How to build a pond: The complete DIY guide

What’s the best way to build your own pond?

Preformed ponds are an easy, straightforward way to create a beautiful pond in your garden. They simplify the construction of a pond and are also ideal for those with less experience – making them perfect for beginners.

What do I need to build a DIY garden pond?

You don’t need any specialist tools to build your pond. All you need is:

• A spade
• A shovel
• Filling sand (simple play sand is fine)
• A spirit level
• A folding rule
• A garden hose with a water connection

How big should a pond be?

A garden pond can be built in different sizes and can therefore be easily adapted to the size and conditions in your garden. The Oase preformed ponds are available in many different sizes and can be chosen according to the available space.

How to build your garden pond

1. Choose your location
   Position the preformed pond in the desired location and mark the outline with sand.
2. Mark it out
   Mark the different depth zones of the pond with sand.
3. Get digging
   Now you can dig out the individual zones of the garden pond.
4. Check the size
   Use the preformed pond to check you’ve dug enough out and touch up again if necessary.
5. Add a little filling sand
   Level out the unevenness in the excavated steps with filling sand to create flat surfaces.
6. Check the surface with a spirit level
   If they’re level, the preformed pond can be inserted and 1/3 filled with water so that the bowl settles.
7. Add the rest of the filling sand
   Pour it under the edge of the preformed pond and fill the cavity with water. The water will slurry the sand to the edge of the pond shell. Repeat the process until the spaces under and next to the bowl are filled.
8. Level the surrounding soil with topsoil
   This provides the basis for planting. Make sure that no topsoil gets into the water, as this would encourage algae growth in the pond.
9. Add plants and decoration
   Plants in and around the pond not only look beautiful, they also contribute to maintaining the biological balance. The surrounding bank zone can be filled with gravel after planting to cover the transition to the preformed pond. This area can also be designed with larger stones – depending on your taste.
   The pond can then be filled with water.

What filter should I get for my garden pond?

Pond care is essential, but the right systems can make it more convenient. The basics that experts highly recommend are a filter and pump.

The smaller the body of water, the more pollution can affect the water quality. Even smaller options such as the Oase Filtral UVC keep the water in the preformed pond clean and clear.

The Filtral UVC is an underwater filter with UVC clarifier and has the option to also be a water feature: it keeps the pond clean and clear under the water’s surface and can enchant above the water surface with an optional fountain attachment. As a bonus, the Filtral UVC can be installed very easily without any prior knowledge.

How can I decorate my garden pond?

You can add all kinds of decorations, such as plants, stones, gravel, statues, ornaments, and pond figures, or water features like splitters, waterfalls, and fountains.

Additional accents can make your pond a highlight in any garden – all it takes is the right decoration.

How do you light up a garden pond?

Specially-made pond lights can give your outdoor space perfect illumination. The Oase LunAqua lighting range has been specially developed for use in and around the water. Even in the evening, your pond can be a real highlight thanks to a coordinated lighting concept.

Want to learn more?

Would you like to start your personal DIY pond construction project? Our specialist dealers can assist you with the product selection. Find your local OASE dealer here.