Outdoor Furniture Plus' Blog

If you’ve got the space and the time to maintain it, a garden pond can be a rewarding addition to your backyard. However, it’s a lot more work than just making a hole and filling it with water. There are a bunch of factors that need to be taken into consideration. It’s also different than owning an indoor fish tank, especially when you take into account the variable outdoor factors like temperature. By any means, it’s not rocket science, and whether you build it yourself or have a pond professionally installed, keeping and maintaining it in good shape is a fun activity for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions for anyone considering a pond.

Where should I put my pond, and how big/deep should it be?
Before you start to dig, think long and hard about where you’ll want a good size hole in your yard. Some places are better suited for ponds than others. For instance, a spot with too much sun exposure can be harmful, especially for shallow ponds. Also, keep ponds away from large trees, as tree roots can easily break into the bottoms of ponds as they grow and expand, causing leaks and tears in the pond lining. The depth of your pond has a few factors, including, as mentioned, how much direct sunlight that spot gets. At the same time, ponds should be deeper if you’re going to add fish. Fish left in shallow water that is heated up by the sun can be in big trouble.

What are some of the most common problems associated with garden ponds?
One of the major concerns expressed by the owners of outdoor ponds is the occurrence of algae. Not only is the appearance of algae an eyesore, but it’s damaging to plant life and fish. Algae are created by excess nutrients, so controlling nutrient levels and having a good water flow are imperative.

Another problem concerns those who choose to keep fish in their ponds. All too often, novices will err by keeping too many fish in one pond or by overfeeding. In the early stages of your pond, as you add a filter and plants, don’t go crazy with the number of fishes. Start with a few fish and increase gradually. The same goes with feeding. Initial water supplies may be mineral and nutrient rich, while as plant life thrives it will also create nutrients, so there is no need to overfeed. As many unfortunate children have found out the hard way, an overfed goldfish is a dead goldfish.

Do I need a water pump?
The simple answer? Absolutely. Water pumps keep the movement of the water constant, and dispel dirty, stagnant water. Pumps also keep oxygen levels going, which is extremely important to the flora and fauna in your pond. The two main kinds of pumps are external and internal and are quite affordable, adding only a few dollars per month to your electric bill.

What is the optimal pH level for an outdoor pond?
There needs to be a suitable balance between the levels of alkalinity and acidity in the water, which can be thrown off by various chemicals and whatnot. The ideal pH level of water should be between 6.0 and 8.0. Testing kits are easy to come by and useful to administer at least a few times per year, especially if you make any changes to the water content.

What are some ways to accessorize my pond?
You can choose to accessorize the pond itself, the surrounding area, or both. As far as the pond itself, many people choose to plant water plants like reeds or lilies. You can also find decorative stones, fountains, etc. As far as the surrounding area, if you’ve got a big enough pond, you might want to consider a garden bridge. These scenic additions give you a first rate view of your pond, and they look charming from afar.