A pond becomes a unique decoration of the site and a favorite vacation spot in the country. Even a small pond transforms the garden and invites you to a leisurely conversation on a nearby bench or relaxation on the lawn. To enjoy communication with loved ones in a picturesque and quiet corner of the garden, it is not at all necessary to install a complex pool with cascades and fountains. It is not difficult and very economical to create a decorative pond from a plastic container on the site with your own hands.
Artificial pond in the country
There are a lot of ideas for decorating reservoirs in suburban areas on the Internet and from landscape designers. Until recently, bulky and expensive artificial ponds in suburban areas were built of concrete. Today, a variety of shapes and sizes of plastic pond containers makes it possible to equip a decorative pond in any, even the smallest, garden.
Pond tank made of plastic is quickly and easily mounted and does not require strengthening the "shores" with complex terraces. Eco-friendly and durable material is easy to care for and, if desired, fish can be bred in a rigid plastic pond tank. Installation of a plastic bowl does not require special complex soil preparation, special tools and skills for installation are not required. It is enough to dig a hole in the ground of the appropriate size for a pond and decorate the pond to your liking.
Choosing a place for a decorative plastic pond
When choosing a place for the location of an artificial reservoir, it is necessary to take into account some aspects that affect the state of the water in the pond:
- Direct sunlight stimulates the intensive reproduction of unicellular algae that pollute the pond. Aquatic plants in dense shade do not grow well and look unattractive. Consequently, the artificial reservoir is located in such a way that it is not constantly in the shade of trees, but also not in the sun.
- The root system of large trees can damage the walls and bottom of a plastic pond tank. Falling leaves litter the pond. Therefore, placing a decorative pond near trees is undesirable.
- Rainwater, flowing from the surface of the soil, accumulates in the lowlands. To avoid pollution, do not equip a decorative pond at the lowest point of the site.
Types of plastic bowls
Capacities for artificial ponds are produced in different sizes, regular round or oval, square or rectangular. Greaterbowls of irregular curvilinear configuration, reminiscent of a natural pond, are popular. Plastic containers are not susceptible to corrosion, waterproof, and 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. Resistant to solar ultraviolet, durable, but with repeated bending it cracks and cannot be restored. When installing a polyethylene bowl, the bottom of the pit must be perfectly flat. Used up to 10 years.
- Polypropylene is more resistant to bending and allows installation on a finely embossed surface. Will last about 20 years.
- Fiberglass is a high-strength, lightweight composite material used to make large ponds with a depth of 1.5-3 meters. Artificial reservoirs made of fiberglass will stand for more than 30 years.
Frost-resistant plastic ponds are not dismantled for the winter and do not require draining. Today, models of Russian production, as well as from Germany and China, are widely represented on the market.
Plastic bowl installation
Decorative plastic pond of small volume is equipped with their own hands without the involvement of complex construction equipment. Plastic containers do not require additional sealing with film or roofing material. On the contrary, a film laid on the bottom of the pit contributes to the accumulation of condensate between the soil and the wall of the reservoir. This causes the bowl to sag anddeformations. In winter, the increased volume of frozen condensate puts pressure on 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 size form is turned upside down and outlined. The silhouette of a large body of water is marked approximately.
- The pit under the pond is dug 10-15 cm deeper than the mold and 15-20 cm wider along the contour.
- It is recommended to apply the outlines of the second and third levels under multi-level containers to more accurately reproduce the shape of the future pond.
- The bottom of the excavated trench is leveled, covered with a 2-3 cm layer of sand, watered abundantly with water and carefully compacted.
- The pond tank is lowered evenly into the pit, fixed with wooden struts and filled with a third of water. Taking out the supports one by one, the space around the bowl is filled with wet sand, and water is added to the container. After 2-3 days, when the sand settles and the plastic pond is firmly in place, the pond and the surrounding area are decorated.
Plastic pond decoration
Properly selected pond decor will harmoniously fit an artificial reservoir 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 rubble, stones or a wooden rim, protecting it from exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun. Moisture-loving plants are planted near the reservoir and figures of garden gnomes are installed,sculptures of fairy-tale characters, animals and birds, vases and other decor.
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. The kids will love the swing that soars high above the surface of the pond.
Artificial Pond Care
Compliance with the basic rules for caring for an artificial reservoir will keep its attractive appearance throughout the summer holidays:
- It is necessary to regularly clean the leaves of plants and small debris from the surface of the water.
- A net stretched over the surface of the pond during autumn leaf fall helps to collect fallen leaves.
- Flowering, stagnation and an unpleasant odor are prevented by a complete replacement of water in an ornamental pond.
- The walls and bottom of the empty 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 them.
Manufactured by skilled hands, a well-maintained artificial pond adds charm and uniqueness to any suburban area.
