3 Common Concerns About Pond Installation

Installing a pond on your property can be very rewarding, but like any project, it comes with its own set of concerns. Here are three common worries about installing a pond and practical solutions to mitigate them.

1. Structural integrity

If your pond isn’t built like a swimming pool (with reinforced steel and gunite), it may develop cracks over time, leading to extensive and costly repairs. To avoid this, make sure your contractor builds your pond on a liner and uses real rock to minimize the risk of cracking.

2. Predators

Many pond owners worry about animals like raccoons and birds jeopardizing their fish population. While water depth is an effective deterrent for raccoons, birds can still pose a challenge. For an effective and humane solution, try installing a motion-activated sprinkler system. You can also incorporate caves in your pond to give the fish somewhere to hide.

3. Water usage

Some homeowners are hesitant to install ponds because of the perceived high water usage, but ponds are actually quite water-efficient. In addition to using approximately 50 percent less water than sod or natural grass in the same area, they operate on a recycling principle, with water additions only accounting for evaporation. If you compare the water consumption of daily grass watering or a swimming pool in the same space, you’ll see that ponds contribute to substantial water savings over time.