We tell you how to make a pond in the country with your own hands, what materials can be used for this. We consider the basic rules for decorating and arranging that will help make an artificial pond an excellent addition to existing landscape design.
Varieties of artificial reservoirs
Before you make a pond in the country, you should decide on the type of future reservoir. Depending on the functional purpose, 4 types can be distinguished:
- small pond- serves as a decoration of the garden, a small part of the overall landscape composition. Active recreation near such a reservoir is not expected.
- Fish pond. Own reservoirs with bright fish are actively replacing small aquariums from the market. It can be reservoirs of absolutely any shape, the main thing is that the size is comfortable for the inhabitants. In such a pond, you can put ornamental fish species or fish suitable for fishing and subsequent consumption. Regardless of who will be bred in the pond, it is important to take care of the water filtration system and enrich it with oxygen.
- decorative pond- a deep reservoir, additional equipment with curbs, a bridge, special lighting.
- Swimming pond. Pools can also be attributed to varieties of artificial reservoirs. In addition to aesthetic functions, they allow you to cool off or swim, depending on the size.
The functions of the pond in the future will determine the choice of location, shape, parameters. An important nuance for everyone who is interested in how to make a pond on the site is the choice of the style of such a reservoir. There are two main styles that have many modifications:
- Formal or regular. It provides for the construction of a rigidly defined shape (round, rectangular, square, oval, broken). Suitable for landscape design, made in classical style, hi-tech, modern, minimalism.
- Landscape. It features an irregular coastline, a more natural appearance, does not limit the flight of design imagination.
Choosing a place for a reservoir and a form
If you have already wondered how to make a pond in the country with your own hands, then pay more attention to its future location. You should not make a reservoir for the sake of a reservoir, when you can create a real highlight in the overall landscape design.
When choosing a place for the location of the pond, it is worth considering several nuances:
- Plan the pond in an open area, away from large trees. Fallen leaves will constantly clog the water.
- Avoid the sunny side. The sun will constantly heat the water, dry up the pond, promote the development of bacteria. It is not recommended that the time of exposure to direct sunlight exceed 5-6 hours.
- Provide for the possibility of expanding the reservoir if necessary in the future. If the size of the plot allows, then the owner will eventually want a bridge, a fountain and other decorative elements.
When determining the location, consider:
- plot size;
- relief;
- soil composition;
- groundwater level;
- power supply;
- visibility from the house or gazebo.
The pond should be combined with other elements of the landscape composition, buildings and the general style of arranging the dacha. Having studied all of the above parameters, you can determine how to dig a pond, what shape and size to give preference to.
Base selection
The market offers many ways to make a pond in the country with your own hands. For this, manufacturers offer various materials, although many suggest using improvised devices as a basis.
Each of the methods has its own advantages. Everyone decides for himself what to choose, based on the idea of design, financial capabilities, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe summer cottage.
Tools you will need, regardless of the type of base:
- shovel;
- irrigation hose;
- cord (for marking);
- stakes;
- a wheelbarrow for the export of land;
- cleaning filter and compressor (for fish pond);
- pump (for pouring water or during the construction of fountains, the operation of cleaning filters);
- sterilizer (needed to purify water).
concrete base
A concrete bowl is one of the most expensive options, but guarantees a long service life of the reservoir. Most often, such a base is used for the construction of swimming pools in a summer cottage, or for the creation of artificial reservoirs in the northern regions due to its resistance to temperature extremes.
Concrete allows you to create compositions of any shape and size. The main features of using such a framework:
- it is better to choose a sunny area remote from communications and trees;
- before you make a pond with your own hands, you need to dig a pit and make waterproofing;
- the concrete structure is reinforced with reinforcement;
- cement mortar can be used to level the bottom surface.
Concrete bowls are decorated with tiles, artificial stone, figurines of birds, animals.
Arrangement of a pond using a ready-made form
To simplify the work, ready-made forms made of PVC or fiberglass are used. They are easy to install, durable (up to 30 years of operation). Among the disadvantages is the difficulty of transporting large-sized molds. The best choice is a fiberglass mold with a rubber base.
How to make a pond in the country with your own hands step by step:
- After choosing a place and the finished form, you need to dig a foundation pit. To do this, the form is placed on the ground, the contour of its borders is marked. The pit should be 8-10 cm larger than the shape parameters.
- Installing the container in the prepared pit. Use the measuring rod to determine if it is level.
- Filling the mold with water.
- Fill the voids formed around with sand and tamp.
Before digging a pit with your own hands, you need to think over a sketch on paper, and then transfer it to the ground. Marking is more convenient to do with sand or a garden hose.
For decoration along the edges of the form, you can lay out stones or plant plants. This should be done after the container has completely shrunk. Often such a pond is additionally decorated with a fountain.
Arrangement of a reservoir using a film
Another modern material that is often used to create an artificial reservoir of any shape and size is film. You can use different types of it - PVC, polymer, butyl rubber. The choice depends on the operating conditions: the service life of a polymer film - up to 10 years, butyl rubber - more than 50 years, even in conditions of constant frost or rocky surface of the site.
How to make such a small pond in the country with your own hands step by step:
- Digging a pit of the required shape. Depending on the size, this can be done with an excavator or with your own hands. It is important that the bank slope level is 45 ° C, and the minimum depth is 60-80 cm. If the parameters are less, this threatens the freezing of the reservoir in winter, excessive heating in summer, and the death of the flora and fauna of the mini-pond.
- To further secure the film along the perimeter of the pit, a ditch 15 cm deep is torn off.
- Leveling the bottom of the pit, cleaning it from branches, stones, roots that can damage the film. Additionally, it is recommended to sprinkle the surface with washed sand and cover with a geotextile.
- Covering the prepared pit with a film. The sheet must be laid freely, fixed along the edges with a brick.
- Fill with water and leave for a day so that the material takes the desired shape. Water must be supplied to the center of the pit without pressure.
- Cut off the excess film, leaving 20-25 cm under the blind area.
The calculation of the required film web is done as follows: add 2 depths and 1 meter of margin to the length and width of the pond. The edges of the film should extend 20-25 cm beyond the edge of the pond. When choosing a film, consider its thickness, composition, resistance to UV radiation, mechanical damage.
When choosing a PVC film, you need to understand the features of using different colors:
- a black film covers the bottom, which makes it possible to observe the reflection of the sky on the surface of the reservoir;
- brown film makes the reservoir more realistic;
- blue or cream - ideal for a pond with fish and other inhabitants.
To make the bottom suitable for planting plants or for the purpose of additional protection against mechanical damage, the film is covered with pebbles or stones. This approach requires further constant cleaning of the pond due to rotting organic particles, so many people prefer to leave the film open.
You can decorate the coastline with tiles, stones, bricks. The main thing is that the material is laid on the cement mortar, and the width of the blind area is at least 60 cm.
Video description
How to make a pond with film in the video:
Pond from improvised materials
It is not always necessary to buy a ready-made form, a film or make a concrete base. There are several options for those who do not want to purchase special building and finishing materials, dig a huge pit.
As a base for an artificial pond, you can use:
- Old bathroom. The main feature in the preparation of the pit is to provide a recess at the location of the drain, fill it with pebbles. This will allow, if necessary, to drain water into the ground. You might as well not dig a hole at all. It is recommended to cover the bottom of the bathroom with varnish or waterproof paint.
- Taz. Does not require a large pit. It can be used as a base for a temporary artificial reservoir, or as a permanent decoration of the site.
- Tire- allows you to equip a small decorative element of landscape design. The tire is cut in half, placed in a prepared hole, covered with a polymer film.
- Pots, boxes, buckets, tin barrels and to create mini-ponds on the site. Insulation is also made with a polymer film. The option is suitable for growing aquatic plants.
Even with a complete lack of budget, you can create a pond that will become a real decoration of your summer cottage.
Water Filtration and Care
To turn a pond into a complete compositional element, you need to take care of its decoration. If this is a pond with fish, you can not do without a filtration system.
For an artificial reservoir, made by hand in the country, you can use the simplest filtration system. To do this, you need a small pumping station with a sand filter. The system needs two pipes: one will discharge dirty water, the other will again supply purified water to the reservoir. If additional purification is needed, a small stream of sand can be made through which the filtered water will pass.
Proper water purification in artificial reservoirs Source static.tildacdn.com
Ready-made filtration kits can be purchased at stores. Detailed instructions allow you to install without the involvement of specialists.
As for care, for a small pond, a complete cleaning once a year is enough. Features of seasonal care:
- in the spring, with the help of a submersible pump, all the water is pumped out of the reservoir, the bottom is cleaned of dirt manually or using a special vacuum cleaner with a dirt filter. In April, fountains and waterfalls are launched;
- in summer, it is enough to remove weeds around the pond, purify the water from filamentous algae, add it in case of drying;
- in autumn, fallen leaves are collected with a net or ordinary rake (you can cover the pond with a special net that will protect water from pollution during a period of heavy leaf fall);
- so that the water does not bloom, a vessel with charcoal located at the bottom of the pond will help.
How to clean the pond from duckweed and get rid of silt, mud, algae Source storage.kun.uz
The listed actions do not require a lot of effort, time and money, since the care is gradual.
Video description
How to make a pond filter with your own hands, see the video:
After finishing all the work on the arrangement, you can proceed to the stage of decoration. The decor can be stones, interesting figurines, figurines, small trees.
Depending on the size of the pond and the entire summer cottage, the reservoir can be supplemented:
- run fish;
- plant aquatic plants;
- make a bridge, a small island in the middle of a pond, a fountain, a waterfall;
- equip night lighting;
- put a bench, gazebo, deck chairs, barbecue;
- lay out the paths with gravel, stone;
- install a beautiful fence.
Additional elements will allow you to turn an ordinary artificial pond into a full-fledged recreation area in your own garden. When choosing them, you should be guided by several rules:
- It is better to choose stones of different sizes to make the composition more interesting. For safety reasons, do not use sharp stones.
- You should not dig a deep pit with sheer walls, since it is very difficult to decorate it.
- Container gardening is much more convenient.
The fantasy in decorating is limitless, it all depends on the personal preferences of the owner of the summer cottage, the available budget, and the general style of landscape design.
planting
Particular attention should be paid to planting aquatic plants. First you need to choose them correctly, since the further biological balance, self-regulating processes depend on this:
- for the first deep level, a tail, arrowhead is suitable;
- among floating plants, you can choose lilies, water hyacinths, water lilies. They will not only decorate the pond, but will also protect the water from the scorching sun;
- ferns, sedges, reeds, reeds are suitable for decorating the space around the pond;
- among flowering plants, plakun-grass, bergenia, lungwort, water iris, kupena and others are most suitable.
You can start planting plants immediately after starting the filtration system. It is much easier to take care of them in the future if you use special containers for planting, which are placed at the bottom of the pit.
Winter care for an artificial reservoir should be started long before the onset of frost. A special protective mesh will help protect water from excessive amounts of fallen leaves, dirt, and swamp gas accumulation. Remove nets after the first frost.
Key points of preparing an artificial pond for winter:
- The reservoir should winter without equipment, filters, pumps, nozzles, lamps, they must be thoroughly cleaned and put into the room.
- Small ponds freeze completely to the bottom, so you need to remove all plants and fish.
- In order for reservoirs with a plastic bowl to endure frosts without deformation of the base, it is recommended to lower several bottles filled with sand to the bottom at the rate of 1 bottle per 1 square meter of reservoir.
- You can start the reservoir if the night temperatures are above zero.
Video description
For more on preparing the reservoir for winter, see this video:
Conclusion
Thus, if you understand the basic nuances of arranging a pond for a summer residence, then everyone can do it with their own hands. It does not take a lot of time, effort and money to create an excellent water recreation area near the house.
Having your own pond in the country is a great opportunity not only to add zest to your landscape design, but also to bring harmony to the surrounding space. Whatever you say, it's nice to sit on a warm bench with a good book, inhale the aroma of herbs and listen to the sounds of flowing water. Creating such a miracle with your own hands is not so difficult, you just have to follow the general rules.
The right location is the key to a well-groomed pond
The first thing to think about is the choice of location. After all, a pond is a living organism, a certain biological system in which everything is interconnected, and therefore, when choosing its location, one should take into account such factors:
- it is better to create a pond in an open area. The presence of large trees nearby is undesirable: firstly, their roots can damage an artificial reservoir, and secondly, they will clog it with fallen leaves and branches;
- the sunny side should also be avoided: by constantly heating the surface of the pond, the sun not only dries it out, but also promotes the development of aquatic bacteria, the formation of mud - the water begins to bloom;
- it is better to take into account the possibility of further expansion of the reservoir in advance (if the size of the site allows). As a rule, it is difficult to stop afterwards: new ideas arise, a desire to add bridges, fountains, decorative elements, which requires additional space.
Choosing a material
Before you start digging a pit, you need to decide what will serve as the basis for your pond. The modern market can offer several solutions for creating an artificial reservoir:- it can be a finished form made of polyvinyl chloride, or more durable fiberglass. The difference in price is offset by the higher performance of the latter;
- a special film that is made from polyvinyl chloride or butyl rubber. The first material will serve you for about 10 years, butyl rubber is more durable, its service life reaches 30-50 years.
Each of the methods gives its own advantages: using a mold makes the process faster and more convenient - just dig a pit of the desired shape and place it inside. With the help of a film, you can create a pond of any size, give it a natural, natural shape. What to choose - everyone decides for himself, based on the idea of design, financial capabilities and free space.
We will consider in more detail a pond created using a film coating.
Stages of creation
First of all, you should dig a pit. These works can be carried out with the help of an excavator or independently, if it is planned to create a small pond. Having previously marked the contours of the future reservoir with the help of prepared pegs, terraces are torn off, the depth of which will be 30 cm and the width - 20 cm. Next, the main bowl is dug out. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the level of the slope of the coast should be 45 ° C, and the minimum depth should be 60-80 cm. A shallower reservoir will completely freeze in winter and heat up excessively in summer, as a result of which all the flora and fauna of your mini-pond may die .In order to subsequently fix the film, a ditch is cut off along the perimeter of the reservoir, the depth of which is about 15 cm.
When the pit is ready, the bottom of the future reservoir must be leveled, all small and large stones that can damage the coating are removed. Its surface is covered with 5 cm of clean washed sand and covered with a geotextile. Fulfillment of these conditions will protect the film coating from damage and extend its service life.
The next step will be laying the PVC film or butyl rubber. The size of the canvas is calculated based on the total length of the pond and twice its depth. To fix the canvas along the edge, we take a margin of about half a meter.
The sheet is laid freely, securing the edges around the perimeter with bricks. After that, fill the pond with water. Do not rush to cut the edges right away: you need to wait about a day for the material to take the desired shape. Cutting off the excess film, leave 25 cm under the blind area.
The choice of material for the blind area is an individual matter of taste: it can be made of tiles, stone, brick and other things. It is laid on a cement mortar, and its width should be at least 60 cm.
We create an individual style
After the completion of the main work, the most pleasant moment comes - decorating the pond. Given its size, you can populate it with fish, aquatic plants, install a fountain or lighting. On the shore, you can make a bench, install a gazebo or barbecue - everything that will allow you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
We keep order
Of course, like any structure, a garden pond requires some care. It is not so difficult if you choose the right aquatic plants - gradually a biological balance is established there, and the system regulates itself, you just have to help it a little. All care steps are simple and logical:- In summer, it is enough to remove weeds around the pond, and filamentous algae from the water. This can be done with an ordinary rake, using a net and other devices. You can also purchase special chemicals - they will clean the pond and saturate the water with oxygen, while not harming the inhabitants of the pond.
- If the pond dries up, add water.
- In autumn, you need to remove the leaves from the surface in time, otherwise they will sink to the bottom; transplant some plants into containers for wintering; thin out overly dense vegetation. A special mesh should be stretched over the surface of the pond - it will protect the pond from debris. All equipment is also removed for the winter.
- In the spring, we cut off the dried stems, clean the walls and bottom of the pond from silt (there is a special technique for this). In April, we install and launch the fountain.
Many summer residents dream of building a beautiful pond on a garden plot. However, not everyone can boast of a large area of land, trying in vain to place a vegetable garden, fruit trees, as well as several flower beds with their favorite flowers on it. In addition, the construction of a pond is associated with significant costs that not everyone can afford.
A small charming pond is not difficult to build yourselfSeveral options for a small pond
Our photos show various options for artificial reservoirs in summer cottages. Among them you can find budget ones and you can stop at one of the simplest ones to perform. In addition, the choice of option should be determined by the composition of the soil, as well as the availability of free space in the garden or yard. It is easy to build a mini pond with your own hands if you have the appropriate building materials at hand. Available materials can serve as the main argument in finding a solution.
Film pond - a universal solution
To prevent water from leaving a homemade pond, it must be sealed. A good way is to use a film. If you want to save money, you can use the remnants of the plastic film that was purchased for greenhouses, but such a reservoir will last only a few years.
If it is possible to purchase a butyl rubber-based film, which is designed specifically for the construction of reservoirs, the life of the pond will increase significantly. A compromise option is a dense PVC film.
It happens that the remains of the film are scattered pieces - in this case, they can be glued together to obtain a coating of the desired size. To do this, it is advisable to use a special glue, with which you can also seal cuts and other defects in the material.
A film pond allows you to build a pond of any shape and size In addition to the main material, you will need sand, geotextile and stones. To equip a reservoir with your own hands, you should act according to the plan:
- Mark out a place for a pond. You should not arrange it right in the garden next to fruit trees. It is advisable to choose a flat surface so that the bank levels are the same height - otherwise the water from the pond will pour out from one side.
- Dig a pit, making sure that its walls are flat, which will allow the banks not to crumble during operation. The angle of inclination of the walls of the pit should be up to 45˚. If there is a desire, the banks can be made into ledges.
- Next, you need to carefully tamp the bottom of the pit, and then fill it with sand to a height of 5 - 10 cm. Lay a piece of geofabric on the sand, some craftsmen replace it with old blankets.
- Now the reservoir can be lined with a film. This should be done slowly, trying to immediately straighten the emerging folds. Put the edges of the cover on the banks.
- It is necessary to pour water into the reservoir in parts, this will not allow the coating to break. Between each stage, it is recommended to take a two-hour break.
- Once again, we check the level of the banks and, if necessary, level it by adding earth. We fix the waterproofing along the entire coast with the help of stones.
Important: it is best to work with the film in the summer, on a hot day. This will facilitate all manipulations with the material, since it will be softer.
A small reservoir from a plastic bowl under protection Plastic bowl - quick and easy
If there is no desire to work with film, the work on arranging a small pond can be accelerated. To do this, you should choose a finished PVC bowl. Similar containers are sold in hardware stores and may vary in shape and size. In addition, plastic liners differ markedly in price and quality. Poor-quality plastic quickly collapses under the influence of frost and ultraviolet radiation of the sun. The choice is yours. The following is an instruction for installing a pond with your own hands:
- First you need to mark the place under the pit. To do this, drive in pegs around the perimeter (corners) and tie them with a rope. The markings should be made larger than the size of the bowl, 20 cm from all sides. Dig a pit with a depth equal to the height of the bowl plus 20 cm.
- Now it is necessary to fill the bottom of the pit with sand, achieving its even surface - this can be checked using a level. Moisten and compact the sand. Next, put the bowl into the pit, trying to make its edges level with the surface of the earth.
- When the bowl is installed, it is necessary to fill in the sand between its side parts and the walls of the pit (in the same stock of 20 cm). Sand should be filled in and lightly tamped as the bowl is filled with water. This will avoid deformation of the tank walls.
- It is not necessary to pour water into the bowl immediately, but in small portions. A sharp load on the plastic can lead to distortion and damage.
A small pond is easiest to make from a plastic bowl. Concrete pit - a reliable option
The method of building an artificial reservoir of concrete is suitable for those who know how to work with concrete. Such a pond has an undoubted advantage over its counterparts - it is reliable and durable. However, it will not work to move it to another place, in connection with this, before starting work, it is worth considering its configuration well and choosing the most suitable place on the site. Consider in detail how to build a concrete pond with your own hands:
- The pit under the reservoir should be made with ledges. Let its walls be gentle, here it is also important to adhere to an angle of up to 45˚. The hole must be well compacted.
- Next, you need to fill in the sand, but its layer should be small - 3 cm is enough. On top of the sand, you need to lay out a film of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, which should not be pulled too tightly.
- It is necessary to lay concrete, starting from the walls, and only then go to the bottom. It is important to complete this work within one day to avoid cracking of the concrete at its joints.
- Next, you need to wait until the composition hardens slightly, and then press a metal mesh into it to reinforce the concrete. This must be done so that the edges of the grid protrude above the surface of the reservoir.
- After the concrete has completely dried, it is necessary to pour its next layer. Before starting work on the second layer, the lower concrete must be sprinkled with water. Experts recommend at this moment to check the bottom surface for its horizontalness.
As soon as the top layer of concrete is completely dry, you can pour water into the pool. Then proceed to its design - plant plants on the banks, launch fish or equip the backlight.
Miniature pond plus improvised materials
Budget options for creating reservoirs in the country involve the use of all kinds of improvised materials, instead of buying a bowl or film. Some craftsmen build a pond from an old cast-iron or children's bath, while others were able to adapt a car tire or an old basin. The pond will turn out to be quite small, but it is not difficult to take care of a mini pond. Water is easier to change than in a large tank, and with the help of tubed plants and decorative stones, it is easy to turn it into a flowering oasis.
Preparing a pit for a pond from a bath
After many years of use, the bath loses its original appearance. If there are no through holes in the bowl, it is quite possible to use it in the country under a home-made pond. To build a small pond without high costs, you must:
- First you need to mark out a place under the reservoir, and then add 10 centimeters on each side. Dig a pit, the depth of which will be 20 cm greater than the height of the bath.
- Now you need to mark at the bottom of the pit the place where the bowl drain will be located. There it is necessary to dig a hole with a diameter of 30 cm, a depth of half a meter. This will be the drain. Insert a sheet of metal rolled into a roll into a cylindrical hole and fill it with crushed stone. The edge of the metal should protrude 15-25 cm above the pit.
- After preparing the drainage, you need to make a “pillow” for the bath, which will allow it not to sink over time. To do this, a layer of rubble is poured at the bottom of the pit, and sand is placed on top. This pillow should have a height of about 20cm. All this must be carefully tamped, after which the sheet of metal should be removed.
With the correct installation of the bathtub, the pond will last for many years. Pit for a two-level pond
If you decide to build a pond from an old bath, it can be made quite unusual. We propose to create a two-level reservoir with your own hands, for the device of which you will need to make a little more effort. Work plan, step by step:
- Before digging a pit for a bath, you need to mark the site, adding half a meter on each side. The external outlines should be slightly modified - make this line wavy, giving it a contour that resembles the natural outlines of a lake.
- Now you can start digging a pit. To do this, you need to dig a hole, 30-40 cm deep, focusing on the outer contours. Next, at the bottom of the dug pit, it is necessary to mark the contour for the bath and deepen the pit under the bowl as described above. That is, the total depth of the pit will be greater than in the first version by the same 30-40 cm.
- When the bath is installed, the outer contour of the reservoir should be limited to fiberglass slate. A corrugated hose must be put on the edge of the slate.
- Further, the place that has formed between the bathroom and the slate must be covered with sand and rammed, or poured with concrete.
- The bowl must be covered with a film, forming a single pool for water. The film should be fixed with stones.
It is more difficult to make a two-level pond, but no one will guess that a bathtub is used in the pond Installing a bath
After preparing the place for the bath, bricks should be laid at the bottom of the pit - several pieces in each corner, on which the bath is installed. Such a precaution will not allow a bulky container to sag. Next, you should check how evenly the bath is installed, and check that its edge is flush with the ground. There is an empty space between the walls of the bath and the pit. It must be covered with sand, which must be moistened and carefully compacted.
Mini reservoir from a tire
If it is possible to use an old tire, you can easily and quickly build a miniature tire pond with your own hands. A tire from a KAMAZ wheel or a tractor will make it possible to make the reservoir much larger.
First you need to dig a pit of such a size that the tire fits freely into it. Before installing it in the pit, it is necessary to cut off the upper part of the rubber with a knife. You should get a bowl with a hole at the bottom. Next, you need to take the film, cover the bottom and sides of the tire with it, releasing the edges up. They need to be tucked over the edges of the tank. It remains to pour water into the finished tire pool and decorate its edges with plants and stones. Similarly, you can build a pond from a plastic basin.
A tire pond does not take up much space and will be a great garden decoration Several ways to decorate the pond
Today there are many ways to decorate a mini pond. Among them are the installation of plaster figures on its banks, the laying of decorative stones and tiles. Any body of water will be decorated with green spaces that can be placed around it right in the flowerpots. In other cases, soil is poured on the banks of the lake, interspersed with stones. Moisture-loving perennials are planted in the ground, which eventually form beautiful thickets on the shore.
A small waterfall and beautiful lilies will decorate and enliven the pond If you want to plant aquatic plants, you need to strive to ensure that they do not grow too much. Otherwise, the surface of the pond will be completely covered with greenery. In this capacity, experts recommend using water hyacinth.
Also, the pond can be decorated with a bridge, lanterns can be installed around it. Another way to revive the water of an artificial pond is a fountain or waterfall. All this can be built later, the main thing is to take into account the possibility of modernizing the pond even at the stage of choosing a place for a pond.
Vacation in the country is a favorite pastime for many people. Only a trip to the shore of a reservoir can argue with him. Having arranged an artificial pond in your country house, you can get a great place to get rid of fatigue and relaxation. Moreover, it will not be difficult to arrange an artificial reservoir with your own hands, you only need a little perseverance and imagination.
Types of reservoirs
Depending on what functionality you plan to endow the pond you have built, artificial reservoirs can be divided into several categories.
Swimming pool
This category includes artificial reservoirs of considerable size. Such a pond, built in the country with your own hands, as in the photo, has not only decorative properties, but also allows you to freshen up, or even swim, without leaving the site.
Pond with fish
The pond for breeding fish is suitable not only for lovers of fishing. Your family members, especially children, will enjoy spending time by the lake, watching bright and beautiful fish.
Mini pond in the country
A small reservoir, which is an element of landscape composition. It performs exclusively decorative functions and does not imply the placement of a recreation area around it.
Decorative pond in the garden
Garden pond, built by hand, which is the central place of the recreation area. The combination of sufficient size and beautiful design will not only please the eyes, but also give a pleasant coolness on a hot day.
Style
Having decided on the functionality of the reservoir, it is worth moving on to choosing the style in which the decorative pond in the country will be executed. There are two main options.
- Formal (regular) pond. Artificial reservoir of strict geometric shape. Ideal if there is a desire to emphasize the geometric shapes of the building or the site itself. It creates a sense of order, looks appropriate next to geometrically regular flower beds, lawns and other decorative elements on the site.
- Landscape pond in the country. It is carried out in any form and fits very easily into the surrounding landscape. This option is suitable for any style and looks as natural as possible. Its construction requires much less effort than the equipment of a geometric reservoir.
Location selection
Of great importance when organizing a pond in the country with your own hands, as in the photo in the article, is the terrain. On flat areas, you can place a pond in a garden of any style and size. Areas with irregularities create more difficulties when deciding how to make an artificial pond, but at the same time they can serve as natural cascades and elevations for waterfalls.
It is necessary to arrange a pond with a fountain in the country house with your own hands in an open area so that the reservoir is clearly visible from every corner of the country house. The depth of groundwater, the qualitative composition of the soil can affect the allowable depth of the reservoir, as well as the complexity of the work and the use of additional materials. When thinking about how to build a pond in the country with your own hands, in addition to the terrain, it is worth considering a number of other important points.
- Compatibility with the environment. Visible from all sides, a mini pond in the country should be combined with buildings and green spaces on the site.
- Illumination of the site. It is preferable to choose the most shaded place on the site for the location of the reservoir. This will prevent increased water evaporation. In addition, with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, there is a high probability of active development of microorganisms in the water, which will negatively affect the aesthetic component.
- Environment. Do not abuse the vegetation next to an artificial reservoir. The long and thick roots of large trees can lead to damage to the insulation layer over time, which in turn will require repair and putting the reservoir in order. Leaves falling into the water from tree branches located too close to the reservoir can lead to silting and will require regular cleaning. On clear days, nearby trees or buildings will be reflected on the surface of the water. Therefore, you should take care of a beautiful exterior in advance so that your eyes do not fall on a rickety shed or a dry, fallen tree.
- Expansion of the reservoir. In the future, you may come up with the idea of the need to increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe reservoir, additional functional and decorative elements. Therefore, it is worthwhile to provide a place in advance for the possible expansion of the reservoir in the country with your own hands.
- Electrification. If you plan to install lighting near or directly in a pond, or place an electric fountain or other movable structures, you should worry about laying all the necessary electrical wiring in advance. It is best to place the wires underground, protecting them with strong boxes or corrugation.
Size selection
Having chosen a place on the site that the pond will occupy in the garden, you should decide on the size of the future reservoir. Landscape designers do not give clear recommendations on this matter. However, a do-it-yourself decorative pond built on a summer cottage should not occupy more than 8-10% of the area of \u200b\u200bthe site, because. a larger structure will look bulky and alien.
The depth of the pond in the garden depends on the purpose for which it is created, as well as on the capabilities of the owner, who equips the pond with his own hands on the site. The photos below will help you make your choice.
Material selection
When arranging ponds in a summer cottage with your own hands, you should approach the choice of material with all care. There are many options for what material is better to use in order to equip a small pond in the country with your own hands.
The photos in the article and the following list highlight the following main categories.
Concrete reservoir
Capital construction, which is the most expensive option for arranging a pond in a country house. The advantages of using this material include increased strength and durability of use.
plastic container
An industrially made form of high-strength plastic allows you to solve the question as soon as possible: how to make a pond in the country with your own hands. Various shapes and sizes allow you to choose the option suitable for the most demanding owner.
PVC film or polyethylene film
The use of these materials makes it possible to create a garden pond with your own hands of absolutely any shape. The disadvantages of such a material include low resistance to external influences, and how short the service life
Butyl rubber membrane
A do-it-yourself garden pond made of such a film will please the eye longer than a decorative pond in the photo below made of polyethylene or PVC. When planning how to make a reservoir on the site with your own hands, it should be borne in mind that the life of the membrane reaches 50 years, and the increased resistance of butyl rubber to severe frosts makes it a very profitable material.
In order to save money, you can use various improvised materials. An old bathtub, a basin or a car tire for a mini pond - these and other "folk" remedies are used to create ponds in the country. Our photo gallery will suggest other original ideas.
Necessary equipment
Depending on the functionality of the reservoir and the material from which it will be made, the following tools may be required during the creation process: a shovel, a cart for transporting excess soil, a level, pegs and a strong cord for marking, as well as a hose for irrigation. Such a set of tools will be enough to place mini ponds in the country with your own hands, as in the above photo. If the planned pond in the garden is of considerable size, it is worth evaluating the feasibility of using construction equipment. For a pond intended for fish breeding or designed for a particularly long service life, the installation of additional equipment may be justified:
- An aerator that saturates the water with oxygen necessary for fish.
- Pump for filling or draining water.
- Cleaning filter.
- A device for sterilizing water and removing dead algae.
Details of creating a pond from a film
PVC film, due to its performance and relatively low cost, is one of the most popular materials for arranging a pond. In addition, in order to make a pond with your own hands from PVC film, you do not need special skills and special knowledge.
For the arrangement of reservoirs, it is not necessary to use films with a thickness of less than 0.5 mm., And if it is planned to create a particularly deep reservoir, it is better to take a film with the maximum available thickness.
The use of a multi-colored film allows you to achieve different optical effects: a black one will make the bottom of the reservoir mirror, and it will clearly reflect the trees and buildings standing nearby, a brown film is perfect for simulating a ground bottom, and a film of light blue or cream tones will make the reservoir as transparent as possible, which will allow you to easily observe the movement of fish.
The selected film should be cut in such a way that it covers the bottom and walls of the reservoir, leaving a margin of up to one meter. The cut pieces must be connected with specialized glue or adhesive tape for such work.
Before digging a pit, it is necessary to carefully consider the size, shape of the bottom and walls of the reservoir. If you plan to create a complex multi-stage structure, it is better to first draw a detailed diagram on a piece of paper indicating all dimensions.
Having marked the selected area, we proceed to digging a recess. It is better to remove the soil in the direction from the edges of the future reservoir to the center, gradually deepening to the required limits. The bottom and walls of the finished pit should be carefully examined for the detection of foreign objects, sharp roots, etc. Any debris found must be removed to avoid damage to the film. We lay out the prepared film on the rammed bottom of the pit, fixing it with stones and sprinkling soil around the edges.
Next, you need to strengthen the banks of the pond. To do this, you can use various materials. For gently sloping shores, a geogrid or a polymer grid is suitable; you can also use a regular chain-link mesh. For vertical banks, the use of piles or props will be required.
You can complete the design of the pond by adding various decorative elements, planting plants and installing underwater or outdoor lighting.
Plant decoration
When decorating a pond in the garden with plants, it is worth understanding that they are divided into those that are planted on the shore along the edges of the pond, and plants that live directly in the water. The root system of coastal plants will additionally strengthen the walls of the pond. When planting plants in a pond in the garden, it is important to keep in mind the speed of their growth, otherwise, after a long absence, there is a risk of finding a pond completely covered with a thick carpet of vegetation.
Decor
In order to decorate the pond in the yard with your own hands, in addition to various plants, beautiful stones and other decorative elements, the use of lighting gives a good effect. The colored glow spreading from under the water will create a beautiful decoration for your pond at night. Additional lighting can be placed above the water.
As a decor for decorating a pond in a country house with your own hands, as in the photo in the article, you can use various fountains. The functioning of the fountains is ensured by the operation of pumps that can be hidden at the bottom of the pond under the stones. Surface devices are also used. Pumps come in different capacities, which affects the height and intensity of the water jets.
fish
Ornamental fish can be launched into the pond in the country, when choosing which it is important to fully understand the conditions for their maintenance. It is worth buying such types of fish that get along well with each other and do not quarrel.
Pond Care
Decorative pond in the country requires some care. Planted plants must be sheltered from the cold or transferred to a warm room. During a long absence, the surface of an artificial reservoir in the country should be covered with a special net to protect it from debris. Leaves and other debris that have fallen into the country pond are caught with a net, and in the event of the formation of a large amount of silt, it is necessary to clean the reservoir. Water must be periodically renewed using a garden hose or a regular bucket for topping up (if specialized equipment is not available).
Photo gallery
In our photo gallery you will see more than 33 examples of beautiful ponds in the country.
Even in a small area, you can equip a quite decent artificial reservoir, while sacrificing only a few beds. It'll be cheap. In order to create a pond in the country with your own hands, you only need geotextiles, PVC film or polyethylene and a few days of free time.
Choosing a place for an artificial reservoir
When choosing a location for a pond, it is of great importance illumination. Since aquatic plants require sufficient sunlight, it should not be too shaded. But too much overheating of the water is also undesirable, as this can lead to flowering of the surface.The most suitable site for placing an artificial reservoir is a place near the fence in the corner of the garden, which is illuminated in the morning, but is in partial shade at noon. Do not place the pond near large trees: growing roots can damage the pit cover. And during leaf fall, you will have to clean the pond from leaves almost daily.
An artificial pond is best placed in partial shade
Pit preparation
The size of an artificial reservoir can be anything - it all depends on the desire of the owner and the free space on the site. But it should be noted that too large a pond will require more care.1. With the help of driven stakes and a rope, markings are made according to the shape of the pond at the selected place.
2. Sod is removed along the perimeter of the marking.
3. A small pit can be dug with an ordinary shovel. So that the walls of the pit do not crumble, its walls must have slight slope. There is no need to make an artificial reservoir too deep. Minimum depth bowls - 60 cm (plus 30-40 cm for backfilling drainage from crushed stone and sand).
4. If it is planned to launch fish into the pond, its depth should be lower soil freezing level in this climatic region. Otherwise, the water at the bottom will freeze and the fish will die. In the central part of Russia, the soil freezes to a depth of about 1.4-1.5 m.
5. For planting aquatic plants, it is better if the edges of the pit are stepped. The size of each of these steps is 10-15 cm.
Stepped pond pit
6. All large stones and branches are removed from the bottom of the pit, which can damage a not too strong film.
7. At the bottom of the pit falls asleep drainage: crushed stone, and then sand each with a layer of 20 cm and compacted.
8. To protect against soil erosion, a layer of geotextile. It can be replaced with any durable fabric: old carpets, blankets, old oilcloth or roofing material. Laying such a protective layer is carried out with an overlap on the edges of the pit of about 50 cm.
Roofing felt laying
9. Next, you can lay on the bottom of the reservoir polyethylene film(shelf life is about 3 years), pvc film(it will last longer, about 15 years) or durable butyl rubber. To prevent damage to the film during filling with water, it must be laid without tension.
A film is laid at the bottom of the pit
10. Do not cut off excess geotextiles and films immediately. They will take the desired shape only after filling the pond with water. It is better to dig along the perimeter of the pit shallow trench, in which it will be possible to lay the edges of the fabric and film and lightly cover with earth.
11. After filling the artificial reservoir with water, stones are laid along its edges, which will not only hold the material lining the bottom of the pond, but also serve as decoration. The edges of such an artificial reservoir can be decorate and decorative tiles, slate, sandstone or other appropriately sized stones or bricks.
Stones are laid along the edges of the reservoir
12. The area adjacent to the reservoir can be backfilled with gravel or marble chips.
Decoration of the edge of the reservoir
13. In the center or at the edge of the pond, you can install a small artificial fountain.
14. Along the edges of the reservoir, you can install several small lamps on solar batteries.
Advice. If there is too little space on the site, a small artificial reservoir can be made from an old wheel or bath, buried in the ground and finished with stones along the edge (see photo).
A small artificial pond made from an old bathtub
Pond from an old wheel
Pond cleaning
To clean a large reservoir, you can use the simplest filtration system: a small pumping station with a sand filter. Two pipes are drawn into the pond: one serves to take water, from the second, purified water will again flow into the pool. Additional purification can be provided by a small stream filled with sand, through which the filtered water will pass before re-entering the pool. It can flow into the pond through a small waterfall.
Pond filter
It is enough to clean a small pond only once a season by hand. To do this, completely pump out water from it using a submersible pump and remove accumulated dirt from the bottom. To clean the pond, you can also use a special vacuum cleaner equipped with a filter, with which you can collect dirt from the bottom.
Pond vacuum cleaner
Advice. If you put a vessel filled with charcoal at the bottom of the pond, the water in it will not bloom for a long time.
Fallen leaves can be collected from the surface of the pond using a net. In autumn, during a strong leaf fall, the reservoir can be covered with a special net. In order to avoid the ingress of dirt for the winter period, the pond is covered with any covering material.
Advice. So that the film does not crack in frost, it is better not to drain the water for the winter. To compensate for the pressure created when the ice expands, several wooden boards or plastic bottles filled with water can be thrown into the water.
Planting aquatic plants
Aquatic plants are not only the original decoration of the pond. Bogwort, hornwort, elodea and other plants that can saturate the reservoir with oxygen will help protect the water surface from greening.Naturally, only those plants that can develop well in a given climatic region should be planted. To decorate the pond, you can use traditional plants: reed, sedge, reeds. Large plants (lilies, water lilies) will be able to cover the water surface from the bright scorching sun and reduce water heating. Flowering plants that prefer to settle near water bodies include arrowhead, kupena, plakun-grass, fern, bergenia, lungwort, water iris, etc.
Advice. For planting plants, you can use special containers that are placed along the bottom of the pit. In this case, it will be much easier to take care of the plants.
Planting aquatic plants
Video: Do-it-yourself pond in the country
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