Landscaping shows on television often feature elaborate outdoor ponds with cascading waterfalls and intricate designs. You may have enjoyed viewing these elaborate works of art, but may be discouraged by the obvious price and knowledge required to craft them. There is no need to hire a landscaper or spend thousands of dollars to turn your backyard into a tranquil oasis. You can create your own small backyard pond with a water fountain feature cheaply and easily.

Supplies Needed:

• Shovel
• Week Killer
• Underlayment or pre-molded plastic pond form
• Rubber Liner
• Water Pump
• Water Fountain pump attachment
• Rocks
• Plants
• Electrical Outlet Source

Look at your yard and determine where you would like to place your small pond. Find a location that is fairly flat and is away from trees or other items that could constantly leave debris in your new pond.

Dig a hole in the shape you would like for your pond. Consider a round pond, or other shape that sparks your fancy. You can make your hole as big or small as you would like, but try to balance the dimensions and depth to size of your yard.

After you dig your hole:

1. Clear away any rocks, roots or other debris
2. Measure your hole
3. Spray weed killer in and around your hole to get your backyard pond off to the best start.

Cut underlayment to fit your hole with about a foot of overhang. Remember to include the depth of your pond in your measurements. It is better to over estimate the size and need to trim it later than to cut your underlayment too small.

If you prefer a more solid lining, you can purchase a pre-molded plastic pond mold and insert it into your hold instead of the underlayment.

Cut and cover the underlayment with a thick rubber liner. Most liners are black, but you can also use blue or shades of green. Smooth your rubber liner completely to prevent accidental tears in the future.

Secure the underlayment and rubber liner with rocks around the outside of your hole. You can be creative with your rock designs. Consider stacking rocks and alternating rock sizes for a pleasing effect. This rock lining provides a way to keep the liner in place, but also provides a visually appealing outdoor water feature. If you want, you can bring in large rocks that would be suitable for sitting to make your backyard pond more versatile.

Place your water pump wherever you want the water to appear. Run the electrical lines to a power supply or specialized solar panel for energy.

Attach a bubbler or water fountain spout to the pump and secure it under the water. Consider placing it in a small container filled with rocks, or simply surrounding it with rocks to make certain it does not fall or move.

Test the pump and bubbler to make sure it is functioning properly. You may need to prime the pump the first time you start your water feature.

For a more attractive pond, dig a trench and cover the electric power cord.

Fill your new pond with rock formations and water plants such as lilies. Your imagination is your only limit. After you have your decorations in place, fill up your backyard pond with a garden hose.

Your backyard pond with a water fountain is now ready for your family’s enjoyment.