Step #1: Plan out your pond thoroughly. The thought that goes into this step is perhaps the most important. Your pond can be any size or shape you desire. The best way to determine your pond layout is to take a string (hose, electrical cord, ect) and lay out the basic shape of your pond. The EPDM Pondguard liner will conform to any shape you desire. Make sure that your putting your pond in a safe, enjoyable area. A pond in the shade is usually a little easier to maintain, however almost impossible to produce blooming out of your plants. Most any water plant does well in shade but will bloom a tremendous amount more in an area that receives 6-8 hours of sunlight. Your pond might be enjoyed more so if placed in an area that you can enjoy it inside and out (beg. looking out the kitchen window, from your family room, or right outside your bedroom window to take you to away from it all as you doze off to sleep.)
Step #2: Excavation of your pond is next. You should make sure to contact your local utilities to make sure and avoid a sudden surprises. After that, go around the pond digging up the sod just outside the edge you created with your string. After removing the sod start digging out the complete pond area to your marginal depth (usually 7-12 inches). Your marginal shelves should be in areas that are well thought out. You will be putting taller plants in this area and you don't want them to block the view of your pond from your main focal points. After this is complete, you can dig out your lower pond area to no more than 24 inches....Remember: your plants will not grow well in water deeper than 24" and you will need this deeper area to house all your plants and all your fish during the winter months. Once you have the digging done, you will need to take a level (resting on a straight board) and check the level of the entire perimeter of the pond so the liner doesn't fill with water to the top of one side and not another. Only the top of the pond has to be level. Fill the bottom of the pond with a 2-3" layer of sand for cushioning along with our protective underlayment both on the bottom and up all the sides. This will provide your liner with extra support and cushioning so that you can get into your pond (if needed) and if anything else should drop into the pond your liner has the extra support it needs.
Step #3: Now it's time to install your liner. Try (if you can) to unfold your liner in a open area without any rocks or debris that could puncture it. After you have done this, try to basically locate the middle of the liner and then drag the liner into the excavated area placing the center of the liner in the center of your pond. It may take a few tries to get the liner into place with enough to go up each side leaving at least one foot of layover on the ground. You will have to tuck and pleat your liner around corners and bends so that it lays flat against the pond wall. Note: you will have areas that stick up and wrinkles that won't lay down; but not to worry, these slight imperfections will correct themselves after water is introduced into the liner. Make sure once again the your liner is not going to pull inward or sink in when you add water by making extra sure that you have it up against the walls of the pond and enough overlay on the ground to work with.
OK...Maybe 4 steps...But you'll like this one. Just add water!!!
Drop your garden hose into your pond and fill it to the top where it should be level all around the pond. If not, you can dig a little to bring down an edge or use a brick or treated lumber scrap to raise the low level (please call us for advise on doing this as over-doing can be a mess). Use the flip-over technique we use to place your rock edging around the pond. Remember: don't use any mortar or concrete to hold these rocks in place; use the Foam sealant we sell, and only if necessary. Your now ready to purchase your plants, pump(s), and filtration (if applicable). If you are installing this pond in the warm summer months you will need to pick up your plants as soon as possible as they are mainly what keeps your water clean and clear.
