How to Make a Decorative Pond in the Yard

Select a level place to install the pond. The location should be seen clearly from porches, patios or other outdoor living spaces, to maximize its use. The area should also be well drained. Proper drainage prevents serious flooding in the event that the pond cracks or overflows.

Place the pond liner on the ground, face down, in the center of the selected location. Arrange a strip of rope along the rim of the liner on the ground. Leave the rope on the ground, but pick up the liner.

Spray paint along the rope line made. Pick up the rope. This spray-painted line will be a guide for digging an appropriate hole for the liner.

Dig a small trench along the spray paint line, using an edging tool. This will define the border of the pond area and make digging the hole much easier.

Dig the center of the pond out, digging the hole about 4 inches deeper than the pond liner. Use a measuring tape to ensure the hole is the same depth at each location.

Place the pond liner in the hole to test-fit it. Remove the liner and adjust the size and shape of the hole as needed. Remember, the hole should be 4 inches deeper than the pond.

Shovel a 3-inch layer of gravel into the bottom of the pond's hole. Spread the gravel evenly over the entire base. Add a 1-inch layer of sand on top of the gravel and spread evenly.

Place the pond liner in the hole. Slowly fill the pond with water. While you are waiting for the pond to fill up, pack wet sand in the hole around the pond. The sand will mold with the liner's shape and allow it to keep its form. Continue filling the pond with water until the water level is 1 1/2 inches below the rim of the liner.

Place two to three bricks on top of each other in the center of the pond. Place the pond pump on top of the bricks. Adjust the height of the brick stack until the fountain head is just above water level. Plug the pump in, and adjust the water flow rate until the fountain creates the desired effect. Do not allow water from the fountain to spray out of the pond.

Plant several water plants in the pond around the fountain. Floating plants, such as water lettuce, will spread quickly to cover the water surface. A good variety of plants will help control algae growth in the pond.

Dig a small trench for the pump's electrical cord from the pond to the power source. Place the cord inside the trench and cover it with a few inches of dirt. This will prevent the cord from damage.

Arrange large stones around the pond to create a natural appearance.