Pond Installation | 7 Simple Steps

7 Simple Steps | Pond Installation

With Sunterra at your side, building a water garden becomes an enjoyable experience. For a quick look at the
basics, click on our 7 Simple Steps below.

	STEP 1 - SHAPE The first step in creating a water garden is to layout the desired shape. This step assumes you have already decided on a finished pond size, and purchased the appropriate liner. (If you need help determining liner size based on your desired finished pond size, please visit our "Tips" link in this section.) Once the pond size and liner have been determined, marking the shape of the pond onto the ground is a good way to create a template for digging. Keep in mind that the dimensions are to be measured at the maximum lengths and widths of the pond. This is important to ensure that there is enough liner to cover the hole. Using a rope or garden hose can be a great way to mark your pond outline. Once the finished pond widths and lengths have been determined, simply use the following perimeter formula to find the length of rope needed: Rope Length = 2 (length + width) Add feet to the total for liner edging. For example, if the finished pond size is 4 x 6 the formula would be: Rope Length = 2 (4 + 6) or 8+12 = 20, then add 4 = 24ft. A 24ft rope will create the correct perimeter, in any shape, for the appropriate liner.
	STEP 2 - DIG Now that the planning of the water garden shape and size is complete, creating the basin becomes the next step. Sunterra recommends first creating a shelf approximately 6"-8" below the projected water level. This will provide a surface for placing aquatic plants while also helping to secure your liner's position. Begin by digging down to the 6"-8" shelf level depth and leveling the surface with a flat shovel. Then check levelness using a level and a 2" x 4" board. Also, check the levelness of the water garden perimeter. If you adjust the perimeter, be sure to adjust the shelf accordingly. Measure approximately 12"-16" from the perimeter wall to the inside of the water garden. Using spray paint or chalk, mark this distance throughout the inside of the water garden. This mark represents the edge of your shelf and will guide your final digging step. Following the shelf width mark, dig the remaining depth (18" plus underlayment thickness deep from outside perimeter edge to the bottom) of the basin. Remember to dig the walls at a 30 degree angle. Measure the bottom depth in multiple locations to make sure it is the recommended depth.
	STEP 3 - MEASURE This step is meant to be a final checking process, to make sure all dimensions of the pond are accurate before adding liner and water. Begin by measuring the bottom depth in multiple locations to make sure it is the desired depth. Next, measure the depth of the plant shelf to verify it is 6-8" below the desired water level. Also, make sure the width of the shelf is at least 12", to allow enough space for potted submersible plants. Finally, measure out the perimeter shelf, used for placing ledging such as rocks. This shelf should be approximately 1" deep and 12" wide (depending on the ledging used).
	STEP 4 - LINE Placing the liner in the basin is a very simple, yet important step in creating the pond. It is important to remember and place the liner texture side up, keeping an even overlap on all sides of the water garden. Once the liner is in place, adjust it to best fit the shape of the pond basin. If the water garden has a round dimension, there will be a few wrinkles in the liner. Anchor the liner edges with stones, bricks or heavy objects to help temporarily hold it in place while water is added.
	STEP 5 - ADD PRODUCTS Now that the basin(s) are created and completely lined, it is time to begin adding functional components that will control the water garden's health and appearance. Pump Begin by adding the Sunterra pump. The pump is the heart of the pond and will keep the water circulating to help prevent the water garden from becoming a breeding ground for unwanted insects, while oxygenating it for plant and fish life. Place the pump on top of a flat brick or stone at the bottom of the water garden. Elevating the pump off of the basin bottom will help prevent debris from interfering with pump performance. After the pump is in place, add water until the pump is completely submerged. Plug it in to a GFCI outlet to test its performance. When the pump is working it will make a low humming sound and water will circulate out of the top outlet Filters Most pond owners will choose to use a bio-filter to help maintain the health of their water garden. Installing the Sunterra line of bio-filters is amazingly simple. Simply bury the filter OUTSIDE of the pond, making sure that the basin is completely covered. Only the functional top cover should be above ground level. This helps hide the filter from view, while allowing for easy maintenance operations. (Refer to bio-filter instructions) Also, if using additional smaller pumps for supplying water to added water features, you may need to place the pump into a pre-filter box. This will help keep the smaller pumps free of debris and optimize their performance. Water Nozzles Whether or not a filter is being used, most pond owners will opt to use at least a water nozzle with the pond. This not only helps to aerate the water, but also adds the first element of decoration to the water garden. Sunterra nozzles are created to fit our line of pumps. When using a water nozzle, or a filter, it is necessary to connect a diverter valve to the outlet of the pump. This allows for the connection of tubing to the pump, and for the diversion of outbound water to both the filter and a water nozzle. If choosing to only use one or the other, the diverter valve has a shut off dial that can be used to channel water in only one direction.
	STEP 6 - ADD WATER Double check to make sure that the liner is anchored in place. Fill the water garden with water until it is full. As the water garden is filling, adjust the liner to better form fit the custom shape of the pond basin. Where necessary, try to smooth out wrinkles and creases.
	STEP 7 - DECORATE Now that the pond is completely filled with water it is time to decorate by adding edging and landscaping. The liner may need to be adjusted to make sure it is secure under the edging and completely sealed. Try to keep a minimum of 6" liner around the pond perimeter. Adding aquatic plants onto the previously created shelf is also recommended to enhance the look and "feel" of the water garden. Also available is a line of unique Sunterra water accents and accent stand platform. These accents are a very unique way to customize and decorate a water garden. The water accent stand simply sets up in the middle of the pond, and has a pump platform specifically for the smaller Sunterra pumps that are used to operate water accents. It also has a unique locking bayonet system that ensures the accents will stay in place no matter what wind/wave conditions exist. In addition, there are several light holders that connect on all sides of the platform. This allows for a great aesthetic effect at night.

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Spring Clean | Pond Care

Winter is finally over! It is time for Spring! When things come alive, bloom and begin a new season of growth.

After a long cold winter there are a few things that you should do before putting your pond back into service.

1. Inspect The Pond
   Take a careful look around your pond. Make sure there has been no winter damage to the pond or any of the components. Repair or replace as necessary.
   
   
2. Clean The Pond
   No matter how much preparation you have done, winter has likely left the pond in less than perfect condition. Even with leaf netting, you probably have had a few leaves settle to the pond bottom. Any plants that were not completely cut back will usually leave a settlement of organics in the pond bottom. Manually scoop out as much of this as possible or use a pond vacuum if you have one. You can also use our Natural Bacteria & Enzyme products such as Beneficial Bacteria and Pond Clarifier Tabs. Use these products on a regular schedule throughout the year for a healthier pond.
   
   
3. Start Pump
   If your pump has been off for the winter, spring is the time to start it back up. Most people do this when the water temperature increases to around 50 degrees. Do not start the pump and then leave. Start the pump back up when you will be spending time around the house for several hours. This way you can keep an eye on everything and make sure that all the water is still going where you want it to go (back in the pond).
   
4. Start Filter
   If the pump and filter system has not been running for awhile, you will want to give your filter media a thorough cleaning prior to starting the system backup. Next, or if your pump has run all winter, it is time to give the bacterial colonies a boost. There are many products that accomplish this like Pond Clarifier Tabs from Sunterra, Pond Clarifier Tabs with Oxy boost have an extra dose of Oxygenation included to help clear the water quicker.
5. Partial Water Change
   Begin testing the pond water again. Of particular importance are ammonia and nitrite levels. Both of these should be zero. Perform partial water changes if either test gives a reading other than zero.
   
   
6. Condition Fish
   Spring is the time of year when fish are most susceptible to developing health problems. There are a few things that can be done to help protect the fish. Adding Pond Salt is a safe natural treatment that will help to make sure your fish get a healthy start on spring especially if there has been any physical damage during the winter.
   
   
7. Feeding
   Warm weather means your fish are now or soon will be ready to start eating again. Until the water temperature is consistently above 50 degrees, continue to not feed the fish. Once the water temperature is into the 50s you will want to feed a food designed for spring and fall like Pond Care Spring and Autumn food. As the water temperature reaches into the 60s it will be time to feed your regular summertime fish food.
   
   
8. Plants
   Also as the water temperature reaches into the 50s it will be time to get the hardy plants that survived the winter ready for a great year ahead. This is the time we begin fertilizing the plants. Also, for maximum performance, it may be necessary to divide some of these plants. If the plants are too crowded in their pots, they will suffer and their growth and flowering potential limited. Simply thinning these out will provide you with more from your plants.