In courtyard landscape design, ecological ponds can always inject a lively natural atmosphere into the space. Two years ago, I built a simple ecological pond for my parents. Recently, due to the growth needs of fish, it was expanded and renovated at a low cost. The following is a full process sharing from design to construction, showing how to use handwork and ingenuity to build a courtyard waterscape that is both beautiful and practical.
1. Initial Construction of the Pond: The Initial Practice of Natural Aesthetics and Function
My parents love the pond in my house and hope to integrate natural elements into their yard, so I set out to build the first ecological pond. In the early stage of construction, the terrain was transformed first: gravel, stones and giant pebbles were transported, the location of the main pool, waterfall area, and overflow box was planned, and the pool structure was constructed by step-by-step pit digging, which is convenient for stone stacking and can form a natural sense of layering.
Waterproofing the bottom of the pool is a key step. After laying geotextiles to prevent sharp objects from piercing, cover the EPDM waterproof liner and completely cover it with pebbles. The seams are sealed with special tape to ensure no leakage. The waterfall area uses the same process, injecting foam to optimize the water flow channel, and finally covering it with stones to form a complete landscape. Sand and soil are used to build embankments on the edge of the pool, and aquatic plants such as calamus and reeds are planted to naturally integrate the hard landscape with green plants.
After the initial pond was built, the water was clear, and the plants grew lushly. The parents were very satisfied with the results. Then, five 3-inch comet fish were put in. As the fish grew, the pond space gradually became cramped, and the expansion plan was put on the agenda.
2. Expansion and Renovation: Low-Cost and High-Efficiency Upgrade Strategy
(I) Demolition and Foundation Treatment
In order to expand the volume of the pond, the fish were first temporarily raised in indoor water tanks, some of the original stones and overflow boxes were removed, and the water plants were carefully retained for reuse. After cleaning the gravel at the bottom of the pool and peeling off the old waterproof liner, it was found that the original pool structure was well preserved, and it was decided to expand outward on the original basis.
In view of the characteristics of clay soil, a mattock was used to break up hard soil blocks, and a double-layer platform structure was excavated with a shovel: the area of the first-layer platform was expanded by 30%, and the depth of the second-layer platform was increased by 20cm, providing a more spacious activity space for fish. At the same time, a filtration system was planned, and a large trash can was selected as the core device. After the pit was dug and fixed, the horizontality was tested to ensure the accuracy of subsequent installation.
(II) Structural Optimization and Material Reuse
The new pool bottom is paved with double-layer protection: the bottom layer is geotextile, and the upper layer is EPDM waterproof membrane, with emphasis on strengthening the sealing of the joints. The placement of stones follows the principle of "stable bottom layer and flexible upper layer": boulders with flat bottom surfaces are selected as the bottom foundation, and the structure is stable through "puzzle-style" splicing; the upper layer uses mixed stones of different sizes to fill the gaps, which not only reduces the amount of transportation, but also forms a natural stacking effect.
The main frame of the original waterfall structure is retained, and only the top rubble is removed, and a 20-gallon water storage tank is used as the new waterfall source. By widening the hole of the base and accurately embedding the sink, it is matched with a perforated drain pipe and foam filling to form a smooth water flow channel. It is worth noting that ordinary foam is more cost-effective than special products. It can be completely hidden after covering with gravel, combining functionality and aesthetics.
(III) Filtration System and Water Circulation Design
The core filtration system consists of "trash can + perforated pipe + gravel layer": a 1.5-inch perforated drain pipe is drilled and installed at the bottom of the trash can, and golf-sized stones are filled around to form a primary filtration layer, and small gravel is covered on the top to prevent clogging. The water flow is pumped from the pond into the water collection tank through a water pump. After the debris is absorbed by the surface of the boulder, it is filtered through stone layers of different particle sizes in turn, and finally flows into the breeding pond and plant area, forming a dual mechanism of "physical filtration + biological purification".
The waterfall area adopts the "diversion stone slab + sunken wood" design. The water flows through the flat stones and naturally forks. The impact on the sunken wood produces splashes to increase the dissolved oxygen content. At the same time, the internal pipelines are hidden by covering with moss and gravel, realizing the ingenious combination of "landscape shielding function".
3. Detail Processing and Ecological Improvement
(I) Waterproof Repair and Landscape Decoration
Sudden problems encountered during construction: the waterproof liner shrank when backfilling the water storage basin, causing water leakage. By removing the water storage tank, cleaning the gravel, and adjusting the position of the liner, the leakage was finally solved by "filling the liner with soil + pressing the edge with stones," which unexpectedly made the overflow outlet more accurately aligned. Flat stones and branches are used to cover the surroundings of the trash can, which not only improves the space utilization rate, but also completely hides the pipeline in the natural elements.
The poolside decoration follows the principle of "naturalization + low cost": some old stones are retained as slope protection, new logs are added to the poolside to raise the ground, and foam is filled in the gaps to prevent soil intrusion; perennial aquatic plants such as irises and loosestrife are planted on the periphery, which can soften the stone boundary after growing luxuriantly and reduce artificial traces.
(II) Ecosystem Construction
Place volcanic rock filter bags in the reservoir to provide sufficient attachment area for nitrifying bacteria and facilitate regular cleaning and maintenance. Introduce calamus divisions and plant them on the edge of the waterfall. Its developed root system can absorb nutrients from the water body and inhibit the excessive reproduction of algae. At the same time, the evergreen leaves become a natural landscape barrier. The entire system achieves low-maintenance ecological balance through the triple mechanism of "plant purification + biological circulation + water flow oxygenation".
4. Cost Control and Experience Summary
The total cost of this expansion project is US$1,972.76, and the core costs are concentrated on waterproof pads (45mm thick EPDM material), filtration devices, and stone transportation. The key points to save money include: reusing 60% of the stones and plants in the old pond, replacing special products with ordinary foam, choosing perennial green plants that are discounted during the season, and using the existing dead branches and flat stones in the courtyard as decorative elements.
The final size of the pond is 3.35 meters × 2.74 meters, the water depth is 76cm, and it can accommodate about 20 adult fish. Practice has proved that even with a limited budget, a courtyard waterscape with both ornamental and ecological functions can be created through reasonable structural planning, reuse of materials, and clever use of natural elements. Later, when the plants are fully grown, the entire pond will be further integrated into the courtyard environment and become a natural corner that combines viewing and leisure.
5. Pond Product Brand Recommendation
In the process of building an ecological pond for my parents, I conducted in-depth research and practical application of various pond equipment. Here I would like to recommend an excellent brand to everyone - Poposoap. Its product line is rich and diverse, covering a series of high-quality products from solar fountain pumps to pond filters, which can provide all-round support for the daily operation and maintenance of the pond, and significantly improve the ecological environment and landscape effect of the pond.
Poposoap's 20W solar fountain pump with pond filter is a perfect combination with a pond filter. This solar pond pump has a flow rate of up to 320GPH, and the flow rate can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs. It can be easily adapted to small garden fountains or courtyard waterfall landscapes. The filter part adopts an environmentally friendly design, equipped with a multi-layer filter mat and 20 bio-balls, which can effectively filter impurities in the pond, absorb harmful substances, and create a clear and healthy water environment for aquatic organisms. For water bodies such as koi ponds that have high requirements for water quality, this filter can ensure that impurities in the water have nowhere to hide, escort the fish to thrive, and keep the pond in the best ecological state.
If you expect to add a smart fountain landscape to your pond, Poposoap will not let you down either. Its solar fountain pump has a variety of power options. Take the 20W model as an example. It not only has a strong flow rate of 320GPH, but also comes with 4 interchangeable fountain nozzles, which can create 4 completely different and charming water types, bringing a variety of dynamic beauty to the pond. Whether it is a soothing water flow or a majestic waterfall effect, you only need to connect the hose to the outlet and use the diverter valve to switch at will, creating a personalized waterscape display for the pond, which greatly enriches the landscape level of the pond.
It is worth mentioning that Poposoap has fully considered the convenience of use and environmental protection in product design. The entire pond filter kit is highly integrated, easy to install, and can be operated without complex professional knowledge. The solar power supply method not only reduces electricity costs, but also significantly reduces carbon emissions, which is in line with the current green and environmentally friendly lifestyle trend. While enjoying the natural waterscape, it also contributes to environmental protection. Moreover, Poposoap provides a 1-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee, worry-free after-sales, so that consumers can buy with confidence.
From the initial construction of the pond to daily maintenance, Poposoap's products can be a powerful assistant to help us create the ideal ecological pond landscape. If you are also planning or maintaining your own courtyard pond, you may consider choosing Poposoap's related products. I believe it will bring unexpected surprises to your pond.
Conclusion
The charm of ecological ponds lies in their dynamic vitality. From the initial water testing and exploration to the problem solving during the expansion, every step reflects the interaction between man and nature. If you also want to create a similar landscape in your courtyard, you might as well start with a small or medium-sized pond, use local materials and manual labor, and gradually build your own natural micro-ecology.
