Backyard Pond Q & A

During these hot summer months, I have been dreaming of pools for our new property, but there are other ways to incorporate water into any landscape design. Water features, fountains, and ponds are all great options. I grew up with a backyard pond {pretty sure my mom considers it her 4th child}. What started out as a small pond with a few lilies, has grown into a huge pond with waterfalls, stocked full of koi fish and a variety of plants. I asked mom a few general pond questions that might help anyone who is thinking about installing a pond.

Q: Thinking about a backyard pond, where do I get started?

A: Check your local ordinances, HOA, etc. regarding ponds and pools to ensure they are allowed in your area. After that, start planning and do your research. There are great online resources that can connect you to experts and fellow "ponders" who are willing to share their expertise!

Q: Where is the best place for a pond?

A: Make sure you can have a good sightline to the pond. Not only is this the best way to maximize enjoyment, but also from a safety perspective you can keep an eye on water levels and make sure kids and critters are safe. With that in mind, don't put the pond too close to your foundation!

Q: How big should I build my pond?

A: The bigger the better! The larger the pond, the easier it is to maintain water quality. No ponder has ever wished it was smaller and most people end up building a bigger pond later.

Q: What are the most important design considerations?

A: Depth is important! The pond should have an area where the water is at least 3 feet deep if you plan to over winter* fish. Build in levels/steps for getting in and out and for plants. Make sure you have electricity to your pond for your pumps, lights, a heater {in winter}, and aeration.

Q: Do I need a waterfall?

A: It's not required, but building a bio falls {waterfall with filtration} will result in better water quality, add oxygen to the water for fish, and provide a relaxing sound effect!

Q: What can you put in a pond?

A: Fish can live in a pond year round. Plants are key to a healthy clear pond. Whatever you put in your pond, the goal is a balanced ecosystem.

Q: Is a pond a lot of work?

A: Every pond is different, but there is some maintenance to make sure that you a healthy ecosystem. Checking filters and pumps, assessing water levels and quality, taking care of plants, and feeding the fish are all daily pond maintenance.

Q: Final thoughts?

A: Expect wildlife. You won’t be the only ones enjoying your pond. Turtles, frogs, birds, squirrels, deer, and more may stop by for a drink or swim.

My kids love helping nana with the pond. Our youngest boys feed the fish whenever we stop by to visit, and our oldest cleans out the net every day, and has been known to dive in to clean out plants and swim with the fish. Thanks @twidoc for sharing your pond!

* a note on winter * We live in zone 4. During the winter months, a large portion of the pond freezes, but the waterfall and a small heater keep enough water moving and oxygen available to the fish to keep them alive all winter. In our climate many pond plants are annuals, but many can be brought indoors to overwinter.