Water Boy Supply Centre - 401 Dewdney Ave E, Regina, SK - 306-757-6242

Pond - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What materials are required to make a pond?

A. Fish safe rubber liner (45 mil thick), a bio-mechanical filter (larger ponds may use an additional one), pump, plumbing, lighting (optional), fountain nozzle (optional).

Q. How long does it take to make a pond?

A. Two hours to one weekend.

Q. Do you offer authorized installations?

A. We have available qualified professional people to do installations. We are a authorized dealer for Nursery Pro pond products.

Q. Where can I build by pond and what concerns should I have when thinking of putting in a pond system?

A. Location of the pond can be virtually anywhere, however placement should be somewhere it will be easily viewed and enjoyed such as off a patio, deck or picture window. Remember a pond is something that should be heard as well as seen. Before digging a pond, lay out the shape with a garden hose so that you can visualize how it will be viewed before digging. Remember to check for underground utilities before construction begins. Another tip is to have the pond 50% shaded so as to better control algae that could occur under full sun.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Pond supplies (not counting decorative rock or brick or labour) can start as low as $ 125.00 (deck ponds) to over $2,000.00, however for an average 10' x 12' pond can cost approximately $600.00.

Q. Are the ponds 'fish friendly'?

A. Our liners our certified fish friendly and pumps are oil free-water lubricated.

Q. How much maintenance is required?

A. Weekly maintenance would be cleaning the skimmer to remove debris(such as leaves). Periodic maintenance would be cleaning the filter media on the lawn or driveway with a garden hose. You will observe the necessity of this by reduced flow of the waterfall or stream. Shut down of pond includes bringing the pump in for winter and storing in a pail of water and draining the pond about 50%. Start up of the pond would include removing all water from the pond, cleaning with garden hose and then and then pumping out once again before filling up for the season.

Q. How much power does it take to run? Does it have to run all the time?

A. Our pumps are some of the most power efficient. Don't be fooled by inexpensive pumps as they may be cheap to buy but cost a small fortune to operate. Pumps must also be able to run continuously to keep the water fresh and oxygenated- especially if you have fish or plants. Our pumps start at as low as 13.5 watts to 750 watts. At $.07 per kw hour this means it costs from $ 0.32 to $ 1.26 per day. As you can see it a pump that costs a bit more but is more efficient could soon pay for itself in less than a season.

Q. Can the pond system be made with wood instead of stone? How about other media?

A. A pond containmant can be made of virtually any material ( wood, stone, brick) as long as it is lined with a rubber or plastic liner. Rubber is best as it is the most flexible and can contour to most any shape.

Q. What are the size constraints?

A. You are limited only to the size and obstacles of your yard and your budget.

Q. What is the most expensive part to consider when considering a pond system? (i.e.. length, height, winding, ...)

A. The most expensive aspect of the pond is the liner. You can make a pond look bigger by a having a smaller, narrower stream or streams running into a catchment pond. Since the streams are made with remnants of the liner roll (just like carpet), try to plan for having a 4' to 5' remnant left over from your main catchment pond. Also remember the larger the catchment pond the larger the pump you should have to circulate the volome of water within the pond.......rule of thumb - the volume of water in the pond should be turned over at least once every two hours.

Q. How do I calculate how much liner I require once I have my pond layout?

A. Take measurements at the widest and longest parts of the pond. Add at least 1' -1.5' for liner overhang on four sides and add the depth of the pond twice to each measurement. Example: A pond is 8' at its widest point and 12' at its longest point and is 2' deep at its deepest point. You allow 1.5 feet on each side for liner overhange = 3'. You allow 2' for the liner to reach the total depth of the pond and another 2' for it to come back up. You then do the same for the length. Therefore you will require liner the size of: 8' + (1.5' + 1.5') + (2' + 2') x 12' + (1.5' + 1.5') + (2' + 2') = 15' x 19' . Since liner comes in rolls of 15' and 20' widths, you would not have any remnants from a 15' roll but would have a 1' remnant from a 20' roll that could easily be used up in the overhang. You calculate the same method for streams except you will have to add extra for a stream that curves as the liner can only flex so much.

Q How deep should I make the pond?

A. At least 2 feet deep. This will make the water easier to maintain as it will keep it cooler and the fish will appreciate it too.

Q. What about plants?

A. Plants are very benificial for maintianing the pond ecosystem and are easy to care for. In winter simply put them in a dark plastic bag and bring them inside and store in a cool dark place.

Q. What else can I use with my pond to make it more attractive?

A. Lighting - both underwater and above water shining on to it. The pond will take on a completely different charm in the evening for you to enjoy!

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