What is the Best Pond Style for You?
When you picture your ideal backyard, what do you see? Maybe it’s a peaceful in-ground pond with a shaded chair nearby, or a modern above-ground feature bubbling with movement and light. Whether you want a low-maintenance water feature or a lush pond filled with aquatic plants and fish, selecting the right pond style can help you create your perfect outdoor escape.
Let's compare options, explore DIY pond design ideas, and choose a setup that matches your space, goals, and personality.
In-Ground vs. Above-Ground Pond Styles
In-Ground Ponds: Traditional, Flexible,
An in-ground pond is a classic choice for larger yards. This type of pond is built by digging into the ground and lining the hole with a pond liner. Stones or pavers are typically used around the edge to secure the liner and create a natural look.
Why choose an in-ground pond?
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A lot of flexibility in shape and size
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Great for fish, turtles, and other aquatic animals
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Can be fully integrated with landscaping
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DIY-friendly with the right tools and materials
The first style choice is whether the pond should be in-ground or above-ground. An in-ground pond is a "traditional" pond and requires digging into the ground and then laying out your liner. Rocks or pavers surround the pond's perimeter to keep the liner in place.
Kick off your in-ground pond build with our Ponds 101 guide.
Above-Ground Ponds: Creative, Compact, and No-Dig
If you don’t want to dig in your yard or are renting your home, an above-ground pond is a great solution. Build your pond using stacked brick pavers, then add a liner and pump to bring it to life. Depending on the size, you can add aquatic plants and fish.
Why go above-ground?
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Easier setup and relocation
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Perfect for patios, decks, or small yards
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Great for container gardening and decorative water features
Check out our DIY above-ground pond projects:
Pond Shapes
When building an in-ground pond with a liner, you can choose what shape you want. The most common pond shapes are pear, kidney, ellipses, and freeform. Pear-shaped ponds are wider at one end than the other. A kidney-shaped pond curves inward, and the middle isn't as wide as the two ends. An ellipses pond is an oval shape. If you choose a freeform pond, you can make whatever shape you want.
The Ultimate Pond Kit includes a 7 ft. x 10 ft. liner that lets you create a pond up to 5 ft. x 8 ft. Learn more about choosing your pond shape.
Add a Water Feature
Fountain for Aeration & Movement
Fountains are an easy way to add motion and sound to any pond. A submersible pond pump pushes water through a nozzle, creating a customizable spray pattern that improves oxygenation and enhances visual appeal.
For an even bigger effect, add some lighting to your fountain display.
Waterfalls for a Dramatic Effect & Natural Ambiance
If your vision includes a biAll you need to add a waterfall to your pond is the smartpond spillway, a waterfall pump, and some decorative rocks to disguise the spillway. The secret to a waterfall is setting the spillway higher than the pond so the water can flow. The pump must be strong enough to pump the water up and into the spillway. It looks like a natural water feature if you hide the spillway with rocks and plants.
Go Fish?
When you imagine your pond, do you see koi and goldfish swimming, the sun reflecting off their orange scales? You don't have to stop at fish! You can add turtles, snails, and frogs!
Koi and goldfish can grow up to three feet long and require room to swim. If you have a smaller pond, there are smaller fish, like fancy guppies, that are pretty and don't require as much space. A fish pond requires aeration and routine maintenance for water quality and clarity. The fish will need to be fed regularly. Some fish live for many years, which is a big commitment. They will also need some plants or coverage to protect them from predators.
Explore Pond Styles
Your pond should reflect your personality and outdoor aesthetic. Here are a few popular pond style ideas to inspire your design:
Modern
Sleek lines, minimal decor, and statement lighting. Some backyard ponds are modern masterpieces, incorporating glass edges or even a floating aquarium. Add underwater lighting for more effect.
Rustic
Love to upcycle? A rustic pond repurposes antique everyday items to tell a story. Mismatched decor, like tiles and pavers, makes the pond unique. You can build an above-ground pond using a large stock tank or even an old-fashioned clawed bathtub.
Whimsical
Whimsical pond styles use bright, upbeat colors and accents that add unique personality. It can be as eccentric and quirky as you want! Incorporate funky statues, spitters, and colorful flowering plants. Bridges and lawn gnomes can turn the pond into a scene straight out of a fairytale.
Tropical
Create vacation vibes by adding bold plants like canna lilies, elephant ears, and water poppies for lush, vibrant color around your pond. A small waterfall or fountain adds soothing sound and movement, while colorful fish bring energy to the water. Finish the look with bamboo accents, tiki decor, or a hammock nearby.
Relaxing
Do you want your pond to be your peaceful retreat? Let the sound of flowing water soothe your mind with spitters, waterfalls, and fountains. Feel your stress melt away as you watch your fish swim. Add shade with a tree or umbrella, and use a chair or hammock to enjoy the outdoors while reading a book or listening to music. A sandy bank turns your backyard into a beach. You can swish your toes into the sand and cool your feet off in the water.
Start With a Plan
Before you start digging or stacking bricks, take time to visualize your space and decide what you want from your pond. Do you want fish or just plants? How much space and time can you commit? Do you prefer a natural or decorative look?
Once you know your goals, you're ready to plan! Check out our Easy-Start bundles and jump right in.
