Ponds and Water Gardens - Want to install pond

Hello newbe here

I am wanting to install a pond/waterfall. How do I determine what size pond liner I need? I have the shape of the pond in my head. I now just have to figure out the depth and all. But was wondering how to figure out what size liner you will need.

I am also wondering what kind of glue you would use if you need to put two ends together.

For the space I am going to install the pond in is not very wide but long.

One more question, how deap does your pond have to be to have fish. I live in Illinois how ever I have a small plastic pond right now that we heat in the winter time. BUt that only heats it to where it does not freeze.

Any help would be great.

Krista

At the widest part of the pond, measure from the top down the side to the bottom, then across the bottom, and finally up the opposite side to the top. This is how wide the liner must be. Give us some "ball park" numbers, and we can help further. What widths of liners are available at your garden center? Liners come in rolls and are sold by the foot, so you can get the length you need.

I think an ornamental koi or goldfish pond needs a minimum average depth of 2 feet with a deep end at least 4 feet deep. A deeper pond has a larger water volume which means its temperature and chemistry is more stable which is better for fish. In general bigger and deeper is better. If you have predators (heron, raccoon...) in your area than 2 feet is not deep enough to provide protection for the fish. They will need at least 30-36" minimum depth to escape. Again deeper is better.

I would check with a local nursery that sells pond equipment just to make sure. Could save you lots of aggravation. Some even has promotional days where they do pond building seminars, etc.

You will be using a pump to pump the water to the top of your waterfall. Our pond and waterfall here in NE Tennessee is 14 years old and the pump has run continuously the entire time. The creek does not freeze in winter as long as the water is moving. Ice forms on the surface of the pond and creek and allows the moving water to run underneath. We do not use a heater. Our coldest nights are around 0 deg. F. or higher.

You'd be wise to go at least 18 inches below your usual frost line, unless you like spending money on heating. Fishcicles aren't all that cute.