How to Make a Pond in 8 Easy Steps

How to Make a Pond

1. Create the Shape of the Pond

   Lay a garden hose on the ground to create the general shape of the pond. Step back and view the pond from all angles. Adjust as needed.

   Calculate Pond Liner Size

   The pond liner should be the length and the width of the pond size, plus double the pond depth. Add one more foot on all sides to allow enough liner to extend beyond the pond rim. So, for a five-foot by seven-foot pond that’s 18 inches deep, purchase a 10-foot by 12-foot pond liner.

2. Excavate the Dirt

   Dig the pond perimeter by following the inside of the garden hose shape. Use the flat shovel to dig. Remove the hose. Switch to the regular shovel and continue digging until you reach the desired depth, usually 18 to 36 inches.

3. Sculpt the Pond Shape

   Sculpt the inside of the hole to the intended pond shape. Aim for smooth slopes and curves. Terrace upward for tall walls, each step about five to seven inches high.

4. Add the Liner Underlayment

   Start at the bottom of the pond and open up the liner underlayment. The underlayment should fit the pond’s contours and extend another foot or two past the rim.

   What Is Pond Underlayment?

   Underlayment is a soft, thin fabric installed under the pond liner to protect it from rocks and other hazards that could damage it.

5. Add the Pond Liner

   Place the rolled or folded pond liner in the excavated hole at its lowest point. Open up the liner and contour it to the shape of the pond, Roll or unfold the liner upward until it reaches the pond bank.

   Tip

   Gently fold the liner into the tight curves. The water pressure will eventually press the liner flat against the sides of the pond.

6. Add Decorative Stonework

   Spread small, smooth stones on the bottom of the pond. Add flat stones like flagstones on the rim to cover up the pond liner.

7. Add the Pond Pump (Optional)

   If you’ll also be adding a water feature like an outdoor waterfall, place the submersible pond pump at pond’s lowest point. Run the electrical cord up the side of the pond. Plug it into a GFCI outlet.

8. Fill the Pond

   With a good garden hose, fill the pond with water. Stop filling at two to three inches from the rim of the pond.

Tips for Making a Pond

• Cover as much pond liner as possible with stonework or aquatic plants since UV rays break down liner materials.
• Check on local water costs and restrictions before deciding on the pond size.
• Create an optional drain at the bottom of the pond if you anticipate draining the pond often. Otherwise, use a submersible pump.
• For pond liners, HDPE is rigid and difficult to lay, but it is the cheapest, at around $50 per 100 square feet.

When to Call a Professional

Call a contractor to relieve yourself of the considerable work involved with digging the pond hole. Workers using even a mini- or small-size excavator can quickly dig the hole in hours—a job that can take days or weeks by hand.