The pond becomes a unique decoration of the site and a favorite vacation spot in the country. Even a small pond transforms the garden and has a leisurely conversation on a bench next to it or relaxation on the lawn. To enjoy communication with loved ones in a picturesque and quiet corner of the garden, it is not necessary to install a complex pool with cascades and fountains. To create a decorative pond from a plastic tank on your own site is very simple and very economical.
Artificial pond in the country
There are a lot of ideas for designing reservoirs in suburban areas on the Internet and among landscape designers. Until recently, bulky and expensive artificial ponds in suburban areas were built of concrete. Today, the variety of shapes and sizes of plastic containers for the pond makes it possible to equip a decorative reservoir in any, even the smallest, garden.
The pond tank made of plastic is quickly and easily mounted and does not require the strengthening of the “shores” with complex terraces. Eco-friendly and durable material is easy to maintain and, if desired, you can breed fish in a rigid plastic pond container. Installation of a plastic bowl does not require special complicated soil preparation; special tools and skills for installation are not required. It is enough to dig a hole in the ground of an appropriate capacity for a pond of size and arrange a pond to your liking.
Choosing a place for a decorative plastic pond
When choosing a location for the location of an artificial reservoir, it is necessary to take into account some aspects that affect the state of water in a pond:
- Direct sunlight stimulates the intensive reproduction of unicellular algae polluting the pond. Aquatic plants in dense shade grow poorly and look unattractive. Therefore, the artificial reservoir is located so that it is not constantly in the shade of the trees, but also is not in the sun.
- The root system of large trees can damage the walls and bottom of the pond's plastic tank. Falling leaves clog a reservoir. Therefore, placing a decorative pond near trees is undesirable.
- Rainwater, flowing from the surface of the soil, accumulates in the lowlands. To avoid contamination, do not equip a decorative pond in the lowest place of the site.
Types of Plastic Bowls
Tanks for artificial ponds are produced in different sizes of the correct round or oval shape, square or rectangular. Bowls of irregular curvilinear configuration reminiscent of the outlines of a natural pond are more popular. Plastic containers are not susceptible to corrosion, waterproof, not sensitive to low temperatures. In the manufacture of bowls for artificial reservoirs, three types of plastic are used:
- Polyethylene is used for the production of small containers with a volume of 130-900 liters. It is steady against a solar ultraviolet, it is strong, but with repeated bends it cracks and cannot be restored. When installing a polyethylene bowl, the bottom of the pit should be perfectly flat. Operated up to 10 years.
- Polypropylene is more resistant to bending and allows installation on a finely raised surface. It will last about 20 years.
- Fiberglass - a high-strength, lightweight composite material - is used for the manufacture of large ponds with a depth of 1.5-3 meters. Artificial ponds made of fiberglass stand idle for more than 30 years.
Frost-resistant plastic ponds are not dismantled for the winter and do not require draining water. Today, Russian-made models are widely represented on the market, as well as from Germany and China.
Installing a plastic bowl
A decorative plastic pond of a small volume is equipped with your own hands without involving complex construction equipment. Plastic containers do not require additional sealing with a film or roofing material. On the contrary, the film, laid on the bottom of the pit, contributes to the accumulation of condensate between the soil and the wall of the reservoir. This leads to subsidence of the bowl and its deformations. In winter, the increased volume of frozen condensate presses the pond capacity.
Installation of a plastic reservoir is carried out in several stages:
- The contour of the pond is drawn on the surface of the earth. The small form is turned upside down and encircled. The silhouette of a large body of water is marked approximately.
- A pit under a pond is dug deeper than its shape 10-15 cm and 15-20 cm wider along the contour.
- Under multi-level tanks it is recommended to draw the outlines of the second and third levels to more accurately reproduce the shape of the future pond.
- The bottom of the dug trench is leveled, covered with a layer of sand of 2-3 cm, abundantly watered and carefully packed.
- The capacity for the pond is evenly lowered into the pit, fixed with wooden spacers and filled one third with water. By taking out the props one by one, the space around the bowl is filled with wet sand, and water is added to the tank. After 2-3 days, when the sand sags and the plastic pond firmly snaps into place, the pond and the surrounding area are decorated.
Plastic pond decoration
Properly selected pond decor will harmoniously fit an artificial pond into the design of the garden. Natural and artificial elements should not completely hide the water surface of the pond. It is recommended to close the protruding sides of the bowl with crushed stone, stones or a wooden side, protecting from the effects of ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. Moisture-loving plants are planted near the reservoir and figures of garden gnomes, sculptures of fairy-tale characters, animals and birds, vases and other decor are installed.
Garden paths, gazebos and benches near the pond will take on a more romantic look in the light of round lanterns reflected from the water surface. Kids will love the swing soaring high above the surface of the pond.
Artificial Pond Care
Basic care rules artificial pond will retain its attractive appearance throughout the entire summer vacation:
- Plant leaves and small debris should be regularly removed from the surface of the water.
- A mesh stretched over the surface of the pond during autumn leaf fall helps to collect fallen leaves.
- Flowering, stagnation and unpleasant odors are prevented by a complete replacement of water in a decorative pond.
- The walls and bottom of the emptied plastic container are cleaned with a brush from plaque and rinsed with clean water.
- Aquatic plants grow very quickly, it is recommended to consult a specialist before planting.
A well-maintained artificial pond, built with skillful hands, adds charm and uniqueness to any suburban area.