Conclusion: before choosing one or another method of waterproofing, you need to comprehensively familiarize yourself with the positive and negative sides of each and conduct a comparative analysis. The lack of information about the qualities of waterproofing materials in the presence of a large supply on the market leads to the wrong decision.

Pump for waterfalls and filtration AMP 10000 Jebao capacity 10000 liters per hour 8 300 rub
RosPrud

Fountain nozzle Pondtech HQ-ST25 1 730 RUB
RosPrud

UV filter PU 36 Jebao JUVC 6 500 rub
RosPrud

Fountain pump Multi 4000 SICCE capacity 3800 liters per hour 4 990 rub
RosPrud

Trying to repurpose an old bath

Speaking of ready-made forms, it should be mentioned that amateurs often try to recycle enamelled cast-iron bathtubs. Once upon a time, in times of chronic scarcity and lack of available materials, this simple way to create a garden pond was welcomed by many. However, few people managed to decorate a white bath so that the enamelled pond looked more or less attractive.

More often, such a structure looks miserable: greenish white walls, mounds of garbage at the bottom (after all, you can see everything against a light background!), round cobblestones are artlessly laid out along the edge, and a collectible beauty hosta is planted nearby. An unattractive spectacle…

But there are ways to embellish such a reservoir, you just need to move your imagination. The easiest way is to paint the bath with any dark or black paint. Visually, the container will look deeper, the reflectivity of the water will increase, and the edges will almost merge with the ground. In the presence of all kinds of plasticizers and modern mixtures (for example, Eunice-plus cement glue), the inside of the bath can be coated with a layer of 1–3 cm, give it texture, tint by adding mineral powder or liquid colored pigments or finely crushed brown peat to the solution. If desired, if such an image fits into the overall picture, a mosaic of colored pebbles or glass, pieces of a mirror, or simply glued pieces of crushed stone of different sizes can be laid on top of the cement.

If you have a whole arsenal of used household baths, you can dig them close to each other in a chain or square-nested way, depending on the quantity, finish the internal surfaces as mentioned above, and mount a decorative flanging made of tiles, clinker, wood over the joined edges etc. You will get a channel or a pool with separate cells, each of which can be decorated in a special way: somewhere there are plants, somewhere a spring or a small fountain, somewhere there are fish or lights - an unplowed field for fantasy.

Such a structure can be made partially raised over the entire area, or you can place the cells at different levels, and even arrange the flow of water from one block to another. So an old primitive idea can be applied in a completely new way and achieve a wonderful result.

Conclusion: old, used containers can be successfully used to create reservoirs, you just need to be creative and never leave the wrong side in sight.

stone beads

The most common mistake in decorating a garden pond is a rounded cobblestone laid out all over the edge, like beads. More often such beads lie in one row, but some manage to lay two rows on top of each other.

Such a way of laying a stone will never look natural, not to mention the fact that it is absolutely impossible to decorate a film or a board of a rigid structure. So the multi-colored "monists" lie on the monstrous black shores, and no matter what beauty you arrange around, such an aqua garden will serve as a mute reproach to the owner.

When relaxing on the banks of rivers and lakes, try to pay attention to how nature "lays out" the stones, and what you like and remember the most. Usually, small fractions serve as a background, while larger ones are textured by contrasting groups.

The stone for decorating the reservoir must be carefully selected. Photo by Valeria Ilyina

Conclusion: stone for decorating a reservoir must be carefully selected. It is desirable to use a stone that is uniform in rock and color, but varied in size. This does not mean that the pellets are completely unsuitable, just that they “play”, you need to work with them even more carefully.

Toys around the pond

Another typical drawback that can spoil the most beautiful, carefully thought-out design: the simultaneous presence of a large number of decorative figures and various garden accessories in a small area.

An abundance of accessories and decor elements– a sure way to ruin any body of water

Nobody argues, some bright gnomes and funny lafs can really decorate some corners of the garden, bring a smile. But if plastic frogs, papier-mâché ducks and clay mermaids are already enough, and you were also presented with an “overturned” jug with Maya painting for a fountain, white bent furniture in the rococo style and black lanterns a la Montmartre, it is inevitable there will be overkill. Any of these items can be quite attractive on their own, but put together within line of sight, they will most likely do you a disservice by turning the garden into a haberdashery.

Do not abuse accessories and decor. Photo by Valeria Ilyina

Conclusion: The thoughtless use of decorations will break the garden harmony. Try to look at the garden as if from the outside, and if you tend to get carried away with "decoration", at least spread the decorative "gadgets" in space and time.

Next time we will finish the analysis of the most common mistakes that gardeners make when creating ponds and think about what kind of body of water - a pond, stream or fountain - will suit your garden. Read the article. landscape design,

Recreation in the country is an opportunity to dedicate yourself to nature, relax, forgetting at least for a while about city everyday life, and this is best done on the shore of your own pond. It all depends on your imagination and the size of the suburban area. Is it possible to make a pond in the country with your own hands? Of course. Follow the instructions below and you'll be fine.

Man-made pond in the country

Of course, I want to spend time in a well-equipped dacha, on the territory of which landscape design and complete landscaping are done - after all, resting in a dacha, which is a rickety house with a small courtyard overgrown with weeds and thistles, will definitely not contribute to peace of mind.

At the same time, a green, well-groomed lawn and neat trees, flower beds and artificial reservoirs will turn the territory of the cottage into a real earthly paradise. And ornamental ponds will take not the last place in it. Own pond in the country can be of almost any size - from a couple of square meters to a pond of a large area.

First of all, you need to understand the very purpose of an ornamental pond: unlike pools, the water in which must be subjected to special treatment (chlorination, ozonation, etc.), a garden pond will require the creation of a certain biological balance. Otherwise, the water in it will bloom and become cloudy, the plants will wither and they will take a fancy to it, except that midges and frogs are a dubious pleasure for the owner of the pond.

Types of garden ponds

Garden ponds having a geometrically regular shape - rectangular, round, diamond-shaped, etc. - look especially good in suburban areas, landscaped in the correct geometry (smooth lines, ideal shapes). As a rule, such decorative reservoirs are edged along the edges with tiled stone (artificial or natural), they are arranged near buildings, thereby emphasizing straight lines.

Ponds with the correct geometry can be made above ground level: this type of pond minimizes earthwork during their construction, simplifies their care, and reduces the risk of small children falling into it. The sides of such a pond protruding above the ground are suitable for a flower garden, you can install seats on them, and arrange a fountain in the pond itself.

Artificial ponds imitating natural reservoirs - they are characterized by rounded shapes and a coastline of arbitrary shape. Plants that are natural for marsh flora are planted along their banks. A gentle slope under the water, covered with medium-sized cobblestones or pebbles - landscape designers usually place this type of pond in the far part of the garden, near the lawn. Such natural ponds are especially successful in arbitrary garden improvement.

Choosing the size and location of the garden pond

Of course, the size of an artificial pond directly depends on the total area of \u200b\u200bthe summer cottage. If we talk about building a pond ecosystem, then large ponds are more convenient for this. Balancing vegetation and aquatic life in a large body of water is easier than in a small one, and larger ponds are easier to maintain. The smaller the artificial reservoir, the more often it will have to be cleaned - the lack of space for the inhabitants of the reservoir will not allow establishing a full-fledged ecological balance.

The place for the future pond is chosen from the point of view of aesthetics, the placement of an artificial reservoir near the main building is especially successful - it will be possible to observe the water surface from the windows or sitting in an armchair on the terrace.

The best place for a pond would be an open space that is not subject to strong winds - a strong wind will prevent the development of tall plants on the shore of the reservoir. It is necessary to calculate the illumination of the pond: the direct rays of the sun should not illuminate the reservoir for more than 10 hours (6 hours of illumination is optimal). With greater illumination in stagnant water conditions, the active development of aquatic bacteria and green algae (for example, mud) will begin. At the same time, in those parts of the pond where the illumination is insufficient (shading), the growth and development of aquatic plants will slow down.

The proximity of an artificial reservoir to the crowns of trees will lead to its pollution during seasonal leaf fall, in addition, the root system of trees can damage the pond bed, breaking through the underlying film or displacing the edges of the bath.

Owners who are planning to illuminate a pond at night, or a pump for a waterfall cascade or fountain, should consider the location of the pond from the standpoint of power supply.

Artificial Pond - Materials

A man-made reservoir can be made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or butyl rubber film, use a ready-made container made of reinforced plastic or fiberglass, or create a reinforced concrete pond bowl.

In terms of the speed of creation, the first place is occupied by purchased containers made of fiberglass - all that is required is to dig a deep enough pit for them and place the container in it on a prepared and compacted sand cushion (it resembles a plastic basin of large size and, often, a bizarre shape).

True, it will not be possible to arrange a large fiberglass pond - serial production tanks, as a rule, have a small quadrature (usually an area of \u200b\u200babout 4 m 2, depth - 500-800 mm). Larger fiberglass tanks are intended more for swimming pools (above 10 m2) and are therefore more expensive. However, a small pond made of plastic or fiberglass for small suburban areas is quite suitable. The cost depends on the volume, shape and color.

A large pond and a “free” (i.e., not tied to any standard forms) layout can be arranged using a film (PVC or butyl rubber) - the film is needed to waterproof the reservoir. The cost of such material is low, in retail outlets it is widely represented both in terms of quality and manufacturers.

Do not use ordinary polyethylene in creating an artificial reservoir, it will serve you for a maximum of 2 years, then its density will be broken under the influence of physical and temperature influences.

PVC film or butyl rubber is suitable for creating a garden pond. The first material has sufficient strength and elasticity, has a high-quality structure - the reservoir formed by it will last at least 15 years. However, the undoubted leader in the field of waterproofing materials for artificial ponds is butyl rubber - it has high resistance to sunlight, high and low temperatures, and is not prone to cracking. Among other materials, butyl rubber has only one drawback - it is not cheap, but its service life exceeds 50 years.

If we are talking about complete reliability and durability, then there is only one material left - reinforced concrete. Unlike pond bowls formed by film or cast materials, you can walk along the bottom of a concrete reservoir without fear - it is difficult to damage such a bottom. However, it is more difficult to work with concrete, full compliance with the technology (welding of reinforcement, manufacturing of formwork), double waterproofing (on both sides of the concrete casting, both outside and inside) will be required - to protect against groundwater, i.e. the cost of such work will be the highest. It is possible to use special grade concrete that is not exposed to water, but it will cost even more and its use will require strict adherence to casting technologies.

Let's summarize the characteristics of materials for artificial ponds

The main advantages of film waterproofing: the ability to form the required shape, change the shape of the reservoir bowl in the future, ease of repair (if the film breaks). Minus: in winter, water from the reservoir will have to be poured out, if it freezes and expands, it will inevitably tear the film.

Advantages of reinforced concrete: high reliability, independence from external climatic factors (subject to the concreting technology), resistance to physical influences (stone falling, rodents, etc.). Cons: high labor intensity, extremely difficult rework. As a rule, the creation of artificial ponds from concrete is not popular, since the film is much easier to use. But if it is planned to build bridges over a reservoir and sculptural compositions on its banks, reinforced concrete would be the best choice.

When creating garden ponds, it is necessary to make sure that the materials chosen are completely non-toxic, otherwise the fish and plants in the pond will not survive.

Pond in the garden based on a finished (rigid) container

When choosing a rigid container for creating a pond with a total area of up to 4 m 2, it is worth stopping at a fiberglass or plastic bath. The minimum depth of such a tank should be about 800 mm - the water in such a pond will warm up evenly in summer, and in winter it will not freeze to the bottom.

A ready-made container as a basis for a garden pond will allow you not to engage in cutting and fixing (activities performed when installing the film base of the pond), there is no need to build a general configuration - everything has already been done, the container is equipped with terraces for planting aquatic plants. The choice should be taken carefully - it will not be possible to change it.

Ready-made bathtubs for the pond are sufficiently durable, they are not afraid of winter frosts. And yet, when transporting the pond tank to the site, it must be handled carefully and not stepped on. The wall thickness of such a tank is 3 mm, and in case of mechanical damage, cracks will appear, which will be difficult to seal.

Cheap plastic bathtubs have the shortest service life - they are gradually destroyed by sunlight, and the surface of such containers cracks when bent. Unlike them, tanks made of reinforced plastic are more resistant to ultraviolet radiation, have a greater margin of safety (they are more plastic) - the service life of such tanks for ponds is up to 20 years.

The best and therefore the most expensive are fiberglass tanks with a rubber backing. A reservoir based on them will last more than 30 years and, unlike plastic containers, they can be repaired without compromising general characteristics. Fiberglass is the most resistant to low / high temperatures and exposure to sunlight, it has high environmental performance and is completely safe for the flora and fauna of an artificial reservoir.

In addition to quality characteristics, fiberglass containers also have an aesthetic appeal: they can be of three colors - black, brown and green; a decorative coating imitating natural materials is applied to their edges, which makes it easier to give the artificial pond a natural look.

Fiberglass bathtubs are made not only for ponds, but also for streams. Containers for imitating a stream have an outwardly “stone” texture and easily fit into the general landscape, and a multi-stage shape allows you to conveniently plant aquatic plants. The bed of such a stream is fenced on the sides with protrusions that protect the roots of plants from washing out.

Artificial reservoir with film waterproofing

The laying of flexible coatings is carried out both in a prepared pit and between erected walls raised above ground level. Such a decision in creating a pond in the country is justified if the estimated size of the future reservoir is larger than the parameters of the rigid shells offered by specialized stores. The film coating is also used when creating reservoirs of complex shape - the use of a waterproofing film will greatly facilitate this task.

To create a reservoir, you can use polyethylene (thickness 500 microns), laid in two layers, among other film coatings, its cost is the lowest. Although the characteristics of polyethylene are more than minimal: it is easy to tear (by sharp stones, claws of animals, etc.), becomes brittle under the influence of the sun, and when damaged, it is practically impossible to repair. Polyethylene coating will provide waterproofing of the reservoir for no more than 5 years (on average - 3 years). This is rather a temporary solution for those summer residents who do not like constancy - after three years there is an excellent reason to change the place of the pond.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating will cost more than polyethylene, but it will also last longer - on average, about 8-10 years. Manufacturers offer two types of PVC coating: the usual two-layer and reinforced, in which a woven mesh is laid between the layers of the film (for strength). In general, such a coating has all the disadvantages of polyethylene. Solar ultraviolet damages the strength of the PVC film, it is easy to perforate. But, unlike polyethylene film, damage to PVC film can be repaired using a special repair kit. In addition, this film stretches better - after filling the reservoir with water, most of the folds will stretch and even out.

The best pond film is made from butyl rubber - this material is durable (service life of about 50 years), strong and indestructible by ultraviolet light. Butyl rubber film comes in three colors: black, stone-like and charcoal-like. If the soil in your area contains a large number of stones, or the construction of a reservoir with a high load on the base (great depth and considerable width of the pond) is planned, choose a butyl rubber coating and you will not be mistaken.

Characteristics of butyl rubber coating: high plasticity, ease of installation, regardless of the season and air temperature. Low temperatures do not affect this coating, so it is not necessary to drain water from the reservoir for the winter.

Film for the pond - which color is better

The color of the film will seriously affect the overall appearance of the reservoir. The black bottom will turn the reservoir into a kind of mirror, reflections of the sky and clouds, plants planted along the coastline will be clearly visible in it. A film of black or brown color will serve as a good imitation of natural bottom soil. A cream or blue bottom will look unnatural, but colorful fish look great against such a background. If you choose a grayish or bluish tint, the pond will look like a swimming pool. Choose the color of the film depending on the functions of the reservoir: if it is a pond - black or brown, if the pool - white or blue.

Create a decorative pond using a film

We draw the contour of the future pond at the selected place and determine the required film size. The calculation of the film coating is done as follows: the width and length of the canvas will be equal to the sum consisting of the size of the width (in the second case, the length) of the future reservoir, twice the size of the depth and 600 mm allowance for fixing the film along the edges of the pond.

It must be taken into account that the standard parameters of a roll of butyl rubber film are as follows: width from 4.5 to 15.25 m (more precisely, then 4.5; 6.1; 9.15; 12.20 and 15.25 m) , length - 20-25 linear meters. Sometimes it is easier to make adjustments to the parameters of the future pond than to glue pieces of film together. If there is a need to glue a film for a pond, this is quite possible, only special adhesives and adhesive tape produced by the same manufacturer as the selected film will be required. To obtain a high-quality seam when gluing a butyl rubber film, use mastic followed by hot vulcanization.

In addition to the waterproofing film, when forming the bowl of the reservoir, geotextiles will be required (optimal density - 350 g / m 2) - for the insulating coating, it will act as a protective layer (from the roots of trees, teeth and claws of animals, sharp stones, etc.).

To create a reservoir with your own hands, you will need: sand (for the underlying layer), spirit level (building level), a coil of cord (or twine for marking), wooden pegs, a garden hose, shovels.

We create a pit of a reservoir

First of all, evaluate the future shape of the reservoir, for this with a hose of sufficient length and pegs - change the position of the hose fragments until the shape of the reservoir bowl suits you. When planning a free-form pond, try to get rounded lines without sharp corners - such a pond will look better. In the process of planning the pond, mark out terraces for pond plants along its edges, they are performed at a depth of 300 mm.

Having decided on the shape of the reservoir and completing the markup, proceed to work on the pit. First, three-hundred-millimeter terraces come off (after filling the reservoir, the distance from the terrace to the water level will be about 200 mm). The banks of the future pond should have a slope of approximately 45o. In the process of creating a pit, try to remove all plant roots and stones that come across to you. Having completed work on the terraces, check the horizontality of the banks using a board with a spirit level laid on it.

The next stage of work is the formation of the main bowl of the reservoir, its deep part. Remember: the minimum required depth of the reservoir is 600 mm. Such a reservoir will not freeze completely in winter, and in summer pond fish will be able to find shelter at such a depth from the scorching rays of the sun. Then, along the coastline, it is necessary to dig a ledge with a depth of 60-70 mm, for the subsequent laying of a blind area of tiles, bricks, natural stone or laying turf.

We form a drainage layer and waterproofing

Having completed work on the pit, it is necessary to pour washed sand over its entire area with a layer of 30-50 mm - the sand is placed on the bottom, banks and terraces, carefully rammed. After making sure that the sand drainage is done well enough (no unevenness), place a geotextile on top to isolate the film coating from damage.

The next step will be laying the prepared sheet of film. Do not try to align the film along the contours of the reservoir - let it sag over it - lay it loosely. Align the sheet of film along the banks, securing the edges with a sufficient number of bricks (stones).

Connect a garden hose to a water source and feed it in the center of the film laid over the pit - it will gradually sit down, taking the shape of a reservoir. Watch for drawdown by moving holding stones along the banks. After the artificial reservoir is completely filled, you need to wait a day, then cut off the excess film, leaving a margin of 250-300 mm along its edges (a blind area will be laid on them). Secure the edges around the perimeter of the pond using wooden wedges or wire arcs.

The next step is laying the blind area. Its width must be at least 600 mm, it is made of tiles, bricks or natural stone. The blind area must be laid on a cement mortar - if it is laid only on a pillow of sand, a person who steps on the tile can move down into the pond with it.

Summer residents planning a waterfall or fountain in an artificial reservoir need to lay and close the blind area with a water supply hose before laying the tiles on the cement mortar. The same should be done if there is a need for power supply to the pond (underwater floodlights, water pumps), passing a plastic or copper tube for the subsequent pulling of an electric cable.

Creation of a reservoir raised above ground level

For such a reservoir, at least one retaining wall is required. The foundation for such a reservoir is required, otherwise the pond bowl may be distorted.

The construction of a reservoir above ground level is carried out in the same way as the construction of an ordinary garden wall: the place and parameters of the future pond are determined, trenches are dug out for laying the foundation. After casting, the foundation must harden within two full days.

When creating a body of water that is half buried in the ground, dig a pit in the deepest part, then form terraces for planting (roughly at the level of the concrete foundation). Then carefully remove all the stones and lay a pillow of sand on the bottom of the pit.

Build retaining walls around the perimeter of the pond, carefully tracking the position of each row. Before laying the waterproofing film, wait 48 hours - the wall mortar must completely harden.

Lay the film in such a way that its edges protrude evenly from all sides of the supporting wall. If your future pond is rectangular or square, form folds from the film in the form of a neat accordion at the inner corners. The film panel must be temporarily pressed on top of the supporting walls with bricks.

Gradually fill the film hanging over the pond with water by moving or removing the pressing stones on the supporting walls, aligning the corner folds. After the reservoir is completely filled, cut off the excess film along the edges, keeping the indentation at half the size of the supporting wall (it will be covered with stones when forming the ridge). Remove water from the reservoir. To protect the edges of the film, we install ridge stones. The pond is ready - fill it with water, place plants and fish.

Decorating a country pond

In itself, a garden pond is not bad - you can put a gazebo near the water and relax on a hot afternoon in the shade and coolness, watching the game of fish in its depths. But you can turn it into something enchanting and colorful - fountains created by a system of pumps and underwater lighting will help here.

Pond pumps are produced in two versions: surface and underwater. Let's say you want a two-meter jet of water to come out of the pond - you need an underwater pump. If a two-meter fountain is not enough, choose a surface pump and you will be provided with a really high column of water.

The underwater pump is mounted at the bottom of the pond: first, a stone plinth is placed, the pump is placed on it and closed on top with a ceramic casing made to look like natural stone. A complete set (pump, plinth and casing) can be purchased from one retailer.

How an underwater pump works: it draws water from the bottom of the reservoir and sweeps it over the water surface with the help of special nozzles. If a fountain or waterfall is installed separately from a reservoir, water is supplied through supply pipes. Some models of pumps can supply water for both a waterfall and a fountain at the same time. The pump is powered by an electrical cable with waterproof insulation.

The surface pump is installed in a disguised brick chamber on the shore of a reservoir, not far from a fountain or waterfall. Water is supplied to the pump from the reservoir through a pipe with a mandatory filter at the inlet. The surface pump needs more technical equipment than the underwater pump - a drain system, filters (on the suction pipe), a suction system. Otherwise it will overheat.

The greatest effect from the work of fountains is achieved in reservoirs of the correct form. Fountains are placed in the center of the reservoir in such a way that the water thrown out by them does not fall on coastal plants.

The type of fountain and the height of the jet ejection depend on the type of nozzle installed on the submersible pump. The jet of water itself, depending on the installed nozzle, may have the shape of, say, a bell or a beating key. A boring fountain tube can be decorated with fiberglass, stone, bronze or ceramic cladding. If a cladding is used, then the water nozzle is attached to the brass connector with which the cladding is equipped. The cladding body is exposed either to the bottom of the reservoir, or to a special stand.

Lighting will help create a magical atmosphere in the evening and at night. Lighting equipment for private reservoirs is designed for power supply at 12 V. The power of halogen lamps in lamps can be from 5 to 75 W - it is enough for bright lighting, because the luminous flux of such lamps is 3 times higher than household ones.

Mini spotlights are installed on a special support or on a fountain nozzle, highlighting the scattered spray of water. There are floating lanterns, they consist of a light bulb placed in a sealed ball of glass. They can be lowered to a certain depth in a reservoir, suspended on a load, or installed at the bottom. Thanks to the equipping of the spotlights with colored light filters and rotary devices, the night pond will take on a simply stunning look.

How to take care of the pond

The natural balance of the reservoir will be formed quite quickly. To maintain it, it is necessary to remove all wind-blown debris and fallen leaves before this mass falls to the bottom and begins to decompose. It is possible that the bottom of the reservoir will have to be cleaned with a net every autumn, eliminating bottom debris.

To protect the water area of the pond from falling leaves, you can use a fine-mesh net - it should be stretched over the mirror of the pond before autumn leaf fall and removed closer to winter. Or use a skimmer - a special pump for collecting floating debris.

To clean the bottom, a bottom vacuum cleaner is useful - its design resembles a regular one, but there is no filter in it. Water from the bottom of the pond is sucked into the device, as the chamber fills up, the device automatically turns off and the container with mud must be emptied into the drainage system.

If you have settled fish in your decorative pond, then they will need oxygen. If it is lacking, use aerator pumps - they resemble aquarium ones, only larger and more powerful.

The main problem facing the owners of reservoirs with the beginning of the warm season is that the water in it becomes green, which is caused by the active reproduction of protozoan algae. Most often, this problem is faced by owners of small reservoirs with a shallow depth and therefore quickly warmed up by the sun's rays. Water overheating can be prevented by using aquatic plants with large floating leaves (water lilies and capsules), as well as by planting oxygen generators - plants that fill pond water with oxygen (Canadian elodea, hornwort, swamp).

In early spring, when the plants have not yet had time to develop sufficiently, the use of chemical control agents (algicides) is required. However, these drugs are harmful to both humans and aquatic life - so they should be treated only as a last resort.

The danger for fish in the pond can be birds and cats, for them the fish is a subject of hunting. To protect pond fish from birds (for example, herons), you need to tighten the space above the shallow areas of the pond with a net or black threads (the latter solution is especially successful - black threads are practically invisible against the background of the water surface). An obstacle for cats will be a decorative wire fence (at least 150 mm high), usually used to fence flower beds.

The main threat to aquatic life in areas prone to frequent frosts is ice. The ice shell, which steadily covers the reservoir for more than a day, will lead to the accumulation of poisonous gases formed by the decaying remains of vegetation and, as a result, the partial or complete death of fish. It is necessary that part of the pond is always free of ice, a special small heater is the best solution. You should not try to break the ice using force - hitting the ice shell can stun and even kill the fish.

If your artificial reservoir has a great depth, use a pump to pump warm water from the depth to the water surface - this measure will prevent the formation of ice. As a last resort, in the absence of other methods and means, arrange an exhaust hole in the ice shell - with wormwood, for this, put a pot of boiling water on the ice (after the formation of the wormwood, do not forget to remove the pan!).

How to green up a pond

Aquatic plants perform an important task - they are a kind of water filters. The biological balance will be established when at least a third of the artificial reservoir is devoted to plants. Moreover, each type of aquatic plants requires planting at a certain depth.

So, the reservoir is finished, filled with water - it needs to be allowed to settle for 10 days and only then proceed to planting. The best time to plant aquatic plants is early summer.

You can plant plants in the laid soil at the bottom of the reservoir, but it is best to place them in mesh baskets, setting the latter to the bottom. It is easier to take care of plants in baskets - move them to a warm room for wintering and reproduce. The soil in the baskets is ordinary soil from the garden, its enrichment with manure, fertilizers or peat is not required. To keep the soil layer in the baskets from being washed away by water, a clean burlap or other coarse fabric laid on top will help. Place medium-sized gravel over the cloth to protect the roots from pond fish.

Before planting, remove especially long roots and old leaves from plants. After planting, compact the soil around the stem of the plant so that the distance between the soil and the edge of the basket is 40 mm.

Some types of pond plants do not require planting - they float freely on the surface of the reservoir, keeping themselves afloat. Representatives of such plants are water lilies and lotus. Such plants need to be closely monitored, because in favorable conditions they will multiply quickly and occupy the entire pond - periodically some of them must be removed. The main plant problem for any closed reservoir is duckweed, which reproduces rapidly and tends to capture the entire area of the reservoir - do not plant it on purpose!

When buying aquatic plants, be sure to ask the seller at what depth they should be planted. When planting, stick to the measure - plants need light, and dense thickets on the water surface do not look attractive.

During the winter season, aquatic plants, whose natural habitat is a temperate climate, remain in the reservoir. If you have planted exotic plants from warm countries in the pond, then they should spend the winter outside the pond. Take them out and place them in a body of water indoors - an aquarium or a bath, before doing this, pruning especially overgrown plants.

An important point: when transferring plants for wintering indoors, do not forget to provide them with sufficient lighting.

Pond fish care

For the full existence of fish in a country pond, its depth should be no less than 1200 mm. At shallower depths, fish need to spend the winter outside the pond, otherwise they will die. Just bought fish should not be placed in the pond, give it time to acclimatize - it should get used to the temperature of the water in the reservoir. Let the container with the fish swim in the pond - this measure will avoid the shock state of the fish.

If you did not purchase fish from specialized stores, then you should not immediately release them into a garden pond. Place them in an aquarium by filling it with pond water. The time of such quarantine should be at least seven days - so you find out if the fish is sick.

Now about fish nutrition. In principle, there should be enough food for them in the pond: duckweed, algae, mosquito larvae and other insects living at the bottom of the reservoir. However, if there is not enough food or the number of fish increases, it needs to be fed. Purchase fish food in specialized stores - it contains everything necessary for pond fauna, in addition, such food is enriched with oxygen and will not become a source of pollution for the pond, it will float on the surface for some time. Give the fish as much food as they will eat in 10 minutes, otherwise it will still sink and rot.

A special need for vitamins occurs in fish in the spring, during this season increase the number of feedings. In autumn, when the temperature in the reservoir drops below 10 ° C, stop the feed supply completely.

Constantly monitor the condition of the fish, do not overfeed them, control their numbers (optimally: for 50 liters of water - one fish 100-150 mm long. Keep in mind that the fish is growing!).

A sick fish can be identified by its behavior: as a rule, it swims in circles and at the same time “staggers”, rubs its sides against objects in the reservoir, lies on its side on the surface. The presence of diseases is evidenced by “glued” fins, white coating on the eyes, snout, fins or gills. Having found a sick individual, immediately isolate it from the rest and place it in an aquarium. Then visit the pet store, describe the signs of the disease to the specialist and buy the necessary medicines.

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