How to Dig a Pond That Holds Water

Choose the site where you will dig the pond. If you are adding a waterfall or stream, a site that includes a hill or some other slope can provide additional visual interest when you put rocks in place.

Draw a plan. Measure the space, and draw a layout of the shape of the pond. Include all dimensions. If you are adding a waterfall or stream or you are making a fishpond, draw in the areas where you want to install your pump and tubing.

Dig your pond. If you are building a small pond, you can dig it by hand with a shovel, a friend and maybe a beer. However, if you're thinking of putting in a large pond, you should hire a person with a bulldozer or backhoe for the initial digging.

Choose a place to put the excess dirt that comes out of the hole. Use the dirt as part of the landscape of the surrounding waterfall gardens. If you don't want to do that, you can sell or give away the extra dirt.

Cut the pond liner to fit the inside of your pond, including the height of the sides all around. Add an additional 1 to 2 feet to the edges so they extend above the edges of your pond.

Lay the underlayment on the bottom of your pond. You can buy underlayment from a pond supplier or use old carpet or carpet padding. The purpose of the underlayment is to cushion the bottom of the pond to keep the liner from tearing.

Install the liner over the underlayment. Spread it out across the bottom of the pond and up the sides, folding it under where necessary to form a smooth lining for the pond's interior. Hold it down in spots with smooth rocks.

Install the pump and tubing if you are making a fish pond or a waterfall. Place the skimmer in the correct location for the location of your pump. Hold everything in place with rocks.

Stack rocks on the inside of the pond to line the sides and bottom. Use smooth rocks, especially on the bottom, and pay attention to where you place rocks with sharp edges or points to help protect the liner and prevent the pond from leaking.

Place a layer of rocks around the top edges of the pond on top of the stretched-out liner. Then fold the remainder of the liner back over the rocks toward the pond, and place the second layer of rocks on top. This secures your liner and helps the water stay in the pond rather than leaking out.

Finish setting all large rocks in place around the pond. Scatter 3 to 4 inches of small river rock on the bottom of the pond, and then sprinkle pea gravel. Add some river rock to the spaces between the rocks to help them look natural.

Turn on the water, and fill the pond with a hose. After filling, remove the hose and mark the water level on several rocks with a piece of chalk or a pencil. Leave it sit overnight, and check the level the next day. It is acceptable for a pond to lose 1 to 2 inches of water in 24 hours if it is hot outside and in direct sunlight.