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How to frame a pond in the country. An artificial pond is a do-it-yourself device for a reservoir in the country. How to make a small pond

An artificial reservoir allows you to transform the design of any suburban area. Having little experience in performing landscape work, or at least a high-quality theoretical base, it will be possible to handle the arrangement of a reservoir in the country with your own hands.

First of all, choose the best variant of the style design of the artificial reservoir. At this stage, focus on the design of the house and the overall exterior of the site.

A landscape pond of natural shape will look great in the depths of the site near the gazebo or next to the terrace - so you can comfortably accommodate while relaxing and contemplate the water surface of your own pond.

When choosing a design, be guided by your personal preferences. For example, a reservoir can be decorated in a restrained way. Japanese motifs. To decorate the pond in the Japanese style, conifers and stones of different sizes are used.

More lush and colorful are Chinese-style ponds. The main decorative element of such a pond is a tree with bright foliage. A decorative element in the form of a curved bridge will also look great.

If desired, the pond can be decorated in a style known as "nature garden". This option involves the use for the decoration of the pond only those plants that grow directly in the region where the reservoir is located, without the use of various kinds of exotic plantations.

A simple reservoir of rectangular either square shape would look good close to home. Such ponds look pretty good in patios, they also go well with patios, especially if there are linear paths nearby or there are neat rectilinear flower beds.

The composition of the reservoir and the paths leading to it looks very beautiful. A deck board is perfect for arranging paths; stones or slabs are also a win-win option.

A cascade of ponds of different sizes, interconnected with the help of small waterfalls, looks good.

Round-shaped ponds are also well suited for decorating a summer cottage. Such ponds are best placed on open lawns or near a group of small trees.

Round reservoirs are much easier to manufacture. For their arrangement, you can use ready-made structures - plastic containers, concrete rings of the right size, etc.

Where to make an artificial reservoir?

Choose the best place for arranging the reservoir. The service life of the pond directly depends on this. In case of improper placement, the water will "bloom" or swamp. Therefore, it is very important to find that golden mean.

Choose a place to place the pond so that the water is illuminated by the sun for about 5-6 hours a day. It is undesirable to equip a reservoir under shady plantings, because in this case, the foliage will greatly pollute the water.

Reservoir dimensions

When choosing the size of the pond, start from the fact that, ideally, about 3% of the total area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe summer cottage should fall on the pond.

However, if the site has, for example, an area of ​​​​6 acres, it is unlikely that anyone will decide to allocate as much as 3% of the usable area for the arrangement of the reservoir. Therefore, in terms of the size of the reservoir, the owner must decide on his own.

When choosing the optimal dimensions of the pond, be guided by your own physical and material capabilities. Also make sure that the size of the pond fits well with the rest of the site's landscaping.

As for the depth, according to this indicator, it is recommended to divide the artificial reservoir into 3 levels, namely:

  • for coastal plantings;
  • shallow water level for water lilies;
  • a deep level for fish if you plan to put them in your pond.

Don't make the pond too deep. For example, for wintering fish, a depth of about 1.5-1.8 m (below the freezing point of the soil) will be enough to account for about 20% total area pond.

The simplest option for self-arrangement of a reservoir in a private area is the use of ready-made plastic tanks and other suitable materials additionally reinforced with fiberglass.

Water tanks come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Quality products are well tolerated by mechanical stress, sunlight, cold temperatures, the impact of root systems of water plantations.

There are small and medium depth reservoirs. On average, the area of ​​such forms does not exceed 8 m 2.

First step

Decide where to place the form. Place the tank on the ground and mark the outline of the tank with pins and string.

Second step

Remove the form and start digging a hole. The recess must fully correspond to the shape of the container. In this case, the dimensions of the pit should be approximately 100 mm larger than the dimensions of the container in each direction, as well as in depth.

Third step

Fill the bottom of the hole with a 10 cm layer of sand. The backfill must be carefully compacted.

Fourth step

Armed with a building level, make sure that the tank is placed evenly. Any deviations that are found should be corrected immediately.

Fifth step

Fill a perfectly aligned mold with water to about a third of the volume.

sixth step

Fill the gaps between the walls of the tank and the pit with moistened sand. Pack the sand as carefully as possible. In parallel with this, fill the tank with water to the end.

seventh step

Arrange the reservoir to your liking. Plant your preferred plants. First, equip the plantings at the deepest level, gradually moving towards the banks of the pond.

On this, the simplest reservoir for giving is ready. If you wish, you can populate it with fish and other living creatures.

It is possible to equip a country pond without the use of ready-made tanks. The advantage of this method is the ability to create designs of a wide variety of shapes and sizes - you can fully show your design potential.

It is more difficult to create a reservoir without a ready-made form, but this way you can bring it as close as possible to the natural look.

A special film will be used for insulation. It can have a different width, as well as thickness and color. When choosing a thickness, be guided, first of all, by the dimensions of the future reservoir. For a small pond, an insulating material with a thickness of about 0.5 mm will be sufficient, for larger ponds, insulation with a thickness of at least 0.8 mm should be used.

First step

Having decided on the shape and location of the reservoir, designate its future outlines right on the construction site. For marking, you can use pegs and a rope.

Second step

Dig a hole according to the prepared markup. Think in advance how and where the dug earth will be removed.

Choose the depth of the pit yourself, but it cannot be less than 0.8 m. Additionally, you need to add 10 cm to the planned depth for sand backfill.

In the process of digging a pit, carefully consider the arrangement of the shore line. If you plan to create a pond for swimming, equip the shore accordingly, and remove stones and planting roots from the bottom of the pond.

After completing the main excavation work, make sure that the outer banks of the pond are at the same level.

Third step

Dig a moat around the pond. Depth - about 15 cm. This trench will allow you to securely fix the insulating film.

Fourth step

Fill the bottom of the pit with a 10 cm layer of sand. Compact the backfill well.

Fifth step

sixth step

Prepare the required amount of insulating film. Its dimensions must be such that the material protrudes beyond the pit. For determining optimal sizes films, add two depths to the length of the pond and about 50-60 cm to the banks.

Let the film rest a little in the sun beforehand - after that it will be much easier to work with it.

Insulating film is sold in rolls. Before laying it, you will need to connect the strips of material from the roll using a special heating tool.

seventh step

Lay the film along the bottom and walls of the pit, taking into account the planned shape of the shore. The film must be cut at a level of about 10 mm above the ground. Hide the edges of the insulation under beautiful stones, gravel or other similar material.

eighth step

Take care of the arrangement of the reservoir. Plant plants in baskets or special coastal embankments. In the case of using baskets, they must be filled with a special substrate. Do not plant plants in humus and peat.

If you want to populate the reservoir with fish and other living creatures, install a high-quality external filter. In combination with the filter, it is necessary to install a pump and a special sterilizer. These devices will allow you to get rid of various kinds of pollution in a timely manner and will contribute to a significant improvement in the quality of water in an artificial pond.

In conclusion, it remains only to fill the resulting structure with water.

Take care of your pond, remove all kinds of pollution in a timely manner, monitor the condition of the water and change it regularly so that your pond always remains beautiful and clean. Otherwise, you just need to follow the instructions received and everything will definitely work out.

Successful work!

Video - Do-it-yourself pond in the country

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An artificial pond in the country can be a great place to relax on a hot summer day. Those people who have country houses on the banks of a lake or river are very lucky. Well, the rest will need to roll up their sleeves and equip the pond in the country with their own hands.

We draw up a project

It is best to take a place for a future artificial reservoir still at the stage of designing a suburban area. In this case, the reservoir must:

  • do not fall under prolonged exposure to direct sunlight - heated water provokes the growth of algae and the development of microorganisms. The water in the reservoir quickly becomes cloudy and will have a musty unpleasant odor;
  • be in an open area - branches and foliage from trees will quickly pollute the water, and the root system can damage the bottom of an artificial reservoir;
  • be located so that later you can expand the size of the water surface if you want to remake the pond, for example, into a full-fledged complex - with a fountain, a bridge, etc.

Professional builders it is advised to make the artificial reservoir shallow - as it will be mainly used as a beautiful element of the surrounding landscape in the garden. In addition, you immediately need to think about how you will take care of the reservoir on the site - there should be a convenient approach to it. Naturally, not through the alpine slides or the garden.

The water in the artificial pond will need to be changed by hand, as it will not be cleaned naturally, unlike natural reservoirs. Therefore, you need to make sure that the well with water in the country is located near your pond.

The choice of material for construction

Before you make a pond with your own hands, you need determine its basis. In this case, there are several solutions. Let's consider what an artificial reservoir can be made of.

Reinforced concrete

The most durable pond in the garden can be made using reinforced concrete. The bottom and coastal zone, reinforced with reinforcement and filled with concrete, will be able to withstand various additional loads - the installation of sculptural compositions, a fountain, etc.

The labor intensity of construction makes this technology of organizing small ponds in the country inappropriate. The disadvantages of this solution include a significant cost. Need to rent equipment, use a lot of building materials, and it will be possible to dismantle the installed reservoir only with great labor costs.

PVC film

A budget solution for the construction of an artificial reservoir in the country. The depth and shape of this reservoir can be easily changed, reduced or increased in size. A pond on a plot with a film base can even be made seasonal - for example, fall asleep with the advent of winter and equip it again in the summer.

The disadvantages of this solution include the fragility and fragility of the PVC coating - the film can be easily damaged, and if the integrity of the bowl is violated, the water will easily go into the ground. Therefore, swimming in these home reservoirs is not recommended - they made small in size and used for garden decoration.

Store-bought artificial bowls

This is the golden mean for people who want to have their own pond in their garden and not have to worry about building materials for organizing it. Shopping bowls for ornamental ponds are made of durable and strong materials - fiberglass or polyvinyl chloride.

The first option is much more expensive. However, the cost of a fiberglass bowl is fully compensated by the excellent performance of this material. This bowl can be easily placed with your own hands, without involving this process outside help. The disadvantage can be considered the acquisition of ready-made standard forms - that is, the pit must be made to fit the shape of the bowl, and not vice versa.

Moreover, the possibility of building uneven terrain bottom to design natural coastlines. Besides this way organizing a pond in the garden will cost much more than a pond from improvised materials or film.

improvised materials

Enough interesting option- the use of different improvised containers or materials. old troughs, cast iron bathtubs quite suitable for construction.

The advantages of this method is that it is not necessary to build bulky reinforced concrete structures or acquire standard forms. The disadvantages include the low decorativeness of old containers - you will need to show imagination in order to old bath make a work of art.

For example, for people who have catastrophically little space in the country, experts advise using a convenient and simple tire pond. Old tires are dug in, a film is laid inside, and the banks are decorated.

The resulting pond can surprise even professional designers - the finished pond will be an exclusive element of the landscape interior.

foundation pit

Then, when they decided on the material for construction, it is necessary to dig a foundation pit. This work is best done in the summer, when groundwater leave as much as possible. The depth of the pit is determined based on the type of material from which they decided to make the bowl. If this is an old bathroom or other finished form, we dig a hole 25-30 cm deeper than the dimensions of the form.

If you decide to make a pond out of PVC film, then you will need to dig to a depth of about 70-90 cm - a shallow pond will completely freeze in winter, dry quickly and heat up in summer time. For reservoirs made of reinforced concrete, it will be necessary to dig a pit with a depth of more than 1.5 meters - here one cannot do without special equipment.

Consider the stages of work for the construction of a pond in the country with your own hands for various types of selected materials.

PVC film pond

When the pit is ready, it remains to clean its bottom and dig on the sides of the future mini-pond small terraces. The depth of these terraces is approximately 30 cm, and the width is about 25 cm. The bottom of the pit is compacted, pebbles, rubble, stones and other foreign objects are removed. The cleaned bottom is sprinkled with sand and covered with a geotextile. This preparation of the bottom will significantly improve the strength of the base coat as well as extend the life of the film.

The next step is the laying of the film coating. The size of the film can be calculated as follows: take the total length of the reservoir and add twice the depth of the pit. The film sheet is fixed on the terraces with a margin of approximately 30 cm. The laid sheet is laid with stones or bricks - this must be done to maintain its laying shape.

Then you need to fill the pond with water, check the integrity of the film and proceed to the design of the coastal zone. Don't need it right away cut off the remaining film under bricks, as it can shrink over time.

Pond from the bath

To build a pond from an old bathtub or other unnecessary container, you will need:

  • crushed stone;
  • a piece of chain-link mesh;
  • sand and cement;
  • coil of steel or aluminum wire;
  • beautiful stones for decoration.

After the pit is dug, it is necessary to make its edges. Why around the entire perimeter of the future pond we remove the top a layer of earth about 45-50 cm wide. This perimeter is deepened so that it is level with the shape of the reservoir. The drain hole in the bathroom is closed, then it is installed at the bottom of the pit.

To extend the life of the future mini-pond, it is necessary to protect the enamel on the inner surface of the bowl. Why the sides and bottom of the bathroom can be treated with tile adhesive. After that, the bath is allowed to dry thoroughly. As a rule, this takes at least a few days.

Then, a chain-link mesh is laid around the entire perimeter of the bowl. It is required to reinforce the bottom and sides of the reservoir. We apply a cement-sand mixture or concrete mortar to the grid and let it dry. Then comes the turn of the final design of the coast.

Pond from the finished form

A pit dug for a mold cleared of debris, branches and other items. The walls and bottom of the pit are rammed. When the country house is very loose soil - it needs to be strengthened. For the finished form, a perfectly flat plane of the sides and bottom of the pit is required. The surface can be leveled with building level.

Then the bottom must be covered with sifted sand, which also needs to be compacted. The sandy layer is an excellent fuse that will ensure the integrity of the finished bowl.

After that, the bowl is installed in the pit and water is poured. The resulting voids between the ground and the sides of the form are covered with sand, this must be done gradually. First, 20-25 cm of sand is poured, which is wetted with water. After spreading the sand, this process needs repeat until the voids are completely filled between the walls of the pit and the mold.

This must be done without fail, since the pond mold is very fragile and easily deformed. Uniform pressure on the surfaces of the bowl will not allow it to warp.

A day later, the gap between the ground and the sides of the bowl is checked. If there are voids, add sand. We pour water from the mini-pond, finally clean it and pour clean water.

Plant selection

Small plants are planted on the shore of the pond. A picturesque picture on the shore of the pond can be created by hostas, with green ones prefer partial shade, and blue ones prefer shade.

Also, sedge grows well in the shade with narrow leaves, which sometimes grow up to 80 cm. In partial shade, the unpretentious loosestrife with attractive purple inflorescences. Lightning can be planted in a sunny area.

A fern will perfectly decorate the shore of a reservoir located in partial shade. It grows well in moist soil. The same conditions apply to astilba. For planting near the pond, its undersized varieties are suitable.

If the reservoir is quite large, land a darmer (peltiphyllum) on the shore - perennial in the form of bushes up to 1 m high and up to 0.5 m in diameter with notched round leaves.

At the second level, water lilies are traditionally placed in the reservoir. Hybrid nymphs are characterized by a variety of flower colors. There is no need to overload the pond with a large number of specimens, they grow and only interfere with each other.

Sunshine is great place for air. In a small reservoir, a low calamus grass looks organically, and in a large one - marsh. Some varieties of irises also prefer low water.

The hardy calla is a fairly popular home pond plant. At the beginning of summer, a cob-shaped flower appears on it, and after - red berries. It must be remembered that they are poisonous.

Water hawthorn, smelling of vanilla, grows well in water, reaching a diameter of 50 cm. It is a deep-sea plant. It looks original floating on the surface, miniature, covering the reservoir with a green carpet of azolla. However, it will need to be fought with, periodically catching bushes.

Let the dacha be a place where work first goes on, and then rest, we do not forget about the beauty that helps us not to lose heart and enjoy every day spent there. Therefore, today we invite you to feel like landscape designers and build a pond in the country with your own hands.

Do-it-yourself pond creation rules and material requirements

A pond in the country is not a luxury, but in some way even a necessity. As the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui says, water near the house brings financial well-being and soothes.

In addition, it allows you to maintain relative humidity in a particular area, pleases the eye and allows you to create original solution in the allotted area. Therefore, more and more often summer residents create ponds and ponds with their own hands, as in the photo.

Not everyone on the territory has a reservoir that can be put in order, surrounded by stone and made into an element of the landscape. More often we create a pond in the country with our own hands from scratch, faced with many issues that have to be addressed during construction.

Let's start with the fact that it is necessary to determine the location of the reservoir. For this the following factors should be taken into account:

  • relief of the territory;
  • the location of trees and other plants with a powerful root system, as well as foliage;
  • illumination of the selected area.

Study the terrain carefully. You may already have well-placed indentations, pits, or ruts that you made earlier. All of them will simplify the process of digging the pond itself.

In addition, do not forget that plants tend to grow and take up more and more space underground. The roots can spoil or even destroy the bottom of your pond over time, and the foliage, seasonally falling into the water, will rot and exude an unpleasant odor. Which will require you to pay more attention to the care of the pond, but not the joy of having it. Therefore, before digging, it is worth considering how far trees and bushes are located.

Most landscape designers recommend placing a pond near your home. This will make it easier for you to illuminate it without requiring separate lights and lamps for yourself. In addition, there is always enough free space near the house with natural light, because. there are no tall trees and dense vegetation nearby, blocking the light.

If you have found a place that meets the above requirements, then you can start work.

But for starters, it’s worth stocking up on materials and an approximate design of your future artificial reservoir.

Exist several ways to create a pond with their own hands in the suburban area:

  • from the finished bowl;
  • PVC film, polyethylene or rubber;
  • with the help of available materials.

Besides in addition to materials for the bottom device, you will need:

  • shovel,
  • measuring tools,
  • finishing and decorative materials,
  • water.

After creating a pond, you can launch fish into it. But then the depth of your artificial reservoir should be at least a meter so that the fish do not freeze in winter.

The order of work on the arrangement of the pond

If you decide to arrange the landscape, choose a place and think about the appearance of your future pond, then first decide the main question - what will it be like? Will you choose a ready-made bowl or cover the excavated pit with foil? It's up to you to decide. And we will help you create it according to all the rules.

We dig in the finished bowl

The prefabricated mold, cast at the factory, is an excellent and simple solution for those who want to enjoy a charming and calm view of the pond after a busy summer day.



Now in specialized stores they offer bowls of different sizes, types and contents. They may be:

  • simple plastic baths;
  • containers with several levels of depth;
  • bowls with complex contours of the coast.

Therefore, everyone will be able to choose the form that best suits the territory and landscape without spending extra time.

In addition, there are other advantages of ready-made bowls:

  • the plastic form is durable and not exposed to ultraviolet radiation;
  • the bowl is non-toxic and easy to install;
  • the average shelf life of this form is calculated in tens of years, which makes the pond durable and of high quality.

The main thing is not to damage the bowl during its installation in the future pond. The form is not subject to repair and restoration. However, if you are building to last, you can pick up a fiberglass bowl, it is famous for its strength and lasts 2-3 times longer.

So, you have chosen a bowl, found a suitable place, cleared it and are ready to create a pond with your own hands in the country. What's next?

First you need to transfer the contours of the bowl to the ground so that it fits exactly into the dug pit. For this you will need:

  • bowl;
  • pegs;
  • shovel;
  • rope.

To make the contour as similar as possible to the shape of a bowl, you need to install it on the ground and step back 10-20 cm from its edge. Repeating the shape of the bowl, stick the pegs into the ground and pull the rope along them.

So you will get the outlines of your future pond, under which you need to dig a foundation pit 20-30 cm more than the height of the bowl.

Don't forget to keep an eye on the top level. It is very important that the surface of your pit is even, otherwise the ground around the pond will always be wet and viscous, spoiling appearance coast.

When you achieve the desired depth and shape, be sure to sprinkle everything with sand and carefully tamp it down. This sand cushion will become the foundation for your pond. After you can set the mold and fill it with sand free space between the side of the bowl and the ground.

When your future pond becomes stable, you can start filling and decorating it.

You can overlay the shore decorative stone, plant water lilies or other water-loving plants along it. Install small figurines of swans or others created by yourself.

Making a film pond

If for some reason you do not want or cannot buy a finished bowl, then you can always make a pond with your own hands without it.

Enough to stock up:

  • shovel;
  • a rope or hose to outline the contour of the future pond;
  • thick film.

You will need the rest (water, decorative elements and figurines) later, when the main stage is completed - creating a foundation pit for a pond.

As with creating a pond with a finished bowl, first you need to decide on the size of the future reservoir and its contour. Then apply its borders to the ground with a rope or hose, which can simply be laid along the lined border, or can be wrapped around driven pegs.

When you are sure that you like the shape and approximate appearance of the future pond, you can start digging. Here the process will always be the same, because we just need a foundation pit.

The level of the pond should be the same. Therefore, check the evenness of the banks with the help of a building level or a beam laid on both sides of the pit.

When you reach the desired depth, fill the bottom with sand, compact it well, and then lay it with geotextile so that the film does not tear over time. To do this, you can use special material sold in hardware stores, or you can do it on your own. Take, for example, old carpets, rugs, roofing material or linoleum, suitable for the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe dug pit.

Now that the bottom is ready, measure your future pond and calculate the size of the film you need to create it. Usually, it is enough to know the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pit and its depth. After that, add an allowance of 50 cm on each side to strengthen the film along the shore. And you can go shopping.

The film must be very strong and dense in order to withstand the weight of the water that we eventually pour into the pond. Therefore, do not save on this primary material and choose it wisely - the film thickness must be at least 300 microns so as not to tear under constant pressure.

So, as soon as the film is laid out on the bottom:

  1. Flatten it so that there are no folds and swelling.
  2. Line the shore with stones so that when filling it does not gather at the bottom.
  3. Prepare the plants if you want the pond to be with water lilies or other living decor.

The trick of how to arrange plants and flowers in a film pond will be shared with us Maxim Maximov in my master class:

The film pond is quite economical and allows us to create it in any shape and depth, which is impossible to do with finished form cast at the factory. That is why many choose this option to create their own reservoir in the country with their own hands.

But do not forget that the deeper you want to make the pond, the more likely it is that the shore may crumble. That is why we recommend that you, after the pit is dug, strengthen its walls. Depending on their height, you can use tiles or slate. And how best to do it, he will tell us Talla Khukhrianskaia in my master class:

When all technical issues are resolved, the pit can be filled with water. To do this, just throw a hose connected to the water supply into it.

In addition to the stone, which has an important function and holds the film on the shore, you can put decorative figurines, flower pots and handicrafts that you have made for giving your own hands. Decorate the pond so that it reflects your creative nature and is pleasing to the eye.

Do not get carried away with decor, because periodically the pond needs to be cleaned so that the water does not fade in it and does not turn a beautiful country pond into a large puddle. And for this, be sure to leave a place on the shore so that you can go to the pond. Better yet, provide a stream that will drain the water.

We create a pond in the country from improvised materials

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to find the right and high-quality Construction Materials, but if the desire to create a pond with your own hands does not go anywhere - do not despair. Simple improvised materials will also come to the rescue, which any summer resident has enough of.

A pond can be made from a variety of things:

  • from an old car tire;
  • from an old bathtub left after repair;
  • from a barrel, basin or bucket.

Bathtub pond...

... from old tires ...

...and from an old barrel

If you really want to create an unusual and original pond, then the lack of capacity will not stop you.

Using old containers

As we have said, a pond can even be made from an old bathtub. After all, in fact, it is no worse than the finished form.

The process of creating such a pond will be similar to the previous ones:

  • dig a pit under the form;
  • fill it with sand and make a cement screed;
  • insert bath;
  • fill with water.

Due to its weight, the bathtub will sag heavily in the pit, which is why it is recommended to tighten its bottom with cement - to strengthen it. So that over time the pond does not go deeper.

Also, do not spare sand and earth to stabilize the tub inside the pit. For a snug fit of our handy bowl to the shores, fill in all the voids.

And do not leave the side of the bathtub open, it will not look aesthetically pleasing and will spoil the appearance of the future artificial reservoir.

And how to dig a bath and arrange it in a pond with your own hands will clearly show and tell Vitaly KIY in your video tutorial:

However, if your summer cottage is not large enough to have a full-fledged pond on it, do not be discouraged - you can also make a pond with your own hands in the country from small containers, as in the photo.

Take an old metal or wooden basin, a small barrel or tub. All of them can become an original decorative reservoir, which does not even have to be submerged below ground level.

At the little pond from an old basin there are many benefits, so do not deny yourself the joy of creating a modest artificial reservoir, if the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe site does not allow more:

  • does not require excessive costs - everything you need for its device is at hand;
  • it will take a little time to arrange it - from several minutes to a couple of hours, but not a day or more;
  • it can be placed anywhere;
  • if you installed the pond on the surface, and did not dig it in, then you can always rearrange it to another place by simply pouring out the water and refilling it after being carried;
  • it does not require special attention to care - it is enough to change the water from time to time and wash it from the inside so that the bottom is clean.

Ponds from a basin or a small barrel can be installed on a reinforced, flat surface, filled with water and decorated with decorative figurines or flowers.

But if your pelvis has long lost its decent appearance and there is no way to restore its former gloss, then simply dig a small ditch to fit its size, install it there according to the principle of an old bath and overlay it with pebbles along the shore.

As you can see, old containers allow us to fantasize and create incredible ponds with our own hands in a country house of any size. And it helps us realize our creative potential.

Pond to the cottage from the tire

However, if repairs are not planned in the apartment, and the old basins have long been worn out or turned into flower beds, do not despair, you still have a chance to get your own pond.

And this will require the most indispensable and available material- car tire. Tires in modern dacha society have long become a universal substitute for building materials.

And no wonder - the strength and shape of the tire allows you to make anything out of it, including a pond. And the size of the future reservoir will depend only on the size of the tire you choose.

First you need to prepare your future container - cut it off along the top edge so that only the sides remain. To do this, you will need a jigsaw or a sharp knife (if you chose a tire from a car).

After you can go to the pond itself.

Installation steps:

  1. Outline the tire and dig a pit along the height of the prepared bowl.
  2. Fill the pit with sand and tamp the bottom.
  3. Insert the cover inside.
  4. Cover the tire and the bottom of the future pond with a thick film.
  5. Fill the edges of the film with sand, and then decorate with turf, stone or embankment so that the film is well fixed.
  6. Fill the pond with water and decorate with pre-designed decor.

Your tire pond is ready. And it will not yield in beauty to either ready-made bowls or large film ponds located in large spaces.

In addition, it is easier to care for and keep clean, and it does not require a lot of water or effort to arrange it.

As you can see, if you have long wanted to feel like a landscape designer in order to turn your dacha into a beautiful vacation spot where you can not only work, but also enjoy nature away from the noisy city, you can always create a pond with your own hands at no extra cost.

If you like our ideas, check out the other articles in the series!

Own artificial pond in the country has 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. A small pond 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 them to breed.
  • For swimming. Own reservoir on the site is a good alternative to a 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.

Key issues such as location, size, shape and stylistic design are decided based on 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 must be thoroughly examined possible options. For swimming pond good option will be the construction of a concrete bowl.

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 of ultraviolet rays and become unusable due to their long exposure. The disadvantages of such structures are considered to be a rather 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 are 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. Best Options you need to choose 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 done. 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 planting 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 various kinds of living creatures live in the pond. 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 reservoir. 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 maximum depth 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 the waterproofing has great importance, 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. The decorative pond will come closer to the natural look due 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:

  1. 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. For a formal reservoir, it is characteristic a small amount of additional decorative elements or their complete absence.
  2. Landscape. This option is more popular than the previous one. Such a pond has a fuzzy coastline, close to natural. 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 design. There are many advantages to this design:

  • Ease of maintenance.
  • The minimum amount of earthworks.
  • Safety of children and pets.

A bath pond is the most striking example of such a reservoir. On the walls you can make a painting in the Japanese style, which looks organic in the garden. Such an element will complement the general landscape design 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 this stage to consider decoration. 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 a rope stretched over pegs, a 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 carry out earthworks together, and for big pond and even 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 with stone blocks or plastic pipes, they need to be nailed to the pegs. It is recommended to lay out the edge with natural stone and complement 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.
  • Installation submersible pump , pipes to the source of the stream and filter connection - final stage technical work. It is recommended to use a pressure filter for water purification, it is more efficient.

A more everyday version of a pond from an old bath can be made in such a way that the 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.

  • Paste inner part bathtubs 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.
  • Do some decorative work. 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 of an 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 clear 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.

Plants and additional accessories

As a decoration, you can install a decorative fountain in the pond. The design can be purchased at ready-made or build your own. A decorative pond is often supplemented with bridges. Garden figurines close up 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 with 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 shore you can place various types of iris, reeds, 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. Suitable Species fish:

  • Koi. Pisces are distinguished by intelligence and affection for their owners. Pets can even eat from your hands. The colors of the fish are quite interesting: yellow, blue, black, orange and white. In the conditions of an artificial pond, they live for about 20-30 years and grow up to 90 cm.
  • Gold fish. Such a fish will delight you up to 35 years old and will grow up to 45 cm. The weight of the fish does not exceed 1.5 kg. The daily portion of food is 3% of the weight of the fish. You can feed dry mixes.

  • Colored carp. Golden carp can be from 50 cm long and weigh from 3 kg, while silver carp grows up to 40 cm and weighs no more than 2 kg. For the winter period, you need to provide the fish with a simple condition - a depth of 1 m.
  • Tench. On average, the fish grow up to 20-40 cm. These fish are lazy in temperament and do not like to be active. Spend time at the bottom, near plants, do not like bright colours. The main advantage is unpretentiousness. Tench lives where many fish die.

Specialists and experienced hosts give such important recommendations:

  • Position the bottom of the pond below the freezing point of the ground. It is especially important to follow this advice when building a fish pond. This will ensure that your pets are able to survive the winter.
  • Even the greenest pond should have 50% free space. It is worth considering that plants grow over time.
  • Begin the construction of a summer cottage in the spring. So you will gain time for the complete arrangement of the composition and the pond will have time to take root.
  • If you want a fountain, build a tall pond. So the composition will look more harmonious.

  • The earth from the boiler can be disposed of in several ways. You can distribute the soil throughout the garden and raise the ground level. You can also use this soil to create an artificial relief.
  • A high-quality water filter will help purify water even in the most difficult situation. The combination of mechanical and biological filters will completely deprive you of the hassle with water.
  • With the help of stones, you can not only decorate the reservoir, but also fix the flexible insulation. This option will add durability and reliability to the design.
  • The special mesh construction will help protect your pond from falling leaves and branches.

  • Stretch a black thread over shallow water to protect the fish from hunting birds and pets. To protect against cats, it is better to use a fence.
  • The net will help clear the water of fallen leaves and debris.
  • Watch for algae growth at the bottom of the pond. Get rid of excess immediately.

During the winter cold, pay more attention to the pond. Plants are best protected from frost. Ice can be removed from the surface manually.

Beautiful examples and options

Decorating a homemade pond can be not only aesthetic, but also functional. The construction of streams and fountains creates the effect of a natural flow of water. Such a reservoir can extend through the entire territory of the garden. The stream should be made from the same materials as the pond itself. So all the components will merge into a harmonious ensemble. Decorating the space around the pond can dramatically change the overall impression of the site.

Lay out the path to work with a decorative stone. An interesting result will give the use of fragments of different sizes.

So you can arrange all the trails in the summer cottage. In this case, your pond will fit more harmoniously into the overall design.

Excellent option for country house becomes a fairy garden. Lay out the paths with colored tiles. Design the pond as a magical place. Plant plants with irregularly shaped leaves. Launch colorful fish into the pond. The boulders around the pond can be painted with bright colors. With the help of decorative lighting or lanterns, you can achieve an extremely interesting result.

Pleasant light on a summer evening will create a special coziness and emphasize the unusualness of a homemade pond. Lanterns of different colors will help create a real fairy tale and magic effect. The backlight inside the pond looks especially impressive if interesting representatives of flora and fauna live in it. Such a pond will not leave you and your guests indifferent.

If your body of water is intended for swimming, then it is important to arrange the area around the perimeter in the form of a sunny beach. Protect a certain space from the rest of the site with a fence. Sprinkle sand from the pond to the fence and place sun loungers, a table, and an umbrella. Such a pleasant atmosphere is conducive to relaxation. An excellent composition of a bridge, lanterns and a waterfall will never get bored.

Such a magical place in the middle of your garden will drastically change the overall atmosphere. Place a gazebo with soft rocking chairs near this design. Near the pond will be nice to be in any weather. Colorful fish or colorful pebbles at the bottom of the pond will make it more fun and attractive. This design is especially advantageous for families with children. The little inhabitants of the house will definitely appreciate this design.

How pleasant it is to spend a few hours by a shady pond or lake in the hot summer time! Of course, it's great if there is one in the neighborhood. However, most often we spend free summer days in the country, and not everyone has the money for a big Vacation home and landscape design services. In this case, there is nothing left but to make a pond with your own hands, especially since it is not so difficult.

It all depends on your imagination, the size of the site and what is at hand. If you make a little effort and money, then the country pond will not only delight you, but also cause burning envy among your neighbors.

The size and shape of yours primarily depend on the area allocated for these purposes. But the larger the area of ​​the pond, the easier it is to take care of it - a small one needs to be cleaned more often. If you plan to have fish and plant a lot aquatic plants, then a small reservoir will not suit you either, because it is very difficult to maintain the correct eco-balance in it.

by the most the best place for a home pond there will be an open part of the site, at the same time protected from strong wind. You should not place the reservoir in a well-lit place: the location should be such that the sun's rays do not fall into the water for more than 6 hours in a row, otherwise it will bloom, and only frogs can live there. Dubious prospect, right? At the same time, if the lighting is insufficient, the plants will develop slowly, and a beautiful corner for relaxation will not work.

If you decide to equip a small fountain, you will definitely need a pond diagram in order to properly connect the pump and other equipment. With a little effort, you can sketch out the plan yourself. Of course, in this case, it will be necessary to consider the proximity of the location of the power supply network.

Do not place your home pond under the crowns of trees. Firstly, this will lead to additional water pollution with fallen leaves, and the pond will have to be cleaned much more often, and secondly, tree roots can damage the reservoir bed, and it will dry out quickly.

And, of course, the whole idea will become useless if you cannot enjoy beautiful view from the window or from the terrace, so when planning to make a pond on the site with your own hands, do not forget about the aesthetic side of the issue.

Home pond on a rigid basis

If you are a supporter of solid, durable construction, then you can approach the process on a grand scale: dig a foundation pit of sufficient size and cast a reinforced concrete bowl of the pond using metal fittings and cement. Such a design, of course, will cost a lot, but it will last for many years (at least 30). If you are not an adherent of a global approach, you can get by with an easier and cheaper option.

So, how to make One of the most elementary ways to make a dream come true is a ready-made “bowl”, which can be purchased at the store. Perhaps the main disadvantage of this option will be that it will not be possible to come up with your own original shape of the reservoir, you will have to be content with the offered assortment.

The most inexpensive solution is a small plastic pond, from 4 to 8 m2. Of course, there are larger molds, but they already belong to the category of pools and are much more expensive. When choosing a container, you should definitely pay attention to its depth - it should be at least 0.8-1 meter. In summer, the water in such a pond will warm up completely, and all its inhabitants will be comfortable, but in winter such a pond will not freeze to the bottom, which is also very important.

If you decide to organize a pond on the site with your own hands and want to use a ready-made base for this, then first of all you need to study the materials from which the molds are made - there are also a few nuances here.

The simplest and cheapest option may be a regular plastic container, but it has its drawbacks. First of all, you need to be very careful during transportation and installation - such a tank can crack even with a slight bend. Also, plastic tends to break down from sunlight, which means that the service life of such a product is not too long - 5-10 years.

If you want your pond to last longer, choose forms made of special reinforced plastic - they have a much longer service life (up to 20 years). Such tanks are more plastic and less exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

The highest quality and, of course, the most expensive are products made of rubber-based fiberglass. This form is resistant to temperature changes, does not collapse from exposure to sunlight and does not release harmful substances into the water, which is very important for the inhabitants of the reservoir. Such a tank will serve for more than 30 years, in addition, it can be repaired, which extends the time of use by an almost unlimited period.

Building ponds from a fiberglass bath is a simple process, and its result is quite aesthetic, as these forms are different colors, and some are even coated to mimic rocks, sand, or small pebbles. This allows you to beautifully mask the edges of the reservoir and give it the most natural look.

We build ourselves

So, in order to build a pond on the site with your own hands, first of all you need to decide on the location and shape of the reservoir. Decided? Let's start construction work:

  1. To begin with, we mark the contour of the pit. It is very easy to do this - set the shape to the right place and outline its silhouette using the usual bayonet shovel, tightly pressing the cutting into the edge of the tub.
  2. Add about 20 cm to the resulting contour to fill the plastic pond with sand.
  3. If you have acquired a form with ledges, then each level must be marked and dug separately, from larger to smaller, while remembering to add 10-15 cm on each floor for a sandy substrate.
  4. When the pit is ready, its edges should be well leveled and compacted, all glass, stones and tree roots should be selected. Failure to do so may damage the mold. Then you need to pour and carefully compact the sand with a layer of at least 10 cm - this will save your pond from subsidence.
  5. Install the plastic mold and make sure it is level, you can use the rule for this. Then carefully fill the pond with water to about a third, being careful not to budge it.
  6. Fill the gaps between the edge of the pit and the mold carefully with sand. At the same time, you need to make sure that there are no voids left. Why periodically water the soil with water, but try not to make the pressure too strong.

For a week after installation, regularly water the ground around the pond and add sand as needed. After the subsidence of the soil stops, you can completely fill the reservoir, decorate the edges of the pond bowl with stones, flagstone and plant ornamental plants.

Country pond made of flexible materials

Now let's talk about how to make a pond on the site, if it is not possible to purchase a ready-made container or you want to equip a large pond of a bizarre shape.

by the most budget option in this case, ordinary polyethylene with a thickness of at least 500 microns will be used. However, despite the fact that it is quite inexpensive, there are quite a few disadvantages of such a coating. The fact is that polyethylene is a rather thin material, it is very easy to damage it, and under the influence of sunlight it becomes completely brittle and quickly collapses. A pond on a polyethylene substrate will last you a maximum of 2-3 years.

PVC film for the pond - the material is also not too expensive, but much more durable, such a coating can withstand 8-10 years. Polyvinyl chloride coating can be ordinary and two-layer, in which a woven mesh is laid for strength. Of course, PVC has the same disadvantages as polyethylene - it is destroyed by ultraviolet radiation, it is easily cut and torn, but, unlike the latter, it can be repaired. For this, special kits are sold. Besides, pvc is better stretches, and after filling the pond with water, most of the folds stretch and straighten out over time.

The most expensive, but at the same time, the highest quality is a coating made of butyl rubber: the service life of such a material is about 50 years, and it does not care about the sun's rays. In addition, butyl rubber is not afraid low temperatures so you don't have to drain the pond water into winter time. This is a very flexible and plastic material that can withstand significant loads, so if you decide to equip a spacious pond of an unusual shape, you simply cannot do without it.

We mark the pit

To equip a pond on the site with your own hands, you will need:

  • pegs;
  • rope;
  • film coating;
  • geotextile or felt;
  • sand;
  • crushed stone or large pebbles;
  • shovel;
  • special kit for film coating repair;
  • bricks;
  • garden hose for watering;

With the help of twine and pegs, you need to mark the desired shape of the pit and proceed with earthworks. If you are planning to set up a pretty pond large sizes, you can bring an excavator. In the process of work, it is necessary to ensure that ledges and slopes alternate, this will make the banks of the pond more stable. It is also necessary to provide terraces (at least 30 cm wide) for planting plants. Descents from one level to another must be made quite gentle, with an inclination angle of up to 45˚.

It is worth remembering that the depth of the pond should not be less than 80 cm, otherwise in winter the water in it will freeze to the bottom, and its inhabitants will die. Thus, you need to dig a pit, about 15-20 centimeters larger than the estimated size of the reservoir. This is necessary in order to be able to fill the terraces and the bottom of the pond with sand, in order to avoid subsidence and damage to the film. The sand cushion must be carefully leveled and compacted, after removing all pebbles, sharp sticks and plant roots from the bottom.

Drainage and waterproofing

When the drainage cushion made of sand is ready, we proceed to the next stage of work. In order for the pond film to remain intact for as long as possible, geotextiles should be laid on a layer of sand, preferably in 2 layers. Next, we straighten the film itself and fix it on the banks with bricks or large stones. Do not try to straighten and expand all the folds - let the water do it for you.

We place the flexible one in such a way that its end is in the center of the future reservoir, and we begin to supply water, making sure that the pressure is not too strong. As the pond fills with water, partially release the edges of the film and straighten it along the slopes of the pit. After the reservoir is filled to the brim, leave it for 1-2 days. During this time, under the weight of water, the film will straighten out and fill all the voids.

After it completely sags, you need to cut off the excess parts, leaving at least 40-50 cm for arranging the banks. The edges are fixed with pegs or special metal shackles, and then masked with flagstone, large stones and pebbles. It's time to install the pump, decorate the hoses from the fountains and start planting plants.

Pond above the ground in the country

When there are kids in the family, one of the main problems when building a pond is how to make the pond safe. It is best if such a reservoir is slightly raised above the soil surface. Firstly, it greatly facilitates its care, and secondly, the risk that small children or pets accidentally fall there is significantly reduced.

In this case, you can not do without a reinforced concrete foundation. Dig a pond pit in its deepest part, form terraces for plants, as well as in the previous case. On the banks of the reservoir, using wooden formwork, fill in the concrete foundation of the desired height, for strength it can be reinforced metal mesh. After the foundation is completely dry and settled (this will take at least two days), the formwork can be removed, and inner walls plaster to smoothness. This will help prevent tearing of the film. We line the bottom of the pit with it and fill the bowl with water. At the same time, we fix the edges of the material so that they are behind the concrete fence. After the pond is full, let the water settle, cut off the excess film, fix it and decorate the edges of the bowl.

Inventory: what you need

Of course, the construction of ponds is not an easy task, but what can you do for yourself, because if everything is organized correctly, the result will please the eye for more than one year.

However, it is not enough to build a home pond - you also need to take care of it. Here are some technical tools that will be very useful to you:

Rules for the care of a country pond

The pond in the garden is, of course, very beautiful, but if you do not want to become the happy owner of a personal swamp in which frogs croak in the evenings, then you need to properly care for it. First of all, you need to ensure that the water in it does not bloom. Of course, it is best to purchase a special purification system, but this, unfortunately, is not a cheap pleasure. However, there is another, more affordable remedy: take a canvas bag and stuff it. Place such a “surprise” under the water, and there will be practically no algae at the bottom of the pond.

It is also necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the reservoir - regularly remove debris from the surface and add water as it evaporates. If your pond has small size, then on winter period it is recommended to drain it completely, and for large tanks, a complete cleaning is necessary at least 2-3 times a year, while the water must be completely pumped out.

From what's at hand

And what about those who do not allow the size of the site to accommodate even a small pond? Do not be upset: a small pond can also be arranged in the front garden by adapting a trimmed metal barrel or just a large basin for this purpose. Such a mini-pond can even be placed on the balcony of a city apartment, decorating the container with glued pebbles or mosaics. Of course, you won’t hear the murmur of a fountain near such a “reservoir”, but you are provided with coolness and lush greenery of aquatic plants.