Duck pond

[Shleber12]

I'm wanting to build a duck pond. I currently use a kiddy pool but want something nice for my 2 ducks. But How do I build it to keep it from getting muddy? With just the two of them they make about an inch layer of mud in the bottom of the pools. I clean them weekly but not sure if a filtration system would help once we build an actual pond. Hoping someone has some answers for me.

 

[cavemanrich]

You are not the first one to ask for advice on a duck pond. The simple facts are,,,,, ducks do create much sediment from their droppings, and water is next to impossible to maintain clear.
I am imagining you want something in the 300 gallon range. You can purchase a plastic liner, and try filtering it. The reality, is your filtration to do a halfway decent job of removing the solids has to be huge. The water will still be somewhat cloudy regardless.
I did run across a successful filtration operation for a duck pond. It was quite many years ago, so cant locate the post readily. It involved multiple 55 gallon barrels, (I think possibly 3) with different stages and types of filtering medium, I think some type of hay was in one of those barrels. and ran constantly with a pretty powerful pump. The pipes were a plumbers dream, so elaborately done. It was all neatly hidden from view.
You can try to get your hands on a large swimming pool filter, and see how it cleans up your kiddie pool after ducks use it. You may be going thru filters like mad. If you are satisfied with the results, then get a large pond liner and set your filter there.

This one is 270 gallons and $270
If you have an extra $400 laying around, you can try using a sand filter. It will need to be back-flushed often to clear out the solids. I don't think it will make the water very clear from the dissolved poop that is in suspension. Simply put, hard to make not cloudy.

Not sure of your water supply/source , but dumping 300 gallons of water each week, and refilling with fresh clean can get costly. We are on city water, and it is Expen$ive.
I will make an effort to find that tread from years ago.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and,

 

[hayley3]

Making a natural pond is less hassle. I just read a blog where they dug the hole, put some kind of tarp down, then rocks. I've been wanting to ask her how her husband did it.

Although, having had a 1/3 acre natural pond, I find my 2 ducks are fine with a kiddie pool, and safer. I lost a few ducks when they wouldn't come off the pond.

 

[cavemanrich]

Making a natural pond is less hassle. I just read a blog where they dug the hole, put some kind of tarp down, then rocks. I've been wanting to ask her how her husband did it.

This thread did not ask how to make a certain type of pond, but I would like to answer your question about the natural method of making one with a tarp.

There are many different sizes available,. The larger, naturally the more ca$h.
Here is a link to the HD site that has 2 short videos you can click on.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/TOTALPOND-13-ft-x-20-ft-Pond-Liner-52249/202017067?

 

[aart]

Pond liners(tarps) are not 'natural'.
Building a lined pond is much easier than keeping it clean.
It's very difficult to filter a duck pond, too much poop.

 

[416bigbore]

For just two ducks I would keep it simple and easy for yourself to dump the water every other day to keep it clean and fresh for them. Keeping the area (bare ground) around your pool dry will also keep them from digging in the mud and rinsing their bills in the pool. Best of luck.

 

[hayley3]

Pond liners(tarps) are not 'natural'.
Building a lined pond is much easier than keeping it clean.
It's very difficult to filter a duck pond, too much poop.

Yeah I meant a natural pond is easier but I didn't clarify that to make a natural pond it needs to be pretty huge and you need a slope to your property and clay soil, but you can also do the tarp thing. LOL
I had goldfish, I know not the same thing but trying to mimic a natural environment is a lot of work and money...after the goldfish I wouldn't attempt it, myself.
ETA: Actually goldfish are similar to ducks and they poop a lot too.

 

[aart]

ETA: Actually goldfish are similar to ducks and they poop a lot too.

Exactly!!
Pooping machines!
If ya can't get the poop out, it's not a filter.
I spent a few years studying koi ponds and built a small water garden(pondsai) with a rather elaborate filtration system.

 

[hayley3]

Exactly!!
Pooping machines!
If ya can't get the poop out, it's not a filter.
I spent a few years studying koi ponds and built a small water garden(pondsai) with a rather elaborate filtration system.
View attachment 2408447

It's beautiful, do you still have it?
We bought a goldfish without knowing they grew a lot and wanted to build a koi pond for him but he was getting sick despite our filtration efforts so we put him in my 1/3 acre natural pond to save his life.

 

[aart]

It's beautiful, do you still have it?

I do, but stopped filtering or cleaning it about 5 years ago.
Lillies and good bugs and frogs still abound, but eventually I'll have to dig it all out.