Water Features
Water features can be some of the most dramatic and beautiful additions to a landscape. Done right a water feature can turn a quiet backyard into a rushing river or a natural waterfall. Done wrong and a water feature can turn into a mosquito's nesting grounds. So what do you need to know before you try and tackle a water feature.
Know you have the time to work on the water feature wether it be a waterfall, stream, or koi pond. You are going to have to devote some time to your water feature every couple of weeks or possibly every day if you have fish.
You want to determine if you can even do the job yourself or if you should hire a professional. The process of making a pond seems like a simple process that anyone with half of a brain could do but you would be dead wrong if that is your thoughts on water features. The first step and by far most physically challenging is digging the hole. Without a back hole or bob cat digging the hole for a water feature could take weeks to do.
Next you will want to place sand in the bottom of the hole that you have dug out. This sand will help from having your rubber liner from ripping or getting holes in it. Make sure that there are no jagged rocks sticking out that will puncture the liner as well. Next you will want to lay your liner in the hole with the sides over lapping the edge of the pond by 6 inches. When you buy your liner it is important that you get the liner big enough so that you have some room for overlap. Take in effect that you must also have liner going up the walls of the pond. So if you dig a 10' x 10' pond by all means don't get a 10' x 10' liner or you will be utterly disappointed with your math skills.
Instead, you will want to take the height (x2) + length + 1 foot overlap. Going a little bigger than this is a good idea as your liner will stretch to conform to the curves of the pond. If you like to be on the safe side installing a couple of layers of liner costs more money but is much more resistant to getting holes in it that will empty your pond. If you are going to have fish thinking bigger in size is a good idea. Koi often grow to sizes as big as 2 feet in length and even goldfish can grow as big at 10". They require a large habitat in order to grow larger.
Once you have placed your liner you will want to place in pumps, electricity, tubing and any other electronics that you may have that are related to your water feature. Next you will place the rock around the edges of the pond and or create the waterfall by pacing stones naturally on place. Fill your pond up with water and you are ready to fire up your pump and you are ready to go.
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