Common Pond Building Questions

Building a pond can be a truly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to design a peaceful retreat for yourself and your guests, but you also get to enhance the natural beauty of your surroundings. It is no surprise that, over the years, ponds have become increasingly popular. You can add a custom, budget-friendly pond by doing it yourself using smartpond products. 

Before you grab a shovel and start digging, take a look at these three common questions that many pond newbies ask: 

1. Do I have the right equipment?

The "right equipment" depends on the size and volume of your pond. You first want to make sure you have the correct sized liner to hold all the water in your pond. These formulas will help you figure out what size you need:

LENGTH + (DEPTH X 2) + (2 FEET of overlap) = LINER LENGTH

WIDTH + (DEPTH X 2) + (2 FEET of overlap) = LINER WIDTH

Once you know the size needed, you can choose from three different smartpond options: 

• 7 ft. x 10 ft. smartpond Pond Liner for ponds up to 200 gallons
• 10 ft. x 13 ft. smartpond Pond Liner for ponds up to 600 gallons
• 13 ft. x 20 ft. smartpond Pond Liner for ponds up to 1,600 gallons

After selecting the correct type of liner, make sure you purchase a pump that is strong enough to keep the water circulating and power any water features that you want to add. The pump should circulate your pond's volume in one hour. That means that if you have a 200-gallon pond, the pump needs to be 200 GPH or more. When in doubt, go with the bigger pump, and you can adjust the flow. 

Rectangular ponds (ft): Length x Width x Depth x 7.5

Example: 10-ft x 8-ft x 2-ft x 7.5 = 1,200 gallons

Circular ponds (ft): Diameter x Diameter x Depth x 5.9

Example: 10-ft x 8-ft x 2-ft x 5.9 = 1,200 gallons

You can use the smartpond calculator to quickly determine your pond's volume. 

2. Are there extra specifications to watch for if I want Koi or Fish?

Yes! It is essential to incorporate as much filtration as possible if you want to have koi or other fish in your pond. Fish are beautiful additions to a pond but naturally create a lot of waste. Without the proper filtration, this type of debris can sit at the bottom of your pond and turn into sludge, especially if there is overcrowding. A good rule of thumb is that you can have one inch of adult fish per 10 gallons of water.

Remember that while koi and goldfish may start off small, they can quickly grow up to three feet long. Your pond must be at least three feet deep to give your koi enough room to swim and protect them from predators.

3. Where do I place my pond?

Ideally, you want to place the pond in an area close to the house. That way, it can be viewed from the porch, deck, or window. Your pond will also need water and electricity access. Remember to be safe and have a qualified electrician install GFCI outlets. This will ensure all equipment will run safely.

Try to avoid low-level areas of the yard or place the pond toward the bottom of a hill or slope. Heavy rain could overflow the pond, putting your fish at risk. Rain can also carry fertilizers, pesticides, and debris into the pond. You also want to avoid building on any slopes to prevent an uneven bottom of the pond. If you plan to add plants, choose a location that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. 

Before you start digging in your yard, check your local ordinance for any codes to adhere to, and be aware of any underground power supply lines. If you have plenty of space, try to make your pond as large as possible and leave room for landscape growth. Keep in mind that the hole you dig always looks bigger than the final pond once you add the liner and landscaping.

Once you have completed building your pond, take some time to sit back and enjoy your new peaceful retreat. Consider adding some outdoor furniture or a hammock nearby to relax and take in the sights and sounds of your new water feature. Remember that ponds require daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance, depending on the weather and season, to stay clear and healthy. The work you put into your pond pays off when you're sitting by the crystal clear water, watching your fish happily swim.