Introduction: Golfish Pond
Both sides of our family have a close relationship with fishing and water activities. Since we don't own property with a lake or beachfront property, we thought we would make our own small water-space where we could enjoy the water in our own yard.
Step 1: Planning the Project
The first step is to find a location (and a good deal on a liner), and determine the size of your pond and find the size of the liner you need. This is determined in cubic feet by calculating the length x width x depth. The package helped me determine the size we needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Site
Clean around the site and locate any tree roots, power, water, cable, phone or gas lines that may be in the area. If you are unsure, call 811 to locate them for you.
Step 3: DIG!!!
Dig the hole to your specifications and clean out any sharp objects when you are finished.
Step 4: Install the Liner
Spread the liner carefully over the hole, being careful not to catch it on any sharp rocks, roots or other objects.
Step 5: Fill the Pond
Once you have spread out the liner, begin to fill the pond. After it has formed to the bottom and sides of the pond, start placing your border stones around the edges. You may want to fold over or trim the excess off of the liner. If you fold the liner over, it will help keep debris from washing into the pond.
Step 6: Wait
Wait 3 or 4 days for the water to settle in to prepare for the goldfish.
Step 7: Customize
Pick out any ornamental plants and accessories that you will be adding to the pond. We had an old strawberry pot that we placed in the bottom for the fish to swim around in and hide...a good idea if you have cats!
Step 8: Power to the Pond!
To help out with filtration and lighting, have an electrician install a GFCI outlet nearby.
Step 9: More Accessories
Find a pump and filter for the pond to help keep it clean. We had a pump and this waterfall left over from a previous attempt using a pre-formed plastic pond. We placed this over the electrical outlet to keep it out of the weather. You could also make your own waterfall out of stones or other materials. If you make your own, make sure you keep it on the liner to keep the debris from washing in and your pond from emptying!
Step 10: Bring It Alive
After 3 or 4 days we picked up the fish. We bought "feeder goldfish". They were cheap, so we got a few dozen, and they adapt pretty quickly to a new environment. Set your fish, still in the bag, in the water to get them adjusted to the temperature. After a half-hour, let them out and enjoy your new peaceful family gathering place!

Third Prize in the
Home Improvement Contest 2017

Participated in the
Outside Contest 2017

Participated in the
Makerspace Contest 2017
3 Comments
4 years ago
Very nice. What I like is that you have this pond in a shady area where it's less likely that algae will grow.
The following suggestions come from conversations I had with a friend who does above ground pool installations. I would suggest that putting down a plastic sheet on the ground first, then cover it with old carpet to act as a buffer, then put down another plastic sheet between the carpet and the liner and then the liner. This helps to keep any small rocks that you are unaware of from poking up into your liner and tearing it, and cushions the liner as it is filled with water.
I hope you enjoy your pool for many years to come.
Hopefully next year, I will start on my pond.
6 years ago
Now I want a goldfish more than ever!
6 years ago
That looks great! I really wish that I have room on my property to do something like this.