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Some basic considerations before you begin.

1. Select and appropriate site in your landscape

The rule of thumb is an area away from trees that will dump debris into your water feature. The location should also be somewhat higher than the surrounding ground so as to prevnt rainstorms from washing yard debris, fertilizers and other chemicals used in the landscape from polluting your new pond. Raised sides can also keep unwanted wash water from polluting your pond which is the option chosen for our display pond in our front nursery display area.

2. Decide the dimensions and depth you desire.

Things to consider are the type of plants and/or fish you want to have once your pond is installed. Water lillies for example will need 18-20" depth as will goldfish to survive winter in Cincinnati (USDA zone 5/6). Koi will need aproximately 30" depth for overwintering. If deeper than 18-20" local ordinances may require a fence to keep small children from being drawn to the pond as an "attractive nuiscance". We chose to keep ours about 18" for safety's sake.

There are two basic types of pond installtions. One is to buy a pre-formed plastic "tub" liner which must have the hole dug to the precise shape of the tub. The second is a free form design of any shape or size you wish using rubber sheet liner material. This photo feature will address the rubber liner method.

Following a few basic steps. installing a water feature in your landscape is easier than you might imagine!

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