Homemade pond on the site. Decorative pond in the country - design options. We use old containers

How pleasant it is to spend a few hours by a shady pond or lake in the hot summer season! Of course, it's great if there is one in the neighborhood. However, most often we spend free summer days in the country, and not everyone has the funds for a large country house and the services of a landscape designer. In this case, there is nothing left to do but make a pond with your own hands, especially since it is not so difficult.

It all depends on your imagination, the size of the site and what is at hand. If you make a little effort and money, then the summer cottage pond will not only delight you, but also cause burning envy among your neighbors.

The size and shape of yours primarily depends on the area allocated for these purposes of the site. But the larger the area of ​​the pond, the easier it is to look after it - the small one needs to be cleaned more often. If you plan to have fish and plant a lot of aquatic plants, then a small reservoir will not work for you either, because it is very difficult to maintain the correct eco-balance in it.

The best place for a home pond will be an open part of the site, at the same time protected from strong winds. You should not place the reservoir in a well-lit place: the location should be such that the sun's rays do not fall into the water for more than 6 hours in a row, otherwise it will bloom, and only frogs can live there. Doubtful prospect, right? At the same time, if the lighting is insufficient, plants will grow slowly, and a beautiful resting corner will not work.

If you decide to equip a small fountain, you will definitely need a pond diagram in order to properly connect the pump and other equipment. With a little effort, you can sketch out the plan yourself. Of course, in this case, it will be necessary to consider the proximity of the location of the power supply network.

You should not place your home pond under the crowns of trees. Firstly, this will lead to additional pollution of the water with fallen leaves, and the pond will have to be cleaned much more often, and secondly, the roots of the tree can damage the bed of the tank, and it will dry out quickly.

And, of course, the whole idea will become useless if you cannot enjoy the beautiful view from the window or from the terrace, so when planning to make a pond on the site with your own hands, do not forget about the aesthetic side of the issue.

Home pond on a rigid base

If you are a supporter of solid, durable construction, then you can approach the process on a grand scale: dig a pit of sufficient size and, using metal reinforcement and cement, cast a reinforced concrete pond bowl. Such a design, of course, will cost a lot, but it will last for many years (at least 30). If you are not a supporter of a global approach, you can get by with an easier and cheaper option.

So, how to make One of the most elementary ways to make a dream come true is a ready-made "bowl" that can be purchased in the store. Perhaps the main disadvantage of this option will be that it will not be possible to come up with your own original form of the reservoir, you will have to be content with the offered assortment.

The most inexpensive solution is a small plastic pond, from 4 to 8 m 2. Of course, there are bigger molds, but they already belong to the category of pools and are much more expensive. When choosing a container, you should definitely pay attention to its depth - it should be at least 0.8-1 meters. In summer, the water in such a pond will warm up completely, and all its inhabitants will feel comfortable, but in winter such a pond will not freeze to the bottom, which is also very important.

If you decide to organize a pond on a site with your own hands and want to use a ready-made base for this, then first of all you need to study the materials from which the forms are made - there are also several nuances here.

The simplest and cheapest option may be a regular plastic container, but it has its drawbacks. First of all, you need to be very careful during transportation and installation - such a tank can crack even with a slight bend. Also, plastic tends to collapse from sunlight, which means that the service life of such a product is not too long - 5-10 years.

If you want your reservoir to serve longer, choose forms made of special reinforced plastic - they have a much longer service life (up to 20 years). These reservoirs are more flexible and less susceptible to UV radiation.

The highest quality and, of course, the most expensive are products made of fiberglass on a rubber base. This form is resistant to temperature changes, does not collapse from exposure to sunlight and does not emit harmful substances into the water, which is very important for the inhabitants of the reservoir. Such a reservoir will last more than 30 years, in addition, it can be repaired, which extends the time of use for an almost unlimited period.

The construction of ponds from a fiberglass bath is a simple process, and the result is quite aesthetic, since these forms come in different colors, and some are even coated with a coating that imitates stones, sand or small pebbles. This allows you to beautifully mask the edges of the pond and give it the most natural look.

We build ourselves

So, in order to build a pond on a site with your own hands, you first need to decide on the location and shape of the reservoir. Have you decided? We start construction work:

1. First, we mark the contour of the pit. It is very simple to do this - set the shape in the right place and outline its silhouette using an ordinary bayonet shovel, tightly pressing the handle at the edge of the bath.
2. Add about 20 cm to the resulting contour to add sand to the plastic pond.
3. If you have acquired a form with ledges, then each level must be marked and dug out separately, from larger to smaller, and do not forget to add 10-15 cm on each floor for a sandy substrate.
4. When the pit is ready, its edges should be well leveled and tamped, all glass, stones and tree roots should be selected. Failure to do this can damage the mold. Then you need to fill in and carefully tamp the sand with a layer of at least 10 cm - this will save your pond from subsidence.
5. Install the plastic mold and make sure it is level, you can also use the rule for this. Then carefully fill the pond with water about a third, being careful not to budge it.
6. Carefully fill the gaps between the edge of the pit and the mold with sand. In this case, you need to ensure that there are no voids left. For this, periodically water the soil with water, but try so that the pressure is not too strong.

For a week after installation, water the area around the pond regularly and add sand as needed. After the subsidence of the soil stops, you can completely fill the reservoir, decorate the edges of the pond bowl with stones, flagstone and plant ornamental plants.

Country pond made of flexible materials

Now let's talk about how to make a pond on the site, if it is not possible to purchase a ready-made container, or if you want to equip a large pond of a bizarre shape.

The most budgetary option in this case will be the use of ordinary polyethylene with a thickness of at least 500 microns. However, despite the fact that it is quite inexpensive, there are quite a few disadvantages of such a coating. The fact is that polyethylene is a fairly thin material, it is very easy to damage it, and under the influence of sunlight, it completely becomes fragile and quickly collapses. A pond on a polyethylene backing will last you a maximum of 2-3 years.

PVC film for a pond - the material is also not too expensive, but much more durable, such a coating can withstand 8-10 years. Polyvinyl chloride coating can be ordinary and two-layer, in which a woven mesh is laid for strength. Of course, PVC has the same disadvantages as polyethylene - it is destroyed by ultraviolet radiation, it is easily cut and torn, but, unlike the latter, it can be repaired. For this, special kits are sold. In addition, PVC stretches better, and after filling the pond with water, most of the folds stretch and straighten over time.

The most expensive, but at the same time and the highest quality coating is made of butyl rubber: the service life of such a material is about 50 years, and the sun's rays are nothing to it. In addition, butyl rubber is not afraid of low temperatures, so you do not have to drain the pond water in the winter. This is a very flexible and plastic material that can withstand significant loads, therefore, if you decide to equip a spacious reservoir of an unusual shape, you simply cannot do without it.

We mark the pit

To equip a pond on a site with your own hands, you will need:

• pegs;
• rope;
• film coating;
• geotextile or felt;
• sand;
• crushed stone or large pebbles;
• shovel;
• special set for repairing the film coating;
• bricks;
• garden hose for watering;

With the help of twine and pegs, you need to mark the desired shape of the pit and start earthworks. If you plan on setting up a fairly large pond, you can use an excavator. In the process of work, it is necessary to ensure that the ledges and descents alternate, this will make the banks of the pond more stable. You also need to provide terraces (at least 30 cm wide) for planting plants. Slopes from one level to another must be made fairly gentle, with an angle of inclination up to 45˚.

It is worth remembering that the depth of the pond should not be less than 80 cm, otherwise in winter the water in it will freeze to the bottom, and its inhabitants will die. Thus, you need to dig a pit, which is about 15-20 centimeters larger than the estimated size of the reservoir. This is necessary in order to be able to fill the terraces and the bottom of the pond with sand, in order to avoid subsidence and damage to the film. The sand pillow must be carefully leveled and tamped, after removing all pebbles, sharp sticks and plant roots from the bottom.

Drainage and waterproofing

When the sand drainage cushion is ready, proceed to the next stage of work. In order for the pond film to remain intact as long as possible, geotextiles must be laid on the sand layer, preferably in 2 layers. Next, we straighten the film itself and fix it on the banks with bricks or large stones. Do not necessarily try to straighten and unfold all the folds - let the water do it for you.

We place the flexible one in such a way that its end is in the center of the future reservoir, and we begin to supply water, making sure that the pressure is not too strong. As the pond fills with water, partially loosen the edges of the film and spread it along the slopes of the pit. After the reservoir is filled to the brim, leave it for 1-2 days. During this time, under the weight of water, the film will expand and fill all the voids.

After it completely sags, you need to cut off the excess parts, leaving at least 40-50 cm for the arrangement of the banks. The edges are fixed with pegs or special metal arms, and then masked with flagstone, large stones and pebbles. It's time to install the pump, decorate the hoses from the fountains and start planting the plants.

Pond above the ground in the country

When there are kids in the family, then one of the main problems in the construction of a reservoir: how to make the pond safe. It is best if such a reservoir is slightly raised above the soil surface. Firstly, this greatly facilitates caring for him, and secondly, the risk of small children or pets accidentally falling there is significantly reduced.

In this case, you cannot do without a reinforced concrete foundation. Dig a pit in the deepest part of the pond, form terraces for plants, as in the previous case. On the banks of the reservoir, using wooden formwork, fill in a concrete foundation of the required height; for strength it can be reinforced with a metal mesh. After the foundation is completely dry and settled (this will take at least two days), the formwork can be removed, and the inner walls can be plastered until smooth. This will help prevent tearing of the film. We line the bottom of the pit with it and fill the bowl with water. At the same time, we fix the edges of the material so that they are behind the concrete fence. After the pond is full, let the water settle, cut off the excess film, fix it and decorate the edges of the bowl.

Inventory: what you need

Of course, the construction of ponds is not an easy task, but what can you not do for your loved one, because if everything is organized correctly, the result will please the eye for more than one year.

However, it is not enough to build a home reservoir - you also need to take care of it. Here are some technical gadgets that will come in handy for you:

Rules for caring for a summer cottage

A pond in the garden is, of course, very beautiful, but if you do not want to become the happy owner of a personal swamp, in which frogs croak in the evenings, then you need to properly care for it. First of all, you need to ensure that the water does not bloom in it. Of course, it is best to purchase a special purification system, but this, unfortunately, is not a cheap pleasure. However, there is another, more affordable means: take a canvas bag and fill it. Place such a “surprise” under the water, and there will be practically no algae at the bottom of the pond.

It is also necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the reservoir - regularly remove debris from the surface and add water as it evaporates. If your pond is small, then it is recommended to completely drain it for the winter period, and for large tanks, complete cleaning is required at least 2-3 times a year, while the water must be completely pumped out.

From what is at hand

And what about those for whom the size of the site does not allow to place even a small reservoir? Do not be upset: a small pond can also be arranged in the front garden by adapting a cut metal barrel or just a large basin for this purpose. Such a mini-pond can even be placed on the balcony of a city apartment, decorating the container with glued pebbles or mosaics. Of course, you will not hear the murmur of a fountain near such a "reservoir", but the coolness and lush greenery of aquatic plants are guaranteed to you.

Many owners of suburban, private, summer cottages dream of having their own pond. As practice shows, it is quite possible to create a decorative reservoir with your own hands. In this article, we will talk about the main features of making a pond with our own hands, pay attention to the recommendations of specialists regarding this topic, and determine the main criteria for choosing a place for digging a pit for an artificial reservoir on the site.

The main types of reservoirs in your area

Having your own water oasis on a private plot has become a fashionable trend in recent years. As a rule, each owner tries to diversify this type of landscape structures with various original ideas. But, before we talk about specific types of artificial reservoirs, let's consider what they are in general. The table shows the main types of reservoirs in summer cottages:

The main types of reservoirs
Waterfall	This is an artificially created reservoir, a feature of which is considered to be falling, noisy water from top to bottom. Such structures work due to a specially equipped pumping system. The correctly chosen place for the arrangement of the waterfall is an area with an inclined relief.
The fountain	Artificial reservoirs of this type are usually divided into two groups: submersible and stationary. Stationary structures are independent elements of the territory, submerged ones are most often an additional element of the pond.
Creek	Requires a water supply system (for example, a small pond, etc.). Due to overflows, bends, stone obstacles, the stream of its own production looks not only original, beautiful, but also as natural and natural as possible.
Pond	This is a reservoir, the principle of creation of which is considered to be the blocking of a watercourse. Usually it is formed on small rivers or in the process of creating a dam. The sizes of such reservoirs can vary from the smallest to significant dimensions.
Swamp	An original creation on the site is considered to be a decorative swamp. It is customary to breed attractive, rare waterfowl on such artificial reservoirs. For this to be possible, the depth of such a water system must be shallow.

Another criterion, based on which reservoirs are divided into types, is the purpose of this structure. So, the following are distinguished:

• small;
• decorative;
• for swimming;
• reservoirs for fish farming.

The creation of an artificial water structure on the site does not require special financial investments. in this matter, attention to detail is important, not specialists, beginners should familiarize themselves with the advice and recommendations of real professionals.

The correct location of the reservoir on the site

When choosing a suitable territory for the construction of a reservoir with your own hands, you should be extremely careful so as not to damage the gas system, etc. while digging a pit. Taking into account all generally accepted rules, an artificial pond (or other species) should not occupy more than 3% of the site. In order for the design to become not only a decoration, but also to be practical at any time of the year, the following recommendations should be taken into account:

• there should be no trees on the territory around the reservoir: the leaves will fall off, this will require frequent cleaning, and strong roots can destroy structures from under the ground;
• from the aesthetic point of view, the reservoir should be clearly visible from the house;
• a correctly chosen place assumes a convenient approach to a water structure, the ability to equip any path;
• the hit of sunlight on the reservoir is also important, ideally it should be illuminated for about 7 hours a day;
• it should be possible to shelter, protect the reservoir from strong, cold winds.

Basic materials and tools for making a pond with your own hands

For the manufacture of a pond on the site with your own hands, as practice shows, a variety of materials are chosen. Rigid plastic, PVC sheeting, concrete and other building materials initially form the basis of the time required to operate and the budget of the process. Often, the owners use the materials available on the farm to build a small pond in the yard. This range includes various fiberglass bowls, old sinks and bathtubs, barrels, etc.

To create an artificial reservoir, liquid rubber, butyl rubber film, EPDM membrane, etc. are also used.

To work with different types of materials, as a rule, different tools are required, but still for some work there are a number of irreplaceable tools:

• digging shovel;
• roulette;
• gloves;
• bucket;
• pegs and rope;
• Master OK;
• hammer;
• rake and pitchfork;
• scissors of various types;
• copper pipes, grinder, etc.

DIY hard plastic pond

The basis for creating a pond in the garden can be a ready-made structure made of hard plastic. The advantages of this option include a minimum of time spent on installation work (in comparison with others), reliability of use at any time of the year, the ability to create a reservoir of any shape, etc. At the same time, one of the main drawbacks is considered the financial cost of high-quality material, since cheap, not durable material can soon become the reason for the rejection and unsuitability of the pond. There are several steps involved in creating a hard plastic pond.

1. The marking of the selected territory is being prepared.

2. The pit is dug, cleaned, with a margin of at least 8-10 cm.

3. A container made of hard plastic of the desired shape and size is placed in the finished pit.

4. Using the building level, the horizontal installation of the tank is checked.

5. One third of the vessel is filled with water. Then, the fixing of the bowl begins with the help of sand, which is filled up from the sides.

In the presence of a ready-made bowl, small in size, it will take no more than 3-4 days to work. A do-it-yourself hard plastic pond is a good alternative along with other options.

DIY pvc film pond

The creation of private ponds based on various types of building films, including PVC, is also known. The durability of this type of structure directly depends on the strength, thickness and quality of the selected material.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film is the best option for producing a small pond with your own hands on the site. She is known for the following characteristics:

• usually does not contain harmful substances;
• sold in rolls of various thicknesses and widths;
• resistant to temperature extremes, has good frost-resistant qualities;
• with a properly selected PVC film thickness, the pond's durability will be more than 10 years.

When choosing a PVC material for work, you should pay attention to characteristics such as moisture resistance, resistance to soil salts, UV resistance, etc.

Diy pond from a reinforced concrete bowl

One of the most difficult, in terms of technical characteristics, options for creating a reservoir on the site is a concrete structure. First, it is a rather laborious, time-consuming and costly process. Secondly, this business requires certain building skills. However, reservoirs made of reinforced concrete material are distinguished by their durability, strength and reliability. By creating ponds of this type, you can maximally embody any original ideas and create a water structure of any size.

Using this material in the production of your own pond on the site, you should additionally take care of:

• waterproofing structures;
• additional processing of the structure with a frost-resistant agent;
• strengthening the structure with reinforcement, etc.

This type of body of water requires building materials such as sand, cement, cement primer, crushed stone, etc.

The main work on making a pond with your own hands. Sketch

The main work on making a pond with your own hands is based on a ready-made, individually created sketch. This construction document allows you to graphically display all the nuances of the future design and work on it. At home, the master, beginners rely on ready-made drawings and ideas with which the Internet is richer. Construction specialists write that when creating a sketch for the construction of a pond, it is important to pay attention to the presence of steps (ground drops) in the reservoir. The detail in the drawing will avoid a huge number of construction problems and inaccuracies.

We have already briefly mentioned above the main stages of work on the manufacture of a pond, but it is worth considering in more detail the issues related to the preparation of the pit, about laying the substrate and film.

Digging a pit, laying the substrate and film

Physical work, regarding the manufacture of a pond with your own hands, begins with digging a foundation pit. But before you start digging a hole, you must first clean up the area from possible debris and foliage. Next, mark the selected area and only then remove the sod. Experts recommend digging from edge to center, while constantly adjusting irregularities and observing the edges of the marked area. Do not forget about a 10 cm supply of land (even such minor errors in the process can be very significant).

Further, the finished pit must be equipped with high-quality waterproofing. This is done so that the water from the pond does not go into the ground. In construction, there are several options for how to form the so-called substrate in the pit:

1. Using various types of stones, lay and tamp the foundation pit;

2. Apply geotextiles, which should be covered with sand;

3. Use a film.

The most common of the above methods is the latter.

A pillow inside the pit made of PVC film requires special attention, since incorrect installation work can result in damage to the film layer, for example by tree roots, etc.

When laying this material on the bottom of the pit, it is important to follow some rules:

• usually the relief of reservoirs is characterized by folding, therefore professionals advise making one large fold, and avoiding the appearance of many small ones;
• in order to fix the film in the pit, it is better to create an additional trench;
• you should make sure that the film material is so stretched in the pit, at this point it is important that the PVC material lies freely, otherwise, after filling the pond with water, it may burst;
• in order to lay out the film with stones, it is best to use small types. Another point, small rounded stones, without ribbed surfaces, would be a good option;
• the edges of the film are recommended to be cut off after the foundation pit has stood for more than 2 days.

DIY pond care

In order to turn the pond into a multifunctional system, filtration systems, pumps and other equipment are additionally installed. There are several methods of pond care at different times of the year:

• mechanical;
• biological;
• chemical;
• UV.

The mechanical method consists in the use of special filter containers that remove small particles from the reservoir. By choosing a system with fine nozzles, even the smallest particles can be neutralized.

To normalize the biological indicators of water in the pond, a biological method is used. Its principle of operation is to use filters that are able to neutralize biological residues, etc.

The chemical method of cleaning allows you to normalize the acidity of the water in the pond, saturate it with oxygen, etc. However, if fish live in the reservoir, this method can only do harm.

The last method consists in the use of ultraviolet lamps, the main function of which, in this case, is to disinfect water. Ultraviolet light copes well with harmful viruses and bacteria.

To the above methods, you can add the most elementary physical work that will keep the reservoir clean. The owners are required to thoroughly purify the water from leaves, regularly change the water, remove silt and algae, etc. Experts recommend breeding a range of aquatic plants that are considered natural filters. This is not only useful, but also very beautiful.

For more information on how to make a pond on a site with your own hands, watch the video:

One of the brightest tools in landscape design is the decorative pond. Of course, most of the suburban areas are limited to the traditional six hundred square meters, and the owners simply cannot build a large reservoir, but because of this, you should not give up the dream of acquiring an artificial pond. As for the technical part, it will not become an obstacle, but subject to the availability of good instructions and desire. So, today we will find out how to make a pond in the country with our own hands step by step.

First, you should find out what purpose the construction of a pond on the site will pursue. From this point of view, water bodies can be conditionally divided into four large groups.

Table # 1. Functionality classification of artificial reservoirs

Group name	Short description
	They are an element of the landscape composition and are intended primarily to decorate a particular area of ​​the garden. Active rest is not provided near such reservoirs.
	They are deeper and are often decorated with fountains, bridges, sometimes they are equipped with lighting. Such ponds are erected near a house or a gazebo, benches with awnings are placed next to them. Therefore, it is quite obvious that such reservoirs are the heart of the recreation area for residents of the house.
	This option is suitable not only for avid fishermen, but also for families with children - the latter will enjoy watching bright fish while relaxing in nature.
	They also belong to artificial summer cottages and not only perform an aesthetic function, but also provide an opportunity to freshen up or even swim (it all depends on the size).

Then, based on the goal and our capabilities, we proceed to the choice of style, location, size and shape.

Second phase. Determining the style

An artificial pond can be made in one of two possible options, and each of them also has a great variety of modifications.

Table 2. Artificial reservoir styles

Name	Short description
	This name exactly reflects the essence - these are designs that differ in clearly defined outlines. Geometrically correct pond shape is suitable for those areas that are decorated in the style of minimalism, high-tech, modern or classic. But, which is characteristic, the shape can be not only rectangular, but also square, round, oval, broken.
	They are more popular, because they are characterized by naturalness and irregular outlines of the banks, which means they seem to bring a person closer to nature. The shape of the reservoir here depends only on personal preference, but the more complex it is, the more difficult it will be to lay the film (more on this later).

The relief of the site also plays an important role in choosing a style. So, if the surface is sufficiently flat, then the shape of the pond can be any. If there are irregularities and drops on the site, then they need to be given special attention, but they make it possible to additionally equip a cascade or a waterfall. In addition, against the background of all this, an artificial slide, for example, will look great.

Also, the reservoir can be raised somewhat above the ground. In this case, the construction technology will differ only in the arrangement of the foundation, which will prevent possible distortions of the bowl.

When creating such a reservoir, earthwork is minimized, and it will be much easier to care for it.

Note! If the reservoir is to be built with a fountain, then preference should be given to a high construction.

Stage three. Choosing a place

To begin with, we place the reservoir in the most convenient place so that you can admire your creation from anywhere on the site. That is why, when choosing, we take into account several important factors.

1. Land area. Not only the size of the pond, but also its shape directly depends on it.
2. Illumination... It is preferable to place an artificial reservoir in a shaded place, in which the exposure to direct rays of the sun does not exceed five to six hours a day, otherwise part of the water may simply evaporate. Moreover, in the sunlight, biological activity can develop, which is unlikely to be able to decorate the pond. Therefore, having chosen a specific place on the site, we observe the solar regime for several days.
3. Relief... The shape of the pond depends on it, and it also simplifies the arrangement of additional elements (for example, fountains).
4. Groundwater level, soil composition. These indicators affect not only the depth of the reservoir, but also the complexity of the work and the need for additional consumables.

Note! The deeper the pond, the more illuminated it should be placed. If the reservoir is intended for fish, then we treat the location even more responsibly, since the oxygen content in highly heated water decreases.

1. Expandability... We do not forget about the perspective, therefore, on the one hand, we leave free space.
2. Visibility... It is advisable to arrange the reservoir so that it can be seen from home and recreation areas.
3. Power supply... If a fountain or lighting is additionally equipped, then we will think over electrification in advance. It is better to lay the wires even during development, moreover, underground and in a reliable protective corrugation. There should be small access hatches at the connections.
4. Reflection. The pond will look more attractive if the surface reflects the sky or beautiful buildings, and not some kind of utility structure.
5. Landscaping. The vegetation near the pond is, of course, beautiful, but the leaves will pollute it and form silt. Moreover, the root systems of trees can damage the waterproofing layer.
6. Compatible with general design and other objects.

We begin work in the spring - so we will have enough time for the reservoir to "take root" on the site.

Stage four. Determine the size

It is difficult to say that a large pond will cost more than a small one, since there are many nuances here. Therefore, we will consider the key points.

1. Dimensions. They depend on the location of the reservoir. Many say that the pond should make up on average 3-10% of the total area of ​​the site, although there can be no clear recommendations in this case. As for specifically the length and width, they depend not only on the area of ​​the land plot, but also on our capabilities. After all, we will dig a hole under the reservoir by hand.

2. Depth. It depends on the purpose of creating a reservoir, as well as its size.

3. Difficulty of content. The larger the pond, the easier (no matter how paradoxical it may sound) to care for it.

4. Zoning. The reservoir is divided into the following zones:

• coastal (from 10 cm to 40 cm), which will serve as an entrance and for planting a plant;
• shallow water (from 40 cm to 100 cm), where crops that grow deeper will be planted (for example, a winter-hardy water lily);
• deep-sea (more than 100 cm) - it is required only in those reservoirs where fish farming is planned; the area of ​​this zone depends, first of all, on the number of fish, but on average it should be more than 20% of the total area of ​​the reservoir.

5. Biological balance. In any case, living creatures will settle in the pond, which means that it is necessary to provide such conditions so that it can self-clean. No oxygenation or chlorination of water is envisaged here. It is worth remembering: no more than ½ of the entire area can be allocated for plants.

Note! The lowest point should be lowered below the soil freezing line, especially if fish breeding is planned so that they can survive the winter in non-freezing water.

Fifth stage. Choosing materials

The next question that needs to be dealt with is the choice of consumables. There are many options on the market today that can be used to create an artificial reservoir. Let's consider them.

Concrete pond

The most expensive option, which, nevertheless, allows the reservoir to be exploited for a long time. Although the concrete fill is more suitable for the arrangement of the pool.

Finished plastic container

This option is more suitable. The form, made of fiberglass or PVC, allows you to build a pond in record time and use it for up to 30 years (the specific period depends on the quality of the container).

The procedure itself will consist of only four steps:

• digging a pit;
• set the form;
• fill the remaining voids with sand;
• we plant the plants, fill the reservoir with water.

The disadvantages of this method are the difficulty of transportation (if the volume is large) and the need for basic knowledge of installation (otherwise the bowl may be damaged). Moreover, plastic containers are destroyed over time by UV radiation.

Note! It is preferable to use a fiberglass bowl that is reinforced with rubber - this design is more reliable and suitable for repair.

Polymer film

In terms of the shape of the pond, this option provides simply unlimited possibilities. The most affordable material is plastic wrap, although it will not last long.

A PVC film has a longer service life; with proper installation, it can last up to ten years.

Perhaps the most reliable option. For ponds with rocky bottom and great depths, it is recommended to use a butyl rubber membrane (EPDM) with a service life of up to 50 years. In addition, this material is able to withstand multiple frosts.

There are several popular methods for making a reservoir, in which scrap materials are used. Let's take a look at the most popular of these methods.

Pond from the old bath

A great option, because a bathtub is a container that was originally intended to hold fluid. The bathtub can be painted in bright colors and placed in a picturesque corner of the site, or, as an option, deepened into the ground.

Tire pond

A simple way to create a mini-reservoir on the site. The manufacturing procedure is shown in the photo below.

Basin pond

An even easier way. The basin is capable of holding water well, so it can be installed in the same way as a bath. With proper decoration, such a mini-pond will be an excellent decoration for the yard.

Note! The choice of material depends not only on the aesthetic characteristics of the pond, but also on its service life. It is desirable that the selected material is environmentally friendly.

Sixth stage. We prepare the equipment

To create a simple artificial reservoir, we need a level, a cart with a shovel, a cord, a hose that is used for watering, and pegs.

If the pond is more technologically advanced, then the following equipment will be needed:

• cleaning filter;
• a sterilizer (it will remove algae so that the water is clear);
• pump for pumping / pumping out water;
• aerator for oxygenation (especially important for fish breeding).

Seventh stage. Create an artificial reservoir

There are plenty of materials that can be used to create a reservoir, but we will focus on PVC film. The fact is that it is cheaper, it takes the desired shape better, it can be repaired, and it does not require specific knowledge or skills to work.

Step 1. First, select the color of the film. There are several possible options here.

1. Black film - it will turn the bottom into a mirror (plants, clouds, etc. will be reflected).
2. Cream, blue- so the pond will look more like a pool, and fish on a light background will be seen more clearly.
3. Brown- will imitate the soil of natural reservoirs. A great option for a landscape pond.

Also, when choosing a film, we pay attention to the composition (PVC is more durable than PE) and thickness (for a pond, you will need material thicker than 0.5 mm). Moreover, the greater the depth of the reservoir, the greater the thickness of the film should be. Equally important is resistance to UV radiation and mechanical damage.

Note! If the depth of the pond exceeds 1.5 m, then we use butyl rubber. Such a film is resistant to stretching, deformation and UV, moreover, it can withstand temperatures of 40-80 ° C.

• pond width + (depth x 2) + stock (55-60 cm) = material width;
• pond length + (depth x 2) + stock (55-60 cm) = material length.

For gluing, we will use a special glue (for example, "Tagnit") or adhesive tape (Quick Seam 3).

Step 3. The next step is to create the schema.

First, we draw it on paper, and then we transfer it to the ground. We indicate the sizes of steps or "shelves" for plants - this will avoid possible problems. For marking we use sand or a flexible garden hose (preferably a bright color).

After that, we cover the marked area with a piece of light film and examine it from different angles. We make adjustments if necessary.

Step 4... We swarm the foundation pit. To do this, we perform the following actions.

1. First, remove the sod.
2. Then we dig the foundation pit itself. At the same time, we move from the edges to the center, going deeper in the required places - this is more convenient. For laying out the stone and decorating, we equip a ledge with a depth of 60-70 cm.
3. We remove the soil, and with it roots, stones, debris and everything that can damage the film. By the way, you can make an alpine slide from the excavated soil.

When carrying out earthworks, we pay attention to the fact that the shores of the future pond are located on the same line. If a waterfall is created, then we maintain the required height difference.

Note! If a large level is required, we can make it ourselves. To do this, we put the usual level on a long flat board.

Step 5. We lay the substrate. We carefully tamp the bottom of the finished pit, after which we proceed to the waterproofing layer, which will prevent the penetration of water into the ground.

The underlay can be done in several ways:

• we cover the bottom with stones and fill it with sand (this kind of waterproofing will lose its properties after a few years);
• we lay a layer of geotextile, which we fill with sand (it will cost a lot);
• we lay PVC film (the most reliable way, so we will dwell on it).

Step 6. Next, we lay the film, preferably on a sandy "pillow" (the latter will prevent damage from stones and other dangerous objects). It is advisable to do styling on a hot day - as it warms up, the film becomes more pliable.

In this case, it may be difficult to form folds. We try to make one large fold, and not a large number of small ones, and then glue it or press it down with stones. The film should be loose, loose.

To secure it, we dig an additional trench along the perimeter. We put the film there, after which we fill in the crushed stone. Next, fill the trench with large stones with a flat bottom (so that the film does not break). We lay the walls with round stones (flat ones will slide). At the end, we fill the pond with water - we serve it without pressure, directing it to the center of the pit. After two days, cut off the excess film.

Step 7... Strengthening the shores. Their slope depends on the type of soil: if it is sandy, then the walls should be sloped, if we are talking about clay or black soil, then vertical. The optimum slope angle should be approximately 45 °.

The fortification itself depends on the type of coast.

If they are shallow, then you can use:

• geomat;
• geogrid;
• polymer geogrid.

You can also use a regular mesh netting, clogging its cells with soil with seeds of perennial grass (for example, clover). There is another option - to strengthen the banks with shrubs or plants.

If the coast is steep, then we can use:

• piles;
• gabions;
• retaining walls.

It can also be effectively strengthened using biological methods (planting). Ideally, biological enhancement methods should be combined with engineering ones.

Eighth stage. We design an artificial pond

There are several ways to decorate a pond. To make it a full-fledged design element, we use one or more of the methods below.

As a conclusion. Care features

As a result, a few words about the further care of the artificial reservoir.

Video - Creating a pond from film

It's not difficult at all. It can be made in any size depending on the space on the site that you would like to allocate for this. The rules for arranging such an element of landscape design will be approximately the same regardless of size. On a summer day, it is infinitely pleasant to relax near a self-created reservoir and proudly show it to guests. Any owner of a summer cottage can create a beautiful garden pond, equip the banks, populate it with bright fish. Everything will depend solely on your imagination.

How to determine the location for a pond

To make a pond on your own site functional and attractive in appearance, first try to determine a convenient location for it.

It would be ideal to start building a pond in a free area that is not under the scorching sun, but also not shaded by trees. If it seems to you that a suitable site has been found, pay attention to how it is lit. Poor lighting does not allow planted plants to develop calmly, and this negatively affects the appearance of the reservoir.

It is not very good to build a pond in a completely open area, where there will be real sunshine on hot days. Single-celled algae love light, they will grow stronger and cause water bloom. If you have a shallow body of water, animals and plants will feel uncomfortable in hot weather and may die. And the owners are unlikely to be pleased to relax in the sun. It is better to choose an area for creating a pond that is not surrounded by trees, next to which there is a structure or fence. Then at noon the pond will be in the shade they cast, and the sun's rays in the evening and in the morning are far from so hot and will not damage the structure.

Do not try to locate the pond near trees. Their roots grow imperceptibly and after a while they can damage the bottom - tear the film or shift the shape.

If you intend to decorate the pond in the country with your own hands, arrange lighting, filters, using a pump, also take into account the proximity of the source of electricity.

A pond in the country from a special plastic form

If you want to create a beautiful landscape at the dacha with the addition of a reservoir, but there is no desire to fiddle with the correct arrangement of the bottom, you can purchase a ready-made form for it. They are cast in fiberglass or plastic production conditions. Such a container can last at least 10-12 years, it has good resistance to temperature and sunlight. But when installing a plastic mold, all actions should be performed more carefully, otherwise there is a risk of damaging it. Cracks that have appeared on the surface cannot be effectively closed.

Fiberglass is a more expensive material, from which garden pond molds are also made. It is extremely durable and able to last for many years. When using this option, the service life of the reservoir will turn out to be twice or three times longer than in the previous case.

The first step in setting up your own mini-pond is choosing and shaping it. It will need to be arranged in the ground. To get a foundation pit, the shape of which exactly matches the required one, transfer the contours of the future pond to the surface of the earth. This should be done in this way. Place the purchased plastic bowl on the ground, then start sticking sticks around it, retreating from the outline by about 15-20 cm.Pull a rope between the sticks. Then move the plastic base to the side and dig a hole, trying to keep the shape. The edges of the pit should be 30 cm higher than the height of the bowl. Make sure that the location of the pit is horizontal. For this, a flat board or building level is used.

Pour a layer of sand at the bottom of the pit - this will be the base of the pond. Place the mold in the prepared hole, fill the free space left between the plastic and the edges of the pit with sand. Then hose down the sand with water to facilitate shrinkage.

Fill the mold with water. The banks can be decorated with stones. When starting to create a summer cottage pond with your own hands, a photo on the topic can be viewed in advance in order to determine its appearance. You can equip beautiful stone shores that are close to natural in appearance, plant plants.

How to create a pond from film

Do-it-yourself pond in the country can be built from waterproof PVC film or butyl rubber. The option is convenient in that the shape and size of the owners of the site are chosen independently. The film made of polyvinyl chloride is resistant to the influence of ultraviolet radiation, perfectly tolerates temperature fluctuations, and does not lose color for a long time. She is capable of serving for 10-15 years. Butyl rubber is somewhat stronger and more durable, but also more expensive. It should be used for reservoirs that are planned to be made deep enough. It is worth buying material with a small margin in order to thoroughly fix it around the edges.

The step-by-step arrangement of the reservoir will look like this:

1. Creation of a pit. If you are going to plant plants in water, shelves can be arranged for them along the edges of the pit - ledges with a depth of 15 cm.
2. When digging, try to work in such a way that the walls of the hole do not crumble. If the soil on the site is clayey or black soil predominates, you can safely make them vertical. When working with sandy soils, the pit walls should be sloped.
3. After excavating, remove roots, stones, any large formations that might interfere with your work. The film should be protected from possible mechanical damage and tears. To do this, arrange a sand layer at the bottom or cover it with geotextiles.
4. Place the film on top of the sand layer and place stones along the edge to secure it. If during excavation ledges, steps were created, do the same for them.
5. In addition, a shallow groove with a width of 20-30 cm can be dug around the reservoir. This will allow the stones fixing the film to be flush with the ground. To enhance fixation, you can fill them with cement.
6. When the container is completely ready, it's time to pour water into it and plant the plants.

Equipment for a decorative pond from an old bath

You can make your pond at a summer cottage out of anything. For example, if you have a bathtub that has deteriorated, you can use it as a base for a pond.

In this case, the pit is dug out depending on the size of the bath - about 20 cm is added to them.When you lower the bath into the prepared foundation pit, its edges should be lower than the surface of the soil. Dig a groove around the perimeter of the resulting hole - its height and width should be 30 cm. Place the bath in the pit and give it a strictly horizontal position, using a level to determine it. Fill the voids on the sides with soil or sand. At this stage, the base of the pond should be obtained in this form: a bathtub dug into a hole with a small groove encircling the perimeter.

The next step is to mix a mass of tile glue with water, to which a pigment of the desired shade is added. The adhesive should be applied to the inside of the pond blank. Do not try to level it well - the sides of the bath should acquire a dark shade close to the natural color of the soil and a similar structure. Then cover the structure with foil and leave it alone for one day - you have to wait until the glue completely hardens.

Place a special metal mesh around the edges of the tub for fixing. Cut out fragments of the desired shape and lay along the perimeter of the bath, it is necessary to cover the edges and inner surfaces at about half their depth. The bottom should remain open, and the walls of the container and its edges should be covered with a net.

Now you should prepare a bonding solution from cement, water and sand. It is applied over the mesh, not trying to even out the surface especially. In addition, stones are inserted into the thickness of the solution from time to time - this will help to further strengthen the mesh, and the appearance of the pond will give more naturalness. The drain must be carefully cemented.

Where the mesh covers the edges of the tub, it is appropriate to put large stones. They will be able to emphasize the shape of the pond and give the banks a natural look. It is not necessary to observe a geometrically strict rectangular shape - on the contrary, you can lay out the fragments along the edges in a wave-like manner, in the form of steps, visually expand the banks. Irregularities and hills that imitate the natural relief look interesting. In some places, instead of large stones, sprinkle with handfuls of rubble. Shape your pond to your liking.

Pour clay on the bottom of the tub, add water and knead the solution. Spread it on the sides, covering the cement, fill in the voids formed between the stones. Such a solution will dry out quite quickly - after a few hours you can already pour water inside. Plant aquatic plants in grooves around the pond. In a few days the water will become a little cloudy, the appearance will become natural, it will be difficult to guess the true origin of the pond. You can read in more detail.

How to revive an artificial pond

When creating their own pond, many landlords dream of having fish in it, or at least decorating it with vegetation. Then your home pond will turn into a real work of art. To find a beautiful appearance for your structure, you can watch a video on the topic.

When choosing plants for planting, remember that some of them are able to grow favorably only at a certain depth. If the water thickness is not more than 30 cm, you can plant yellow iris, marsh marigold, heart-shaped pontederia. With a pond depth of 30-50 cm, you can choose an ordinary arrowhead, reed, broadleaf cattail. Plant water lilies and lotuses, water hyacinths in a reservoir more than half a meter deep.

In a home pond, you can settle carps, veil-tails, some species. These fish are the most unpretentious and are able to live in such a reservoir. But you should know that when you launch fish into a pond, it should be. Water without it will deteriorate, and this will quickly affect the decorative features, and the health of the fish will suffer if they swim in dirty, muddy water with an unpleasant odor.

To do it yourself on the site, you need to make a lot of effort, but the result is worth it. You can create yourself a beautiful, decorated in full accordance with your tastes. Contemplation of the water surface, which is bordered with tastefully selected plants, has a pacifying effect. Relaxing in the heat near a self-made pond is surprisingly pleasant.

In order for the pond to last longer, it should be freed from water for the winter. The exception is reservoirs made of plastic forms: when emptying them for the cold season in the spring, you can get a twisted, squeezed form.

Rest in the country is a favorite pastime of many people. Argue with him can only go to the shore of the reservoir. Having built an artificial pond in your country house, you can get an excellent place to get rid of fatigue and relaxation. Moreover, it will not be difficult to arrange an artificial reservoir with your own hands, you only need a little perseverance and imagination.

Types of reservoirs

Depending on what functionality you plan to endow the pond you have built, artificial reservoirs can be conditionally divided into several categories.

Pool

This category includes artificial reservoirs of significant size. Such a pond, built in the country house with your own hands, as in the photo, has not only decorative properties, but also allows you to refresh yourself, or even swim, without leaving the site.

Fish pond

The fish breeding pond is not only suitable for fishing enthusiasts. Your family members, especially children, will be happy to spend time by the lake, watching bright and beautiful fish.

Mini pond in the country

A small reservoir, which is an element of the landscape composition. It performs exclusively decorative functions and does not imply the placement of a recreation area around it.

Decorative pond in the garden

A self-built garden pond, which is the central place of the recreation area. The combination of sufficient size and beautiful design will not only delight the eyes, but also give a pleasant coolness on a hot day.

Style

Having decided on the functionality of the reservoir, it is worth moving on to choosing the style in which the decorative pond in the country will be executed. There are two main options.

1. Formal (regular) pond. Artificial reservoir of strict geometric shape. Ideal if you want to emphasize the geometric shapes of the structure or the site itself. Creates a sense of order, looks appropriate next to geometrically correct flower beds, lawns and other decorative elements on the site.
2. Landscape pond in the country. It is carried out in any form and fits very easily into the surrounding landscape. This option suits any style and looks as natural as possible. Its construction requires significantly less effort than the equipment of a geometric reservoir.

Seat selection

The terrain is of great importance when organizing a pond in the country with your own hands, as in the photo in the article. On flat areas, you can place a pond in a garden of any style and size. Areas with irregularities create more difficulties when deciding how to make an artificial pond, but at the same time they can serve as natural cascades and elevations for waterfalls.

It is necessary to arrange a pond with a fountain in the dacha with your own hands in an open area so that the reservoir is clearly visible from every corner of the dacha. The depth of groundwater, the qualitative composition of the soil can affect the permissible depth of the reservoir, as well as the complexity of work and the use of additional materials. When thinking about how to build a pond in the country with your own hands, in addition to the terrain, it is worth considering a number of other important points.

1. Compatibility with the environment. A mini pond visible from all sides in the country house should be combined with buildings and green spaces on the site.
2. Illumination of the site. It is preferable to choose the most shaded place on the site for the location of the reservoir. This will prevent increased water evaporation. In addition, with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, there is a high probability of active development of microorganisms in the water, which will negatively affect the aesthetic component.
3. Environment. Do not overuse vegetation near an artificial reservoir. The long and thick roots of large trees can damage the insulation layer over time, which in turn will require repair and maintenance of the reservoir. Leaves falling into the water from tree branches that are too close to the reservoir can lead to siltation and require regular cleaning. On clear days, nearby trees or buildings will be reflected on the surface of the water. Therefore, it is worth worrying about a beautiful exterior in advance so that your gaze does not fall on a rickety shed or a dry fallen tree.
4. Expansion of the reservoir. In the future, you may think about the need to increase the area of ​​the reservoir, additional functional and decorative elements. Therefore, it is worthwhile to foresee in advance a place for a possible expansion of the reservoir in the country with your own hands.
5. Electrification. If you plan to install lighting near or directly in a pond, or place an electric fountain or other movable structures, you should worry about laying all the necessary electrical wiring in advance. It is best to locate the wires underground, protecting them with sturdy boxes or corrugations.

Size selection

Having chosen a place on the site that will take a pond in the garden, you should decide on the size of the future reservoir. Landscaping specialists do not give clear recommendations in this regard. However, a do-it-yourself decorative pond built at a summer cottage should not occupy more than 8-10% of the area of ​​the site, because a larger structure will look bulky and foreign.

The depth of the pond in the garden depends on the purposes for which it is created, as well as on the capabilities of the owner, who equips the pond with his own hands on the site. The photos below will help you make the right choice.

Choice of materials

When arranging ponds in a summer cottage with your own hands, you should carefully approach the choice of material. There are many options for which material is best to use to equip a small pond in the country with your own hands.

The photos given in the article and the following list highlight the following main categories.

Concrete pond

Capital structure, which is the most expensive option for arranging a pond in the country. The advantages of using this material include increased strength and durability of use.

Plastic container

An industrially manufactured form of high-strength plastic makes it possible to solve the question as soon as possible: how to make a pond in the country with your own hands. Various shapes and sizes allow you to choose an option suitable for the most demanding owner.

PVC film or plastic film

The use of these materials makes it possible to create a garden pond with your own hands of absolutely any shape. The disadvantages of such a material include low resistance to external influences, and how short the service life

Butyl rubber membrane

A do-it-yourself garden pond made of such a film will delight the eye longer than the decorative pond in the photo below made of polyethylene or PVC. When planning how to make a reservoir on a site with your own hands, it should be borne in mind that the membrane service life reaches 50 years, and the increased resistance of butyl rubber to severe frosts makes it a very profitable material.

In order to save money, you can use various materials at hand. An old bathtub, a basin or a car tire for a mini pond - these and other "folk" remedies are used to create ponds in the country. Our photo gallery will suggest other original ideas as well.

Necessary equipment

Depending on the functionality of the pond and the material from which it will be made, the following tools may be required during the creation process: a shovel, a cart for transporting excess soil, a level, pegs and a strong line for marking, as well as a hose for irrigation. Such a set of tools will be enough to place mini ponds in the country with your own hands, as in the above photo. If the planned reservoir in the garden will be of significant size, it is worth assessing the feasibility of using construction equipment. For a pond intended for fish breeding or designed for an especially long service life, the installation of additional equipment may be justified:

1. Aerator that saturates the water with the oxygen necessary for the fish.
2. Pump for filling or draining water.
3. Cleaning filter.
4. A device for sterilizing water and removing dead algae.

Details of creating a film pond

PVC film, due to its performance and relatively low cost, is one of the most popular materials for arranging a pond. In addition, in order to make a pond with your own hands from PVC film, you do not need special skills and special knowledge.

For the arrangement of reservoirs, you should not use films with a thickness of less than 0.5 mm., And if you plan to create a particularly deep reservoir, it is better to take a film with the maximum available thickness.

The use of a multi-colored film allows you to achieve different optical effects: black will make the bottom of the reservoir mirror-like, and trees and buildings standing next to it will be clearly reflected in it, brown film is perfect for imitating the soil bottom, and a film of light blue or cream tones will make the reservoir as transparent as possible, which will allow you to conveniently observe the movement of fish.

The selected film should be cut in such a way that it covers the bottom and walls of the reservoir, leaving a margin of up to one meter. The cut pieces must be connected with specialized glue or adhesive tape for such work.

Before digging a pit, it is necessary to carefully consider the size, shape of the bottom and walls of the reservoir. If you plan to create a complex multi-stage structure, it is better to first draw a detailed diagram on a sheet of paper indicating all sizes.

Having marked out the selected area, we proceed to digging a recess. It is better to remove the soil in the direction from the edges of the future reservoir to the center, gradually deepening to the required limits. The bottom and walls of the finished pit must be carefully examined for the detection of foreign objects, sharp roots, etc. Any debris found must be removed to avoid damage to the film. We spread the prepared film on the tamped bottom of the pits, fixing it with stones and sprinkling it with soil around the edges.

Next, you need to strengthen the banks of the pond. For this, you can use a variety of materials. For gentle banks, a geogrid or a polymer lattice is suitable, you can also use a regular chain-link mesh. For vertical banks, the use of piles or props will be required.

You can complete the design of the pond by adding various decorative elements, planting plants and installing underwater or outdoor lighting.

Plants decoration

When decorating a pond in the garden with plants, it should be understood that they are divided into those that are planted on the shore at the edges of the pond, and plants that live directly in the water. The root system of coastal plants will additionally strengthen the pond walls. When planting plants in a pond in the garden, it is important to keep in mind their growth rate, otherwise after a long absence there is a risk of finding a pond completely covered with a thick carpet of vegetation.

Decor

In order to decorate a pond in the courtyard with your own hands, in addition to various plants, beautiful stones and other decorative elements, the use of lighting gives a good effect. A colored glow spreading out from under the water will create the perfect setting for your pond at night. Additional lighting can be placed above the water.

As a decor for decorating a pond in the country with your own hands, as in the photo in the article, you can use various fountains. The functioning of the fountains is ensured by the operation of pumps, which can be hidden at the bottom of the pond under stones. Surface devices are also used. Pumps come in different capacities, which affects the height and intensity of the water jets.

Fishes

Ornamental fish can be launched into the pond in the country, when choosing which it is important to fully understand the conditions of their maintenance. It is worth buying those types of fish that get along well with each other and do not quarrel.

Pond care

An ornamental pond in the country requires some maintenance. The planted plants must be sheltered from the cold or transferred to a warm room. For a long absence, the surface of an artificial reservoir in the country should be covered with a special net to protect it from debris. Leaves and other debris that have fallen into the dacha pond are caught with a net, and in the case of the formation of a large amount of silt, it is necessary to clean the reservoir. The water must be refreshed periodically, using a garden hose or a regular bucket for topping up (if specialized equipment is not available).

Photo gallery

In our photo gallery you will see more than 33 examples of beautiful ponds in the country.