Preformed Ponds
Preformed ponds, also called “tubs”, are today’s most popular forms of ponds, mainly because of its affordable price. Prices for preformed ponds range from about $50 to $100, and nearly all homeowners are able to pay for the basic components required to begin the pond project.
Preformed ponds are much easier to install as well, compared to using pond liners for custom ponds. Its only drawback is that its shape can’t be customized to one’s taste or liking. Nevertheless, with the appropriate embellishments, such as placing rocks around it will hide its edges and make it appear as natural as custom ponds.
Some people also find a disadvantage in the size of preformed ponds. A preformed pond generally has not more than 100 gallons size, so pond fishes need to be winterized, and some aquatic plants can’t root properly; moreover, they’re both easy preys for predators.
Preformed Pond Construction
Generally, preformed ponds are constructed of fiberglass, and they come with a filter and a pump. Because of its recent popularity, its manufacturers have started making various shapes, configurations, and sizes of preformed ponds, including large preformed ponds with unique shapes, in order to enhance the creativity and look of yards.
Preformed Pond Installation
The secret to successful preformed pond installations is digging a hole that’s the exact shape and size of the preformed pond, so that it blends and snugly fits with the ground. One must allow the tub’s top rim to sit some inches above ground level at the time it’s unfilled. When it’s filled with water, it sinks into the ground and becomes leveled with it. Here are some simple steps to follow in installing preformed ponds.
Step 1
Choose a location that has about four to six hours of full sunlight daily. Most plants, like waterlilies, need this number of hours for sun exposure to healthily grow. The pond must be placed in a preferred location, and mark out its perimeter with flat shovel or an edge.
Step 2
Excavate a marked area that’s a little bigger than the perimeter and depth of the preformed pond. Get rid of all debris, like roots, stones, and others, to prevent warps and punctures to the preformed pond. Cover the bottom of the excavated hole and its shelves with thin sand layer. Put the pond inside and make sure that it’s leveled in every direction. Make sure that the “leveled pond” is directly above ground level.
Step 3
Install the pump. Pump installation instructions will usually come with the preformed pond purchase, and simply follow the steps for installing it.
Step 4
Begin filling up the preformed pond with water. While it’s filling up, backfill the edges of the pond with fine soil or sand. It’s essential to backfill the pond’s edges with sand while filling it with water to make sure that its wall doesn’t bend or warp. Check the pond’s level to the ground as often as possible, as the pond might shift. Ensure that soil surrounding the pond is firmly packed around it for optimum support.
Step 5
Put flat rocks in a certain way that they somewhat overhang the pond’s edges. You can landscape the pond as desired. Add the pump, a fountain, a waterfall, aquatic plants, fish, lights, or any other accessory desired to the pond.
A quick tip on installation –a common beginner’s mistake is failing to consider how to get rid of the big amount of soil removed from the excavation. Plan for this to avoid the worry during the installation.
Preformed ponds are great as starter ponds, as they’re not wasted if one decides to upgrade to bigger or “liner-based” ponds later. Preformed ponds can always be used as fish holders or its frame can be utilized as an addition to the new pond.