I am planing another small pond this summer an in-ground and I know it won't be near big enough but it will fit the spot I have. Great article and lovely pictures.

Great article. I can't think of a thing you missed. Oh, maybe the differing opinions on gravel in the bottom. I started with gravel then took it all out. Easier to clean but less ambiance as my pond is fairly shallow. Lots of people with rock on the bottom have no problems at all. My pond is opening up again where the hose drops water down about 6". Can hardly wait to be ice free although I know it will be weeks until the fish will venture out.

Thank you Mary and Holly.

I have seen ponds where there is gravel on the bottom too - I know the gravel makes it difficult to keep the pond clean and yet with the gravel there is all the more reason to vacuum as mulm gets between the stones and anerobic bacteria will start to form. To me, it just isn't worth the potential problems.

I can't wait to be ice free either!

"Vacuum"???... We're supposed to vacuum our ponds? I had no idea, so I guess it's a really good thing that I've only attempted a dip-n-dump size so far!

I hope there's an article coming up on pond maintenance...it seems that I, at least, could use it!


Great article, Carolyn.

Thank you!

Thanks, Chelle!