choose the right products

What do you need to build an above ground pond?

Above ground ponds require similar products to in-ground ponds. The size of your above ground pond will determine which products will work best. Here's a guide to selecting the right products for your DIY above ground pond build.

Step 1: Pond liner

Select the right type of liner for your project.

Preformed rigid liners are recommended for smaller ponds and first-time pond builders; they are generally easier to install.

Flexible Pond Liners are easier to shape however you need, they come as PVC or EPDM. PVC Pond liners are lightweight, yet durable.

Liners come in several sizes so you should purchase a liner that is slightly larger than the planned pond as you can cut it down if necessary.

After determining the exact size of your pond, use this formula to help choose the right liner.

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

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

smartpond liners:

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

Learn more

Step 2: Pump

Maintain a beautiful water feature by keeping the water moving.

After installing the liner, it’s important to add a pump. A pump will prevent stagnant waters that can lead to bad odors and mosquitoes nesting in your pond. Plus, you can add on water features such as a nozzle or spitter.

TIP: Choose a pump that will turn the pond’s total water volume at least once every hour. For example, if your pond holds 200 gallons of water you should choose a pump with a GPH (gallons per hour) rating of 200 or more. It's always better to go with a bigger pump and adjust the flow.

Select pump. smartpond Pond Pumps:

280 GPH Pond Pump for ponds up to 200 gallons 

420 GPH Pond Pump for ponds up to 400 gallons 

630 GPH Pond Pump for ponds up to 600 gallons

800 GPH Pond Pump for ponds up to 800 gallons 

We recommend using the pumps that are labeled for pond use because we’ve designed them to specifically handle organic materials in the pond. Spitters and other water features can be powered with a pond pump when using the diverter valve as part of the Pond Nozzle Kit.

Step 3: Filter boxes or kits

Filter Box
Protect your pump from clogging with a filter box. Filter boxes protect your pumps from debris and helps the pump to last longer

Kits
Looking for an all in one, easy way to build your above ground pond or to add an additional filtration system to your pond? Consider the Filter Kit with Pump. Ideal for ponds up to 500 gallons, it includes the filter box, filter pads, bio-balls, pond pump, and nozzle kit. All you need is a liner and some pavers!

Additional Information

Don’t forget the Tubing!   
If you're adding a water feature or filtration, you'll need tubing. Attach the smartpond® pump to one end of the tubing. The other end will connect to the tubing adapter on the base of the pond spitter. Trim any excess tubing, as longer tubing length can affect how powerful the water stream is. All smartpond pumps and filters recommend the appropriate tubing, be sure to consult the label or website for compatible tubing size. 

Add Lighting
smartpond® lights allow you to enjoy your above ground pond in the evening. They’re energy-efficient, waterproof, and most have dusk-to-dawn sensors, so they come on at night and shut off in the morning. smartpond® lights are safe to use in ponds with fish, plants, and other pond life.

Finishing Touches
For the finishing touch, the addition of nozzle displays, spitters, lights, and floating décor make your pond look complete.

It’s time to start building!

Now that you’ve planned your waterfall and selected the products, it’s time to time to build!