Building An Above Or Below Ground Outdoor Pond
Deciding whether to make your pond below ground or to build a raised pond is one of the first steps of pond building. The principles are the same for both, but your choice will affect the way you build and, in the long run, maintain your pond.
The location of the pond will greatly influence your choice. Why? The pond’s location will affect weather conditions, vulnerability to debris, utilities access, safety, and ease of excavation.
Ultimately, planning, thinking, and research should go into this and every other choice you make in your pond project.
What is a Below the Ground Pond?
Backyard ponds are commonly built below the ground. By making the pond’s water level to the soil, the pond is able to visually blend with its surroundings. It gives your artificial pond a touch of nature. Below the ground ponds usually require fewer materials to build, and the process is simpler than when building a raised pond.
Below the ground ponds have the usual problems: debris, water runoff, ground conditions, and climate changes.
Above the Ground Ponds
Similar to raised swimming pools, an above the ground pond needs a thick, heavy wall. The usual materials for building your pond’s wall are timber, brick, or cement. Your pond will also need waterproof lining before it is filled with water.
Above the ground ponds are quite obviously man-made, but sometimes that is a good thing in terms of pond design. Many above the ground ponds are made to match the architectural style of the pond builder’s property. It is a perfect addition to formal estates where the aesthetics of the buildings and gardens complement each other. A properly made raised pond can look just as beautiful as a natural pond. Also, building the pond’s walls allow you to do custom work such as built-in filtration, insulation, and many other features that you could not do with a below the ground pond.
The biggest concern for raised pond building is the wall. You must ensure that the wall you construct is strong enough to contain gallons pond water. One mistake and you’ll end up with an empty pond, a flooded garden, and much wasted effort.
In this, as well as other aspects of pond building, you should remember to make your choices carefully while still striving to achieve the look that you want. Do that, and you’ll surely create a pond that you will love and enjoy for years.
Looking for some ideas and inspiration for your outdoor pond, then visit pond-building-mastery.com to find essential tutorials, know-how and tips about pond building.
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