Make an artificial reservoir with your own hands. DIY decorative pond - where to start? Pond from an old bath

FROM long time ago It has become a tradition that water calms, but more and more they say that if it is near the house, it brings prosperity and money. Not always natural reservoirs can be located on the territory of the site, more often they are created artificially. That is why we decided to tell you how to create a corner of extraordinary beauty in your garden. with my own hands using available tools for this.

Highly important point in creating an artificial reservoir is the terrain that surrounds your house, and therefore you just need to pay attention to it. Look carefully at the entire available area, it may have natural depressions or small holes, if any, then we advise you to use them.

Where to place an artificial pond in the country

It is better to place an artificial reservoir closer to the house, so it will have natural light. It is also important that if you have small children, you can always control their games near the water. From the point of view of Feng Shui, reservoirs must be located on the eastern or southern part of the site, then the water is beneficial, it is also not recommended to use areas planted with trees and shrubs, especially if they are fruit.

The fact is that any plant has roots that can adversely affect the condition of the walls of your reservoir, and the fruits and leaves, falling into the water, will begin to rot over time, which will cause the water to deteriorate quickly enough. If you really want to have a small pond in your garden on your site, then make sure that it is always clean and well-groomed.

Artificial reservoirs do not need to be made deep, since they are not intended for swimming, but are part of the decor of your site, in addition, it is much easier to take care of small lakes. It is also worth noting that it is necessary to change the water in them and carry out cleaning, and therefore make sure that the water source is as close as possible, thus it will be easier for you to fill it.

What to make a pond in the garden

You can arrange a pond from ready-made containers in the form of fiberglass, insulating floors, flexible and rigid, polyethylene, PVC film, or butyl rubber. At the same time, if you want to achieve originality, then we advise you to carefully examine your barn and see if there are large containers lying around or an old bathroom, which is perfect for the base of your lake. start work better in summer, or closer to it, because at this time of the year groundwater subsides, which will greatly facilitate the tasks.

Do-it-yourself pond in a finished container

The easiest way to make a pond in the country is from a ready-made container, which can be purchased at the store. It is done very simply - the pit is dug into the code container, the container is placed and its edges are leveled according to the level. Excess space is covered with earth, the edges of the container can be masked with stones or left as is. pour water, plant plants, decorate the pond itself. Here is a photo instruction:

Digging a hole

We put the container

We cover with stones

Decorate a pipe with water

Making a fountain

View at night

At the bottom of the backlight

night pond

As you can see, there are still works for water, in order to make two fountains. One is just a pipe with water disguised with an old clay pot, the second is a beautiful fountain in the center of the pond. Here are more ponds with a fountain and a waterfall:

Also in the photo in the instructions for making a pond from a finished container with your own hands, you saw a beautiful backlight. You can do the same in your country house.

And of course, the pond needs to be decorated. You can plant plants both around the pond and inside it, you can use garden figurines - put something next to the pond or let the swan swim in the water. Here are a couple of ideas:

Do-it-yourself polyethylene ponds and ponds

It is recommended to use polyethylene for the pond, the capacity of which is from 130 to 4200 liters of water. For its formation, the sides of the pit must have a stepped shape and gentle slopes. Look carefully at the raging bottom. Free it from stones, roots and sharp objects. For polyethylene, it is recommended to use just sand, in the form of an embankment with 10 cm insulation, followed by impregnation with waterproofing. To do this, it is necessary to make a cement screed with a thickness of 3 to 5 cm and leave it for 7 days. Waterproofing will hold sand cushion from erosion by groundwater.

After this time, pour a layer of coarse-grained sand from 5 to 10 cm and lay a polyethylene film. Instead of sand, you can also easily use a layer of greasy clay, glass wool, artificial wool, old newspapers. Dense modern material a two-layer membrane, has a greater density and elasticity than polyethylene. It will last longer, use it if, after building or repairing a house, you still have a suitable segment. When cutting materials, leave a margin of about 60 cm, this is necessary to ensure fixation. From the edge of the reservoir, make a small ditch around the perimeter, roll polyethylene into a tube and place it in it.

Sprinkle with earth and top with flat pebbles. Filling with water must be carried out evenly and make sure that there is no air left under the film. We recommend laying a layer of a mixture of clay and sand, or pebbles, on the bottom of the reservoir.

It is better to plant water lilies or any other aquatic plants in pots, as this will allow them to be quickly pulled out when you carry out maintenance of your small pond.

At the edges, plant any plants that are not afraid of water, and from the north, protect your pond from strong wind shrubs.

DIY fish pond

Another idea is to run into the pond on garden plot real goldfish.

DIY raised pond

It is done in the same way as a polyethylene pond, only after you dig a hole for the pond - you need to lay the foundation of bricks - until desired height pond. The foundation must stand for at least two days. The film, similarly to the previous case, is laid on the bottom, the excess is cut off from above and an additional layer of bricks is placed on the foundation to close the edge of the film.

Do-it-yourself ponds and ponds from the bath

If after the repair you still have an old and unnecessary bathroom, then do not rush to take it to a landfill, as in a private house it can be used for various purposes, including creating a small decorative pond.

To place the bath as a reservoir for a reservoir, you will need to make a recess. bottom base fill river sand and make a cement screed. This will prevent groundwater from washing it out. Observe the ratio - sand 10 cm and pure cement for screed 3 - 5 cm. After a week, pour gravel 20-30 cm and lower the bath. Fill the side openings with gravel (at least 10 cm from the tub to the cut). The edges of the bath should not be higher than the level of the shore, as this will look unnatural. Surround the pond around the perimeter with pebbles, preferably flat. A bathtub installed on a slope must be reinforced on one side with a large stone, making a dig for one side and a partial one for the other, which will be free. Outwardly, the free side will resemble an alpine hill formed of stone.

Making a bath pond

Photo of the pond from the bath

Pond from the bath

Do-it-yourself reservoirs and ponds from a barrel

An excellent option for creating a small decorative pond is to use old barrels or tubs that were previously intended for pickles. Such containers must be placed on their side. Make a hole in the form of an oval and place it in a previously prepared recess on a mound of sand and gravel.

When the barrel is installed, fill the empty spaces with sand or gravel. Put cellophane in it, you can dig its free edges, and put pebbles on the bottom. Cover the approach to your pond or pond with rubble and pebbles. Decorate with low plants on one of the sides and sides. If necessary, you can set the backlight. You can also make a waterfall, fountain or some unusual composition.

DIY mini-ponds in the garden

In addition to the methods described above, you can also make your own small pond using a large basin, an old trough or a tire from a tractor wheel. Such reservoirs can be made slightly elevated or deepened. To decorate it use decorative brick, natural large stones, sand of different shades or gravel, it is also quite possible to decorate it with various kinds of plants, which will only complement your overall interior.

Create an artificial pond on your site, even if you have one small size, it is quite possible, for this it is enough just to turn on the fantasy and carefully look around.

Remember! In order for your artificial reservoir to serve for a single year and not deteriorate, in the winter season it must be freed from water.

Photo gallery: a pond in the country

And now I propose to look at what kind of pond in the country has already been made by those who decided to start creating ornamental ponds in your area. Someone makes big ponds, someone small. Someone likes strict forms, and they make square, rectangular and round ponds, and someone likes natural immediacy, and they try to make oval and elongated ponds of uneven shape. Also, everyone decorates their pond in the way they can - add a bridge or a bench, plants and flowers, fish and garden figurines, or come up with and implement their own ideas that no one else has. And we collected photos of various ponds for you to choose the one that will decorate your own cottage.

Big pond in the country

Small pond in the country

Design options for a pond in the country

Aquatic plants in the pond in the country

(19 ratings, average: 4,39 out of 5)

An artificial pond in the country can be a great place to relax on a hot summer day. For those people who have country houses on the shore of a lake or river, very lucky. Well, the rest will need to roll up their sleeves and equip the pond in the country with their own hands.

We draw up a project

It is best to take a place for a future artificial reservoir still at the design stage suburban area . In this case, the reservoir must:

do not fall under prolonged exposure to direct sunlight - heated water provokes the growth of algae and the development of microorganisms. The water in the reservoir quickly becomes cloudy and will have a musty unpleasant odor;
be on open area- branches and foliage from trees will quickly pollute the water, and the root system can damage the bottom of an artificial reservoir;
be located so that later it would be possible to expand the size of the water surface, if you want to remake the pond, for example, into a full-fledged complex - with a fountain, a bridge, etc.

Professional builders it is advised to make the artificial pond shallow - as it will be mainly used as a beautiful element of the surrounding landscape in the garden. In addition, you immediately need to think about how you will take care of the reservoir on the site - there should be a convenient approach to it. Naturally, not through the alpine slides or the garden.

The water in the artificial pond will need to be changed by hand, as it will not be cleaned naturally, unlike natural reservoirs. Therefore, you need to make sure that the well with water in the country is located near your pond.

The choice of material for construction

Before you make a pond with your own hands, you need determine its basis. In this case, there are several solutions. Let's consider what an artificial reservoir can be made of.

Reinforced concrete

The most durable pond in the garden can be made using reinforced concrete. The bottom and coastal zone, reinforced with reinforcement and filled with concrete, will be able to withstand various additional loads - the installation of sculptural compositions, a fountain, etc.

The labor intensity of construction makes this technology of organizing small ponds in the country inappropriate. The disadvantages of this solution include a significant cost. Need to rent equipment, use a lot of building materials, and it will be possible to dismantle the installed reservoir only with great labor costs.

PVC film

A budget solution for the construction of an artificial reservoir in the country. The depth and shape of this reservoir can be easily changed, reduced or increased in size. A pond on a plot with a film base can even be made seasonal - for example, fall asleep with the advent of winter and equip it again in the summer.

The disadvantages of this solution include the fragility and fragility of the PVC coating - the film can be easily damaged, and if the integrity of the bowl is violated, the water will easily go into the ground. Therefore, swimming in these home reservoirs is not recommended - they made small in size and used for garden decoration.

Store-bought artificial bowls

This is the golden mean for people who want to have their own pond in their garden and not suffer from building materials for his organization. Shop bowls for decorative reservoirs are made of durable and strong materials - fiberglass or polyvinyl chloride.

The first option is much more expensive. However, the cost of a fiberglass bowl is fully compensated by the excellent performance of this material. This bowl can be easily placed with your own hands, without involving this process outside help. The disadvantage can be considered the acquisition of ready-made standard forms - that is, the pit must be made to fit the shape of the bowl, and not vice versa.

Moreover, the possibility of building uneven terrain bottom to design natural coastlines. Besides this method organizing a pond in the garden will cost much more than a pond from improvised materials or film.

improvised materials

A rather interesting option is the use of different improvised containers or materials. old troughs, cast iron bathtubs quite suitable for construction.

The advantages of this method is that it is not necessary to build bulky reinforced concrete structures or acquire standard forms. The disadvantages include the low decorativeness of old containers - you will need to show imagination in order to old bath make a work of art.

For example, for people who have catastrophically little space in the country, experts advise using a convenient and simple tire pond. Old tires are dug in, a film is laid inside, and the banks are decorated.

The resulting pond can surprise even professional designers - the finished pond will be an exclusive element of the landscape interior.

foundation pit

Then, when they decided on the material for construction, it is necessary to dig a foundation pit. This work is best done in the summer, when The groundwater leave as much as possible. The depth of the pit is determined based on the type of material from which they decided to make the bowl. If this is an old bathroom or other finished form, we dig a hole 25-30 cm deeper than the dimensions of the form.

If you decide to make a pond out of PVC film, then you will need to dig to a depth of about 70-90 cm - a shallow pond will completely freeze in winter, dry quickly and heat up in summer. For reservoirs made of reinforced concrete, it will be necessary to dig a pit with a depth of more than 1.5 meters - here one cannot do without special equipment.

Consider the stages of work for the construction of a pond in the country with your own hands for various types selected materials.

PVC film pond

When the pit is ready, it remains to clean its bottom and dig on the sides of the future mini-pond small terraces. The depth of these terraces is approximately 30 cm, and the width is about 25 cm. The bottom of the pit is compacted, pebbles, rubble, stones and other foreign objects are removed. The cleaned bottom is sprinkled with sand and covered with a geotextile. This preparation of the bottom will significantly improve the strength of the base coat as well as extend the life of the film.

The next step is the laying of the film coating. The film size can be calculated as follows: take overall length reservoir and add twice the depth of the pit. The film sheet is fixed on the terraces with a margin of approximately 30 cm. The laid sheet is laid with stones or bricks - this must be done to maintain its laying shape.

Then you need to fill the pond with water, check the integrity of the film and proceed to the design of the coastal zone. Don't need it right away cut off the remaining film under bricks, as it can shrink over time.

Pond from the bath

To build a pond from an old bathtub or other unnecessary container, you will need:

crushed stone;
a piece of chain-link mesh;
sand and cement;
coil of steel or aluminum wire;
beautiful stones for decoration.

After the pit is dug, it is necessary to make its edges. Why around the entire perimeter of the future pond we remove the top a layer of earth about 45-50 cm wide. This perimeter is deepened so that it is level with the shape of the reservoir. The drain hole in the bathroom is closed, then it is installed at the bottom of the pit.

To extend the life of the future mini-pond, it is necessary to protect the enamel on the inner surface of the bowl. Why the sides and bottom of the bathroom can be treated with tile adhesive. After that, the bath is allowed to dry thoroughly. As a rule, this takes at least a few days.

Then, a chain-link mesh is laid around the entire perimeter of the bowl. It is required to reinforce the bottom and sides of the reservoir. Apply to the grid cement-sand mixture or concrete mortar and let dry. Then comes the turn of the final design of the coast.

Pond from the finished form

A pit dug for a mold cleared of debris, branches and other items. The walls and bottom of the pit are rammed. When the country house is very loose soil - it needs to be strengthened. For the finished form, a perfectly flat plane of the sides and bottom of the pit is required. The surface can be leveled using the building level.

Then the bottom must be covered with sifted sand, which also needs to be compacted. The sandy layer is an excellent fuse that will ensure the integrity of the finished bowl.

After that, the bowl is installed in the pit and water is poured. The resulting voids between the ground and the sides of the form are covered with sand, this must be done gradually. First, 20-25 cm of sand is poured, which is wetted with water. After spreading the sand, this process needs repeat until the voids are completely filled between the walls of the pit and the mold.

This must be done without fail, since the pond mold is very fragile and easily deformed. Uniform pressure on the surfaces of the bowl will not allow it to warp.

A day later, the gap between the ground and the sides of the bowl is checked. If there are voids, add sand. We pour water from the mini-pond, finally clean it and pour clean water.

Plant selection

Small plants are planted on the shore of the pond. A picturesque picture on the shore of the pond can be created by hostas, with green ones prefer partial shade, and blue ones prefer shade.

Also, sedge grows well in the shade with narrow leaves, which sometimes grow up to 80 cm. In partial shade, the unpretentious loosestrife with attractive purple inflorescences. Lightning can be planted in a sunny area.

A fern will perfectly decorate the shore of a reservoir located in partial shade. It grows well in moist soil. The same conditions apply to astilba. For planting near the pond, its undersized varieties are suitable.

If the reservoir is quite large, plant a darmer (peltiphyllum) on the shore - a perennial plant in the form of bushes up to 1 m high and up to 0.5 m in diameter with notched round leaves.

At the second level, water lilies are traditionally placed in the reservoir. Hybrid nymphs are characterized by a variety of flower colors. No need to overload the pond large quantity instances, they grow and only interfere with each other.

Sunshine is perfect place for calamus. In a small reservoir, a low calamus grass looks organically, and in a large one - marsh. Some varieties of irises also prefer low water.

The hardy calla is a fairly popular home pond plant. At the beginning of summer, a cob-shaped flower appears on it, and after - red berries. It must be remembered that they are poisonous.

Water hawthorn, smelling of vanilla, grows well in water, reaching a diameter of 50 cm. It is a deep-sea plant. It looks original floating on the surface, miniature, covering the reservoir with a green carpet of azolla. However, it will need to be fought with, periodically catching bushes.

Maintain order

Like all structures, the pond requires some care. There is no need to spend special efforts. With the right choice of water plants in your reservoir, biobalance will be established over time, and the system will independently control itself. You just need to help her a little.

Even the smallest and seemingly unremarkable personal plot can be made cozy and interesting if you equip an artificial reservoir on it. A decorative pond in the garden is not only able to harmoniously fit into the landscape of a personal plot, but also visually expand the space.

An artificial reservoir in the landscape of a personal plot

Pond or small artificial waterfall on the personal plot It is determined not only by aesthetic considerations, but also by the practical component. On a hot summer day, even from a small pond, it breathes coolness, the air seems much cleaner and fresher, and a calm smooth surface or measured murmur will help relieve nervous tension and fatigue.

The most popular types artificial reservoirs in landscape design:

pond;
stream;
the fountain;
waterfall.

In terms of shape, reservoirs on household plots can be either round, with an irregular coastline, or regular geometric shapes - square, rectangular and diamond-shaped. It all depends on the style of the site as a whole, its location, the features of the site and your imagination. The main rule in this case is that the reservoir must perfect way fit into the surrounding landscape, become its integral element.

The most common shape for an artificial pond is round or oval. This is what natural lakes look like, so if you want to create a corner of nature near the house or in the garden, then this option will be the most acceptable. In this case, the wrong coastline and asymmetric planting of the reservoir with plants may even appear.

If the reservoir is located on a site where everything is done in classical style, straight lines dominate and there is no place for natural forms, then they equip a pond correct form. Often, this is the basis for the fountain, which is the center of the exposition. Since such a pool does not have a natural barrier in the form of vegetation and stones, its sides must be placed higher to prevent falling into the water. As an option - to protect such a reservoir with a low forged grate.

It should be noted that the most common and least expensive in terms of labor and financial investments is the pond. But it is quite possible to equip one on your own site without the involvement of specialists.

The key here is experience. When it appears, the pond you created can become the first in the whole complex, connected by waterfalls, streams, decorative bridges.

DIY decorative pond - where to start?

If a wonderful idea came to your mind about how to equip an artificial reservoir on your personal plot, you should not rush headlong after a shovel. First of all, you need to choose a good place. In doing so, the following factors must be taken into account:

plot size;
illumination;
relief;
degree of landscaping;
soil type.

It is best to equip the pond closer to home. At the same time, it should be positioned in such a way that the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe reservoir is illuminated by the sun for at least 5 hours a day. Otherwise there is no time beautiful pond over time, it can turn into just a fetid swamp.

The terrain is also of no small importance. The best place is a low-lying area where the water level in the well or in the well is closer to the surface of the earth.

In the selection process, you should also pay attention to the presence of vegetation - large trees located along the banks will pollute the reservoir with fallen leaves in autumn, and tree roots can damage protective film at the bottom.

Soil type is important. For the arrangement of the reservoir, loamy and clay soils, as well as peat, chernozem is less preferable - it contributes to the formation of silt. On acidic soils, it is impractical to equip a reservoir without reliable protection of the side walls and bottom.

Once the site is selected, the shapes and sizes are determined - it's time to stock up necessary materials and tools. Most often, ready-made rigid containers are used to create a pond, which can be purchased at a specialized store or flexible waterproofing, much less often - concrete (the most costly and time-consuming process).

Types of waterproofing for an artificial reservoir:

polyethylene film - inexpensive material, not resistant to ultraviolet;
PVD - polyethylene high pressure. Visually, it practically does not differ from polyethylene, but it has greater flexibility and durability.
PVC - polyvinyl chloride - durable and durable material whose edges are welded together.
rubber and butyl sheets are the most optimal, but expensive option. The service life of this material is practically unlimited.

Experts recommend avoiding polyethylene film for arranging waterproofing. It copes with its function, but it lasts no more than 2 years. If you want the pond to please for a longer time, choose more durable materials.

Materials and tools:

shovel;
protective film or reservoir;
pipes for supply and discharge of water;
valve;
geotextile or sand

It's better to see once. The whole process of arranging a pond in pictures looks like this:

Construction of a decorative reservoir

There is another way to equip the pond - a concrete bowl, but this method is laborious and costly, so it is not currently used. Construction begins with the fact that markings are made on the selected site and the turf layer is removed. After that, you can start digging a pit of the desired shape. At the same time, be sure to leave the edges slightly sloping (sloping, not steep). Further, if you plan to make a decorative pond using a PVC film, and not a finished tank, you need to lay out the bottom of the future reservoir with waterproof material. For these purposes, clay is quite suitable. You need to lay it in two layers - the second after the first has completely dried (between them you need to lay a waterproof film). After that, the bottom should be covered with gravel.

Important: if you plan to plant a pond with plants, special recesses should be made at the bottom and filled with fertile soil.

How to make a decorative reservoir in such a way that the water in it is always clean and fresh?

In order for the appearance of the reservoir located on your site to always please with its appearance and give freshness and coolness, it is necessary to make sure that the water in it is running. For these purposes, two pipes must be laid: flow and waste. Through the flow pipe, water will flow into the reservoir, and through the waste pipe it will be discharged into the ditch. Please note: the level of the drainage ditch should be slightly lower than the level of the pond. For ease of use, you can install a valve on the sewer pipe or simply close the hole with a plug as needed. The first option is the most practical.

The device of a decorative reservoir with the use of "galoshes"

Labor costs will be much less if you purchase a special tank for an artificial reservoir. The people called these containers "galoshes". Why is that? Everything is very simple: they are made of black plastic, and the shape of such tanks resembles rubber shoes in its external outlines. But if you wish, you can always find and buy a bowl for a reservoir of a shape that suits you.

In order to equip a decorative pond in the country , you will need to purchase a special tank of a suitable size and shape: the cost of such is relatively low.

The main stages of arrangement of the reservoir:

contour marking;
digging pits;
container installation.

In order to correctly mark the contour of the reservoir, it is necessary to install the tank on the ground and vertically install slats along its perimeter at an interval of 40-50 cm, then tie them with twine. Thus, you will get the outlines of the future pond.

The container must be installed strictly horizontally. The tank should be filled with water gradually, while the gaps between it and the walls of the pit should be carefully filled with sand.

Note: if you want to equip the fountain in artificial reservoir, it is important to purchase a special pump and nozzles in advance, which are installed during the installation of the reservoir.

The final stage is the design of the reservoir. In order for your man-made pond to look really stylish and beautiful, for example, just like the fancy decorative ponds, the photos of which we posted, you need to properly arrange its banks.

Decoration of the banks of an artificial reservoir

At this stage of work, you can not limit the flight of your imagination. To decorate an artificial reservoir, you can use ceramic tiles, marble, granite, fake diamond, pebbles, wood, etc. These materials need to mask the edges of the reservoir, in appearance close to natural. It is important to fix them with cement mortar. If you are planning to additionally equip your pond with a fountain, in the process of work, you need to make sure that the pump hoses are hidden under tiles or stones.

Then you can sprinkle the bottom of the reservoir with pre-washed sand, lay small pebbles and plant aquatic plants in pots or baskets. Can be bred around a pond ornamental shrub or just a flower bed.

Decorative inhabitants of ponds are always a joy. It can be both aquarium fish and dwarf turtles. And if you hold a backlight along the bottom of the pond or place floating lanterns on batteries on the surface, you can create a real extravaganza of light and water.

Pond Care

To keep an artificial pond in good condition, it will need maintenance.
First of all, you need to get a bottom vacuum cleaner for collecting garbage.
During the period of leaf fall, you will need to cover the pond with a net so that the foliage does not fall into the water.
If fish live in the pond, then they will need filtration and aeration of the water.
To avoid greening of water, it is either filtered and purified (for this, the reservoir must be flowing), or planted with oxygen-producing plants: swamp, hornwort, elodea.
If water lilies or capsules are planted in the pond, then with their wide leaves they will prevent the sun's rays and overheating of the water.

An artificial pond in your backyard is important element landscape design, the arrangement of which must be approached with sense, feeling, arrangement! And then the beauty created by your hands will delight both you and your guests!

One of the brightest tools in landscape design is a decorative pond. Of course, most of the suburban areas are limited to the traditional six acres, and the owners simply cannot build a large pond, but because of this, you should not give up the dream of acquiring artificial pond. As for the technical part, it will not become an obstacle, but subject to good instructions and desire. So, today we will find out how to make a pond in the country with our own hands step by step.

First, you should find out what purpose the construction of the pond on the site will pursue. From this point of view, water bodies can be divided into four large groups.

Table number 1. Classification of artificial reservoirs by functionality

Group name	Short description
	They are an element of landscape composition and are intended, first of all, to decorate a particular area of the garden. Near such reservoirs, active recreation is not provided.
	They are deeper and often decorated with fountains, bridges, sometimes equipped with lighting. Similar ponds are built near the house or gazebos, benches with awnings are placed nearby. Therefore, it is quite obvious that such reservoirs are the heart of the recreation area for residents of the house.
	This option is suitable not only for avid fishermen, but also for families with children - the latter will enjoy watching bright fish while relaxing in nature.
	They also belong to artificial summer cottages and not only perform an aesthetic function, but also provide an opportunity to freshen up or even swim (it all depends on the size).

Then, based on the goal and our capabilities, we proceed to the choice of style, location, size and shape.

Second phase. Deciding on style

An artificial pond can be made in one of two options, and each of them also has a great many modifications.

Table number 2. Styles of artificial reservoirs

Name	Short description
	This name accurately reflects the essence - these are structures that differ in clearly defined outlines. The shape of the pond, correct in terms of geometry, is suitable for those areas that are decorated in the style of minimalism, high-tech, modern or classic. But, characteristically, the shape can be not only rectangular, but also square, round, oval, broken.
	They are more popular, because they are characterized by naturalness and irregular outlines of the coast, which means that they bring a person closer to nature. The shape of the reservoir here depends only on personal preferences, but the more complex it is, the more difficult it will be to lay the film (more on this later).

The relief of the site also plays a big role in choosing the style. So, if the surface is sufficiently even, then the shape of the pond can be any. If there are irregularities and drops on the site, then they need to be given Special attention, but they make it possible to additionally equip a cascade or waterfall. In addition, against the background of all this, say, an artificial slide will look great.

Also, the reservoir can be slightly raised above the ground. In this case, the construction technology will differ only in the arrangement of the foundation, which will prevent possible distortions of the bowl.

When creating such a reservoir excavation are minimized, and it will be much easier to care for him.

Note! If the reservoir will be built with a fountain, then preference should be given to a high design.

Third stage. Choose a place

Let's start with the fact that we place the reservoir in the most suitable place, so that it is possible to admire our creation from anywhere in the site. That is why when choosing we take into account several important factors.

Land area. Not only the size of the pond, but also its shape directly depend on it.
illumination. It is preferable to place an artificial reservoir in a shady place where exposure to direct sunlight does not exceed five to six hours a day, otherwise some of the water may simply evaporate. Moreover, in sunlight, biological activity can develop, which is unlikely to beautify the pond. Therefore, having chosen a specific place on the site, we observe the solar regime for several days.
Relief. The shape of the pond depends on it, and it also simplifies the device additional elements(for example, fountains).
Level ground water, soil composition. These indicators affect not only the depth of the reservoir, but also the complexity of the work and the need for additional consumables.

Note! The greater the depth of the pond, the more illuminated the place it should be placed. If the reservoir is intended for fish, then we take the location even more responsibly, since the oxygen content in strongly heated water decreases.

Expandability. Do not forget about the perspective, so on the one hand we leave free space.
Visibility. It is desirable to arrange the reservoir so that it can be seen from the house and places of rest.
Power supply. If a fountain or lighting is additionally equipped, then we think over electrification in advance. It is better to lay wires even during development, and underground and in a reliable protective corrugation. There should be small access hatches at the junctions.
Reflection. The pond will look more attractive if the surface reflects the sky or beautiful buildings, and not some kind of outbuilding.
Landscaping. The vegetation near the pond is, of course, beautiful, but the leaves will pollute it and form silt. Moreover, the root systems of trees can lead to damage to the waterproofing layer.
Compatible with general design and other objects.

We begin work in the spring - so we will have enough time for the reservoir to "take root" on the site.

Fourth stage. Deciding on sizes

It's hard to say that big pond will cost more than a small one, because there are a lot of their own nuances. So let's look at the key points.

1. Dimensions. They depend on the location of the reservoir. Many say that the pond should be an average of 3-10% of the total area of the site, although there can be no clear recommendations in this case. As for the specific length and width, they depend not only on the area of the land, but also on our capabilities. After all, we will dig a hole under the reservoir by hand.

2. Depth. It depends on the purpose of creating a reservoir, as well as its size.

3. The difficulty of the content. The larger the pond, the easier (no matter how paradoxical it may sound) to take care of it.

4. Zoning. The reservoir is divided into the following zones:

coastal (from 10 cm to 40 cm), which will serve as an entrance and for planting a plant;
shallow (from 40 cm to 100 cm), where crops that grow deeper will be planted (for example, winter-hardy water lily);
deep-water (more than 100 cm) - it is required only in those reservoirs where fish breeding is planned; the area of this zone depends primarily on the number of fish, but on average it should be more than 20% of the total area of the reservoir.

5. Biological balance. In any case, living creatures will settle in the pond, which means that it is necessary to provide such conditions so that it can clean itself. No oxygenation or chlorination of water is provided here. It is worth remembering: no more than ½ of the entire area can be allocated for plants.

Note! The lowest point should be lowered below the freezing line of the soil, especially if you plan to breed fish - so they can survive the winter in non-freezing water.

Fifth stage. Choosing materials

The next question to be dealt with is the choice Supplies. There are many options on the market today that can be used to create an artificial reservoir. Let's consider them.

concrete pond

The most expensive option, which, nevertheless, allows you to operate the reservoir for quite a long time. Although concrete pouring is more suitable for arranging a pool.

Finished plastic container

This option is more suitable. A form made of fiberglass or PVC allows you to build a pond in record time and use it for up to 30 years (the specific period depends on the quality of the container).

The procedure itself will consist of only four steps:

dig a pit;
set the form;
fill the remaining voids with sand;
we plant plants, fill the reservoir with water.

The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of transportation (if the volume is large) and the need for basic installation knowledge (otherwise the bowl may be damaged). Moreover, plastic containers degrade over time under the influence of UV radiation.

Note! It is preferable to use a fiberglass bowl, which is reinforced with rubber - this design is more reliable and suitable for repair.

Polymer film

In terms of the shape of the pond, this option provides simply unlimited possibilities. The most affordable material is plastic film, although it will not last long.

PVC film has a longer service life, with proper installation it can last up to ten years.

Perhaps the most reliable option. For ponds with rocky bottoms and great depths, it is recommended to use a butyl rubber (EPDM) membrane, which has a service life of up to 50 years. In addition, this material is able to withstand repeated frosts.

There are a few folk ways the manufacture of a reservoir in which improvised materials are used. Let's get acquainted with the most popular of these methods.

Pond from an old bath

A great option, because the bath is a container that was originally intended to hold liquid. The bath can be painted in bright colors and placed in a picturesque corner of the site or, alternatively, deepened into the ground.

Tire Pond

An easy way to create a mini-pond on the site. The manufacturing process is shown in the photo below.

Pond from a basin

An even easier way. The basin is able to retain water well, so it can be installed in the same way as a bath. With proper decoration, such a mini-pond will become great decoration yard.

Note! Not only the aesthetic characteristics of the pond, but also its service life depend on the choice of material. It is desirable that the selected material is environmentally friendly.

Sixth stage. We prepare the equipment

To create a simple artificial reservoir, we need a level, a cart with a shovel, a cord, a hose that is used for watering, and pegs.

If the pond is more technologically advanced, then you will need the following equipment:

cleaning filter;
sterilizer (it will remove algae so that the water is clear);
pump for pumping / pumping water;
aerator for oxygen saturation (especially important when breeding fish).

Seventh stage. We create an artificial reservoir

There are plenty of materials that can be used to create a reservoir, but we will focus on PVC film. The fact is that it is cheaper, takes the desired shape better, it can be repaired, and specific knowledge or skills are not required for work.

Step 1. First, choose the color of the film. There are several possible options here.

Black film - it will turn the bottom into a mirror (plants, clouds, etc. will be reflected).
Cream, blue- so the reservoir will look more like a pool, and the fish on a light background will be more clearly visible.
brown- will imitate the soil of natural reservoirs. Great option for a landscape pond.

Also, when choosing a film, we pay attention to the composition (PVC is more durable than PE) and thickness (for a pond, material thicker than 0.5 mm is required). Moreover, the greater the depth of the reservoir, the greater should be the thickness of the film. No less important is resistance to UV radiation and mechanical damage.

Note! If the depth of the pond exceeds 1.5 m, then we use butyl rubber. Such a film is resistant to stretching, deformation and UV, moreover, it can withstand temperatures of 40-80°C.

pond width + (depth x 2) + margin (55-60 cm) = material width;
pond length + (depth x 2) + stock (55-60 cm) = material length.

For gluing, we will use a special glue (for example, "Tagnit") or adhesive tape (Quick Seam 3).

Step 3 The next step is to create a schema.

First, draw it on paper, and then transfer it to the ground. We indicate the dimensions of the steps or "shelves" for plants - this will avoid possible problems. For marking, use sand or a flexible garden hose (preferably a bright color).

After that, we cover the marked area with a piece of light film and examine it from different angles. We make adjustments if necessary.

Step 4. Roem a pit. To do this, perform the following steps.

First we remove the sod.
Then we dig the pit itself. At the same time, we move from the edges to the center, delving into the required places - it’s more convenient. For laying stone and decorating, we equip a ledge with a depth of 60-70 cm.
We remove the soil, and with it the roots, stones, debris and everything that can damage the film. By the way, you can make an alpine hill out of the excavated earth.

When carrying out earthworks, we pay attention to ensuring that the banks of the future pond are located on the same line. If a waterfall is created, then we maintain the required height difference.

Note! If a large level is required, we can make it ourselves. To do this, lay the usual level on a long, flat board.

Step 5 We lay the underlay. We carefully tamp the bottom of the finished pit, after which we proceed to the waterproofing layer, which will prevent the penetration of water into the soil.

The substrate can be made in several ways:

we cover the bottom with stones and fill it with sand (this kind of waterproofing will lose its properties in a few years);
we lay a layer of geotextile, which we fill up with sand (it will cost a large amount);
lay PVC film (most reliable way, so we will focus on it).

Step 6 Next, we lay the film, preferably on a sandy "cushion" (the latter will prevent damage by stones and other dangerous objects). It is advisable to lay on a hot day - heating up, the film becomes more pliable.

This may cause problems with the formation of folds. We try to make one large fold, and not a large number of small ones, and then glue it or press it down with stones. The film must be loose, loose.

For its fastening, a swarm along the perimeter of an additional trench. We lay the film there, after which we fall asleep crushed stone. Next, we fill the trench with large stones with a flat bottom(so that the film does not tear). We lay the walls with round stones (flat ones will slide). At the end, we fill the pond with water - we serve it without pressure, directing it to the center of the pit. After two days, cut off the excess film.

Step 7. We strengthen the coast. Their slope depends on the type of soil: if it is sandy, then the walls should be sloping, if we are talking about clay or black soil, then vertical. The optimum slope angle should be approximately 45°.

The fortification itself depends on the type of coast.

If they are gentle, then you can use:

geomat;
geogrid;
polymer geogrid.

You can also use a regular chain-link mesh, filling its cells with soil with seeds of perennial grass (for example, clover). There is another option - to strengthen the coast with shrubs or plants.

If the coast is steep, then we can use:

piles;
gabions;
retaining walls.

It can also be effectively strengthened with the help of biological methods (planting). Ideally, biological methods gains should be combined with engineering.

Eighth stage. Making an artificial pond

There are several ways to decorate a pond. To make it a full-fledged design element, use one or more of the following methods.

As a conclusion. Features of care

As a result, a few words about the further care of the artificial reservoir.

Video - Creating a pond from a film

Even on 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 a pond near large trees: Proliferating roots can damage the excavation 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 any - it all depends on the desire of the owner and free space Location on. 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 material 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. the desired shape they will accept 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 suitable size 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 the fountain.

14. Along the edges of the reservoir, you can install several small lamps on the solar panels.

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 pond, you can use the simplest system filtration: small pumping station with 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 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 a vessel filled with charcoal, 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 serve not only original decoration pond. Bogwort, hornwort, elodea and other plants that can saturate the reservoir with oxygen will help protect water surface from greenery.

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. To flowering plants Those who 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