When pond building, deciding whether to construct a pond above or below the ground is one of the first choices you'll come across when starting your outdoor pond. The type of construction and maintenance your pond will involve, not to mention its finished appearance, will depend on your choice. They are based on the same principles, but each has pros and cons.
The location of the pond will greatly influence your choice. Why? The pond's location will affect weather conditions, vulnerability to debris, utilities access, safety, and ease of excavation.
Whatever your choice, you should think hard, plan ahead, and do your research well before you start building a pond.
Building Below Ground
Below the ground ponds are simply excavated ditches that are lined and filled with water. In backyards, as well as in nature, the majority of ponds are below ground. This type of pond is usually easier and cheaper to build, not to mention that it has a more natural look than an above ground pond. Outdoor ponds built below the ground seamlessly blend with most garden and yard designs.
The cons of building a pond below the ground are water runoff, debris, shifting soils, and vulnerability to temperature change.
Building Above Ground
Above the ground ponds are walled, much like a raised swimming pool. The walls of an above the ground pond are made with brick, wood, or cement-basically, a sturdy material capable of holding the weight of the water. Liner is also used in above the ground ponds to ensure that it is waterproof.
Raised ponds look unnatural, and they are clearly man-made. But some water gardeners find that this is to the advantage of the pond design. For example, a raised pond can be built as part of a courtyard on a formal estate, where the look is deliberately made to suit the surrounding architecture. With a few plants and decorations, maybe a fountain or two, a raised pond can be just as attractive as a natural one. As an added convenience, you can install pumps, filters, and insulation into the wall as you build it. That would make future maintenance a breeze.
And now for the cons. The biggest problem of building a raised pond is judging the strength of the wall. It must be built to contain the weight of the water. Otherwise, it could crack and leak water all over your beautiful garden.
Slow and steady is the key to successful pond building. Think things through before executing them and try to plan ahead for problems. Design your pond in a way that is both practical and beautiful to your eyes.
The location of the pond will greatly influence your choice. Why? The pond's location will affect weather conditions, vulnerability to debris, utilities access, safety, and ease of excavation.
Whatever your choice, you should think hard, plan ahead, and do your research well before you start building a pond.
Building Below Ground
Below the ground ponds are simply excavated ditches that are lined and filled with water. In backyards, as well as in nature, the majority of ponds are below ground. This type of pond is usually easier and cheaper to build, not to mention that it has a more natural look than an above ground pond. Outdoor ponds built below the ground seamlessly blend with most garden and yard designs.
The cons of building a pond below the ground are water runoff, debris, shifting soils, and vulnerability to temperature change.
Building Above Ground
Above the ground ponds are walled, much like a raised swimming pool. The walls of an above the ground pond are made with brick, wood, or cement-basically, a sturdy material capable of holding the weight of the water. Liner is also used in above the ground ponds to ensure that it is waterproof.
Raised ponds look unnatural, and they are clearly man-made. But some water gardeners find that this is to the advantage of the pond design. For example, a raised pond can be built as part of a courtyard on a formal estate, where the look is deliberately made to suit the surrounding architecture. With a few plants and decorations, maybe a fountain or two, a raised pond can be just as attractive as a natural one. As an added convenience, you can install pumps, filters, and insulation into the wall as you build it. That would make future maintenance a breeze.
And now for the cons. The biggest problem of building a raised pond is judging the strength of the wall. It must be built to contain the weight of the water. Otherwise, it could crack and leak water all over your beautiful garden.
Slow and steady is the key to successful pond building. Think things through before executing them and try to plan ahead for problems. Design your pond in a way that is both practical and beautiful to your eyes.
About the Author:
Learn more about Pond Building. Visit Michael W.'s site where you can find out all about building an outdoor pond, with practical tips, tutorials and inspiration.
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