TIPS  

Sunterra is dedicated to making your water gardening experience as enjoyable as possible. To this end, we provide you with many tips on how to create, maintain, and personalize your water garden. Check this often, as they will be updated regularly!

 

LINERS
  • When purchasing a pre-cut liner, the following general rules can be applied to liner sizes based on depths:

    • 18” deep: subtract 4’ from each liner dimension to get finished pond dimensions.
    • 24” deep: subtract 5’ from each liner dimension to get finished pond dimensions.
    • 36” deep: subtract 7’ from each liner dimension to get finished pond dimensions.


  • Before measuring out and marking the pond shape, it is a good idea to set the liner out flat in the sun. This will help to make the liner more pliable and easier to adjust when it is placed into the pond basin. Typically it is best to do this 1 or 2 hours before lining the basin.


  • Sunterra recommends using a form of underlayment to protect the liner from puncture by roots and rocks. Common forms of underlayment are sand or carpeting.


  • When placing large rocks or bricks on the edges of the liner for decoration, it is recommended to place a padding of some sorts between the decorations and liner. Do not place heavy bricks or sharp rocks directly onto the liner.


  • If using underlayment, make sure to add the thickness of the material used into the depth calculation. For example, 1” of underlayment would mean digging an 18” deep pond 19” deep instead.


  • Always remember to install the liner texture side up. The textured surface of the liner creates a habitat for essential pond bacteria to colonize.


  • Some water gardeners prefer to line the bottom and slopes of the pond with small rocks or pebbles as a form of U.V. protection. This should be done prior to adding water. Be sure to wash excess dirt from the rocks/pebbles to help keep the pond water clean. Adding rocks or pebbles will help to preserve the liner over time, however it is not required for successful water gardening.



PUMPS
It is important to follow the recommendations on the pump and filter packaging. Using the incorrect combination of pump to filter can result either in poor flow or excessive flow, both scenarios resulting in a pond ecology that is less than optimal.
  • Sunterra recommends allowing for an average circulation of pond water at 1.5 times per hour. Less than 1 circulation per hour will not clean the water sufficiently, whereas more than 2 times per hour can actually “over clean” the water, stripping the pond of good bacteria and harming the ecosystem. It may be necessary to use multiple pumps or filters, depending on the size of the pond and how many waterfalls or other water features are desired.


  • Maintenance will also need to be performed periodically on all filters and pumps. This mainly consists of extracting the mechanical filter pads and cleaning by running them under warm water.


  • A formula which can help determine the gallonage in a square pond with 30 degree walls is:
    length x width x depth x 6.7 = gallons

    For example, a finished pond size of 8’ x 10’ x 1.5’ would contain 900 gallons of water. 8 x 10 x 1.5 x 6.7 = 804 gallons

    If pond has 90 degree angle walls, substitute the above 6.7 with 7.5, to adjust for the increase in water volume.


  • WATERFALL CONSIDERATIONS
    When adding a waterfall to the pond, it is important to consider the vertical lift and distance the water must travel from the pump to the waterfall; this may affect which pump or filter is necessary to attain enough lift while maintaining an average pond water circulation rate of 1.5 times per hour. (See Installation section for additional information to determine pump).



Plant and Fish life
  • It is highly recommended to research any plant life introduced into the ecosystem, as some plants are considered to be hazardous to certain areas.


  • Also, consider adding submersible plants as well as floating plants to help cut back on algae production. (See FAQ section for further details).


  • It is important to remember that fish create toxic gases, and during the winter months an opening must be maintained on the surface ice of the pond in order to release these toxic gases and allow oxygen in. It is recommended to use a floating electric or solar deicer to accomplish this.



Shaping the pond
  • Dig all of the walls at approximately a 30 degree angle. This preserves liner placement and reduces erosion of the basin walls.


  • Also, dig a small ledge around the perimeter of the water garden that is wide enough and deep enough for the type of edging used. Remember, the shelf should be 6”-8” below the bottom of the edge, so shelf depth may need to be adjusted after creating the perimeter ledge.


  • Water is naturally even, whether or not the container is. Therefore, it is very important to make sure the pond is level in relation to the surrounding ground. Otherwise, the pond will look lopsided due to the water naturally evening itself out.