How to Install a Pond
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version)
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Nothing is as relaxing as the sound of water
babbling over rocks or cascading gently over a small falls. In
many ways it reminds you of a small mountain stream. Wouldn't it
be great to relax in your yard to the sounds of a water feature?
It is not just a dream. Create a focal point in your
landscaping and become the envy of the neighborhood by adding a
beautiful pond or water feature.
You can build it! Installing a
pond or water feature on your property is an easy project for the
"do it yourselfer". As with any project, the key
is planning. Site selection is important and the following
factors should be taken into consideration;
• Is the site free of underground
encumbrances?
• How does the site fit with your master plan
for future landscaping projects?
• How large of pond or stream fits your
schedule in terms of maintenance?
• Is there ample sunlight available for
aquatic vegetation?
If you're searching for ways to create or expand
relaxing outdoor living spaces, your friends at GE Landscape Supply are
here to assist you with all your landscaping needs. Whether it
is estimating quantities of materials, determining which material best
suits your project, or assisting with site selection, our goal is to
help you create the landscape you desire.
Recommended Tools
• Shovel
• Flexible Tape Measure
• Spray Paint
• Utility Knife
• Level
• Garden Hose
The materials needed for a medium sized (14’
x 9’ x 2’ 1,890 gal.) pond are as follows:
• 3.75 tons of Flat Stack Stone
• 2.75 tons of Round Glacier Stones
• 1 ton of Gravel
• 4-5 300-500lb Boulders
• 15’ x 20’ Underlayment and Liner
• EcoSkimmer
• Skimmer Lid
• EcoFalls Filter
• Faux Stone Snout
• 25’ of 1 1/2” Piping
• Check Valve Assembly
• EcoMax Media Bag
Installation
1 Lay out or shape a garden hose to the size and
configuration you are considering for the site of your water feature.
Do it multiple times and take photographs of the layouts to pick your
favorite. Use a can of spray paint to outline out the area of your
choice.
2 Position the skimmer opposite the waterfall.
Place the filter at the pond's edge or if your system has a stream,
place the filter at the head of the stream.
3 Dig in layers, carving in plant shelves as you
go. Use the soil to build a berm behind the filter. Dig the skimmer
niche; the water level should be 1/3 of the way down from the top of
the intake. Be sure to slope the sides backward at an angle. Also, make
sure that the pond's perimeter is level.
4 Double-check for sharp rocks or roots. Then lay
in the entire liner and underlayment, being careful around
corners and over plant shelves. Smooth out the liner as
much as possible. Position the liner at a height to include the
skimmer niche and up to the top of the filter. Attach liner to the
filter.
5 Stack stones up the side walls of the pond;
similar to building a retaining wall. Lock the skimmer in place with
stack stones.
6 Finish off with final stones. Mix it up with
steppers, flats and boulders to add visual interest. Mix large rocks,
gravel and some sand on the bottom of the pond for a more natural look.
7 Use a hose to wash out the entire pond area. Pump
out to remove the debris and the dirty water. Refill the pond to the
top. Check for overflow areas and trim the excess liner from around the
pond. The project is now complete. It's time to enjoy the new
waterfeature in your yard.
