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Once you’ve decided to build a fish pond that will complement the
natural landscape the next step is to lay out the design with a length
of rope or a garden hose. Once you are satisfied with the shape you can
start digging! Dig the pond to the outline on the ground and dig a
shelf around the perimeter of the pond about one foot deep and one or
more feet wide. Dig the remainder of the pond. If you are planning a
goldfish pond or aquatic garden then the pond may only need to be about
two feet deep although you may require a greater depth in very cold
areas to prevent the pond from freezing in winter.

Line the excavated pond with underlay to stop the flexible liner from
being pierced by sharp stones. Pond underlay can be readily made from
old carpet, providing it is non-organic and non-rotting. A butyl rubber
pond liner should be laid on top of the underlay. Position to liner
evenly in the pond and try to minimize the folds and wrinkles. Leave an
overhang of at least six inches around the edge. Avoid walking on the
newly laid liner as much as possible. If you find that you must walk on
it wear socks!

Fill the pond and ease the wrinkles out of the liner while the pond is
filling. Arrange coping stones around the edge of the pond and fold the
liner up behind the stones ensuring the edge of the liner is above the
water level. A natural-looking edge can be created by planting
shallow-water plants around the edge of the pond. Consider cementing
the coping stones in place if the pond edge will be subjected to much
foot traffic.

Follow these steps to build a fish pond and you’ll soon be enjoying the tranquility of a water feature!