How to Build a Backyard Pond

We all know how relaxing it is to listen to the trickle of water, to watch fish swim lazily in an aquarium or pond.  Backyard ponds also have the benefit of taking up space that might otherwise be taken up by lawn, and lawns are notorious water users.  As we all move to more sustainable living, backyard ponds have increased in popularity.  They provide habitat and reduce water usage in a yard. 

However, there is the big headache that ponds come with - blue algae.  It can quickly suck all the enjoyment out of having a backyard pond when you find yourself researching algae removal products, finding a supplier, mixing and adding, and adding some more.  Well, I have five very important words for you...BiOWiSH™ Pond and Tank Conditioner. This is the most powerful Microbial Enzyme technology available anywhere, and it will rapidly remove organic contaminants from your water. These contaminants are converted to their final elements, which are off-gassed as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. In the process your water is kept clean, free of nutrients and algae and in good chemical balance just as nature intended.  You'll want to order a packet along with the backyard pond building materials you'll be using so that you're all set to go.  Then follow the easy steps below for a lovely water feature of your own.

How to Build a Backyard Pond                   Courtesy of Sutherlands Lumber

Step 1 - Locate

To determine the location of your new pond, keep in mind the layout of your yard and the type of plants that you wish to use. Place a preformed pond liner in the predetermined location, stand inside it and outline the shape on the ground with a shovel. If you will be using the sheet-style of pond liner, use a garden hose to outline the shape you’ve chosen.

Step 2 - Excavate

Dig a hole just a little larger and deeper than the pond.


Step 3 - Backfill

Bed the hole with a layer of compacted sand, place the preformed plastic pond or sheet liner in and level it. Using loose dirt or sand, fill in around it. Stop when perimeter is half full.

Step 4 - Fill With Water

Alternately fill the pond with water and backfill perimeter with dirt or loose sand a little at a time so that both the pond and the hole are completely filled and these steps are finished concurrently. If you are using chlorinated water, wait 24 to 48 hours before placing plants or fish into the pond. Place stones or paving bricks naturally around the perimeter to cover the edge.

Step 5 - Now Enjoy!

By installing two or more ponds adjoining each other, you can create a small water park or borders for a bridge. Washed, decorative stones may be placed on the bottom of the pond. Dirt and sediment that fall in will be less noticeable. Sutherlands also carry water runs to make installing a custom waterfall easy. Aquatic lighting will enhance your pond at night.

Some flowers that do well in the moist soil around your pond are Marigolds, Irises, Forget-me-nots and mint. This last you might want to consider planting in containers as they are famous for spreading! Choices of plants for in the pond are numerous, including a prolific variety of lilies. Some plants are restricted in certain states, so be sure to check before ordering.


Fish are a nice addition to your pond, but beware of critters that eat them! You may want to go with inexpensive, hardy goldfish rather than expensive koi. You’ll be less concerned that way if you look out a window one day, wondering where your fish are going, and you see a heron standing next to your pond with a fish in it’s beak. There are decoy herons available online that may discourage live herons from eating your fish, as they are very territorial birds.