Decorative pond in the country with their own hands. Creative task: make an artificial pond in the country with your own hands

How to turn your suburban area into a real paradise? Just. You need to create a beautiful place that pleases the eye. And where the soul rests, there the mood improves, and the vitality rises.

One of the bright touches in landscape design can be a decorative pond in the country, comfortably located among the greenery.

Despite the fact that most summer cottages are limited in size to the standard six acres, and the owners do not have the opportunity to make a large pond, this is not a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of having an artificial reservoir on the site. The technical side of the issue will also not become an obstacle, if there is a desire and competent instruction describing step by step how to make a pond with your own hands.

Stage 1 - Idea (types of ponds)

Before starting large-scale construction work and building a whole lake with your own hands, you need to think about the goal of creating a reservoir on the site.

In terms of functionality (goals), four types can be distinguished:

small pond.

This is a reservoir, which is part of the landscape composition. Their purpose is to decorate a corner of the garden and please the eye. Active recreation near such a pond is not expected.

decorative pond.

It is a deeper body of water. As a rule, they are decorated with bridges, fountains, and lights are mounted. Such a pond is equipped not far from the country house, terraces or gazebos, benches, sun loungers and umbrellas (or awnings) are installed nearby. And the reservoir becomes the center of the recreation area for the inhabitants of a private house.

A personal artificial lake in which fish swim is not only a dream of fishermen. Children, cats and other family members will be happy to watch colorful fish while relaxing in nature.

They are also country ponds, which are designed, in addition to the aesthetic function, to provide an opportunity to refresh or even swim, depending on the size.

Based on the purpose and own capabilities, the location of the pond, its parameters and geometry will be determined.

Stage 2 - The style of the reservoir in the country

The garden pond can be made in two versions with an endless variety of different modifications:

Formal (regular) body of water.

The name successfully reflects the essence of the pond, it is a structure that has a rigidly defined shape.

Geometrically correct form the pond is more suitable for plots aged in classical style or in modern, minimalist or high-tech styles.

Along with rectangular shapes, round, square and broken (symmetrical or asymmetrical) also belong to the formal type of pond.

Landscape pond on the site.

A more popular option among users, since it has an irregular coastline, a natural look, creates the effect of being close to nature and does not limit the flight of the creators' imagination.

Tip: The shape of the pond is determined by the preferences of the owners, but the more complex the shore line, the harder it is to lay the film.

An important aspect that you need to pay attention to when choosing the style of the reservoir on the site is the terrain. A flat surface makes it possible to equip a reservoir of any configuration. Differences and irregularities require increased attention, but they allow you to make a reservoir with a waterfall or a cascade of ponds. On such a relief, a bridge or an artificial slide will organically look.

You can also independently raise the pond above ground level. The only difference in the technology of work will be the construction of the foundation, which will avoid the distortion of the concrete bowl of the artificial lake.

The high pond minimizes excavation, is easier to maintain and is suitable for families with small children (the edge is equipped with a fence with railings). Such a reservoir can be built near a covered terrace, making it not only an element landscape design but also a place of rest.

Tip: If you're planning on making a pond with a fountain, opt for a tall pond.

Stage 3 - Place (location) for the pond

It is illogical to create a pond for the sake of a pond on the site. It is much more pleasant if the reservoir brings a zest, a decorative accent to the color of the landscape of the site. So, you need to place it in a good place. It is the location that will allow you to admire artificial lake from anywhere.

How to choose the right place for a pond in the country?

To do this, you need to take into account a number of factors:

plot size. Directly affects the size of the pond itself and its configuration;

relief. It also determines the shape of the pond and provides an opportunity to simplify the creation of fountains, waterfalls, or vice versa, to achieve a perfectly smooth water mirror;

soil composition and groundwater level. Have a direct impact on the depth of the pond, the complexity of the work and the need for additional materials;

illumination. It is desirable that the pond is located in a shaded place. The time of exposure to direct sunlight should not exceed 5-6 hours. Otherwise, part of the water from the pond runs the risk of evaporating, and biological activity will negate all the beauty of the reservoir. Recommendation: after choosing a place for the pond, observe the solar regime for several days.

Tip: The deeper the reservoir, the more illuminated the place it can be located.
A pond intended for fish all the more needs thoughtful placement, because the level of oxygen decreases in very warm water.

visibility. It is better to place the pond so that it can be seen from the window of the house or from the gazebo. Good visibility is especially important for families with children.

reflection. The pond will only benefit if only clouds or beautiful buildings are reflected on its surface, and not a toilet or a greenhouse.

degree of landscaping. The trees and bushes growing around the pond are definitely a very organic addition. But, these are also fallen leaves and branches, which, falling into the water, will pollute its surface and, ultimately, settle to the bottom in the form of silt. In addition, tree roots can damage the waterproofing of the pond.

Tip: you can ensure a sufficient amount of greenery near the pond by decorating it with plants in tubs (barrels).

power supply. For those owners who plan to equip a fountain on the pond, lighting, etc. should consider in advance the possibility of electrifying this site and the yard.

Tip: it is better to supply electricity at the development stage and lay the wires in a protected and durable corrugation underground, and equip the connection points with a hatch for free access.

the possibility of expanding the reservoir or arranging a recreation area. You need to plan ahead. In both cases, it is important that at least one side of the pond has enough space for possible redevelopment, adding a gazebo, barbecue area, installing sun loungers or a small waterfall.

the compatibility of the pond with other buildings and the general view of the site.

Tip: it is better to start building a pond in the country with your own hands at the beginning of the warm season - in the spring. Thus, there will be a margin of time for the device and the reservoir will have time to fit into the design (“take root”).

Stage 4 - The size of the pond on the site

It cannot be said unequivocally that a large pond is a luxury, and a small one is a budget option or an opportunity to save money. A small pond does not always mean cheap, sometimes even the opposite. Each type has its own advantages. So let's focus on the key points:

dimensions. Depend on the location of the pond in the country. On the sites there are recommendations on how much area the pond should occupy - from 3 to 10% of the total area of \u200b\u200bthe site. In fact, there can be no clear recommendations;

width and length. Determined by the size of the site and the physical capabilities of a person. After all, the pit under the pond is most often dug by hand;

Tip: the aspect ratio will determine the harmony of the pond.

depth. Depends on the dimensions of the pool, pond or lake and the purpose of the arrangement.

zoning. Professionals recommend breaking artificial pond into three areas:

coastal zone (100-400 mm). Designed for planting plants and entering the pond;

shallow (400-1000 mm). For plants growing deeper. Tip: Nymphea or winter-hardy water lily grows well at this depth;

deep water (over 1 m). It is necessary in those ponds where it is planned to breed fish. The area of the deep-water zone depends on the type and number of fish, but should be at least 20% of the area of the pond.

Tip: The lowest point of the reservoirs should be below the freezing level of the soil. This is especially important for those ponds in which fish live. Thus, she can overwinter painlessly in a non-freezing pond.

biodynamic balance. A pond is a place that is inhabited by living creatures, therefore, a balance must be ensured so that the pond can clean itself. Special water treatment such as chlorination or ozonation for the pond is not provided.

Tip: plants should not occupy more than 50% of the pond area.

content complexity. It's a paradox, but the larger the body of water, the easier it is to maintain.

Ponds - from small to large

Stage 5 - Material for the pond in the country

Moving forward in the field of studying summer cottages, we gradually got to one of the key questions, how to make a pond with your own hands. Any construction begins with the choice of material.

The market offers a lot building materials to create a pond. And craftsmen advise making a pond from improvised materials, this will allow you to build a small pond in the country without any special financial costs.

Consider all the materials suitable for building a garden pond.

Concrete pond.

Expensive option that allows you to operate the pond long time. Filling the pond with concrete (construction of a concrete bowl) is a method that is more suitable for building a pool.

Plastic bowl (capacity).

More suitable option. Made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or fiberglass, the form allows you to quickly complete all the work on the arrangement and operate the pond from 5 to 30 years, depending on the quality of the bowl.

The purchased form allows you to make a reservoir in 3 stages: dig a pit, install a bowl and fill the voids with sand.

The plastic bowl for a pond is characterized by simplicity of installation, durability and frost resistance.

Their minus is the high cost, the complexity of transportation (with a large volume) and the need to have basic installation skills. Otherwise, the bowl is very easy to damage. Please note that plastic bowls are destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Tip: the clear shape of the plastic bowl limits the possibility of creating a landscape pond on the site (subjective opinion).

In this subgroup, the most the best way is a bowl (form) for a fiberglass pond, reinforced with a rubber base. An absolute plus of fiberglass in reliability and maintainability.

polymer film.

Provides unlimited possibilities in terms of choosing the shape of the reservoir. The simplest and most affordable material in this category is polyethylene film. It is affordable and cheap, but will not last long.

Longer life for PVC film. At correct installation With proper care, it will last more than 10 years.

Tip: instead of PVC film, you can use advertising banners (transparents). They try to get rid of used banners and they can be bought inexpensively.

Butyl rubber film for the pond. The most reliable material (rubber) for waterproofing a reservoir. Experts recommend a butyl rubber membrane (EPDM) for those who have a rocky bottom, many roots, a significant depth of the pool. The service life of butyl rubber is 50 years. It withstands repeated freezing.

Folk ways to make a pond from improvised materials

Bath pond

An old bathtub is the perfect container, specifically designed to hold water. It can be painted in a bright color and set in a beautiful corner of the garden. And you can deepen into the soil and get a small country pond even with a fountain.

Tire pond (tire or wheel pond)

Another easy way to make a mini pond in the garden.

How to make a pond from a tire with your own hands is shown in the photo.

Basin pond

The method is so simple that women or even children are more often involved in its device. The basin holds water easily. Like a bath, it can be installed on the ground or deepened. The main thing in arranging a pond from a basin is decor. And then, a garden mini-pond will decorate the site no worse than a full-fledged reservoir.

Decorative pond from plastic bottles.

Suitable for those who want to combine two in one: create a decorative pond and eliminate the buzzing of mosquitoes.

The material was prepared for the site www.site

Please note that the choice of material for the pond has a direct impact on the arrangement, appearance and its service life.

Tip: When choosing a material for a pond, make sure that it is environmentally friendly.

Stage 6 - tools and equipment for the pond

To make a simple pond in the country, you need to prepare a level, a cord (for marking), pegs, a hose for irrigation, a shovel and a cart for removing soil.

For a more technological (capital) reservoir, equipment for the pond will be required:

filter for water purification. The installation of a filter in reservoirs where fish is bred is especially relevant.

pond pump. Allows you to organize the supply of water under pressure. It is used for pumping / pumping water, watering the garden, arranging fountains, waterfalls, operating filters (cleaning);

pond sterilizer. Needed to eliminate algae (will help make the water clear);

compressor (aerator) for a pond. Important for fish and plants. Aeration of the pond allows you to saturate the water with oxygen. Compared to an aquarium compressor, it has more power.

Stage 7 - We build a pond in the country with our own hands

As you can see, there are more than enough materials that allow you to create a pond on your own. We will focus on how to make a pond in the country from PVC film. The choice is due to the fact that the film takes shape better, it is quite affordable, working with it does not require special skills, the film is subject to repair.

Tip: so that the film does not tear in winter time, it is necessary to provide for the deep-water part (below the freezing depth of the soil), which will serve as a kind of compensator.

7.1 Choice of pond film

PVC film colors:

black - will turn the bottom of the lake into a mirror. In a dark pond, clouds, etc. will be well reflected;

brown - perfectly imitates bottom soil. Suitable for creating landscape ponds;

blue or cream - will give the pond a resemblance to a pool, but fish are clearly visible against a light background.

When choosing a film, pay attention to:

composition. Polyethylene is fragile, PVC is stronger;

thickness. A film with a thickness of more than 0.5 mm is suitable for a pond. The maximum thickness that is on the domestic market is 1.9 mm;

Tip: The deeper the pond and the more complex its shoreline, the stronger and thicker the film should be. The presence of stones or tree roots is also a reason to choose a stronger film.

trademark (brand). According to reviews, as well as from practice, it is recommended to use film from the brands Gardena, Heissner, OASE;

resistance to mechanical damage;

UV resistance.

Tip: For pond depths over 1.5 m, butyl rubber (EPDM or synthetic rubber as it is also called) is the best solution. The rubber film is capable of stretching, resistant to UV and mechanical damage. Maintains from 40 to 80 °C.

absence of toxic components in the composition of the film.

Calculation of the film for the pond

film length = pond length + 2 x pond depth + margin (500-600 mm);

film width = pond width + 2 x pond depth + margin (500-600 mm).

How and how to glue PVC film for a pond

The gluing of the pool film is carried out with a special adhesive (for example, Tangit (Tangit) PVC-U) or adhesive tape, for example, Quick Seam 3.

Tip: it is better to immediately adjust the geometry of the pond to the dimensions of the film.

7.2 Sketch and diagram of a pond in the country

Before you start digging a pit for a reservoir, you need to draw a sketch on paper, and also transfer it to the surface of the soil. It is advisable to indicate the depth and width of the shelves for plants or steps. This technique will avoid problems in the process of constructing a pond. It is convenient to apply the marking with a garden hose (it is flexible, bright, it is easy to adjust it) or with sand.

Tip: after marking the ground, cover the resulting area with a light film and look at it from different parts of the site. You may actually have to make adjustments to the future pond.

7.3 Digging a pond pit

The pit device includes:

removal of sod (excavation);

excavation pit. It is convenient to dig from the edge to the center, gradually deepening in the right places. For decoration, laying stone or laying turf, you need to dig a ledge 600-700 mm deep;

removal of soil, as well as construction debris, roots, stones and everything that can damage the film.

Tip: since the excavated earth needs to be put somewhere, you can equip an alpine hill or level the surface of the area where there are depressions.

In the process of excavation, it is necessary to constantly ensure that the banks are on the same line. If a waterfall is planned, then you need to maintain the desired height difference.

Advice. If you need a building level (level) of great length, then you can do it yourself. To do this, you need to lay a regular building level 500 mm long on a long board.

7.4 Laying the pond substrate

After the pit is dug, its bottom and walls are well rammed (this is necessary for shaping) go to waterproofing. Pond waterproofing is needed to prevent water from escaping into the soil.

Tip: some users prefer not to isolate. In practice, this leads to the fact that the water has a variable level.

There are several ways to form a substrate:

lay out the compacted pit with stones, gravel and fill it with sand. But after a few years, such waterproofing will cease to fulfill its functions;

lay geotextile on the bottom and cover with sand. A more reliable method, but also more expensive;

lay PVC film. It is about the film, as the most common option, that is discussed in this article.

7.5 Laying the pond foil

Proper laying of the film does not exclude the installation of a sand cushion at the bottom of the future pond. According to professionals, such a pillow eliminates the possibility of damage to the film by roots or stones.

Advice. It is better to lay the film on a hot day. As it warms up, it will become more pliable.

Given the relief of the bottom and banks of the reservoir, everyone will be faced with the fact that the film will be laid in folds. At the same time, users are advised to make one large fold, and not many small ones. The formed fold can be pressed down with stones or glued to the main part of the film.

It is important that the laid film lies freely on the surface of the pit, without tension. Otherwise, after filling the pond with water, it can stretch even more and tear.

In order to fix the film, it is enough to dig an auxiliary trench. After laying the film, you can fix it with rods and fill the trench with rubble.

After the film is laid, the pit is filled with stones.

Tip: choose a large stone for the bottom. The flat bottom of the stone will prevent the possibility of tearing the film. For walls, it is better to use rounded stones, since flat ones slide.

Upon completion of the work, the pit is filled with water. Moreover, it must be served without pressure in the middle of the pit.

Only after the water in the pit has stood for 1-2 days can the film be cut off.

7.6 Strengthening the banks of the pond

A homemade pond in the garden will look well-groomed and reliable only when there are beautiful and strong banks.

Depending on the type of soil, the bank of the pond should have a slope:

with chernozem or clay - it is allowed to make vertical walls;

with sandy soil - inclined.

Practical users believe that optimal slope for the shore of the reservoir is 45 °. Such an angle will prevent the shore from crumbling and will prevent ice bulging during freezing / thawing.

When finishing and decorating the banks of the pond, take into account the plants that will be planted on them. Since they all grow at different depths, you should take care of the landing shelves formed at a certain depth.

In the process of digging a pit, each owner will inevitably face the question of how to strengthen the bank of the pond.

The following engineering methods are suitable for strengthening the coast:

For a gentle coast:

geomat;
geogrid (perforated polymer);
geogrid.

Craftsmen advise using a more familiar chain-link mesh, the cells of which are clogged with earth with clover seeds (or other perennial grasses) or to strengthen the shore of the pond with plants and bushes.

For a steep bank:

gabions;
piles (sheet piling or ordinary);
retaining walls.

Biological methods can strengthen the coast just as well. The photo shows plants that can not only strengthen the shore, but also decorate an artificial reservoir.

Advice. For greater reliability, it is better to combine engineering and biological methods for strengthening the shore of a reservoir.

Stage 8 - Making a pond in the country with your own hands

A pond in the country will become a full-fledged design element of garden decor only when it is finalized.

To make a country pond natural or decoratively decorate a shaped pond, you can use:

plants planted directly on the bottom of the pond. To do this, you need to put prepared plants in special containers on curtains (pond steps). Tip: Native plants do better in a pond;

plants in tubs. To do this, any plant is planted in a tub (barrel, bucket, pot) and placed on the shore of the pond. The advantage of this way to decorate the coast is that you can use any, even exotic plants and constantly modify the look of the coastline;

to equip the island of "dream" in the middle of the reservoir. Install on the island decorative rock a boulder or put a plant in a flower pot;

run bright fish;

lay beautiful stones.

Tip: it is better to intersperse the laying of large stones with the laying of smaller ones, in this way, it will be possible to avoid uniformity in the design of the coast.

lay comfortable and beautiful paths made of natural stone, gravel, saw cuts of wood or brick;

Tip: gravel paths require more maintenance as they are washed away by rain and grass grows through them.

throw a bridge over a pond;

complement it with a waterfall;

install a beautiful fence made of wood or stone;

organize a night illumination of the pond. Moreover, you can install LED lights, or place lights in transparent glass balls on the water mirror. They can be lowered to the bottom with the help of weights;

install deck chairs or a gazebo on the shore of the pond.

Stage 9 - Caring for a pond in the country

protection of the pond from the leaves will provide a mesh construction on a light frame.

cloudy water, which will stay in the pond for 2-3 weeks, settles over time. In addition, the biological activity of small inhabitants will soon make it transparent.

a net is useful to clear the pond of leaves;

to raise the water level, you need to periodically top it up (with a bucket or a hose without pressure);

you need to monitor the rate of spread of algae, in order to limit their growth, you can plant cattail or nymphaeum (lily);

shelter plants planted in a pond from the cold or bring them into the house;

periodic cleaning of the reservoir will eliminate bottom debris;

Tip: The pond can be cleaned quickly and effectively in winter. To do this, it is enough to break the ice and take it out of the pond along with the silt.

algicides - an emergency measure for cleaning the pond. But due to its high toxicity, you should not contact it unless absolutely necessary.

Stage 10 - Preparing the pond for winter

The pond, which is based on a special plastic bowl, can winter, because the bowl can withstand significant temperature changes. And so that it does not deform from pressure, created by ice, it is enough to place a few empty plastic bottles in the container. Bottles must first be tightly closed with lids. To prevent the destruction of the bowl, 1 bottle is enough for 1 square meter containers.

But what about those who have a film pond - will the film crack from frost? If the depth of the pond exceeds the depth of freezing of the soil, you don’t have to worry. Empty bottles can also be used to protect smaller water bodies.

Important! All equipment and plants need to be covered for the winter.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered all the key points of creating a pond with our own hands, from the idea to the care. We hope that we have dispelled doubts and given confidence in our abilities. Dare! And by the beginning of the season you will have a wonderful water spot in the countryside.

A decorative pond in the country is a unique element of landscape design, an object for pleasant contemplation. In addition, the pond will humidify the air and improve the illumination of the garden, thanks to the reflective surface of the water surface. If you are thinking about arranging a personal artificial pond, you immediately need to competently approach the choice of style, lighting and decorative elements.

Choosing a place for a reservoir

The choice of a place to create a reservoir depends on many factors: soil, landscape, relief, illumination, and the presence of vegetation should be taken into account.

Terrain and soil	When choosing a place for a future pond, it is better to stop at a site that remains wet for a long time after rain. It is obvious that somewhere in the layers of soil in this place there is clay or loam. If the choice of places is limited, then it is always better to choose low-lying areas.
illumination	The right choice of lighting will make it possible to avoid strong growth of algae and pond blooms. The ideal option is that at noon the shading reaches at least 40% of its area, and the total illumination reaches 6 hours.
Neighborhood with plants	The pond should be broken in an open area, away from tall vegetation, which will pollute its surface with leaves, seeds, and rubbish.
Landscape	The pond should harmoniously fit into the landscape of the site. Often it settles down in front of the house or near the gazebo.

There are some specifics if the pond is planned to be equipped with live fish: for example, with koi. In this case, it will be important to provide them with the optimal water temperature, which depends on the breed of fish.

Earthworks and waterproofing works

You have chosen a place for the pond and determined what shape it will be. Now it's time to dig the pit. First, turning points and contours are marked with pegs. Then terraces come off, 30 cm deep and 20 cm wide. You can form several levels of terraces to place plants on them.

Now the main bowl is being dug out. The slope of the banks should be approximately 45 °C. The walls of the bowl should taper downwards to prevent soil shedding and reduce the load of the water mass. The minimum depth of the reservoir should not exceed 60-80 cm: a shallow reservoir will completely freeze in winter, and warm up strongly in summer, which will make it impossible to breed flora and fauna.

If waterproofing is planned with a film, a ditch about 15 cm deep is torn off to secure it along the perimeter. After the foundation pit is ready, its bottom is leveled, all stones and roots that can damage the film are removed. The surface is covered with clean washed sand for 5 cm, poured from above monolithic slab from concrete M150. After hardening, it is completely covered with a geotextile. All these activities will help to protect waterproofing film from damage and prolong its service life.

The next step will be waterproofing - laying butyl rubber or PVC maple. The size of the canvas is calculated from the total length of the pond and twice the depth. To fix the canvas along the edge, about half a meter of stock is enough. The sheet is laid out freely, securing the edges with bricks along the edge. To eliminate the negative impact of groundwater, a reliable drainage system is created, which is also included in the waterproofing system.

All of the above waterproofing works are carried out before concreting, if this form of waterproofing device is chosen. When creating small ponds, concrete work is first carried out, and then the concrete surface is treated in several layers with a mixture of Hydroshield.

Do-it-yourself concrete base device

Concrete work begins before waterproofing with the casting of a base plate made of M150 concrete, which is designed to protect the basin of the reservoir from soil movements. On top of this plate, after it dries, waterproofing is laid.

After the base for the bowl was dug out, the drainage system was equipped, a sand and gravel cushion 20-30 cm thick was poured, concrete preparation 10 cm thick was poured, the walls of the pool were reinforced. This will require fittings A 12 mm. The rods are tied with knitting wire in the form of a mesh with cells of 20 x 20 cm.

Installation of mortgages is an important stage of work. Before the start of formwork work, mortgages are installed: bottom drain, nozzles, headlights, skimmers. Electrical is also being installed.
The formwork is installed with moisture-resistant plywood 15 mm thick and wooden supporting beams. High-quality formwork will help save material and other leveling agents.

Concreting is carried out with heavy concrete of high grades with plasticizers. The walls are vibrated so that no voids form. It is more convenient to fill the bowl in 2 steps - first the bottom, then the walls. To prevent water from penetrating through the cold seam of a leaky joint, a self-expanding bentonite cord is placed in the joint during pouring, which increases 6 times when exposed to water.

Alignment of the pool bowl is made with a plaster layer. With the help of plaster, you can achieve the perfect smoothness of the pool bowl. The plastered surface of the bowl does not have cracks, voids, depressions and other irregularities.

Devices for creating water effects and lighting

If the pond was originally planned with the use of water effects: fountains, cascades, jets, then an underground, waterproof electrical cable must be connected to it in advance. Lighting and pump can be connected to the same source.

What elements of energy design can be introduced into the design of a pond in the country:

A closed-loop fountain, where a pump drives water from a reservoir into the fountain bowl, from where the water flows back into the reservoir. Subsequently, the water flows back into the reservoir.
A cascade or waterfall is best placed on the shore, where it will be in harmony with the alpine slide.
As a backlight, you can use lamps located in the water, above the water, and even built into the body of the fountain. Along the contour, you can install garden lamps that are recharged from the sun and give light at night.

Aquatic plants in design

There are many aquatic plants. In order for the design of the pond to look attractive and function normally, the following types of aquatic plants must be present in it:

Oxygenerators are plants that produce oxygen. They carry out biological purification of water and are food for fish (for example, for koi). These include marsh turcha, hornwort, spiked urt, water star.
Floating plants serve to decorate the mirror of the pond. They can be placed in containers on underwater terraces. The most popular are duckweed, vodokras, azolla, thick-leaved eichornia.
For shallow ponds, deep water plants are used in combination with floating plants. They are also planted in containers. The easiest to care for are the water lily, the capsule, the apogeton.
Embankment plants are necessary to decorate the contours of the pond and to protect the water from overheating. Usually, low embankment plants are used for these purposes: fern, thuja, barberry, juniper, etc. Other plants planted in pots also look good.

Coastal and pond decoration

There are a lot of ways to design the coastline of a reservoir:

use of large stones different shapes. Marble, granite, sandstone, quartzite, etc. are used as the main types of stone for decoration;
construction of decks and bridges from logs;
decoration of the coast with slabs or tiles;
with a special decorative film, immediately covered with a layer of gravel and imitating rocky relief.

Choosing a method of designing a reservoir, it is necessary to build on its size and shape. The size of the stone should be proportional to the pond itself. Large stones will be in harmony with a large reservoir, and small ones with a small one. IN ideal the shape of the stones should also be similar.

Large boulders are laid around the perimeter so that part of the stone hangs over the water. No need to make a continuous coastline of stones. In the edging of the reservoir, plants and stones should alternate in random order. After placing all the stones, they must be fixed in cement, deepening into the solution by a third of their height.

Reservoirs of strict geometric shapes are best edged with similar materials: tiles, logs, boards.

Stylistic design

The design of the pond can be different - the main thing is that it is combined with the landscape of the site. A variety of stylistic solutions allows you to create amazing compositions that demonstrate the beauty of the water element.

Chinese

The pond is an obligatory companion of Chinese gardens. Traditionally, a path of large boulders should lead to the Chinese pond, and the banks should smoothly descend into the water. A small wooden bridge was often thrown over the pond, and a gazebo was placed next to it for contemplation and tea drinking. Koi and lotuses are a typical Chinese pond element. The Chinese-style pond is decorated with bright and lush vegetation.

French

The French pond is an example of elegance and sophistication, and at the same time the severity of forms. It attracts with clear boundaries and a neat shape. As a rule, French-style banks rise above ground level. Fountains, cascades, steps and sculptures characterize this style.

Italian

A characteristic feature of the Italian pond is its symmetry. A reservoir of regular geometric shape, usually with decorative fountain or cascade type is at the head of the garden. Since Italian landscapes are regular, compositional, terraced, several levels can also be present in the pond. The banks are lined with many ornamental plants in terracotta pots, or in tubs and beautiful containers. Often Italian ponds are decorated with street lamps.

Japanese

The Japanese pond should be as natural as possible. You will never find rectangular ponds in nature, so there are none in Japanese style. A Japanese pond may have a waterfall, but not a fountain. In general, the art of creating a Japanese pond is similar to the creation of bonsai - everything is real, but in miniature. The pond should look like the ocean, a pebble on the shore - like a rock towering above the ocean. On the shore, you can put a sculpture with the image of a Buddha, a dragon, an animal or a bird, so that it is reflected in the water surface.

English

An English-style pond is much easier to arrange, as it does not require clear boundaries. The lines of the English pond should be smooth. An English reservoir is usually created of a landscape type - trees and shrubs grow in abundance around it. English ponds look natural.

After the device suburban area pond and landscape design, the reservoir will have to be looked after. What is included in the concept of care:

In spring, the filters and the pump are usually switched on in mid-April. Immediately you need to carry out bottom cleaning and cleaning the surface of debris. At the same time annual plants are planted.
Planted from June tropical plants.
Bottom cleaning should be regular and carried out with a bottom vacuum cleaner.
In summer, it is imperative to remove debris from the surface of the water surface with a skimmer.
In summer, thread-like algae must be removed. If oxygen generators do not have time to purify the water from green algae, you can use special chemicals - algaecides.
Water lilies and irises need to be fed with fertilizers.
All summer it is necessary to control the quality of water with special tests.
In the fall, tropical plants are taken out of the pond, placed in containers with water, and wintered in a bright, frost-free room.
In autumn, during the period of leaf fall, it will be more convenient to cover the surface of the pond fine mesh so that the yellow leaves do not sink to the bottom, and remove it by winter.
In winter, the water from the pond drains. Water must be drained from all pipes and hoses. Remove and clean filters and pumps.

Conclusion

A pond on a personal summer cottage is prestigious, fashionable and simply beautiful. If it is quite troublesome to maintain a large deep pond with fish, then even the owner of a small plot can build a small pond with his own hands within the means and within the power.

How pleasant it is to spend time on the shores of a picturesque forest lake on a fine summer day, enjoying the coolness and great views aquatic vegetation. Knowing how to make a pond in the country with your own hands, you can equip a similar corner on your own land. It is enough just to decide on the design and clearly follow all the stages of work that the instructions below contain.

Preparatory stage

Pond Style Selection

Before proceeding directly to the construction, you should choose the design of the pond in the country - by going through a lot of standard sketches and samples with your own hands, you can create a unique pond, adding personality to it with the help of minor design changes or using additional decor.

Of course, the simplest option is a mini-pond made of tires, which, in spite of everything, will look great in a small summer cottage.

However, if you have enough space, and you are not embarrassed by the cost of materials and the cost of designing a pond, you can make an excellent decorative concrete pond, which will act as a central element of the landscape design of the entire site.

Advice!
Used as temporary housing country houses from block containers after the construction of a permanent structure can be converted into a bathhouse, for example.
In this regard, it is advisable to locate the reservoir not far from them, in order to subsequently organize a recreation area with them there, organically completing the entire ensemble.

When choosing a style for a reservoir, first of all, you need to take into account the architectural design that was used when building a house and laying out a garden.

It's good when a small pond in the country - designed and built with your own hands - is combined with the following elements:

coastline;
design of garden paths;
appearance of small garden forms and so on.

A gazebo or terrace looks most appropriate near the pond, sitting on which you can comfortably contemplate the calm water surface.

Let's dwell on some points in more detail:

Stylistics. The features of the Japanese reservoir are stones various sizes and forms and conifers. This style does not accept the presence of a large number of multi-colored herbs. The Chinese pond is decorated with brighter and more lush vegetation. Trees and a classic convex bridge must be present here. You can also plant a pond with local plants, without various exotic specimens. This style is called "ethno-garden".

geometric shape. A strict rectangular or square pond looks good next to a residential building, perfectly combined with its strict forms. In addition, this form is often used in the arrangement of a reservoir during patio. Flowerbeds of the same shape and strict concrete paths organically complement the ensemble.

Advice!
Garden paths, regardless of the material used to make them, go well with ponds.
A decking board looks organic, from which a bridge is made across the water surface or concrete slabs, as if hovering above the surface.

Round ponds are suitable for decorating grassy lawns and neat ones. In this case, an additional element will be a pergola covered with ivy, as well as a separate group of low-growing trees.

It should be noted that it is easiest to build a round small pond in the country with your own hands. To do this, you can use many ready-made forms: from concrete rings for a well to the automobile tire already mentioned above.

Selection of location, size and material

The correct choice of the site where the reservoir will be located is the key to its normal functioning throughout the year. Otherwise, you may encounter the so-called bloom - the rapid reproduction of microscopic green algae, covering the water surface with an unaesthetic brown film.

too long illumination leads to excessive development of harmful microorganisms in the water;
being in the shade negatively affects the growth of ornamental aquatic plants and the behavior of fish living in the pond.

The best option is lighting for 5-6 hours. The water surface should be open from the south. It is also impractical to equip a pond in the shade of massive trees. Falling leaves from them will constantly clog the reservoir.

The ideal size for this hydraulic structure is 3% of the space land plot. However, not every summer resident is ready to donate such an amount of land for him. In addition, you need to remember that making a small country pond with your own hands is easier and cheaper than a vast lake.

As for depth, a three-stage system is most often used:

coastal zone - for aquatic plants;
shallow water zone - for growing water lilies and water lilies;
deep zone - for the wintering of aquatic inhabitants (if their breeding is supposed).

The maximum required depth is 180 cm. Below this level, the ground does not freeze through, which guarantees the presence of water under the ice layer in winter.

Note!
The deepest zone can occupy no more than 1/5 of the entire pond area.
This will be quite enough for the wintering of fish, and its increase will negatively affect the cost of works on the arrangement of the reservoir.

Once you have decided on the size and shape, it's time to move on to choosing materials. most expensive and reliable option- casting of a concrete bowl reinforced with metal rods or mesh. A little less expensive is the use of a ready-made plastic container, which can be purchased at a building supermarket.

However, the best and cheapest way is to make a pond using a special film, which is lined with the bottom of the future pond.

Self-manufacturing

The sequence of actions for the design of a decorative hydraulic structure in a summer cottage is as follows:

As with any other construction, first of all, you should create a sketch of the future structure. When drawing, you must observe the selected scale. Reflect the size of the pond, its depth, the width of the shelves on which coastal plants will be planted, as well as the pattern of future landscaping. With this approach, you can avoid rework and changes during the construction process.
It is also advisable to provide an accent detail - a tree, a stone, a bridge, a sculpture or an island, which will become the highlight of the landscape design element being developed.

The contour of the pond is best chosen on the ground. To outline it, you can use twine, a garden hose or sand. Remember that the opposite edges of the reservoir should be at the same level with each other.
The bottom also needs to be level. Measurements can be made using a special laser tool or an ordinary long board on which the building level is placed.

Roem a pit.
Work should be done in the following sequence:

- the soil is removed to the first depth mark;
- a new line is marked for deepening;
- digging the pit continues to the next level;
- marking is done again;
- a small depression is dug, necessary for the wintering of fish.

Earthwork is a rather laborious task, especially if the size of the future pond is large. It is best to hire an excavator for this purpose. Otherwise, be prepared that at a certain stage of digging in the bottom area will accumulate ground water, in connection with which it is necessary to work in semi-liquid mud.

To avoid this, you can use a water pump designed for pumping slurries. Dirt is dumped into an auxiliary pit.

Advice!
If there is no electricity in the garden, renting a diesel generator for a summer residence will help you.
This unit will provide the necessary electricity not only for the pump, but also for many other tools that make it easier to create a pond.

As soon as the digging is completed, its dimensions are measured with the help of a towline, taking into account the resulting depth.. To this value is added about 1 meter for allowances. The resulting value is necessary to purchase a film of a suitable size.

Many are wondering where to remove the soil that was taken out during the digging of the pit.

In this regard, the following can be recommended:

raise the level of the site, evenly distributing the earth throughout the garden;
form an alpine hill out of it;
make the basis for the ledges along which the stream will flow.

Then the entire bowl of the pond is carefully lined with a waterproof film.. In order not to tear the coating, it is recommended to pre-cover the pit with an additional layer of geotextile. Then the pebbles and roots will not be able to tear the film after pouring water. Cheaper options are old linoleum or a compacted layer of fine-grained sand.

Work should be done on a warm, sunny day. Such weather makes the film more flexible, it stretches easily and repeats all the irregularities and decorative curves of the pond.

To fix the film, a small trench is dug along the edge of the pond.. The edges of the material fall into it and are covered with rubble. More reliable than the way you can't imagine.
In order to strengthen the edge of the reservoir and prevent soil shedding, the edges of the reservoir should be reinforced with concrete blocks or plastic pipes attached to pegs. As a decor, wild natural stone is great.

The bottom of the pond is made out of rubble or boulders. Plants are planted in special plastic boxes, which are installed in the right places of the reservoir and next to it.

Further water is poured. The readings of the water meter should be recorded before and after this process. This will allow you to calculate the volume of liquid in the cavity, which will be useful later when purchasing equipment and chemicals for maintaining the pond.
It is best to make a pond with circulation. In this case, the water in it will be constantly updated and not bloom. To do this, an embankment is made near the reservoir, from which the stream will drain. Water is supplied to the top by a submersible pump equipped with a cleaning system. Decorating all elements is up to you.

Output

After carefully reading the above material, you should not have any questions about how to build a pond in the country with your own hands. You can learn more about the process of building artificial reservoirs from the video in this article.

The water zone is what any garden needs. After all, real rest is the sun, water, a river or a pond. And if you are not a happy owner of a house on the shore of the water surface, make a pond or a hint of it yourself. In some cases, a very small area will suffice, which will fill the site with a special lake mood. But if possible, make a few separate islands of freshness in the garden.

Homemade pond in a metal bath

Pick up a really large container for water. It can be an old galvanized bath, or a technical tank. Pour in water and move some plants from a nearby lake or quarry. If the pond turned out to be large enough, you can even put small fish into it.

Zinc Bucket Fountain

Any dishes of previous years will look very colorful in the garden. Find something interesting at the flea market or in your own barn. Fill the bucket with large stones and install a special garden fountain pump.

Construction of ceramic pots

Several pots of the same color, but different sizes can become the basis of a beautiful composition with a small fountain in the center. Leave one of the pots classic - let flowers grow in it.

Buy a water garden

The easiest way to organize a water garden is to buy special plants from the store. They are ready to transplant and won't cause you too much trouble. Use a large pot without a drainage hole.

Small pond from a plastic container

Place a plastic container for storing small things in a hole that repeats its shape. Lay on all sides paving slabs and large pebbles. Cover the bottom of the container with pebbles or sand.

By the same principle, you can organize a pond from a plastic bucket.

Small pool of old furniture

You can use the entire shelves or put together a rectangular box by disassembling the cabinet into planks. Cover inner part film, fixing it with a layer of earth. You can insert a small plastic bath into the box.

Enamel basin

Even such a simple solution will look good in the garden. In one garden, you can plant aquatic plants, and in the other - ordinary ones.

Use large flowerpots

Huge pots made of ceramic or plastic do not have to be filled with soil to the brim. Aquatic plants will be able to take root in them perfectly.

Fountain from an old stump

Instead of uprooting the stump, equip it with a small fountain pump. Another option is to make a recess in which you can build a small pond with water lilies.

An artificial reservoir is a spectacular component of landscape design, designed to give peace and tranquility. What could be more pleasant than sitting in a gazebo covered with roses and admiring the mirror surface reflecting snow-white clouds and flowering shrubs? Have you been dreaming of a small pond for a long time, but there is not enough money for its arrangement? No problem. You can do it yourself without resorting to the help of specialists. All that is needed for this is to carefully read this article and apply the knowledge gained in practice! So, how to make an artificial pond: DIY instructions.

Artificial pond on the site

Choosing the right place for the pond

The right choice of a place for a pond is a guarantee that it will really please the eye clean water, and not scare those around you with a stormy summer "bloom". An artificial reservoir should be illuminated by the sun 6-7 hours a day. It is important to find a middle ground, because an excess of sun will lead to intensive reproduction of algae, and its lack - to the complete extinction of "decorative inhabitants".

The pond should be located on an open surface, at a relative distance from the trees. Otherwise, you doom yourself to constantly fishing out branches and fallen leaves from it. In addition, growing, the roots of plants can damage the base or break the film. Do not forget that the home lake needs to be cleaned from time to time and change the water in it. Well, if the source clean water will be nearby - this will solve the problem of filling.

Designing a recreation area with a small pond

Dimensions and design

As for the size, everything, of course, is individual and depends on the area of \u200b\u200bits of your possessions. It is believed that the reservoir should occupy approximately 3% of the land area. But that's up to you. Do not make the pond too deep - it will be difficult to care for it. Provide three degrees of depth. The first will belong to coastal plants, the second - to water lilies, the third - to fish.

If we talk about the design of the future reservoir, then you should build on your preferences and the style of the existing landscape. Would you like to emphasize the rigor and geometry of the house? Square or rectangular pond - the best solution. Those who dream of filling the space with oriental motifs should take a closer look at small tanks. irregular shape, bordered by smooth boulders and low trees with bright foliage.

Original artificial reservoir

Round ponds on a green lawn, surrounded by original lanterns, are very popular. It is possible to lay a bridge across the reservoir from terrace board, break flower beds nearby, form stone paths, thus creating an ideal atmosphere for a good rest.

The pond is perfectly round

Materials for an artificial reservoir

Do-it-yourself pond can be made from different materials. The most commonly used film, butyl rubber or ready-made containers. Which option to choose is up to you. But first - consider their advantages and disadvantages.

PVC film. Excellent material for homemade ponds. You can easily build a design of the desired shape. If necessary, dismantling is not difficult to do. Affordable price film provides everyone with the opportunity to become the owner of a beautiful pond without significant financial costs. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the fragility of the material, i.e. after some time, you will have to attend to the construction of a new reservoir.

The process of laying PVC film in the pit

Butyl rubber. Like PVC film, it allows you to create ponds of any shape, but it has a lot of additional advantages. Rubber is able to withstand high loads and maintain excellent strength characteristics for a long time. Of course, these advantages directly affect the cost - in this case, it will be an order of magnitude higher.

Butyl rubber for pond equipment

Finished plastic tanks. Most fast way acquire an attractive lake. Plastic containers are strong and resistant to adverse weather conditions, but have a limited range of sizes and shapes.

A small pond from a finished tank

Some craftsmen build ponds from what is in the garage - from old bath, barrels, a suitable basin, trough and even tires from a tractor. Well, it is possible and so. Original and well worth a look.

Sequence of work

Creating a pond using PVC film is considered the most common, so let's consider it.

We make a plan. Before proceeding directly to work, sketch out a rough plan indicating the width and depth of the future pond. It is advisable to think over the decoration in advance. This approach will avoid rework and as a result get what you want;
We outline the contours of the pond. This can be done with an ordinary hose or simply by scattering sand along the proposed boundaries of the reservoir. Think again whether everything suits you - at this stage, you can change something;
Roem a pit. We start earthworks. We form the first two tiers of the reservoir. Approximate depth - 30 cm, width - 20 cm. Then we dig out the main bowl. Please note that the total depth must be greater than 80 cm. Otherwise, your pond will be too hot in summer and too cold in winter. In such conditions, it is unlikely that someone or something will live there;
We measure the dimensions. The pit is ready, now we measure its dimensions and depth. Adds 50 cm along the edges, and with the received numbers we boldly go to a specialized store for purchase the right amount films;
We line the bottom and walls with foil. To extend the life of polyvinyl chloride, geotextiles, linoleum, roofing material are laid under it, or at least sand is poured. If you do this on a hot sunny day, you can achieve maximum elasticity from the material and easily give it the desired shape;
We fix the edge. To do this, we dig a trench, put the wrapped ends of the film into it and fill it with gravel for greater reliability. Plastic pipes nailed to pegs will help to eliminate shedding of the edges of the reservoir;
We decorate the pond. Decorate the edges of the pond with stones, install a fountain with lights, place containers with plants in the bowl. In the coastal zone, you can settle marigold and marsh iris. In shallow water - reeds and calamus. Deep water will be an excellent place for water lilies, water hyacinth, elodea, aponogeton;
We pour water. After graduation preparatory work, you can pour water into the pond. A stream that will ensure continuous circulation will help prevent stagnation. The source of the stream is raised above the level of the reservoir, while water is supplied by a pump resting on the bottom. Don't forget to install a cleaning filter.

Video: instructions for arranging a pond in a small area

The pond is ready. It remains to launch the fish. It is better to keep unpretentious crucians, koi and veiltails. The design of the surrounding area is a purely individual matter. Some will want to build a gazebo, others - to break flower beds, others - to install a barbecue.

Koi carp in an artificial pond

How to properly care

Caring for an artificial reservoir does not require large power and time costs. If the pond is dry, add water to it. In the summer, remove thread algae and weeds around your home lake. In autumn, clear the pond of falling leaves. You can make it easier for yourself and stretch the net over the water surface. With the onset of cold weather, the plants are transplanted into other containers and sent for wintering. Equipment is also removed. In the spring, the walls of the pond are scraped of silt, and everything returns to normal.

As you can see, arranging a pond with your own hands is not like that. difficult task. All you need is desire, a little free time and a little imagination. Dare!