1. The Design and Shape – Using a garden hose formed in the shape that you want your pond to be, mark out your pond. Using spray paint, draw a line outside the garden hose.

2. Placing the Filters – Place skimmer and biological filter in the spots you’d like them to be before you begin digging the pond. For the best skimming effect, place them at opposite ends of the pond. Mark the area where they will be placed by outlining them with spray paint.

3. The Plumbing – Lay the flexible pvc pipe around the perimeter of the pond, from the biological filter to skimmer. You do not need to dig a trench for it because you will be using the dirt from the digging of the pond to cover the pipe.

4. The Biological Filter – Use the instructions provided with your filter or kit to properly attach the fittings.

5. Excavating Your Pond – Start digging your pond, and be sure to use ledges. Begin from the outside and dig down one shovel length. Move about 2 feet in and dig the next level another shovel length. Continue this process until the deepest part of your pond is 18 to 24” deep.

6. Install the Liner and Underlayment – First, install the underlayment, tucking it into the corners and smoothing it out to fit the contour of your pond. Then do the same with the liner, working your way from the bottom of the pond to the top. Avoid pulling the liner taut as you do this. Any folds that stick up can be weighted down by a rock later.

7. Hook-up the Skimmer – Use the instructions provided with your skimmer or kit to properly attach the fittings.

8. Rock in Pond – Start lining your pond with rocks. First, use the larger rocks to define the ledges and the outside perimeter. Mixing larger, character boulders into the outside perimeter adds character to your pond. Use varying sizes of rock from large to small to give it some variation. After all, you rarely see a natural water feature with all the same sized rock. If you decide you don’t want rocks in your pond, skip to step 11.

9. Position Underwater Lights – If you are using underwater lights, now is the time to wedge them in between the rocks. Be sure to wrap two or three feet of cord around the base of the light and tuck that into the rocks. This will make it easier to pull the light up out of the water to change bulbs when necessary. Avoid directing the lights toward the viewing area. Instead, they should be pointing away from the viewing area.

10. Wash the Stones – Wash the dust and dirt off the rocks to avoid starting out with a filthy pond. As you are doing this, a small sump placed in the lowest part of the pond, will be removing the dirty water.

11. Fill the Pond – Once the water has cleared, you can remove the pump and begin filling the pond. This is a great time to rest and relax as you watch your pond take shape. Even though you cleaned the rocks, the water will still be slightly cloudy. Don’t worry it will clear after you begin to run the pond filter system.

12. Build the Waterfall and Stream –This is the fun part, and it’s where you can get really creative. Frame the mouth of the waterfall with large, character boulders to give it a natural, rustic look.

13. Bring in Topsoil – Use a wheelbarrow to add some topsoil to help create the berm around the back of your waterfall. The berm will help blend the area behind the waterfall with the rest of your yard.

14. Build the Retaining Wall – A retaining wall will help hold the berm in place. They make a nice addition to backyard ponds and help blend them into the surrounding landscape.

15. Tweak the Waterfall – Plug in the pump and watch the way the water falls over the rocks. Place small rocks on the waterfall stone. As you move them around, the sound and the splashing effect will change. You can play and tweak until you achieve the desired splashing effect and sound.

16. Trim the Liner – Trim any exposed liner, being careful to leave a little extra in case you later find a low spot where a leak could occur. Backfill under the rest of the liner and then cover it with soil, mulch, rocks, or plants.

17. Mulch the Berm – Spread mulch across the berm, being careful not to let it get into the pond.

18. Clean Up – Now’s the time to get all of your trash out of the pond area. A good project is never done until the area is cleaned up!

19. Finishing Touches – Check out your owner’s manual and add the finishing touches. Be sure to de-chlorinate the pond water before adding fish. Plants can be placed in and around the pond at any time.

20. Enjoy! Relax and enjoy your pond … you’ve done a great job!

Courtesy of Pond Lifestyles - an Aquascape Designs Website