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How to build a fishpond with your own hands

Bring life to your garden with our simple guide to building a DIY pond.

Updated

close up of lily pads on fish pond

Key steps:

Keep your new DIY pond clean and safe with these tips:

  1. Use a filter and pump to keep water clean.

  2. Install an invisible mesh to protect fish from birds.

  3. Fill gaps in ledge bricks with cement to stop dirt falling into the water.

Whether you’ve got a large garden with plenty of room to fill or you want to try your hand at some outdoor DIY, learning how to make a pond is a great gardening challenge! A DIY Koi pond makes a wonderful water feature and is an easy way to bring some life into your outdoor space. To make your own, we’ve got everything you need to know.

When building a koi pond, always arrange any rocks and plants you want before filling the hole with water.

How to build a fishpond- what you’ll need

If you’re ready to learn how to build a pond, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Shovel and trowel

  • Garden hose

  • Wooden plank

  • Spirit level

  • Liner for your pond

  • Sand (can be switched for liner underlay or newspaper)

  • Bricks

  • Rocks for landscaping

  • Fountain pump

How to make a fishpond

Once you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to get started!

  1. First, dig your hole, making it the size and shape you want your pond to be. 

  2. Then, place about an inch of sand in the hole and around the ledge, before it putting down your liner. 

  3. Hold the liner in place neatly by placing bricks around the edge.

  4. Now it’s time to fill your pond with water! First, fill it about half-way before adjusting the liner so you’re happy with how it sits.

  5. Place the bricks of your ledge around the pond hole and fill the next half with water. 

  6. If you’re going to have a water feature, now is the time to position your pump.

  7. Fill gaps between the bricks of your ledge with cement to stop any dirt or sand from falling through. 

  8. Finish the area around your DIY pond however you’d like, hiding the linder to keep your garden looking neat. Easy!

How to build a koi pond

When it comes to building a koi pond, there are a few things you need to bear in mind, including the following:

  • Your pond should be at least 6819 L.

  • You’ll need a koi bacteria tank to keep the fish alive.

  • A filter and pump keep water clean, fresh, and flowing.

  • Use fish-safe rocks.

  • An invisible, UV-resistant mesh on the top of your pond will keep your fish safe without becoming an eye-sore.

Building a pond really isn’t too hard and can transform a bare garden into an area full of life! If you really want an outside space you can be proud of, be sure to check out more of our backyard garden ideas for tips and tricks to make the most of your outdoor space.

Originally published