Believe it or not, adding a pond to your garden can be a cost-effective way of enlivening your outdoor experience!

Some people are lucky enough to have a natural water feature, such as a stream or a lake. Most of us, however, have to make do with running the kitchen faucet! A recent USA Weekend article discusses how easy it can be to create a pond in your back yard. The following guidelines will help you create your own little oasis.

Pond Shape

When it comes to pond shapes, there are two mainstream ways to go. The cheapest alternative is to buy a rigid tub that is then placed into the ground. Alternatively, you could push up your budget slightly, and “splash” out on a flexible liner that can be molded to create any shape your artistic side can think up. You can use this opportunity to represent how you are to the world - simple and/or geometric, or complex and unpredictable! You can also use flexible liners to mirror the shape of your house or garden.

Water Quality

Do not fall into the trap of thinking that a pond is similar to a swimming pool. Dumping regular amounts of chlorine in to your pond will only help to kill anything you are trying to keep in your pond, such as plants or fish. The absolute most you should consider adding to your pond water is a handful of algae-eating enzymes approximately once a month.

Water Circulation and Aeration

Despite not wanting to mess too much with the natural processes occurring in your pond, you will want to ensure that there is sufficient water circulation and aeration. The best way to do this, and therefore avoid turning your beautiful pond into a stagnant pool, is to install a water pump. The best ones to use are those where the water is pushed through a pebble-filled filter in order to trap sediment.

Heaters

If you have fish living in your pond, you may want to consider investing in a water heater, especially for the winter. The alternative is to pour boiling water on the newly formed layer of ice each morning. Either way, your goal is to keep those fish living by allowing them to breathe freshly oxygenated water!

Cost

Depending on how extravagant you wish to be, and whether you are planning to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional, the entire process will end up costing you somewhere between $3,000 and $7,000. Of course, anyone is capable of pushing that figure much higher with the right motivation!

Adding a pond will help bring a little extra serenity to your property and bring you one step closer to nature.