On hot summer days, nothing beats relaxing by the water. To ensure you always have that option, consider building a decorative pond in your garden. It doesn’t have to be large; a 5 to 7 square foot pond that’s 12 to 20 inches deep is sufficient.
Clear the chosen area of vegetation and dig a bowl-shaped hole, taking into account the thickness of the concrete base (about 3 to 4 inches). Next, lay down drainage pipes. A drainage pipe will maintain a constant water level or help regulate the height of the pond’s edges.
Pour the concrete for the base without using forms, using a thick mixture. If the pond area exceeds 32 to 43 square feet, reinforce the concrete with wire mesh or rebar. Once the concrete has set, cover the bottom with natural stones embedded in the thickened mixture.
Water can flow into the pond from a stream running through your property or from a water supply. Ideally, the pond should be a flowing one, meaning the water is constantly refreshed.
In areas without a natural water source or plumbing, fill the pond with buckets of water, replacing it as needed.
For the pond’s plumbing, use pipes with a diameter of 1 to 1.5 inches. Cut them with a metal saw and bend them by heating the bend point with a torch. Weld the pipe connections for a secure fit.
Make the drainage pipe opening easily accessible and seal it with a rubber plug. Camouflage the overflow pipe with stones.
Plant aquatic plants in a specially prepared hole filled with soil. Line the edges of the pond with stones, and arrange a decorative cluster of rocks nearby to enhance the overall look.
