Pre-Pond Considerations

Before starting to design and create your aquatic oasis, there are a few things you need to consider.

•   Location
•   Size and Depth
•   Liner Type
•   Filtration and Circulation
•   Fish
•   Plants
•   Wildlife
•   Year-round maintenance
•   Safety

 

Location

When it comes to building a pond, location is everything — not just for how it looks, but also how it functions.

You’ll want to place your pond somewhere it can be easily enjoyed. After all, what’s the point of creating a beautiful water feature if it’s hidden away where no one can see it? Make sure it’s visible from key areas like your patio, kitchen window, or favourite garden spot.

But it’s not just about the view — sunlight is also a crucial factor. Ideally, your pond should receive around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. This allows the water to warm naturally, benefiting both plants and fish, while still giving aquatic life access to shaded areas when they need to cool off.

You might be tempted to place your pond under a tree for that perfect mix of light and shade — but think twice. While it sounds like a great idea, it’s actually a maintenance headache. Falling leaves can clog filters, decompose in the water, and throw off your pond’s balance.

In short: pick a spot that’s both practical and picturesque. Your future self (and your pond pump) will thank you.

 

Size & Depth

Before you grab a shovel and start digging, it’s important to think through the size and depth your pond really needs. Don’t worry — there’s no complicated maths involved. Just one simple rule:

 

 

The deeper, the better.

If you’re planning to keep fish or want a healthy, balanced pond, aim for a minimum depth of 60–90cm. This helps regulate water temperature and gives aquatic life room to thrive.

Next up: size. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — your pond’s footprint depends on your garden space, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.

Here’s something many people don’t expect: larger ponds are actually easier to maintain. A bigger volume of water creates a more stable environment, making it easier to manage water quality and support a healthy ecosystem.

 

 

Liner Type

When it comes to lining your pond, you’ve got two main options: flexible liners or pre-formed liners.

Pre-formed liners are the easiest to install — just dig, drop in, and you’re good to go. But there’s a trade-off: they come in fixed shapes and sizes, which can limit your design possibilities.

If you’ve got a specific vision or want to create a unique, custom-shaped pond, a flexible liner is the way to go. It takes a bit more effort to install, but the payoff is total creative freedom — you can sculpt your pond exactly how you imagined it.

 

Filtration & Circulation

Let’s get a little technical — because a healthy pond needs more than just water.

Unlike a natural body of water, an artificial pond won’t look after itself. To keep it clean, clear, and thriving, you’ll need to install a reliable filter and pump. These work together to remove debris, oxygenate the water, and maintain overall balance.

Worried about algae? You’re not alone. To avoid your pond turning green and murky, we recommend adding a UV clarifier to your setup. It’s a simple and effective way to control algae growth and keep the water crystal clear.

When it comes to circulation, remember this golden rule: moving water = happy pond. A pond with good movement is better oxygenated and less likely to develop stagnant areas. Want to take it a step further? Consider adding a fountain, waterfall, or other water feature to enhance circulation — and create a soothing visual effect while you’re at it.

To Fish or Not to Fish?

One big decision you’ll need to make: do you want fish in your pond?

Fish like koi, goldfish, or even native species can bring your pond to life — literally. They add movement, colour, and turn your pond into a vibrant, living ecosystem that’s always changing and full of character.

But keep in mind: fish come with added responsibility. You’ll need to keep a closer eye on water quality, oxygen levels, and overall pond health. Without proper care, your pond could quickly become an unhealthy environment for its aquatic residents.

If you’re set on having fish but aren’t sure about the upkeep, consider hiring a local pond maintenance company to handle regular check-ups and care. That way, you can enjoy the beauty of your fish without the stress of constant maintenance.

 

Plants

Oxygen is essential to a healthy pond — for fish, plants, and the overall ecosystem. Luckily, there are several effective (and even beautiful) ways to keep your pond well-oxygenated.

One of the simplest solutions is to use a mechanical aerator, which actively pumps oxygen into the water. If you’re looking for something a bit more visually appealing, consider adding a fountain or waterfall — these features not only help circulate and oxygenate the water, but also add soothing sound and movement to your pond.

For a more natural approach, look to aquatic plants. A balanced mix of oxygenators, floaters, and marginals can help maintain healthy oxygen levels, provide natural filtration, and offer shade and shelter for fish.

No matter which method you choose, consistent oxygenation is key to keeping your pond vibrant and balanced.

 

Wildlife

Whether you’ve added fish or not, your pond will attract wildlife — it’s just part of creating a thriving ecosystem. From frogs and dragonflies to birds, your pond will quickly become a hotspot for local creatures.

If you’re happy to share your pond with nature, that’s great! But if you prefer a quieter, less lively pond, you might want to consider some deterrents to keep wildlife at bay.

For those with fish, predators like herons, raccoons, or even neighbourhood cats may be a concern. If that’s the case, think about ways to protect your fish, whether it’s with a net, barrier, or deeper water for shelter.

Ultimately, your pond will be a living habitat — so plan accordingly to keep things in balance.

 

 

Year-Round Maintenance

As we’ve mentioned, a pond isn’t a “set it and forget it” feature — it requires regular maintenance, especially if you’re adding fish.

If you’re diving into pond life as a hobby, you might already be prepared for the year-round care it takes to keep things healthy and balanced. But if you’re planning to keep fish, it’s especially important to think ahead — particularly when it comes to winter care.

In colder months, deeper ponds have an advantage. They’re less likely to freeze completely, giving fish room to move and survive beneath the surface. Still, maintaining healthy water conditions during winter is crucial. In some cases, you may need to install a pond heater or de-icer to keep a portion of the surface open and oxygen flowing.

A little seasonal prep goes a long way in keeping your pond — and its inhabitants — thriving all year round. Get in contact with your local pond maintenance company to see if they can provide seasonal check ups to prepare your pond for the more intense weather conditions in winter and summer.

 

Safety

While we’ve covered the essentials of pond design, don’t forget to consider safety, especially if your garden is shared with others.

Do you have young children, pets, or a relative with a tendency to stumble? Then safety should be a key part of your pond planning. You might want to install a fence or discreet safety barrier around the pond’s perimeter to prevent accidents.

Another smart option is incorporating a shallow shelf around the edge of the pond. This provides a safer entry point if someone does fall in, reducing the risk of full submersion.

A beautiful pond should also be a safe and enjoyable space for everyone — plan accordingly, and you can have both peace of mind and a stunning water feature.

This article has just touched the surface of pond life, if there’s something we haven’t covered, or you simply wish to know more: get in touch with our experts who will be happy to answer your questions on all things ponds.