Build a Backyard Pond

I ordered this product without any knowledge on how to construct or maintain a pond. This kit provided me with everything I needed to do both. I am truly enjoying my new pond! ~ Jan Mulherin

Better than I expected! I purchased this net to protect my fish in my outdoor pond and I thought it would be great protection but an eye sore. Well we were pleasantly surprised. The net was really big so we cut it to size and it is almost invisible! It's great. I really wasn't expecting that! The net is great and the price even better!! ~ Carol A. Carr

Remove the de-icer or heating unit from the pond. Replace the filter and pump, then turn them on.

Remove any leaves or decomposed organic material. Keep an eye out for algae and remove it as soon as you can.

If the water appears black, remove at least one-third of it and then replace it with fresh water.

Purchase the beneficial bacteria, chemicals, and water conditioners you'll need for the spring and summer. Now would be the time to decide on any new items you'll add to your pond as well.

Check the level of the water in your pond and add a small amount at a time so the water temperature or the chemical balance isn't disrupted too drastically. If you wintered your fish indoors, increase the water and chemical level before returning the fish to the pond.

Begin feeding the fish once the temperatures reach or exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Since any fish you might have in your pond are cold-blooded, they'll begin getting interested in eating once their body temperature rises.

Check the netting around the pond and repair it where necessary.

Reset any rocks around you've placed around the border as well as prune the shrubs and any plants which are around the pond. You may also want to add new plants or features to the pond.

Clean the filter as recommended by the manufacturer, being sure to clean the water intake more often to keep it from becoming clogged with debris.

If you take the time to care for your pond the way it requires, you'll be able to enjoy it for years to come. Pay attention to any organic matter that falls into the water and clean it out. You'll also want to remove any fish which may die.

You may want to place a bench so you can sit near the pond watching the fish. Another option would be to set up a canopy swing. Then take the time to sit outside by the pond to enjoy being outdoors among nature.

When deciding where to place a small garden pond, try to locate it where children won't be tempted to go to it. You may also want to place it where it can be easily seen from inside the house.

Research the local ordinances where you live to determine what safety laws you have to follow. You may be required to place a fence around your pond if it's a specific size or depth.

Let children know they're not allowed near the pond without an adult. This rule stands for children even if they know how to swim. Ponds can appear to be safe but you can never tell where the safety ledge is within any given pond. The ledge may drop off quickly and they might not be prepared for it.

Children should also be taught not to go in any water where they can't see the bottom. Seeing the bottom is not a guarantee that the child will be safe, but this rule could keep them from going into a pond with dirty water where they don't know how deep the water is.

If there are animals around the pond which aren't family pets, don't go near them. They're wild animals and might bite. If you'd like to watch the animals, do so from a safe distance with a pair of binoculars.

Learn about the plants which may be around your pond, particularly if the pond was there before you arrived. Explain to the children that it's not safe to chew on plants around the pond. Even though most of them won't be dangerous, some may be poisonous. Learn to recognize what plants are there, which ones are poisonous, how to recognize problems associated with the poisonous plants, and what to do if someone ingests some of the poisonous plant.

Do not drink water from the pond. Birds and other animals may come to the pond to drink. In the process they may also go to the bathroom in the pond. This makes the water hazardous to drink.