Pond owner needs are very individual, dependent upon specific preferences and resources (space, budget, time etc.).

Added to this is the unlimited options available with water. We have listed below the top few criteria that will point you in the right direction towards finalising your setup.

Location, Size & Shape of the pond

• Will the pond be in a shaded location or will be largely open to direct sunlight? Although a great picnic location, a pond that receives larger periods of direct sunlight will have a higher possibility of algae bloom in the pond water and will require regular care.
• Does the surrounding area near the pond has or will have large plants or trees? Care must be taken to appropriately lining the pond to prevent leaks due to protruding roots and skim out fallen leaves or twigs to prevent build of organic material in the pond.
• Will the location have access to a power point? Low Voltage units will need to be opted for ponds that will be located further than 7-8m from the nearest power point.
• Will the location have easy access to water source?
• The shape and size of the pond will largely depend on the space available to you and the picture of the pond in your mind. However, it is best to choose pond shape that does not impede the movement of water within the pond, such as square corners should be avoided where possible.

We recommend you to draw the outline of the pond (using spray paint or chalk powder) of your planned shape & size at the exact location where you intend to build.

This will help you visualise the ambience and end result better.

Application

• Do you plan to have pond animals, like Fish or Turtle, in your pond? If yes, please research on recommended number within a given area for your shortlisted species. Pond animals need oxygen dissolved in the water to survive. Hence the water quality must be within defined limits to support a healthy aquatic life. Same also applies for aquatic plants, if you plan to have them. Ensure that not more than 15-20% of the pond surface is allocated to the plants.
• Do you wish to have a waterfall or fountain water feature in your pond? These are great ways to aerate the pond water and preventing water stagnation with circulation.
• How deep should your pond to be? Answer to this depends on whether or not you plan to have aquatic life or a water feature. Although tempting, don’t make your pond too shallow. Deeper water will allow your fish to stay cooler during the hotter weather. If your pond is too shallow, the water can heat up quickly during hot summer weather, which will be dangerous for aquatic life. Moreover, shallow ponds will also need to be topped up regularly during summer due to evaporation.
• It is recommended to have shelved sections along the walls of the pond or at least one edge slopes gently. This is important as steep sides will make your excavation unstable and they also make it difficult and even dangerous for you to get in and out of your pond to perform maintenance tasks later on.