Pond Kit Installation

Get the hole picture

Our pond kits include a pre-shaped pool or a free-form pond liner, a pond filter, pond pump, maybe even waterfalls, fountains and landscape lights. What they don't come with is the hole. Dig it? Here's what you can expect to encounter in a pond kit installation. First, locate buried treasures Few cities require permits to dig in your own yard, but some do, so check. Ask your utility providers to find your electricity, gas and sewer lines. This is especially important if you're digging a koi pond, which must be at least 4 feet deep. Hitting an electrical line with a backhoe is literally shocking. Hit a sewer line and you'll create the wrong kind of pond.

Next, pick the best spot. It's a good idea to place a garden pond downhill from your house. If a liner breaks, your fish won't move into your basement. Your pond should get partial sun to help plants grow and clear your water, but too much sun will evaporate your pond and fry your fish.

Lay an old garden hose on the ground according to your pond's dimensions to help you visualize how it will look. It's easier to move the hose than the hole. Remember to include accessories, like skimmer and waterfall. When you're satisfied, spraypaint a line on the ground along the hose, and grab a shovel.

Next, dig this
If you're digging up grass, use a flat spade to lift turf horizontally in a sheet, cutting an inch or two under the root line. Most turf can be replaced easily when you're done, or moved to another spot that needs it.

If your shiny new hole is lumpy or rocky, tamp in some landscaping sand to smooth things out. Sand will support your pool more evenly and help prevent tears in your liner.

Have rocks or bricks handy to help hold your liner in place as you lay it. Don't trim off any excess until after you've filled it, because it will settle under the weight of water. Leave a couple of inches to tuck under the sod on the edges.

Once the liner is down, you can add your hardware. It's the fun part, especially compared to the digging.

Voila! You have a pond. Just add water.

This is a big job. Don't be embarrassed if you don't want to tackle it. A quick check on the internet or phone book will turn up plenty of eager professionals who would love to do your dirty work. Make sure they have experience in garden ponds, and check references. Then sit back and watch. Nothing makes a summer cocktail taste better than watching someone else dig a hole.