Do-it-yourself pond at the dacha: photo

Focused thinking is one of the best ways to make an informed decision. But this is not always possible due to distractions. It is best to think about something surrounded by greenery or near a pond or stream. You can create such an individual corner for yourself by building an artificial pond in your country house. It will always please the eyes of your family. There are several options for how it can be built and what materials to use for this. In fact, it can be much cheaper than it seems at first glance.

Choosing a place

Having a small body of water near your own home is not a traditional practice. Rather, it was borrowed from neighbors. Muslims and Chinese have long known the benefits of meditation and observation near a body of water. The first preferred to have fountains and small ponds of regular shape in their closed courtyards. Most often, a circle or oval was chosen for a pond. And they placed the reservoir in a place that was always in sight. Eastern sages preferred not to disturb the harmony of nature, so they repeated its lines and did not accept artificial contours. Chinese parks resemble pristine but well-groomed nature.

The reservoirs that were located in such gardens could hardly be called small. In some cases, it was easy to move around the reservoirs by boat. A mandatory attribute, which was placed over the water, was a small bridge in the shape of an arch, which was entangled with various plants. Japanese traditions also feature bodies of water. Those who have been to Japan at least once may have been surprised by the size of the housing and other premises. This nation has always gravitated towards minimalism. Therefore, reservoirs and various ponds reflect this feature. They are small, but elegant and memorable.

To set the right mood for a pond at your dacha, you need to think about where and how it will be located. To do this, you need to take the tool in which you are used to recording your ideas or thoughts and write down a few points:

• on which side of the yard the sun is predominantly located during the day;
• is there an area without trees;
• what area is available for the reservoir;
• will there be fish in the pond;
• what kind of vegetation would be good to put in the pond;
• is it planned to expand the reservoir in the future;
• is it possible to supply electricity to the pond;
• Is there a recreation area planned near a pond?

Light is good and should be enough, but not too much around the pond. A pond is an excellent place for algae to grow and develop. They make a positive contribution to the overall ecosystem of the reservoir, but when there are too many of them, then the water will contain less oxygen, and this will have a negative effect, for example, on fish. It is also not very pleasant to contemplate the green surface of a reservoir instead of a clean one. That is why it is worth choosing a site for a pond that will receive sunlight for no more than 6 hours a whole day.In addition to the development of algae, this will lead to rapid evaporation of water from the pond. This will also negatively affect vegetation, living creatures and the budget, since water will have to be constantly added to the pond.

The trees create shade, and it is a great place to relax on a sweltering day. It is also important for a pond, but you will need to choose the right distance between the reservoir and the plants. If this is not foreseen in advance, then the pond will have to be constantly cleaned of falling leaves and branches. Such waste will settle to the bottom of the pond and cause putrefactive processes, which will have a bad effect on the reservoir. Another disadvantage of trees or shrubs being close to a body of water is their roots. As you know, they always reach for moisture. And there is a lot of it in the pond. Therefore, the root system can damage the waterproofing of the reservoir. It can be difficult to notice right away, but the water from the pond will decrease at a high speed, which will create additional problems for the pond and the owner.

Size is an individual choice. Everything will depend on your preferences. The larger the body of water, the more effort will have to be made to bring it to fruition. But a larger pond can look much more interesting; around it you can improve the recreation area with a gazebo or sun loungers. Choose a place to locate the pond that is clearly visible from the window, then you can enjoy it not only on the street.If trees and shrubs are not reflected in the water of the pond, then you can always see the sky with passing clouds.

Consider a pond filtration system. You can always clean the pond manually, but if it is possible to implement, then why not do it. But an additional problem for such a pond is the power supply system. Consideration will need to be given to whether the materials for laying the line will be available and whether it will withstand the required load. The reservoir may not be one-level, but with a slide from which water will flow. For this solution you will also need a pump.

In this case, there should be a hole in the pond located below the freezing level of the soil. This is where the fish can hide during the cold period. Its volume should be at least a fifth of the total volume of the pond.

Choosing a style

The resolved issue with the location of the pond does not automatically solve the problem of landscaping and choosing the style of the reservoir. In order to determine the appearance of the future reservoir, it is necessary to analyze several points:

• which shape fits best into the overall exterior;
• will there be strict lines in it;
• should its banks be higher than the ground surface;
• will there be several levels in it?

At the stage of determining the style of the pond, it is worth thinking about the vegetation for the pond. Each plant has its own niche and is adapted to the specific depth of the pond. There are plants that are designed for the pond to be no more than 40 cm deep. They are also called coastal zone vegetation. Others will require more space and a depth of up to 1 m.Such plants are also called shallow-water. Anything deeper than 1 meter is called a deep-sea plant. If you want all of the listed types to be present, then you will have to take care of the stepped style of the bottom.

All natural bodies of water have the ability to self-purify. Even the most polluted pond, which has a certain degree of liquid circulation, is able to wash out or process the debris and harmful substances that enter it. But to do this, such a reservoir will have to be left alone, sometimes for decades. The same system should be in an artificial pond. To do this, you will need to correctly balance everything that will be in the pond. It is important to remember that plants should not occupy an area of ​​more than 50% of the reservoir, otherwise living creatures may die and the water will deteriorate its properties.

If the house and yard are designed with strict lines in a high-tech style, then a regular pond look would be an excellent solution. Such a reservoir implies regular geometric shapes, be it a square, rectangle, triangle or other polygon. When the yard has a variety of vegetation and is close to natural plantings, then it is worth considering a landscape pond. It does not have strict outlines. All lines of the reservoir have smooth bends and curves. The pond does not cause any contradictions in perception. Some people prefer that the level of the reservoir does not coincide with the general level of the earth's surface. Therefore, they are making efforts to make its banks somewhat higher. This approach makes it possible to install an additional fountain. Pay attention to the landscape that already exists. Perhaps it can be used to its maximum.For example, if the surface has a slight slope in one direction, then it will be very simple to organize a pond with several levels of drop.

Understanding the materials

The main task when creating a pond is to keep water from going into the ground. It’s good if there is already a small natural pond on the site. Such a pond can be easily improved and turned into a delightful place. You don’t have to worry about having to fill the pond at regular intervals. But if we are talking about creating a reservoir from scratch, then you can use the following materials:

• cast iron or metal bathtub;
• plastic barrel;
• special ready-made plastic containers;
• filling the area with concrete;
• ordinary polyethylene film;
• platform paved with stone.

As you can see, for a pond or other body of water you can use any containers that you have in your household, but are no longer needed. Each type of pond requires a different approach during implementation, but there are many similar principles in the process of constructing a reservoir. Next, we will consider options for reservoirs that you can make step by step with your own hands at the dacha or in a country house. Photos of examples of such reservoirs will be given to more clearly imagine what such beauty might look like.

Options for implementation

When preparing to work on making a reservoir, it is worth acquiring the tools that will be needed in each case:

• bayonet and shovel;
• wheelbarrow for removing soil;
• Master OK;
• roulette;
• Tamper is manual, petrol or electric.

In order to complete all the work on organizing a pond on time and efficiently, you will have to stock up on considerable patience. Not everything can go as desired in preparing the surface of the pond. The process may require changes depending on how the soil turns out.

Using a ready-made container

A garden pond can be easily made using special containers that are commercially available. The material for them can be PVC plastic or polypropylene. Each of them is resistant to corrosion, so you don’t have to worry that the pond will not last long. A positive side of such products for a pond is also their maintainability. If, through carelessness, the bottom of the reservoir is damaged, it can be easily soldered, and the pond will regain its beauty. Ready-made pond containers can come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Their capacity ranges from several tens of liters to several tons of water.

Difficulties may arise only with transportation. If the pond is really large, then loading equipment will be needed both for transportation and for subsequent installation. One of the most difficult stages of the installation of such a reservoir will be the earthen ones. The fact is that a pit for such a reservoir must be dug close to the shape of the container. The depth of the hole should be such that the container is level or slightly flush. Often the edges of such baths are not designed to create a reservoir that will be above ground level.After the bowl is placed in the place of the future reservoir, it must be leveled. To do this, place several bubble levels on the edges and add under the bottom to achieve an ideal result. Additional information on installing such a reservoir for a reservoir can be gleaned from the video:

To do this, a layer of crushed stone is laid from the middle fraction. The height of the layer is 20 cm. Sand is poured on top with the same layer and compacted well.

When the position of the reservoir tank is set, then a backfill of medium-grained sand is made. The pit of the reservoir should be slightly wider so that sand can be compacted under the steps, if any. Otherwise, they will simply break under the weight of water. Additionally, the sand can be moistened with water so that it fills all the voids. The desired plants are planted around the pond. Before introducing fish into the pond, it is necessary to allow the plants to get used to the water, and also to allow the pond to collect the necessary microelements.

Application of polyethylene film

Making a pond using polyethylene or PVC film can be a more labor-intensive task than the previous option. The fact is that the pond pit will need to be formed independently. To do this, before starting work, it is necessary to outline the territory of the future reservoir. To make this easier, create an outline from several shapes, such as circles or rectangles. In places where their lines will touch, the required shape of the reservoir is displayed. For this you can use white sand, flour or grated chalk.They stand out perfectly against the background of grass and darker grain.

During excavation work for the pond, the side walls will need to be compacted. To do this, they can be compacted with a special tool. Subsequently, this will help to lay out the pond film more accurately. If you are wondering which material will last longer, then polyethylene can last up to 5 years, PVC film will last 10 years or longer. The leader for ponds is butyl rubber. A sheet product made from this material will allow you to forget about the need for maintenance or repair work in a reservoir for 50 years, but it is also more expensive.

You can take products of different sizes, because with the help of special glue they can be easily connected into one plane.

After the pond pit is ready, the film can be laid. It must follow all planned contours. It can be difficult to find pieces exactly the size you need. In this case, it will be enough to provide an overlap of 50–70 cm between adjacent components. After this, they are glued together with a special waterproof compound. The seam will not come apart under the pressure of the pond water. You can refine the bottom and edges so that the film is not visible using large pebbles or small pebbles. Some people prefer to install a special wooden platform around the perimeter, on which it is comfortable to rest and which hides all the flaws of the pond. There is more information in the video on the installation work of such a pond:

Concrete pond

Concrete foundation for a pond is one of the most difficult projects to implement.It will require additional expenditure on components for concrete, as well as additional mixing equipment. But such a pond will be suitable not only for fish, but also for swimming. The pit is made in the same sequence as described above. It is worth starting from the walls and going deeper towards the middle, this will make it more convenient to excavate the soil. After this, all surfaces of the future pond are well compacted. Concrete has pores, so water can gradually seep out of it. To prevent this from happening, you will need to take care of waterproofing the pond.

For these purposes, one of the types of substrate discussed in previous versions is suitable. The film for the pond is carefully laid out along the contour with an overlap of 60 cm on the top side. Next, a frame for the pond is made from metal reinforcement. It’s good if it follows the shape of the walls. The cells in the grid should be 10 centimeters or less in increments. After laying the base of the pond, a solution is prepared. For each bag of cement you will need 200 kg of sand; fine gravel filler is used when laying the bottom. The required consistency of concrete for a pond should be similar to very thick sour cream. If it is thinner, then it will simply flow down.

If the walls are planned at an angle of more than 45 degrees, then you will need to install formwork, which will serve as a support for the concrete until it hardens. The first step is to fill the pond walls. The initial layer should not exceed 7 cm. Leveling is carried out using a trowel and other tools. After this, the bottom is laid. The entire perimeter of the first layer must be laid as quickly as possible so that after gaining strength it forms one large container for the pond.If these conditions are not met, cracks will appear and water will leak out.

After hardening, another layer of concrete for the pond is laid. It will give additional strength so that nothing collapses under the weight. After the surface of the future pond has fully gained strength, it requires additional treatment. For this you can use bitumen mastics, but they can be quite toxic, but liquid glass is an ideal candidate. The surface of the pond is cleared of debris in the form of remaining concrete, sand and dust. To strengthen the top layer, a primer is applied. Several coats may be required. After the walls of the pond have dried, liquid glass is applied. Its layer should be at least 3 cm thick. Upon completion of all work, you can begin filling and upgrading. To clearly see the installation process of such a pond, watch the video:

Using an old bathtub and barrel

If you have recently replaced an old bathtub with a new one, then you should not write off the first one and rush to turn it over for metal. It will be an ideal basis for organizing a small pond. There are several ways to position it. For example, it could be part of a cascading pond. It can also be sunk into the ground, as is the case with a purchased plastic container. It's easy to make a pond with raised banks from a bathtub. To do this, you don’t need to dig it in, but simply design and decorate it beautifully. You can put a small pile of stone around it, which will cover the side walls. It is better to treat the outer part with a special primer so that the metal does not suffer from rust.

The barrel pond has the same installation algorithm.The only condition is that you do not use iron barrels for the pond. They break down very quickly and you can get hurt later on. If you decide to do this, then take care of several layers of anti-corrosion coating.

Plants

Building a pond is only half the process. It is necessary to choose the right plants for the pond. Their purpose is not only to please the eye. It is important to understand that all vegetation for a reservoir can be classified into one of the following categories:

• for oxygen saturation;
• for water purification;
• decorative.

Increasing the oxygen level in a reservoir is of great importance not only for the plants themselves, but also for living creatures. In a reservoir, such plants usually settle in the water column, only showing their petals or flowers slightly above the surface. The choice may fall on one of them: urut, fontinalis, turcha, pondweed, swamp, elodea, swamp and others. They will need soil. Therefore, in order to place them in a pond, you must first plant them in flowerpots. It is better to do this in May, when the weather is already quite warm. Among this group there are also plants for the pond, which will ensure its cleanliness. This, for example, could be hornwort or calamus. An excellent view in the coastal zone of the reservoir will be created by cattail and marigold.

More attractive are deep-sea floating plants for a pond, which are admired by everyone who finds themselves near a pond or lake. These can be various types of water lilies, two-spike aponogeton, brazenia, floating pondweed and others. Large leaves of such plants reduce water temperature. They provide shade and block sunlight. Planting them in a pond should be approached wisely.From time to time, such plants for a pond will have to be thinned out. They grow quite quickly and fill the space.

Service

An artificial reservoir will not be able to completely maintain the purity of the water on its own, so efforts will be required on the part of the owner. For example, someone uses purchased filters to rid water of harmful impurities. Others prefer to build such a product for a pond themselves. To do this, you need to place a drainage pump at the bottom. It can be made of stainless steel or cast iron. Periodically, he must pass water through a barrel in which filter materials will be laid in several layers. The latter can be used for a pond: gravel, pebbles, sand, charcoal and activated carbon. A video on making a pond filter is below.

In summer, special care for the pond is not required. It will be enough to free the reservoir from the captivity of algae in the form of threads, which can grow quickly, as well as add water. In the fall, you will need to catch fallen leaves and branches from the pond with great frequency. In spring, dried stems and branches of plants are pruned. In late winter, when things start to warm up, you can remove the top crust of ice and take it out of the reservoir. It accumulates a large amount of harmful substances. Additionally, aerators may be required for the pond. They can be made from rotating blades or laid on the bottom with hoses with bottles at the ends, in which many small holes will be made. After this, the compressor supplies air to saturate the reservoir with oxygen. Video instructions for making a bottom aerator for a pond are given below:

Conclusion

Creating your own pond can be a very difficult, but quite interesting task at some points. The benefits of a pond near your home can hardly be overestimated. It is near such a reservoir that you can spend unforgettable moments with your loved one or family members. The pond does not have to be huge; a small body of water will also be pleasing to the eye.

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