Beautiful pond design. Making a pond in the country. Do-it-yourself pond in the country: landscape photo ideas and decoration

Own artificial pond in the country has already ceased to be a luxury, now everyone can build such a masterpiece. Such a structure can be aesthetic and functional. Some ponds are designed to beautify the landscape, others are for swimming or fish breeding. Even just watching the water in the pond calms and improves mood. Making a pond on your site is simple, just understand the basic nuances.

Peculiarities

For some people, an artificial pond is not an ornament, but a necessity. If an annoying stream flows through your site or you have long put up with marshy land, then a pond will thoroughly improve your situation. It is best to build a reservoir in the spring. For self-construction of a pond, there are many options that involve the use of special expensive materials or available (even improvised) tools. Such a construction does not require much time, effort and money. All you need is attention to detail and strict adherence to recommendations.

Kinds

An artificial pond in the country is built for various purposes. It is by this criterion that the following types can be distinguished:

Little. Water small size becomes part of the landscape design. It was created to decorate a certain area in the garden. Near such a pond, you can read a book in an armchair, but it does not involve active recreation.
Decorative. Deeper than the previous version. Such a pond has a fountain inside, lighting around the perimeter, an openwork bridge and other decorative elements. The purpose of decorative ponds is to attract all the attention. Such reservoirs are located near the gazebo or open terrace.
For breeding fish. Such a reservoir will delight fishermen, children and cats. Beautiful fish are a pleasure to watch, and many species are great for dinner. It is important not only to launch the fish, but also to create comfortable conditions for reproduction.
For swimming. Own reservoir on the site - good alternative simple pool. Such a pond is not limited only to aesthetic properties, but also benefits. A small pond will provide an opportunity to cool off in the heat, and a deep and large one will allow you to swim and play water games.

Little

For fish breeding

Decorative

Key issues such as location, size, shape and stylistic design decided on the basis of the type of reservoir. Therefore, first set a clear goal for yourself, only then proceed to the next steps.

Material

Modern manufacturers offer a great abundance of materials for self-manufacturing pond. It all depends on your goals and financial capabilities. For right choice all options must be carefully considered. For a swimming pond, a concrete bowl would be a good option.

Filling the pond allows you to use it for a long time. This option is quite expensive, but reliable. A more suitable and affordable option is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fiberglass. The reliability of the materials allows the bowl to be used from 5 to 30 years, it directly depends on the work performed and the type of material. Both options for creating a pond allow you to create the desired depth and shape.

Purchase forms - a simplified version. It is enough just to dig a pit, mount the form and reinforce the structure with sand. Plastic bowls are quite durable and easily endure winter frosts. Polypropylene bowls are afraid ultraviolet rays and become unusable due to their long exposure. The disadvantages of such structures are considered quite high price and difficult transportation.

A bowl under a large pond will be difficult to bring to its destination without damage. Moreover, you will need elementary skills in the installation of such structures, it is difficult for beginners to cope with such a task without damaging the bowl.

The most reliable film is considered to be butyl rubber, made of rubber. Masters recommend using such material for those who have a pond of impressive depth, a bottom with many stones and roots. You can enjoy a pond with such waterproofing for 50 years. The great advantage of the material is its favorable reaction to repeated freezing and thawing. Specialized materials is the preferred option, but not the only one. Craftsmen offer the following options:

old bath. Such an object can be painted and installed on the surface, or it can be lowered into the ground to an arbitrary depth. Together with the pond, you can easily install a small fountain.
Tires. Variations use tires or wheels as the frame of a small pond.
Basin. The installation method is similar to the bathroom. The object itself is so light that such ponds are often made by children and women, while they cannot cope with a bath. It is important to pay special attention to the decor so as not to overload the space with details.
Plastic bottles . Such material makes it possible to create small reservoirs with maximum speed. It is enough to cut the eggplant at the desired level and dig in the right place.

Keep in mind that it depends on the material how long the country pond will delight you. It is important to choose materials that do not harm the environment. Otherwise, toxins will seep into the ground, and this will affect your crop.

The size

It cannot be unequivocally stated that a large pond will cost more than a small one or will have better aesthetic properties. The best options need to be selected based on your goals. Key factors when choosing a size:

Dimensions. This parameter depends solely on the location of the reservoir. It is believed that the reservoir should cover no more than 3-10% of the area of the entire summer cottage. There are no clear boundaries, it all depends on your preferences.
Lenght and width. This criterion also largely depends on the size of the site, the purpose of the reservoir and on your capabilities. The latter concerns digging a pit - you can dig a small one yourself, for a large one you will need special equipment.
Depth. The larger the pond, the deeper it can be made. So, a mini-design can have a depth of several tens of centimeters, and a swimming pond - several meters.

Zoning is relevant for large reservoirs. Design experts recommend dividing the reservoir into 3 zones. Coastal zone - 10-40 cm deep for approaching the pond and landing ornamental plants. Shallow zone - from 40 cm to 1 m, at such a depth you can land a winter-hardy water lily or nymphaeum. If this is a swimming pool, then it is such a zone that will make it possible to smoothly enter the water. At a shallow depth, children can swim. The deep-water zone is more than 1 meter deep, adults can swim here, and fish are also bred at such a depth.
Biodynamic balance. This factor must be taken into account if the pond will be inhabited by different kind living creatures. Provide such a balance that the artificial pond can clean itself. Purification of water in a pond with fish or plants using chlorine or ozone is not provided.
Care. As a rule, the larger the body of water, the easier it is to clean. Be sure to consider ways to care for plants, fish, and the pond itself.

Location

It is very important to properly position the pond. Especially if we are talking about a large-scale structure that will serve you for more than one year. Important factors when choosing a location:

Plot size. This factor is closely related to the size of the pond itself, and hence its location.
Relief. It is important to take into account the combination of the land relief with the forms of the pond itself.
Soil composition and groundwater. This factor is directly related to the maximum depth of the pond. Under unfavorable circumstances, additional troubles and material costs await you.
Illumination. Choose a shady spot. It is impossible that the sun hit the water for more than 5-6 hours a day. Neglect of this factor leads to active evaporation of water and increased activity of bacteria. To select the right place, observe the solar regime for 2-3 days. It is especially important to correctly evaluate this criterion when breeding fish. In heated water, the amount of oxygen decreases, which can lead to the death of pets.
Visibility. Choose a location where you can see the pond from a window or gazebo. A decorative pond will become a visiting card of your site if it is noticeable at the entrance to the territory.

Reflection. Strangely enough, it is better to think in advance what will be reflected in your pond. If a toilet in the yard or a barn gets into the reflection, this can spoil the overall impression.
degree of landscaping. Make sure tree roots cannot damage the pond bowl. Also keep in mind that in autumn leaves and branches can fall into the pond, which will turn into silt at the bottom. Carelessness in choosing the right place can lead to difficulties in maintaining the pond. If you really want to decorate the perimeter of the pond with bushes, then consider the option of plants in barrels (tubs).
Power supply. Some decorative elements are powered by electricity. So, you can put an interesting fountain, make a backlight and much more. The main thing is to carefully consider the option of supplying electricity to water. It is better to think about this issue at the design stage. It is most safe to place the wires underground in a reliable corrugation. For permanent access to them, equip the hatch.
Future extensions and improvements. Plan ahead. You may want to expand the pond or work out the recreation area near it in more detail. Provide free space on at least one side of the pond.

Colour

The tone of waterproofing is of great importance, it affects the overall image. The black bottom creates the illusion of a mirror. In such a reservoir, plants and the sky are perfectly reflected. The brown and black material allows you to create an imitation of natural soil, which is usually located at the bottom of a reservoir.

Blue and cream ponds do not look much like a creation of nature, but are an excellent option when breeding motley fish. Also, blue and grayish tones are great for the body of water in which you are going to swim. These colors imitate the bottom of the pool.

Thus, the color should be chosen based on the destination. Decorative pond will approach natural look thanks to the dark bottom. For breeding fish and swimming, you should choose bright hues up to white.

Forms

It is almost impossible to describe all forms of ponds, because the imagination of design masters knows no bounds. It is conditionally possible to distinguish the correct geometric shapes and fantasy ones. Among the first, the most popular designs are in the form of a circle, oval, rectangle. Fantasy forms are more bizarre, and this is their charm. Such ponds are most similar to the creation of nature, which does not tolerate rigor. Among the popular forms, one can single out exactly the imitation of the natural form.

Style and design

Design specialists responsibly declare that a country pond can be made in two versions, but they can have many modifications. Design options:

Formal. The name speaks for itself. Such a country pond has clear geometric shapes. This option is well suited for sites in the Art Nouveau, hi-tech, minimalism, classic style. Formal include not only rectangular, square and round ponds. This also includes broken figures, they can be both symmetrical and asymmetric. The design of such ponds is strict. Classic neutral colors are used. A formal reservoir is characterized by a small number of additional decorative elements or their complete absence.
Landscape. This option is more popular than the previous one. Such a pond has a fuzzy coastline close to natural look. It is the landscape style that makes it possible to create a harmonious balance between an artificial reservoir and nature itself. You can bring your wildest ideas to life. Before choosing a pond style, evaluate the terrain of the site. Smooth ground guarantees the embodiment of any fantasy form.

Rise and recess in the ground require careful study, but make it easy to build a cascade or waterfall. Bridges and slides look more natural on intricate terrain.

You can create a suitable relief artificially. It will require the use of more sophisticated technologies when working with the foundation. Carelessness will lead to skew due to subsidence of the earth. A high pond (located above the ground) is also possible as part of a landscape setting. There are many advantages to this design:

Ease of maintenance.
Minimum Volume earthworks.
Safety of children and pets.

The bath pond is the most a prime example such a body of water. On the walls you can make a painting in the Japanese style, which looks organic in the garden. Such an element will complement the overall landscape design of the site.

How to do it yourself?

The construction of the pond should be carried out according to clear instructions. So you can properly dig the boiler and lay the waterproofing. Construction of a pond using a film step by step:

Making a pond starts with a plan. Choose a convenient scale and draw absolutely everything, including the depth of each zone. It is recommended at the same stage to think over the decorative design. This is especially true if you are planning to build a pond with a waterfall. A detailed plan will help you avoid mistakes.
Now you need to mark up the future pit. This can be done with the help of a rope stretched over pegs, rubber hose or even sand (draw a contour with it). It is important that the banks are at the same height. Start digging a pit based on the plan. Check their level from time to time.
It's time for earthworks. Dig a hole, the depth of which will correspond to the depth of the coastal zone. Make a markup, fix the line of penetration. Arrange the second tier and make a line for digging the deepest zone of the future pond. It is better to do excavation work together, and for a large pond, hire an excavator.

After the hole is dug, you need to measure the dimensions and depth. Do it with string. To the resulting number, add 50 cm on each side of the pit. Now you know how much PVC film you need to purchase.
Cover the hole tightly with cling film. Geotextiles can be laid under the bottom so that over time the roots of the trees do not damage the waterproofing. In addition, you can strengthen the structure with the help of roofing material or linoleum. It is possible to strengthen the shore and the bottom with the help of densely packed sand. It is recommended to perform this procedure on a sunny day, so the film will heat up and lie more tightly on all the bends of the pit.
The edges of the film must be filled into a pre-prepared trench around the perimeter of the pond. Next, you need to fill the trench with rubble or other stone. This will ensure that the film is securely fixed.

The coast should be strengthened so that over time the earth does not crumble. Strengthen the edge of the pond stone blocks or plastic pipes, they need to be nailed to the pegs. It is recommended to lay out the edge natural stone and complete the picture with large boulders.
At this stage it is necessary place plants, which will decorate the pond, in special baskets and install them in the right places according to the plan. Lay out the bottom with small stone or gravel.

It's time to pour water into the pond. The best helper for you will be a hose. Carrying water in buckets is not convenient, especially if the reservoir is large. Stagnant water can bring many problems, including bad smell. To eliminate this complexity, you can make a pond a stream. To do this, simply raise the source a little above the level of the pond, and supply water to it from the bowl itself using a pump. Such a device will save you from unnecessary trouble.
Submersible pump installation, pipes to the source of the stream and connecting the filter - the last stage of technical work. It is recommended to use a pressure filter for water purification, it is more efficient.

More household option pond from old bath can be done so that old plumbing will be unrecognizable in a magical composition. The process of building a pond can be performed according to the following instructions:

Dig a hole under the bathroom so that the depth of the pit is 40 cm higher than the tank itself.
Finish the edges of the hole. Remove 35-45 cm of earth along the perimeter.
Deepen these strips so that the height is the same as the height of the tub.

Be sure to close the bathtub drain. You can use concrete or film for waterproofing. After that, lower the tub into the hole.

Cover the inside of the bath with small tiles or paint it with waterproof paint of the desired color. After that, cover the bath and leave to dry completely.
Cover the perimeter of the bathtub with a chain-link mesh. This material is rightfully considered the best for reinforcement.
Cover the chain-link with a mixture of sand and cement.
Spend decorative works. To do this, you can use stones, tiles, gravel and similar materials.

Required Tools

The amount of inventory depends on how complex and varied the body of water you want to create. To build a simple pond, you will need:

Shovel.
Trolley for the earth.
Building level.
Cord for marking.
Pegs.
Hose for water supply.
Pond waterproofing film or any other base.

Such a minimum list is always needed. In addition to the above, you may need fences. This will keep your pets and children safe. Decorative fences significantly affect the overall appearance artificial reservoir.

Technics

To create a more complex composition, you need to acquire additional equipment:

Water purification filter. This is especially important if you are building a fish pond.
Water pump. Such a device is used for pumping and pumping water, operating filters, fountains and waterfalls.
Sterilizer. This device guarantees crystal clean water in the pond.
Aerator (compressor). The device saturates the water with oxygen. Relevant in the pond with fish and plants. It is important to choose a model specifically for the pond, models for aquariums do not have the necessary power. You may need to use an excavator to dig the pit.

Water purification filter

Water pump

aerator

Plants and additional accessories

As a decoration, you can install a decorative fountain in the pond. The design can be bought ready-made or built independently. A decorative pond is often supplemented with bridges. garden figurines up close perfectly complement the composition. Flowers and plants in the pond require special attention. Plants are divided into deep water and shallow water.

The first are planted at the bottom in special baskets. They should occupy no more than 30% of the total area of the reservoir, otherwise it will turn into a swamp. Such a bust can kill other inhabitants of the reservoir, especially fish. Carefully plant flowers on the coast, keep in mind that they will grow over time.

First of all, nymphs are planted in the pond, and then the bottom is covered decorative stone starting from the deep zone. On the terrace you can plant marsh calla, calamus, sedge, chastukha and susak. On the water surface, you can place a water hyacinth, rogulnik, pistia or a swamp.

On the coast can be placed various kinds iris, reed, buzulnik, aruncus, miscanthus. The composition can be supplemented with perennials: hostas, buttercups, primroses, astilbes or bathing suits.

Peltiphyllums, loosestrife, Rogersia look great near an artificial pond.

Do you need fish?

The reservoir can be inhabited by different fauna. Ducks and even swans can live on the pond, it all depends on you. Most often, fish live in country ponds. The choice of inhabitants of the reservoir should be taken carefully. Most often, crucians, goldfish, carp and tench become the inhabitants of the ponds. Keep in mind that one fish up to 15 cm in size needs about 50 liters of water space.

small pond able to decorate and diversify any suburban area. And it will be even more pleasant if you build such a pond with your own hands. It may seem complicated, but with quality instructions, there should be no problems.

A floating flock of ornamental fish is the best decoration of the pond

Traditionally, work begins with preparatory activities.

Stage 1. Decide on the place and size

First, we determine the place in which the decorative pond will be located. To do this, we take into account the following points:

there should not be trees near, because their roots can damage the bottom of the structure, and the leaves can clog the water;
the place should be open, as well as illuminated by the sun for at least 6 hours a day (this will increase the intensity of algae reproduction without infringing on terrestrial plants);
if possible, it is desirable to leave room for future expansion of the pond;
the area of the reservoir should not exceed 3% of the total area.

In a word, the smaller the area, the easier it is to carry out construction works. In terms of depth, the reservoir is divided into three levels:

for plants near the shore;
shallow water for winter-hardy water lily;
a deepening in which fish will winter (if we breed them).

Note! It is undesirable to make the reservoir too deep - it is quite enough to make a deepening of 1.6-1.8 meters (that is, below the freezing level of the soil). The area of deepening should not exceed one fifth of the entire pond.

Stage 2. Decide on the material

There are a lot of materials that can serve as the basis for a decorative pond, but the most popular of them are the options below.

Due to the fact that the construction of a decorative reservoir from a mold can hardly cause any difficulties, we will consider the second construction option in more detail.

Stage 3. We prepare consumables

The work will require:

PVC film;
ruberoid;
stones are round;
rope;
stone slabs;
shovel;
sand;
bricks;
fine gravel.

Having prepared everything you need, proceed to the next step.

Stage 4. Dig the pit

Step 1. First, we create a sketch of the future reservoir on a scale, indicating the dimensions and width of the curtains (shelves for plants, that is, the upper step of the structure). This will help to avoid possible difficulties not only during construction, but also during planting.

We also think over the accent of the composition - a large original stone, for example, a sculpture or just a tree.

Step 2. With the help of a rope or sand, we outline the intended contour of the reservoir. Be sure to check that all the banks are at the same level, after which, using a shovel, we cut the turf along the perimeter of the pond.

Step 3. Now let's start excavation. First, we dig a pit to a depth of the first level (about 30-40 cm) and mark a line from which it will be buried to the second mark (90 cm). Next, we create the deepest level (up to 1.8 meters if we plan to breed fish), extract the last portion of the soil.

Note! It is recommended to regularly check the level of the banks during the digging of the pit. In the absence of a water level of the appropriate length, you can take a simple long board and attach a 50-centimeter device to it.

Step 4. To dig a reservoir, it is advisable to use the services of specialists in this kind of work, accompanied by a small excavator, because this work is quite difficult. But if it was decided to do this stage of work with your own hands, then you should be prepared for the fact that moisture will accumulate in the pit and you will have to dig in dirty slurry. To remove water, you can use a pump (but only specially designed for pumping liquid from solid particles). Nearby, you can dig another hole to dump water into it.

Step 5. Carefully inspect the bottom of the finished pit for branches, sharp stones and anything that can damage the film. We check the horizontality of the banks, if necessary, align them.

Step 6. Along the perimeter of the pond, we dig a ditch 20 cm deep to fix the film. Then, using a rope, we measure the dimensions to determine the required size of the film, add 0.5 m on each side.

When carrying out earthworks, you may encounter the problem of where to put the earth from the pit. Great option The solution to this problem is to raise the level of the plot by evenly distributing the soil over the entire area of the garden. Another option is also possible - to use the land for the construction of an alpine slide.

Stage 5. We lay the film

Step 1. We cover the bottom of the pit with a 15-centimeter sand "cushion", carefully tamp it down.

Step 2. To protect the PVC film from damage, we lay a layer of roofing material (we overlap).

Step 3. We cover the bowl of the reservoir with a film. We do it freely, with a small margin along the banks. We press the ends of the film with bricks.

Note! To increase the elasticity of the film, it is advisable to carry out laying on a sunny day - under the influence of temperature, the film will stretch better and easily bend around all the protrusions of the pit.

Step 4. We fill the pond with water, but we are in no hurry to cut off the excess film. It is necessary to wait approximately 24 hours for the PVC coating to take its final volume. Then we cut the film, lay its edges in a pre-made trench, turn it up and fill it with rubble.

Note! Often the width of the film is not enough for the whole pond. In such cases, several pieces are interconnected by soldering.

Stage 6. We equip a decorative pond

Step 1. In order to prevent the earth from shedding into the bowl of the reservoir, we strengthen the edge. This can be done with:

stone blocks;
plastic pipes nailed to pegs.

We lay out the edge with natural stone (although brick, tile, and other materials can also be used), decorate with a group of boulders or one large block.

Step 2. We lay out the bottom of the reservoir with rubble or stones. Then we place the pre-prepared plants in plastic containers and arrange them in curtains. It is advisable to use plants that saturate with oxygen (such as hornwort, water lily, swamp, etc.). After that, the pond can be finally filled with water.

Note! For correct selection hydrochemical preparations and a pump, it is necessary to measure the volume of the reservoir. To do this, when changing the water, read the water meter readings before / after the filling procedure.

Step 3. We can make a small stream for the permanent circulation of water - this will prevent the latter from stagnation. To do this, we raise the source slightly above the level of the reservoir and set it to supply water from the bowl. We plan to decorate the mouth of the stream, for which you can use:

stones;
containers made of glass or clay;
vegetable planting.

Step 4. Install at the bottom of the reservoir, stretch the pipes to the source and connect them to the cleaning filter. The latter must be pressure, that is, with the provided reverse cleaning, since it is much more efficient than usual.

All, ready! It remains only to regularly clean it from dirt, use special means, which revitalizes the water and prevents excessive growth of algae, as well as remove plants for the winter.

When building a pond, it is difficult to avoid some mistakes, especially the compositional plan. For this reason, you need to be aware of the common mistakes gardeners make.

Plant growing zones	Plants
coastal zone	Conifers, elderberry, ferns, meadowsweet, lilies of the valley, bergenia, etc.
Coastline	Gubastik, fluffy, marigold, veronica handrail, highlander snake, forget-me-not, etc.
Plants for decorating shallow water (up to a depth of 5-20 cm.)	Calamus, reeds, umbrella susak, cattail, arrowhead, etc.
Deep water plants 30-150 cm	Water lily, jug
Plants for decorating the surface of the water (floating on the surface of the water)	Duckweed, water paint, telorez

Finally, having planned the independent construction of a pond, first practice - make, for example, a miniature pond, and only then move on to larger compositions. This will greatly increase your chances of success.

Good luck with your work!

Video - Creating a pond in the country

Vacation in the country is a favorite pastime for many people. Only a trip to the shore of a reservoir can argue with him. Having arranged an artificial pond in your country house, you can get a great place to get rid of fatigue and relaxation. Moreover, it will not be difficult to arrange an artificial reservoir with your own hands, you only need a little perseverance and imagination.

Types of reservoirs

Depending on what functionality you plan to endow the pond you have built, artificial reservoirs can be divided into several categories.

Swimming pool

This category includes artificial reservoirs of considerable size. Such a pond, built in the country with your own hands, as in the photo, has not only decorative properties, but also allows you to freshen up, or even swim, without leaving the site.

Pond with fish

The pond for breeding fish is suitable not only for lovers fishing. Your family members, especially children, will enjoy spending time by the lake, watching bright and beautiful fish.

Mini pond in the country

A small body of water, which is an element landscape composition. It performs exclusively decorative functions and does not imply the placement of a recreation area around it.

Decorative pond in the garden

garden pond, built with their own hands, which is the central place of the recreation area. The combination of sufficient size and beautiful design will not only please the eyes, but also give a pleasant coolness on a hot day.

Style

Having decided on the functionality of the reservoir, it is worth moving on to choosing the style in which the decorative pond in the country will be executed. There are two main options.

Formal (regular) pond. Artificial reservoir of strict geometric shape. Ideal if there is a desire to emphasize the geometric shapes of the building or the site itself. It creates a sense of order, looks appropriate next to geometrically regular flower beds, lawns and other decorative elements on the site.
Landscape pond in the country. It is carried out in any form and fits very easily into the surrounding landscape. This option is suitable for any style and looks as natural as possible. Its construction requires much less effort than the equipment of a geometric reservoir.

Location selection

Great importance when organizing a pond in the country with your own hands, as in the photo in the article, it has a terrain. On the flat areas you can place a pond in a garden of any style and size. Areas with irregularities create more difficulties when deciding how to make an artificial pond, but at the same time they can serve as natural cascades and elevations for waterfalls.

It is necessary to arrange a pond with a fountain in the country house with your own hands in an open area so that the reservoir is clearly visible from every corner of the country house. Depth ground water, qualitative composition soil can affect the allowable depth of the reservoir, as well as the complexity of the work and the use of additional materials. When thinking about how to build a pond in the country with your own hands, in addition to the terrain, it is worth considering a number of other important points.

Compatibility with the environment. Visible from all sides, a mini pond in the country should be combined with buildings and green spaces on the site.
Illumination of the site. It is preferable to choose the most shaded place on the site for the location of the reservoir. This will prevent increased water evaporation. In addition, with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, there is a high probability of active development of microorganisms in the water, which will negatively affect the aesthetic component.
Environment. Do not abuse the vegetation next to an artificial reservoir. Long and thick roots big trees over time, they can lead to damage to the insulating layer, which in turn will require repair and putting the reservoir in order. Leaves falling into the water from tree branches located too close to the reservoir can lead to its silting and require regular cleanings. On clear days, nearby trees or buildings will be reflected on the surface of the water. Therefore, you should take care of a beautiful exterior in advance so that your eyes do not fall on a rickety shed or a dry, fallen tree.
Expansion of the reservoir. In the future, you may come up with the idea of the need to increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe reservoir, additional functional and decorative elements. Therefore, it is worthwhile to provide a place in advance for the possible expansion of the reservoir in the country with your own hands.
Electrification. If you plan to install lighting near or directly in a pond, or place an electric fountain or other movable structures, you should worry about laying all the necessary electrical wiring in advance. It is best to place the wires underground, protecting them with strong boxes or corrugation.

Size selection

Having chosen a place on the site that the pond will occupy in the garden, you should decide on the size of the future reservoir. Specialists involved in landscape design do not provide clear guidance in this regard. However, a do-it-yourself decorative pond built on suburban area should not occupy more than 8-10% of the area of the site, because more big construction will look bulky and alien object.

The depth of the pond in the garden depends on the purpose for which it is created, as well as on the capabilities of the owner, who equips the pond with his own hands on the site. The photos below will help you make your choice.

Material selection

When arranging ponds in a summer cottage with your own hands, you should approach the choice of material with all care. There are many options for what material is better to use in order to equip a small pond in the country with your own hands.

The photos in the article and the following list highlight the following main categories.

Concrete reservoir

capital construction, which is the most expensive option arrangement of a pond in the country. To the advantages of using this material can be attributed to increased strength and durability of use.

plastic container

Manufactured industrial way plastic mold increased strength, allows you to solve the question as soon as possible: how to make a pond in the country with your own hands. Various forms and dimensions allow you to choose the option suitable for the most demanding owner.

PVC film or polyethylene film

The use of these materials makes it possible to create a garden pond with your own hands of absolutely any shape. The disadvantages of such a material include low resistance to external influences, and how short the service life

Butyl rubber membrane

A do-it-yourself garden pond made of such a film will please the eye longer than a decorative pond in the photo below made of polyethylene or PVC. When planning how to make a reservoir on the site with your own hands, it should be borne in mind that the life of the membrane reaches 50 years, and the increased resistance of butyl rubber to severe frosts makes it a very profitable material.

In order to save money, you can use various improvised materials. Old bathtub, basin or car tire for a mini pond - these and other "folk" remedies are used to create ponds in the country. Our photo gallery will tell others original ideas.

Necessary equipment

Depending on the functionality of the reservoir and the material from which it will be made, the following tools may be required during the creation process: a shovel, a cart for transporting excess soil, a level, pegs and a strong cord for marking, as well as a hose for irrigation. Such a set of tools will be enough to place mini ponds in the country with your own hands, as in the above photo. If the planned pond in the garden is of considerable size, it is worth evaluating the feasibility of using construction equipment. For a pond intended for fish farming or designed for a particularly long service life, it may be justified to install additional equipment:

An aerator that saturates the water with oxygen necessary for fish.
Pump for filling or draining water.
Cleaning filter.
A device for sterilizing water and removing dead algae.

Details of creating a pond from a film

PVC film thanks to its performance and relatively low cost, is one of the most popular materials for arranging a pond. In addition, in order to make a pond with your own hands from PVC film, you do not need special skills and special knowledge.

For the arrangement of reservoirs, it is not necessary to use films with a thickness of less than 0.5 mm., And if it is planned to create a particularly deep reservoir, it is better to take a film with the maximum available thickness.

The use of a multi-colored film allows you to achieve different optical effects: a black one will make the bottom of the reservoir mirror, and it will clearly reflect the trees and buildings standing nearby, a brown film is perfect for simulating a ground bottom, and a film of light blue or cream tones will make the reservoir as transparent as possible, which will allow you to easily observe the movement of fish.

The selected film should be cut in such a way that it covers the bottom and walls of the reservoir, leaving a margin of up to one meter. The cut pieces must be connected with specialized glue or adhesive tape for such work.

Before digging a pit, it is necessary to carefully consider the size, shape of the bottom and walls of the reservoir. If you plan to create a complex multi-stage structure, it is better to first draw on a piece of paper detailed diagram showing all sizes.

Having marked the selected area, we proceed to digging a recess. It is better to remove the soil in the direction from the edges of the future reservoir to the center, gradually deepening to the required limits. The bottom and walls of the finished pit should be carefully examined for detection foreign objects, sharp roots, etc. Any debris found must be removed to avoid damage to the film. We lay out the prepared film on the rammed bottom of the pit, fixing it with stones and sprinkling soil around the edges.

Next, you need to strengthen the banks of the pond. For this you can use various materials. For gently sloping shores, a geogrid or a polymer grid is suitable; you can also use a regular chain-link mesh. For vertical banks, the use of piles or props will be required.

You can complete the design of the pond by adding various decorative elements, planting plants and installing underwater or outdoor lighting.

Plant decoration

When decorating a pond in the garden with plants, it is worth understanding that they are divided into those that are planted on the shore along the edges of the pond, and plants that live directly in the water. The root system of coastal plants will additionally strengthen the walls of the pond. When planting plants in a pond in a garden, it is important to keep in mind their growth rate, otherwise after prolonged absence there is a risk of finding a reservoir completely covered with a thick carpet of vegetation.

Decor

In order to decorate the pond in the yard with your own hands, in addition to various plants, beautiful stones and other decorative items good effect gives the use of backlight. The colored glow spreading from under the water will create a beautiful decoration for your pond at night. Additional lighting can be placed above the water.

As a decor for decorating a pond in a country house with your own hands, as in the photo in the article, you can use various fountains. The functioning of the fountains is ensured by the operation of pumps that can be hidden at the bottom of the pond under the stones. Surface devices are also used. Pumps come in different capacities, which affects the height and intensity of the water jets.

fish

Ornamental fish can be launched into the pond in the country, when choosing which it is important to fully understand the conditions for their maintenance. It is worth buying such types of fish that get along well with each other and do not quarrel.

Pond Care

Decorative pond in the country requires some care. Planted plants must be sheltered from the cold or transferred to warm room. During a long absence, the surface of an artificial reservoir in the country should be covered with a special net to protect it from debris. Leaves and other debris that have fallen into the country pond are caught with a net, and in the event of the formation of a large amount of silt, it is necessary to clean the reservoir. Water must be periodically renewed, using for topping up garden hose or an ordinary bucket (if there is no specialized equipment).

Photo gallery

In our photo gallery you will see even more 33 examples beautiful ponds in the country.

Surely every summer resident at least once thought how great it would be to have a pond on his own plot, because it is so nice to turn gray by the water at sunset and enjoy the pleasant evening coolness. It is quite possible to realize this dream on your own, you just need to familiarize yourself with the features of the technology for constructing an artificial reservoir, and you can get to work. Next, we will take a closer look at how to make a pond in the country.

Where to begin

So, you finally decided to decorate the site with an artificial pond. But how to make a pond in a summer cottage harmoniously complement the surrounding landscape, while being durable and not a problem area that requires constant care? To do this, you need to approach the construction in stages, carefully considering each step, down to the smallest detail.

You need to start arranging the pond in the country with preparatory stages which we will review below.

Style selection

First of all, it is necessary to decide how to arrange a pond in the country so that it does not stand out from the overall picture of the landscape. Choosing a style solution, you should focus on the architectural design country house and the existing layout of the garden.

It is desirable to carry out the coastline and the pavement of the tracks in one key with the design of everything garden plot. In this case, the bowl of the reservoir can be supplemented with a waterfall or a decorative stream.

If the reservoir is located in the depths of the garden, near the gazebo or, then great solution is an landscape pond with natural lines. For example, it can be made in the style of "nature garden", which involves planting only local plants that are typical for the region. In this case, any exotic will be inappropriate.

Another interesting solution is to design a country pond in a lush Chinese style. In this case, do not forget to make a curved bridge and focus on a tree with variegated foliage.

A more restrained Japanese style is also popular, its characteristic elements are boulders of various kinds. Unlike the Chinese style, the Japanese style lacks multi-colored herbs.

If a mini pond in the country will be located next to the house, then it is better to give preference to geometric shapes. Formal reservoir of rectangular or square shape will emphasize the horizontal and vertical lines of the structure. In addition, such a pond will look good next to patio, especially if rectilinear flower beds are broken nearby.

It must be said that the formal ponds also include round ponds, which can become great decoration open lawn or lawn. In addition, such a pond can be located near a picturesque group of trees.

It should be noted that it is easiest to make a round pond with your own hands, since you can use concrete rings or plastic containers.

Recently popular reception in landscape design is the laying of tracks from terrace board, which are thrown across the pond in the form of a bridge of a broken geometric shape. In addition, the path through the reservoir can be made of concrete square slabs, which, as it were, soar above the water surface.

Also, cascades of different sizes always look interesting, where water flows from one bowl to another through small waterfalls.

Choice of location and dimensions

The location of the pond will determine how long it will function without seasonal flowering. The thing is that green algae are activated under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, part of the day the pond should be shaded, so that the algae will not multiply so actively.

However, it is also not necessary to completely shade the artificial pond in the country, as this will negatively affect the development of ornamental plants. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the golden mean.

Note!
The reservoir should be illuminated for about five hours a day, while it is necessary to leave it open from the southwest.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that it is undesirable to have a pond under shady trees, since falling leaves are a source of pollution.

Another important point that needs to be decided is the size of the reservoir. Ideally, it should occupy 3 percent of the area of the site. At the same time than smaller sizes pond, the easier it is to build, and it will take less materials. Accordingly, the price of the project will depend on the size.

Therefore, before deciding on the width and length of the reservoir, it is necessary to take into account the following points:

As for the depth of the pond, it should be divided into three steps:

materials

Before you start building a pond in the country, you also need to decide on the materials that will be needed for this. The most expensive, but at the same time, the most capital option is to fill the base with concrete. In this case, you will need to perform formwork and reinforcement.

A less expensive option would be to use a ready-made plastic container that is dug into the ground. However, the size and shape of the reservoir in this case will be limited by the choice of capacity.

The most convenient and at the same time, the most budgetary option for building a reservoir is the use of a special moisture resistant film, which is laid on the bottom and wall of the pond. I must say that this option has recently been the most common, so we will take it as a basis.

Pond construction

Before digging a pond in the country, it is advisable to sketch a plan on paper on a scale, indicating all the dimensions and depth of the pit. This will avoid mistakes and alterations in the arrangement of the reservoir. At this stage, you can also think about the accent for the composition of the future lake, it can be a large stone, tree or sculpture.

Further instructions for building a pond are as follows:

First of all, it is necessary to outline the boundaries of the future reservoir and align the banks so that they are on the same level.
Then you can start excavation. First you need to dig a pit to the depth of the first tier and mark the line from which the pond will deepen to the second tier. Next, you need to dig a second tier and also apply markings, from which the deepest hole is dug.

When the pit is ready, use a cord to measure its dimensions, taking into account the depth and allowance of about 50 cm. This size will be needed when purchasing a film, which should be enough to completely cover the pit.
Next, the bottom is covered with geotextiles., which can protect the waterproof film from damage. As an alternative to this material, you can use linoleum, roofing material or even sand.
A waterproof film is laid on top of the geotextile.

In the photo - laying oilcloth

To equip the edges of the reservoir, an auxiliary trench should be dug around the perimeter, which will allow you to tuck and fix the film. Having laid the edges of the film in the trench, it must be fixed by filling the trench with rubble.
After that, it is necessary to strengthen the edge of the pond with stone blocks.. This will prevent the shedding of soil from the coastal zone into the basin of the reservoir. For example, you can lay out the edge natural stone and then decorate with a single block or a group of boulders.

Then the bottom of the pond must be laid out with stones and rubble. Prepared plants should be placed in plastic containers and arranged on curtains. You can also fill the bottom with soil and plant river plants on the bottom.
After that, water can be poured into the pond. In order to select pumping equipment and the required amount of hydrochemistry for caring for the pond in the future, you should take the meter readings before and after filling the bowl.

So that the water does not stagnate, it is advisable to equip the reservoir with a stream that will ensure its circulation.. The source of the stream should be located above the level of the pond. Water is supplied to it from the reservoir using a submersible pump.
Natural stones can be used to decorate the mouth of the river.

Then at the bottom is set submersible pump, the pipeline is stretched to the source of the stream. In this case, a water filter should be used.

Advice!
In the process of earthworks, a problem will arise - where to put the earth taken out of the pit?
Most best option the solution to this problem is to evenly distribute the soil throughout the site, and thus raise its level.

Your homemade pond in the country is ready. Now you just need to carefully look after him - use the means to revitalize the water, as well as periodically clean it from pollution. For the winter, container plants should be removed in the basement.

If the reservoir will be located near the gazebo, it should be illuminated, which will allow you to admire the landscape in the dark.

Advice!
In the absence of electricity in the country, you can install a diesel generator.
Of course, this equipment is quite expensive, however, renting a diesel generator for a summer residence will solve this problem.

The main mistakes in the arrangement of artificial reservoirs

When building something yourself, it is quite difficult to avoid mistakes.

Making the shore with stones of the same diameter, as a result of which the pond looks boring. large stones it is desirable to combine with small ones, however, do not overwhelm the entire coastal zone with them.

The execution of the reservoir is very deep, with sheer walls. This design looks unnatural and resembles a stone bag. Therefore, you should not make the reservoir very deep, especially if you do not plan to breed fish in it.
Craving for container gardening, which interferes with the normal development of plants. Container planting is good because it allows you to quickly change the design of the pond if desired, as plants can be quickly regrouped, however planting algae will make the pond more alive. Algae is especially necessary if you plan to breed fish.

Advice!
If you bought a plot for giving without buildings, then first of all you should build a house.
This process is quite lengthy, however, if you want to equip your summer cottage as quickly as possible, country houses from block containers will help with this.
They take much less time to install than to build a conventional house.

Conclusion

Everyone can build a pond at their summer cottage home craftsman. The most important thing is to approach this matter competently so that the reservoir really becomes an ornament to the site and at the same time does not take too much of your time to constantly care for it. Therefore, when performing work, you should adhere to the above technology.

From the video in this article you can get Additional information on this topic.

And a pond. Even a small body of water attracts others like a magnet. Water is mesmerizing even in small quantities ... Moreover, you can build a pond with your own hands in a few hours. But this is a small artificial reservoir. The construction of a large one will require both money and time.

Where to dig

Small artificial reservoirs are best viewed from above. Therefore, if there is a corresponding depression on the site, it is best to do it here. There is, however, in this negative side: you will have to raise the edges of the bowl higher so that rainwater does not get inside. The second option is to come up with a water drainage system (make a drainage system above the reservoir).

If there is a key somewhere on the site, it is logical to do natural pond, digging or deepening the existing bowl, laying out its borders with cobblestones or stones, plant plants. A stream, which is sure to exist in this case, can also be ennobled by laying out its edges with cobblestones, drowning them in soaked soil, you will give greater strength to the shore, and moisture-loving plants can be planted between them.

Even a small waterfall is a magical sight. How to dam a pond if there is a natural stream on your site - dig a ditch, line it with stone and direct the stream into it

Not everyone on the site has such a luxury as a stream or a key. We have to make artificial reservoirs. When properly designed, they look no worse than natural ones.

How to make an artificial pond with a bowl (without film)

The simplest and fast way make an artificial pond in the country - bury the finished bowl in the ground, decorating and decorating its edges. The bowls are plastic - ready different forms, sizes and colors (mainly blue, green and black).

The device of a plastic garden or country pond- it's a simple matter. Here is a step by step guide:

It is necessary to dig a pit in the shape of a bowl. If the shape is very non-standard, you can turn it upside down at the installation site, draw a contour with something (at least dig it with a shovel). The bowl is taken aside, a pit is dug. It should be a little larger in size - a little wider, but not deeper. The edges should either be flush with the ground, or protrude slightly. If you manage to raise the edges a little, it will be even better: during the rain, dirty water will not flow.
After the desired depth is reached, the bottom is leveled into the horizon: it is first leveled with a shovel, then compacted and the excess is removed with an even bar. The surface must be flat and rigid: the plastic must have good footing. If the ground is poorly leveled (clay), you can pour 5-10 cm of sand, wet it and compact it.
The next step is to install the bowl in the pit. If the bottom has been made even, the edges of the bowl will become level with respect to the horizon. Now the space that remains between the wall of the bowl and the pit must be covered with soil or sand and compacted well.
Now it's up to the design: the installation is completed, you can fill in the water.

How this technology was used to build a pond in the yard with illumination, see this photo report (you can scroll through the photo gallery by clicking on the thumbnails below).

Digging a pit. We decided that the sides would be 1-2 cm higher than the level of the track - there would be less debris inside, and we would decorate the edges with stones. On this side, just below the maximum level, a pipe was cut into the bowl - so that excess water would drain. They took her down the drain

But not always and not everywhere there is an opportunity to constantly add and divert water to the pond. Then you will either have to plant such plants that will clean it, or change it periodically.

Pond from an old bathroom

It is not necessary to buy a bowl. Any container can be used. Even an old bath. It turns out very well. All actions are the same, the foundation pit is first dug, a bath is placed in it, what goes on, see the series following photos. On them, the pond from the old bath is transformed into a really lovely corner.

The site was still entangled with wire - so that the clay does not float and the site does not sag. It’s already such a beauty in a month - a garden pond built by one’s own hands makes me happy

A pond from a car tire (with a film)

A mini-pond can be made from an old car tire, or rather from a tire. The larger it is, the larger the reservoir. The most difficult thing in this business is to cut off one side part. If the edges are sharp as a result, they need to be processed sandpaper. The second most difficult task is to dig a hole right size. This is where the difficulties ended. The rest is quite easy.

A cut tire is installed in the pit, covered with earth on the sides, well compacted. Also, earth or sand is poured inside, the bottom is leveled. Take a piece of dense polyethylene film, can be folded twice and cover the resulting tank. Do not try hard: pour water, she will straighten the film herself.

Instead of polyethylene, you can take a banner film (available in advertising companies that produce outdoor advertising) or a piece special for pools and ponds. They are much stronger (but more expensive).

The protruding ends of the film are tucked around the walls of your pond, decorated with stones. The device of the pond is over, then - decoration and planting of plants. See how to make a pond from a tire in the photo report.

The next stage in the manufacture of a mini-pond for a summer residence is decorating the edges with stones

There is certainly nothing complicated in such a device. Anyone can build such a reservoir in the country with their own hands, and the investment is minimal.

In general, mini-ponds are also made from tanks, barrels, pots, even flower pots. The main thing is to have a body, and it is not very difficult to arrange it: experience gradually comes. They put them in the garden, in the country, near the house. It is possible to bring water, make a stream, it can be bred under trees, for example, or shrubs. Both beauty and usefulness at the same time.

We make a pond with a film

By creating this artificial pond from a film, you almost exactly repeat the work described above, only without installing a bowl:

mark out the shape of the future pond;
dig a pit, forming, if necessary, ledges;
clear the bottom of any sharp objects: roots, stones, etc.;
level the banks of your pond;
spread the waterproofing film;
fill the pond with water;
fix the edges of the film;
decorate.

A country pond created using this technology may already be of a more respectable size. Important point: on loose soil, just making a pit and putting a film will not work. We will have to come up with some measures to strengthen the coast. In this case, you will either have to put up a bowl, or make a more serious structure - from brick or concrete. Next, consider examples of how to inexpensively make a pond out of film.

First project: sides flush with the ground

Eight simple steps and your pond in the country is built. How to dig and equip a pond in the country, to make it look like a natural one, see the photo report.

Second project: sides raised

Second option makeshift pond at the first stages, it is built in almost the same way as the first one. Only after the depth of the excavation reached the design one, the sides were raised, laid out along the edge with bricks and concreted. It turned out a reservoir with raised sides. There is also a water circulation system. It is shown in the figure below.

As you can see, this pond is more multi-layered and its volume is more serious. If you want to have a reservoir of at least a medium size and not build a serious bowl at the same time, you can do as shown in the figure: fill the created pit with sand, cover it, and only lay the film on top. Geotextile evenly distributes the load and does not allow plants to germinate. This is especially true if you are building a pond in your garden and there are bushes or trees nearby.

Serious projects: brick and concrete

If you want to have a large pond in the country, and you want to build it yourself, you will have to study the topic of building pools. Firstly, the construction of bowls - one to one repeats all the steps. Even forms are sometimes made stepped. True, the shores are not decorated with plants, and they are not planted in the pool itself ... But the construction process itself, with reinforcement, plaster, waterproofing, is the same. Moreover, the water supply and water treatment system is also similar. Except that the ponds do not use chemical cleaning methods, but filters, skimmers and ultraviolet can be used.

In general, a large pond is not a cheap pleasure. Moreover, it requires expenses only for construction, but also for maintaining a large reservoir in good condition: filters need to be cleaned regularly and cartridges or backfill changed. But of course, it's a lot of fun...

Not the largest pond, but 10 bags of cement, 30 bags of sand (20 coarse and 10 fine), a hydrophobic additive - 5 bags went to it so that the concrete was water-repellent. Plastered on a grid fixed in the ground

Plants for the pond

When shaping or choosing a bowl, consider not only its shape and depth. If you want plants to grow in the pond, you need a swampy coastal area. If you form a reservoir using a film, you can make approximately the same profile as in the picture.

It is more convenient to do this if you fill the pit with a layer of sand at least 15 cm thick. With it, you can make the relief the way you like. To make it easier to work and the film does not tear, lay geotextiles on the sand. This thin membrane is very tear resistant. You can do whatever you want and don't break it. Having formed the desired bottom relief with its help, you can line the film and lay stones on it, fill it with water and plant plants for the pond at different levels.

In order to have enough oxygen in the water, you can plant Canadian elodea, hornwort and swamp. They are in the photo below. Planted in water - these are aquatic plants.

Categories

Popular