Pond Building in 7 Easy Steps

1. Plotting it out. Install your backyard pond somewhere that won't collect rain run-off, away from trees (so as not to collect leaves), and where it will get at least 4-6 hours a day of direct sun, for the benefit of garden pond plants or fish. "Draw" your pond outline with a garden hose.
2. Get digging. Dig out the earth inside your hose. Keep your pond at least 18-22 inches deep. Laying a shovel across the pond, use a level to make sure the pond isn't lopsided.
3. Liner notes. Line your pond with a layer of sand for cushion, and then lay a pond liner on top. It should be at least 45 mm. thick. Before trimming excess, make sure that at least three inches of liner hangs over all the edges.
4. Fill it up. Add water to the pond; this helps the liner fill in all the crevices. It will be murky, but you'll take care of that later with a pump.
5. Rock out. As you're adding water, add large rocks around the edge in a natural placement, to weigh the liner down while adding a natural look.
6. Pump it up. With any submersible 1/6 horsepower pump you purchase at a hardware store, attach a hose and tighten with a clamp.
7. Finish up. Drain and refill the pond a couple times to clear debris. Create a well to house the pump, carve out a stream between the well and the pond for laying your pipe, and then hide the pump under rocks.

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