Numerous duck pond threads in this group but they are usually centered around individual build questions rather than a general discussion on basic principals that should be understood before attempting to build a duck pond.
First off let's start with the pros and cons to using a pre-form vs. liner:
Preform Pond:
Pros:
1. Rigid and more rugged (less chance of holes occurring)
2. Easier to clean due to solid bottom
3. Reusable (if you want to more your pond)
4. Placement versitility - can be below ground or above ground
5. Cost? This would be depending on size though you can find them pretty cheap on craigslist (I got mine for $50).
6. Easier to install a drain making solid removal more effective (is this so; not sure)
Cons:
1. Shape and size is set
2. Getting preform level can be tricky
3. Preform can settle during settling making the pond not level
4. Requires additional material to set it (sand, gravel, rocks, etc)
5. May not look as natural as liner pond
6. Due to shallow depth usually these pond types are shut down during winter so no ability to keep fish
Liner Pond:
Pros:
1. Can design pool specifically to your specifications in terms of length, width, depth and character of bottom
2. More natural athestic look
3. Due to the unlimited depth options can keep fish and over winter pond
4. Cost is relativity inexpensive for new simple pond: just need liner and some rocks or heavy material to hold down liner
Please comment on which type of duck pond you have (preform vs. liner) and let me know if you agree, disagree or can think of additional comparisons that I did not list. Would also be great to add some lessons learned when installing a liner vs. preform pond as well.
I'm going to continue this thread with additional design and hardware including: pumps, filters, waterfall designs, sediment filters, biofilters, hydroponics, etc.
First off let's start with the pros and cons to using a pre-form vs. liner:
Preform Pond:
Pros:
1. Rigid and more rugged (less chance of holes occurring)
2. Easier to clean due to solid bottom
3. Reusable (if you want to more your pond)
4. Placement versitility - can be below ground or above ground
5. Cost? This would be depending on size though you can find them pretty cheap on craigslist (I got mine for $50).
6. Easier to install a drain making solid removal more effective (is this so; not sure)
Cons:
1. Shape and size is set
2. Getting preform level can be tricky
3. Preform can settle during settling making the pond not level
4. Requires additional material to set it (sand, gravel, rocks, etc)
5. May not look as natural as liner pond
6. Due to shallow depth usually these pond types are shut down during winter so no ability to keep fish
Liner Pond:
Pros:
1. Can design pool specifically to your specifications in terms of length, width, depth and character of bottom
2. More natural athestic look
3. Due to the unlimited depth options can keep fish and over winter pond
4. Cost is relativity inexpensive for new simple pond: just need liner and some rocks or heavy material to hold down liner
Please comment on which type of duck pond you have (preform vs. liner) and let me know if you agree, disagree or can think of additional comparisons that I did not list. Would also be great to add some lessons learned when installing a liner vs. preform pond as well.
I'm going to continue this thread with additional design and hardware including: pumps, filters, waterfall designs, sediment filters, biofilters, hydroponics, etc.
