Your complete pond-building checklist
When you’re building a pond, there’s a lot to think about. However, there’s also a lot to get excited and creative about. This guide gives you a jumping-off point, with everything you need to think about to make the pond of your dreams a reality.
1. Style and purpose
Choose what kind of pond you want. For instance:
• Koi pond
• Mixed fish pond
• Ornamental pond
• Natural swimming pool
• Wildlife pond
• Multi-level pond
• Water feature (e.g. fountain, waterfall)
2. Location
Where are you placing your pond? Think about:
• The aesthetics and mood of your space
• Sunlight, shade, and temperature
• Power sources
• Distance from buildings and boundary lines
3. Size, shape, and depth
Consider the size and shape of your pond:
• Round, rectangular, organic curved shape, or something else?
• Dug in or above ground?
• Width and length – check the recommendation for your pond type
• Depth – check the recommendation for your pond type
• Size and height of water features
4. Permissions and regulations
Don’t break the ground until you have any relevant documents and permissions for your location:
• Planning permission
• Nature and conservation regulations
• Local neighbourhood rules (e.g. HOA)
5. Filtration, pumps, and other equipment
At minimum, you will need:
• Filter
• Pump
• A power source
Optional extras:
• UV clarifier
• Aerator
• Smart garden controls
6. Plants and nature
Most ponds benefit from:
• Marginal plants - grow at the pond edge in shallow water (reeds, rushes, marsh marigold)
• Floating plants - free-floating on the water surface (frogbit, water soldiers)
• Deep-water plants - rooted in the bottom with floating leaves (water lilies, water hawthorn)
• Submerged oxygenating plants – grow fully underwater (hornwort, water crowfoot) Submerged plants (waterweed, pondweed, marshweed)
You can also support the natural ecosystem:
• Flowers to encourage pollinators
• Native foliage
• Ramps for wildlife to access the water, and escape from eg hedgehogs
7. Decoration and lighting
You could add:
• Ornamental plants, shrubs, and flowers
• Fountains
• Water features or waterfalls
• Sculptures, ornaments or rocks
• Stepping stones and boardwalks
• Lights
8. Ongoing maintenance
Maintenance varies depending on the type of pond you choose:
• Regular water tests and treatments
• Water top-ups
• Cleaning filters regularly, changing UV bulbs annually
• Managing fish / plant health
• Maintaining features (such as waterfalls)
• Removing algae
Need a hand?
Whatever kind of pond you’re building, there are Oase products and guidance to get you started. Reach out to our specialist customer support team on enquiries@oase.com or visit our handy FAQs guide
Plus, if you’re ready for the next step, learn more about how to build a pond with our detailed DIY guides here