Small ponds on a summer cottage. DIY decorative design of an artificial pond. Creating a pond on video

Even if a dacha is a place where work comes first 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 your dacha with your own hands.

Rules for creating a pond with your own hands and requirements for materials

A pond in the country is not a luxury, but in some ways even a necessity. As it says ancient philosophy feng shui - water near the house brings financial well-being and calms.

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

Not everyone has a pond on their territory that can be tidied up, surrounded with stones and made an element of the landscape. More often, we create a pond at our dacha with our own hands from scratch, faced with many issues that have to be resolved during construction.

Let's start with the fact that you need to decide on 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 and foliage;
illumination of the selected area.

Carefully study the terrain of the area. You may already have well-placed indentations, holes, or ruts that you have made in the past. 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. Over time, the roots can spoil or even destroy the bottom of your pond, and the leaves, falling into the water seasonally, will rot and emit an unpleasant odor. Which will require more attention from you to care for the pond, but not the joy of having it. Therefore, before you start digging, it is worth considering how far away the trees and bushes are located.

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

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

But first you should stock up on materials and sample project of your future artificial reservoir.

Exists several ways to create a pond with your own hands in your dacha area:

from the finished bowl;
made of PVC film, polyethylene or rubber;
using available materials.

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

shovel,
measuring instruments,
finishing and decorative materials,
water.

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

The procedure for constructing a pond

If you have decided to arrange a landscape, have chosen a location and are thinking 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 dug pit with film? It's up to you to decide. And we will help you create it according to all the rules.

Dig in the finished bowl

A ready-made 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 day at the cottage.

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

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

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

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

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

The main thing is not to damage the bowl when installing it in the future pond. The form cannot be repaired or restored. However, if you are building to last, you can choose 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 the bowl, you need to place it on the ground and retreat 10-20 cm from its edge. Following the shape of the bowl, stick the pegs into the ground and stretch the rope along them.

This way you will get the outlines of your future pond, under which you need to dig a 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 level, otherwise the ground around the pond will always be wet and sticky, spoiling the appearance of the shore.

When you achieve the desired depth and shape, be sure to sprinkle everything with sand and compact it thoroughly. This sand cushion will become the foundation for your pond. Afterwards you can install 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 begin filling and decorating it.

You can line 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 pond from film

If for some reason you do not want or cannot buy a ready-made 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 it is finished main stage- creating a pit for a pond.

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

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

The pond level should be the same. Therefore, check the evenness of the banks using a building level or timber 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 a special material sold in construction stores, or you can do it on your own. Take, for example, old carpets, rugs, roofing felt or linoleum that fit the area of the 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 for this it is enough to know the area of the pit and its depth. Then add an allowance of 50 cm on each side to strengthen the film along the shore. And you can already go shopping.

The film must be very strong and dense in order to withstand the weight of the water that we will eventually pour into the pond. Therefore, do not skimp on this primary material and choose it wisely - the film thickness should 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:

Level it out it so that there are no folds and swellings.
Line the shore with stones so that when filling it does not gather at the bottom.
Prepare the plants, if you want the pond to have water lilies or other living decorations.

He will share with us a trick on how to arrange plants and flowers in a film pond. Maxim Maximov in your master class:

The film pond is quite economical and allows us to create it of any shape and depth, which is impossible to do with a ready-made mold cast at the factory. That is why many choose this option to create their own pond 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 after the pit is dug, you strengthen its walls. Depending on their height, you can use tiles or slate. And how best to do this, he will tell us Talla Khukhrianskaia in your master class:

When all technical issues have been 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 place decorative figurines, flower pots and crafts that you made for your garden with your own hands. Design the pond so that it reflects your creative nature and pleases the eye.

Don’t get carried away with the decor, because periodically the pond needs to be cleaned so that the water does not die out in it and turn a beautiful country pond into big puddle. And to do this, be sure to leave a place on the shore so that you can approach the pond. Better yet, provide a stream that will drain the water.

We create a pond at the dacha from scrap 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 away, do not despair. Simple materials at hand will also come to the rescue, of which any summer resident has enough.

A pond can be made from a variety of things:

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

Bath pond...

...from old tires...

...and from an old barrel

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

We use old containers

As we have already said, a pond can be made even from an old bathtub. After all, in essence, 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 for the form;
fill it with sand and make a cement screed;
insert bathtub;
fill with water.

Due to its weight, the bathtub will sag greatly 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, use sand and soil to stabilize the bathtub inside the pit. To ensure a tight fit of our improvised bowl to the banks, 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 pond.

And he will clearly show and tell you how to dig a bathtub and shape it into a pond with your own hands. Vitaly KIY in your video tutorial:

However, if your dacha plot is not large enough to have a full-fledged pond on it, do not be discouraged - you can make a pond with your own hands at the dacha 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 pond, which does not even have to be submerged below ground level.

U small pond from an old basin there are many advantages, so don’t deny yourself the joy of creating a modest artificial pond if the area of the site does not allow for more:

does not require excessive costs - everything necessary for its installation is at hand;
it will take a little time to arrange it - from a few 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 move it to another place by simply pouring out the water and filling it again after moving it;
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 to keep the bottom clean.

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

But if your basin has long lost its decent appearance and there is no way to return it to its former luster, then simply dig a small pit to suit its size, install it there like an old bathtub and cover 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 dacha of any size. And this helps us realize our creative potential.

Pond for the dacha made from a tire

However, if renovations in the apartment are not planned, and the old basins have long since become leaky or turned into flower beds, do not despair, you still have a chance to get your own pond.

And for this you will need the most irreplaceable and available material – car tire. Tires in modern country society have long turned into a universal substitute for building materials.

And it’s not surprising - 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 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).

Afterwards you can move on to the pond itself.

Installation steps:

Outline the outline of the tire and dig a pit to the height of the prepared bowl.
Fill the pit with sand and compact the bottom.
Insert the tire inside.
Cover the tire and the bottom of the future pond with thick film.
Fill the edges of the film with sand, and then decorate with turf, stone or embankment so that the film is well fixed.
Fill the pond with water and decorate it with pre-designed decor.

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

In addition, it is easier to care for and keep it 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 nice place a vacation 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 without much expense.

If you liked our ideas, read other articles in the series!

Even the smallest and outwardly unremarkable garden plot can be made cozy and interesting if you equip it with an artificial pond. A decorative pond in the garden can not only harmoniously fit into the landscape of a personal plot, but also visually expand the space.

Artificial pond in the landscape of a personal plot

The presence of a pond or a small artificial waterfall on personal plot is determined not only by aesthetic considerations, but also by a practical component. On a hot summer day, even a small body of water feels cool, the air seems much cleaner and fresher, and the calm surface or the measured murmur will help relieve nervous tension and fatigue.

Most popular types artificial reservoirs in landscape design:

pond;
Creek;
fountain;
waterfall.

The shape of reservoirs on personal plots can be either round, with an irregular coastline, or regular geometric shape - square, rectangular and diamond-shaped. It all depends on the style of the site as a whole, its location, the characteristics of the site and your imagination. The main rule here is that the reservoir must ideally fit into the surrounding landscape and become its integral element.

The most common shape for an artificial pond is round or oval. This is exactly what natural lakes look like, so if you want to create a corner of nature near your house or in the garden, then this option will be the most acceptable. In this case, there may even be an irregular coastline and asymmetric planting of the reservoir with plants.

If the reservoir is located on an area where everything is done in classic style, straight lines dominate and there is no place for natural forms, then they arrange a pond correct form. Often, this is the basis for a fountain, which is the center of the exhibition. Since such a pool does not have a natural barrier in the form of vegetation and stones, its sides must be placed higher to prevent it from falling into the water. As an option, protect such a pond with a low forged lattice.

It should be noted that the most common and least expensive in terms of labor and financial investments is a pond. But it is quite possible to arrange one on your site yourself without the involvement of specialists.

The main thing here is experience. When it appears, the pond you create may become the first in the whole complex, connected by waterfalls, streams, and decorative bridges.

DIY decorative pond - where to start?

If a wonderful idea has occurred to you about arranging an artificial pond on your garden plot, you should not rush headlong to get a shovel. First of all, you need to choose a good place. The following factors must be taken into account:

plot size;
illumination;
relief;
degree of landscaping;
soil type.

It is best to equip a pond closer to your home. In this case, it should be positioned in such a way that the entire area of the reservoir is illuminated by the sun for at least 5 hours a day. Otherwise, over time, a once beautiful pond may simply turn into a stinking swamp.

The terrain is also of great importance. The optimal location is a low-lying area where the water level in a well or well is closer to the surface of the earth.

During the selection process, you should also pay attention to the presence of vegetation - large trees located along the banks will pollute the pond with fallen leaves in the autumn, and tree roots can damage the protective film on the bottom.

The type of soil is important. Loam and clay soils, as well as peat, chernozem is less preferable - it promotes the formation of silt. On acidic soils, it is impractical to equip a reservoir without reliable protection of the side walls and bottom.

After the site has been selected, the shapes and sizes have been determined - it’s time to stock up on the necessary materials and tools. Most often, to create a pond, they use ready-made rigid containers, which can be purchased at a specialized store, or flexible waterproofing, much less often - concrete (the most expensive and labor-intensive process).

Types of waterproofing for an artificial pond:

polyethylene film - inexpensive material, not UV resistant;
LDPE - high pressure polyethylene. Visually, it is practically no different from polyethylene, but has greater flexibility and durability.
PVC - polyvinyl chloride - is a strong and durable material, the edges of which are welded together.
rubber and butyl sheets are the most optimal, but expensive option. The service life of this material is practically unlimited.

Experts recommend avoiding waterproofing polyethylene film. It copes with its function, but lasts no more than 2 years. If you want your pond to last longer, choose more durable materials.

Materials and tools:

shovel;
protective film or reservoir;
pipes for supplying and draining water;
valve;
geotextile material or sand

It's better to see it once. The whole process of arranging a pond in pictures looks like this:

Construction of a decorative pond

There is another way to arrange a pond - a concrete bowl, but this method is labor-intensive and expensive, so it is not currently used. Construction begins by marking the selected area and removing a layer of turf. After this you can start digging a pit the desired shape. In this case, be sure to leave the edges slightly inclined (flat, not steep). Next, if you plan to make a decorative pond using polyvinyl chloride film rather than a finished tank, you need to line the bottom of the future reservoir with waterproof material. Clay is quite suitable for these purposes. It must be laid in two layers - the second after the first has completely dried (a waterproof film must be laid between them). After this, you should fill the bottom with gravel.

Important: if you plan to plant a pond with plants, you should make special depressions at the bottom and fill them with fertile soil.

How to make a decorative pond so that the water in it is always clean and fresh?

In order to ensure that the appearance of the reservoir located on your site always pleases with its appearance and gives freshness and coolness, it is necessary to ensure that the water in it is running. For these purposes, you need to lay two pipes: flow and waste. Through the flow pipe, water will flow into the reservoir, and through the waste pipe it will be discharged into the ditch. Please note: the level of the drainage ditch should be slightly lower than the level of the pond. For ease of use, you can install a valve on the drain pipe or simply close the hole with a plug as needed. The first option is the most practical.

Construction of a decorative pond using galoshes

You will need significantly less labor costs if you purchase a special tank for an artificial pond. People called these containers “galoshes.” Why is that? Everything is very simple: they are made of black plastic, and the shape of such tanks in its external outline resembles rubber shoes. But if you wish, you can always find and buy a bowl for a pond of the shape that suits you.

In order to arrange a decorative pond at the dacha , you will need to purchase a special tank of a suitable size and shape: the cost of these is relatively low.

The main stages of arranging a reservoir:

contour marking;
digging pits;
installation of container.

In order to correctly mark the contour of the reservoir, it is necessary to install the tank on the ground and vertically install slats along its perimeter at intervals of 40-50 cm, then tie them with twine. This way you will get the outline of the future pond.

The container must be installed strictly horizontally. The tank should be filled with water gradually, while the gaps existing between it and the walls of the pit must be carefully filled with sand.

Note: if you want to equip a fountain in an artificial reservoir, it is important to purchase in advance a special pump and nozzles, which are installed during the installation of the reservoir.

The final stage is the design of the reservoir. In order for your man-made pond to look truly stylish and beautiful, for example, just like the fancy decorative ponds, photos of which we posted, you need to properly design its banks.

Decoration of the banks of an artificial reservoir

At this stage of work, you don’t have to limit the flight of your imagination. To decorate an artificial pond you can use ceramic tiles, marble, granite, artificial stone, pebbles, wood, etc. These materials need to be used to camouflage the edges of the reservoir, which looks close to natural. It is important to fix them with cement mortar. If you plan to additionally equip your pond with a fountain, during the work process you need to make sure that the pump hoses are hidden under tiles or stones.

Next, you can sprinkle the bottom of the reservoir with pre-washed sand, lay small pebbles and plant aquatic plants in pots or baskets. Can be planted around a pond ornamental shrub or just a flower bed.

Decorative pond inhabitants are always a joy. These can be aquarium fish and dwarf turtles. And if you run lights along the bottom of the pond or place floating flashlights on batteries on the surface, you can create a real extravaganza of light and water.

Pond care

To keep an artificial pond in good condition, it will need maintenance.
First of all, you need to get a bottom vacuum cleaner to collect debris.
During leaf fall, you will need to cover the pond with a net to prevent leaves from falling into the water.
If there are fish living in the pond, then they will need filtration and aeration of the water.
To avoid greening of the water, it is either filtered and purified (for this the reservoir must be flowing), or planted with oxygen-producing plants: swampweed, hornwort, elodea.
If you plant water lilies or egg capsules in a pond, their wide leaves will prevent the sun's rays and overheating of the water.

An artificial pond on your backyard is important element landscape design, the arrangement of which must be approached with sense, feeling, and arrangement! And then the beauty created by your hands will delight both you and your guests!

Having your own artificial pond at your dacha has ceased to be a luxury; now anyone can build such a masterpiece. Such a structure can be aesthetic and functional. Some ponds are designed to decorate the landscape, others are intended for swimming or fish farming. Even just watching the water in a pond calms you down and improves your mood. It’s easy to make a pond on your site, just understand the basic nuances.

Peculiarities

For some people, an artificial pond is not a decoration, but a necessity. If you have a pesky stream running through your property or have long put up with waterlogged soil, a pond will greatly improve your situation. It is best to build a pond in the spring. For self-built There are many options for ponds that involve the use of special expensive materials or affordable (even improvised) means. Such 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 at the dacha is built for various purposes. It is by this criterion that the following types can be distinguished:

Small. A small pond becomes part of the landscape design. It is designed to decorate a specific area in the garden. Near such a pond you can read a book in a chair, 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 a gazebo or open terrace.
For fish breeding. This pond will delight fishermen, children and cats. The 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 for them comfortable conditions for reproduction.
For swimming. Your own pond on the site is a good alternative to a simple pool. Such a pond is not limited only to aesthetic properties, but also provides benefits. A small pond will provide an opportunity to cool off in the heat, while 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 move on to the next steps.

Material

Modern manufacturers offer a wide variety of materials for self-made pond. It all depends on your goals and financial opportunities. For the right choice it is necessary to study everything carefully possible options. For the construction of a 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 for 5 to 30 years, this 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.

Purchased forms are a simplified version. You just need to dig a pit, install a mold and reinforce the structure with sand. The plastic bowls are quite durable and easy to carry. winter frosts. Polypropylene bowls are afraid ultraviolet rays and become unusable due to their prolonged exposure. The disadvantages of such structures are the rather high price and difficult transportation.

It will be difficult to bring a bowl under a large pond to its destination without damage. Moreover, you will need basic skills in installing 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 from rubber. Experts recommend using this 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. You can easily install a small fountain along with a pond.
Tires. Variably, tires or wheels are used as the frame of a small pond.
Basin. The installation method is similar to a bathtub. The item itself is so light that such ponds are often made by children and women, whereas they cannot handle a bathtub. It is important to pay special attention to the decor so as not to overload the space with details.
Plastic bottles . This material makes it possible to create small reservoirs with maximum speed. It is enough to cut the eggplant at the desired level and dig it in the right place.

Keep in mind that the material determines how long you will enjoy your summer cottage pond. It is important to choose materials that do not harm the environment. Otherwise, toxins will penetrate into the soil, and this will affect your harvest.

Size

It cannot be stated unequivocally that a large pond will cost more than a small one or will have better aesthetic properties. The best options need to be selected based on your goals. Key factors when choosing 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 your capabilities. The latter concerns digging a pit - you can dig a small one yourself, but for a large one you will need special equipment.
Depth. The larger the pond, the deeper it can be made. Thus, a mini-structure can have a depth of several tens of centimeters, and a swimming pond - several meters.

Zoning is relevant for large bodies of water. Design experts recommend dividing the pond into 3 zones. The coastal zone is 10-40 cm deep for approaching the pond and planting ornamental plants. Shallow water zone - from 40 cm to 1 m; at this depth you can plant a winter-hardy water lily or nymph. If this is a body of water for swimming, then this is the area that will make it possible to smoothly enter the water. Children can swim at shallow depths. The deep-water zone is more than 1 meter deep, adults can swim here, and fish are also bred at this depth.
Biodynamic balance. It is necessary to take this factor 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 general rule, the larger the pond, the easier it is to clean. Be sure to think about ways to care for plants, fish, and the pond itself.

Location

It is very important to position the pond correctly. Especially if we're talking about about a large-scale structure that will serve you for many years. Important factors when choosing a location:

Plot size. This factor is closely related to the size of the pond itself, and therefore to its location.
Relief. It is important to consider the combination of the topography of the earth with the shape of the pond itself.
Soil composition and groundwater. This factor is directly related to maximum depth pond. If the circumstances are unfavorable, you will face additional hassle and material costs.
Illumination. Choose a shaded place. The sun should not be on the water for more than 5-6 hours a day. Neglect of this factor leads to active evaporation of water and to increased activity bacteria. To select the right location, observe the solar regime for 2-3 days. It is especially important to correctly evaluate this criterion when breeding fish. Heated water reduces the amount of oxygen, which can lead to the death of pets.
Visibility. Choose a place so that the pond can be seen from a window or gazebo. Decorative pond will become the calling card of your site if it is noticeable at the entrance to the territory.

Reflection. Oddly enough, it is better to think in advance what will be reflected in your pond. If the reflection includes a toilet in the yard or a shed, this can ruin the overall impression.
Degree of landscaping. Make sure that tree roots cannot damage the pond bowl. Also keep in mind that in the fall, leaves and branches may fall into the pond and turn into sludge at the bottom. Carelessness when choosing the right place can lead to difficulties in caring for the pond. If you really want to decorate the perimeter of the pond with bushes, then consider the option of plants in barrels (tubs).
Electricity supply. Some decorative elements are powered by electricity. So, you can install an interesting fountain, make lighting and much more. The main thing is to carefully consider the option of supplying electricity to water. It is better to think through this issue at the design stage. It is safest to place the wires underground in a secure corrugation. For permanent access to them, equip a hatch.
Future expansions and improvements. Plan ahead. You may want to expand the pond or develop a more detailed recreation area near it. Provide free space on at least one side of the pond.

Color

The waterproofing tone 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 closely resemble the creation of nature, but are an excellent option for breeding colorful 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 purpose. The decorative pond will be closer to its natural appearance thanks 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 the shapes of ponds, because the imagination of design masters knows no bounds. Conventionally, we can distinguish between regular geometric shapes and fantasy ones. Among the first, the most popular designs are in the shape of a circle, oval, and rectangle. Fantasy forms are more whimsical, and this is their charm. Such ponds are most similar to the creation of nature, which does not tolerate severity. Among the popular forms, one can highlight the imitation of a 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:

Formal. The name speaks for itself. Such a country pond has clear geometric shapes. This option is well suited for areas in the style of modern, high-tech, minimalism, and classic. Formal ponds include not only rectangular, square and round ponds. This also includes broken figures; they can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. The design of such ponds is strict. Classic neutral colors are used. A formal pond is characterized by few or no additional decorative elements.
Landscape. This option is more popular than the previous one. Such a pond has an indistinct coastline, close to natural look. It is the landscape style that makes it possible to create a harmonious balance between an artificial reservoir and nature itself. You can realize your wildest ideas. Before choosing a pond style, evaluate the topography of the site. Level ground guarantees the embodiment of any fantasy shape.

Raises and depressions in the ground require careful design, but make it possible to easily build a cascade or waterfall. On intricate terrain, bridges and slides look more natural.

A suitable relief can be created artificially. It will be necessary to use more sophisticated technologies when working with the foundation. Carelessness will lead to distortion due to subsidence of the earth. A high pond (located above ground) is also possible as part of the landscape design. There are many advantages of this design:

Easy to care for.
Minimum volume earthworks.
Safety of children and pets.

The bathtub pond is the most striking example of such a reservoir. You can paint the walls in Japanese style, which looks natural in the garden. This element will complement the overall landscape design of the site.

How to do it yourself?

The construction of a pond should be carried out according to clear instructions. This way you can properly dig out the boiler and lay down waterproofing. Construction of a pond using 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 to think about decorative design at this stage. This is especially important if you are planning to build a pond with a waterfall. A detailed plan will help you avoid mistakes.
Now you need to mark the future pit. This can be done using a rope stretched over pegs, a rubber hose, or even sand (draw an outline 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 excavation work. Dig a hole the depth of which will correspond to the depth of the coastal zone. Make markings and fix the burial line. Arrange the second tier and make a line for digging the deepest zone of the future pond. It is better to carry out excavation work together, and for big pond and even hire an excavator.

After the hole is dug, you need to measure the dimensions and depth. Do this with a cord. 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 film. Geotextiles can be laid underneath to prevent tree roots from damaging the waterproofing over time. In addition, the structure can be strengthened using roofing felt or linoleum. You can also strengthen the shore and bottom using tightly compacted 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 tucked into a pre-prepared trench around the perimeter of the pond. Next, you need to fill the trench with crushed stone or other stone. This way you will ensure reliable fixation of the film.

The bank should be strengthened so that over time the earth does not crumble. Reinforce 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 natural stone and complete the picture with large boulders.
At this stage it is necessary place plants that will decorate the pond, into special baskets and install them in the right places in accordance with the plan. Line the bottom with small stones or gravel.

It's time to fill the pond with water. A hose will be your best assistant. Carrying water in buckets is not convenient, especially if the reservoir is large. Standing water can cause many problems, including an unpleasant odor. To eliminate this complexity, you can make the pond a stream. To do this, simply raise the source slightly above the level of the pond, and supply water to it from the bowl itself using a pump. This device will save you from unnecessary hassle.
Installation submersible pump , pipes to the source of the stream and connecting the filter are the last stage of technical work. It is recommended to use a pressure filter to purify water; it is more effective.

A more domestic version of a pond from an old bathtub can be made in such a way that the old plumbing will be unrecognizable in the magical composition. The process of constructing a pond can be performed according to the following instructions:

Dig a hole for the bathtub 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 soil around the perimeter.
Deepen these strips so that the height is equal to the height of the bathtub.

Be sure to close the bathtub drain. You can use concrete or film for waterproofing. After this, lower the bathtub into the hole.

Cover the inside of the bathtub with small tiles or paint it with waterproof paint in the desired color. After this, cover the bathtub and leave until completely dry.
Cover the perimeter of the bath 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.
Swipe decorative works. For this you can use stones, tiles, gravel and similar materials.

Required Tools

The amount of inventory depends on how complex and varied the pond you want to create. To build a simple pond, you will need:

Shovel.
Ground trolley.
Building level.
Cord for marking.
Pegs.
Water supply hose.
Film for waterproofing a pond or any other base.

Such a minimum list is always needed. In addition to the above, you may need fencing. This will keep your animals and children safe. Decorative fencing significantly influences the overall appearance of an artificial reservoir.

Technique

To create a more complex composition, you need to acquire additional equipment:

Water purification filter. This is especially important if you are creating a fish pond.
Water pump. This 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 a pond with fish and plants. It is important to choose a model specifically for the pond; models for aquariums do not have the required power. You may have 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 structure can be purchased ready-made or built independently. A decorative pond is often supplemented with bridges. Garden figurines nearby will perfectly complement the composition. Flowers and plants in a pond require special attention. Plants are divided into deep-water and shallow-water.

The first ones 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 excess can destroy 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 calamus, calamus, sedge, chastuha and susak. On the surface of the water you can place water hyacinth, bagel, pistia or swampweed.

On the shore you can place various types iris, reed, buzulnik, aruncus, miscanthus. The composition can be supplemented with perennials: hostas, buttercups, primroses, astilbes or bathing flowers.

Peltiphyllums, loosestrifes, and Rogers plants look great near an artificial pond.

Do you need fish?

A reservoir can be populated with 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 residents of the reservoir should be taken carefully. The most common inhabitants of ponds are crucian carp, goldfish, carp and tench. Keep in mind that one fish up to 15 cm in size requires about 50 liters of water space. Suitable species fish:

Koi carp. 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 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 fish’s weight. You can feed with dry formulas.

Colored crucian carp. Golden crucian carp can be from 50 cm long and weigh from 3 kg, and silver carp grows up to 40 cm and weighs no more than 2 kg. For winter period you need to provide the fish with a simple condition - a depth of 1 m.
Tench. On average, 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 colors. The main advantage is unpretentiousness. Tench lives where many fish die.

Specialists and experienced owners give the following important recommendations:

Place the bottom point of the reservoir below the freezing point of the ground. It is especially important to follow this advice when building a fish pond. This way you will ensure your pets have the opportunity to survive the winter.
Even the most landscaped pond should have 50% free space. It is worth considering that plants grow over time.
Start building your summer cottage pond in the spring. This way you will gain time to completely arrange the composition and the pond will have time to take root.
If you want a fountain, build a high pond. This way the composition will look more coherent.

The land from the boiler can be disposed of in several ways. You can spread the soil around the garden and raise the ground level. You can also use this soil to create 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 eliminate your hassle with water.
Using stones you can not only decorate a pond, but also fix flexible insulation. This option will add durability and reliability to the design.
A special mesh design will help protect your pond from falling leaves and branches.

Stretch a black thread over shallow water to protect the fish from 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 on the bottom of the pond. Get rid of excess in a timely manner.

During the winter cold, pay more attention to the pond. It is better to protect plants 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 pond can extend across the entire garden area. The stream should be made from the same materials as the pond itself. This way all the components will merge into a harmonious ensemble. Decorating the space around a pond can radically change the overall impression of the site.

Line the path to work with decorative stones. An interesting result will be obtained by using fragments different sizes.

This way you can design all the paths on summer cottage. In this case, your pond will fit more harmoniously into the overall design.

An excellent option for country house will become fairy garden. Lay out the paths with colored slabs. Design the pond as a magical place. Plant plants with leaves non-standard forms. Throw colorful fish into the pond. The boulders around the pond can be painted bright colors. Using 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. Flashlights different color will help create a real fairy tale and a magical effect. Illumination inside a 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 pond is intended for swimming, then it is important to design the perimeter area in the form of a sunny beach. Protect a certain space from the rest of the area using a fence. From the pond to the fence, scatter sand 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 boring.

Such a magical place in the middle of your garden will radically change the overall atmosphere. Place a gazebo with soft rocking chairs near such a structure. It will be pleasant to be near the pond 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 beneficial for families with children. The little inhabitants of the house will definitely appreciate this design.

An artificial pond allows you to transform the design of any summer cottage. Having a little experience in performing landscape work or at least a high-quality theoretical basis, you can handle the arrangement of a reservoir in your dacha yourself.

First of all, select best option styling 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 - this way you can sit comfortably while relaxing and contemplate the water surface of your own pond.

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

More lush and vibrant are the reservoirs in chinese style. Main decorative element 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 using only those plants that grow directly in the region where the reservoir is located to decorate the pond, without the use of various kinds of exotic plantings.

A simple rectangular or square pond will look good near the house. Such reservoirs look pretty good in patios, they also go well with the patio, especially if there are linear paths nearby or neat linear flower beds.

The composition of the pond and the paths leading to it looks very beautiful. Terrace boards are perfect for arranging paths; stones or slabs are also a win-win option.

A cascade of reservoirs of different sizes, interconnected by small waterfalls, looks good.

Reservoirs round shape also well suited for decorating a summer cottage. Such ponds are best placed on open lawns or near a group of small trees.

Round ponds are much easier to manufacture. To arrange them, you can use ready-made structures - plastic containers, concrete rings of the required size, etc.

Where to make an artificial pond?

Choose the optimal location for arranging the pond. The service life of the pond directly depends on this. If placed incorrectly, the water will “bloom” or become swampy. 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 not advisable to arrange a pond under shady plantings, since in this case the foliage will greatly pollute the water.

Reservoir dimensions

When choosing the size of a pond, proceed from the fact that ideally the reservoir should account for about 3% of the total area of the summer cottage.

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% for the development of a reservoir. usable area. Therefore, in terms of the size of the reservoir, the owner must make a decision independently.

When choosing the optimal dimensions of a pond, be guided by your own physical and material capabilities. Also make sure that the size of the reservoir fits well with other elements of the landscape of the site.

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

for coastal plantings;
shallow level for water lilies;
deep level for fish if you plan to place 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 will be sufficient (below the freezing point of the soil), so that it accounts for about 20% of the total area of the pond.

The simplest option for independently arranging a reservoir on a private plot is to use ready-made tanks made of plastic and other suitable materials, additionally reinforced with fiberglass.

Water tanks can have a wide variety of sizes and shapes. High-quality products withstand mechanical loads, sun light, cold temperatures, and the impact of root systems of aquatic plantings.

There are small and medium-depth reservoirs. On average, the area of such forms does not exceed 8 m2.

First step

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

Second step

Remove the mold and start digging the hole. The recess must completely correspond to the shape of the container. In this case, the dimensions of the pit should be approximately 100 mm greater 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 thoroughly compacted.

Fourth step

Armed with a building level, make sure the tank is level. Any detected deviations should be corrected immediately.

Fifth step

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

Sixth step

Fill the gaps between the walls of the tank and the pit with moistened sand. Compact the sand as thoroughly as possible. At the same time, fill the tank with water completely.

Seventh step

Arrange the pond at your discretion. Plant your preferred plants. First, arrange the plantings at the deepest level, gradually moving towards the banks of the pond.

With this, the simplest pond for a summer residence 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 dimensions - you can fully demonstrate your design potential.

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

A special film will be used for insulation. She may have different widths, 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, 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.