A pond is a very peaceful place to be in especially in the summertime, relaxing and enjoying scenic views of flora and fauna. In addition to providing you with some mental relaxation, being by the water also has great health benefits. Being near or by the water promotes better blood circulation, cleaner lungs, and increased bone density. If you’re looking to add a small touch of nature to your home, the perfect solution is an outdoor pond.
However, even if you choose to keep your pond small, it still needs to be cared for and maintained. One of the most important things is the water supply. With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how much water your pond will need. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips that will help you figure out how many gallons of water you’ll need for your pond.
Table of Contents
Surface Area
The total surface area of your pond is the most important factor in determining how many gallons of water you’ll need to sustain life. For example, a 10′ x 10′ pond will need a total of 100 sq. ft. of surface area to sustain two small children and an adult. Keep in mind that the volume of the water will also be based on how much food you want to feed the fish in the pond. Smaller ponds will need more frequent water changes than larger ones. Regardless of the size of your pond, once you understand the principal of surface area, you’ll be able to figure out how many gallons of water you need for any given situation.
Depth
Another important factor to consider when determining how many gallons of water you’ll need is the depth of your pond. The deeper the pond, the more volume it will contain. Therefore, if you want your pond to be a relaxed and quiet place to be in, go for a shallower depth. The shallower the better as far as sound is concerned. When it comes to pond building, more depth is always better because you can always add more dirt to decrease the noise level. Shallow ponds are also great for little children who might stumble into the water unexpectedly. This could potentially result in injury or even death.
Shape
The shape of your pond is also important because it will govern how the water moves. For instance, if you want the water to move smoothly like a river, go for a circular shape. Even though it’s more difficult to maintain a rounded pond because of the constant threat of erosion, the overall appeal will be worth it. Also, when choosing the shape of your pond, bear in mind that the longer the pond’s surface, the better; otherwise, more evaporation will occur and your pond will eventually dry up. Think about what you want from your pond and choose the shape accordingly.
Location
The location of your pond is also important, especially if you want to avoid having your pond next to or within view of a house or garage. The closer to the center of the property, the better because that way you can easily access the water from any point. If possible, build your pond in a spot that is far enough from any home or structure that might be affected by weather conditions. In case of heavy rain or extreme temperatures, it would be better to build your pond in a covered area to prevent any mishaps. In general, the farther away the better when it comes to locating ponds. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How Do I Calculate The Amount Of Water Needed?
To figure out how many gallons of water you’ll need for your pond, use this formula:
(Surface Area x Depth) x 2 for adding oxygen to the water.
For a covered pond with a flat surface area, just add another 0.5 gallon for every day it is not covered. For example, if you plan to have your pond covered with a tarp for a couple of weeks in the summer, you will need an additional 10 gallons per day. When removing the tarp and uncovering the pond, add another 0.5 gallon to decrease the risk of drying up.
Keep in mind that the amount of water you need will vary depending on several factors:
- The temperature of the water
- The air humidity level
- The shape of the pond
- The sun’s position
- The amount of food you want to feed the fish
- Where does the water come from
- How is it used
- How many adults versus children
- etc.
At the end of the day, keep in mind that water is important and you should not take it for granted. Learning how to properly calculate the amount of water you need for your pond is a good idea because you never know when you’ll need it. In addition, figuring out how many gallons you need at the onset will save you lots of money in water bills that you’ll otherwise have to pay during the rest of the year. In the long term, having a properly maintained pond can also mitigate health risks that people are more likely to encounter as they get old. Imagine how many germs and parasites your body is exposed to every day just by being in your home. Add another gallon for every adult in the house to reduce the risks of getting sick or infecting others. Regular water changing will also ensure that the water remains healthy. Stagnant water is the precursor to all sorts of bacteria and fungus, which can make you sick if you come in contact with them. Keeping your pond clean is also a key factor in maintaining its health.
What Type Of Plants Do Well In Ponds?
One of the most important things that you need to do to ensure the health of your pond is to plant some living creatures in it. Fish provide many advantages to ponds. They eat bugs that could otherwise become a nagging problem for you as well as other small animals and insects. In addition, fish also help clean the pond by transforming toxic substances into less toxic ones. In summary, fish can be a great companion for a pond, providing it with some verdant beauty while also serving a functional role in maintaining its health.
However, the plants that you use in your pond are just as important as the animals because they provide some of the foods that the animals eat. For example, perch plants are the main source of food for small animals like fish and turtles. Therefore, in order to sustain a healthy ecosystem in your pond, both the plants and the animals need to be present in it. Some types of plants that you can use in your pond are those that attract bees and butterflies to your yard. In general, the healthier the environment in your pond, the better because you’ll be able to enjoy being near or by the water without worrying about your health in any way. In case you want to attract wildlife to your pond, you can use this handy guide to select the right native plants for the purpose.
Am I Needed For Oxygenation?
One more thing that you need to keep in mind about your pond is whether or not you need an aerator. An aerator is a small device that is used for bubbling oxygen into the water. Aerators are very helpful in keeping your pond alive because they allow the water to remain at a desirable temperature. In general, ponds that do not have an aerator are better because they allow for more desirable biological processes to occur. However, if you have a lot of money to spend, then get yourself an aerator because they are quite affordable. Besides, having an aerator will make your pond seem more luxurious because it will add that extra touch of nature that is so often missing from everyday living due to the noise and distractions of our modern world. Think about what you want out of your pond and choose the aerator accordingly.
Choosing the right spot for your pond is also crucial because the environment around it will have an impact on its health. If possible, build your pond in a place that is sheltered from the wind so that the air is as still as possible. Also, you should avoid disturbing the ground around the pond so that it does not affect the stability of the water. In summary, the environment of your pond is just as important as the stuff floating around in it and the spot where you build it is its most influential factor.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of calculating how much water you need for your pond, it’s time to move on to the fun part which is designing it. Whether you’re doing this as a project for your kids or want to build it as a relaxation spot for yourself and your family, every bit of fun has a purpose. So, go ahead and start designing your pond with some concrete plans and designs in mind. Once you’ve decided where you’re going to put it, the next step is to work on the specifications and measurements of your new aquatic landscape.