5 steps to create a pond in your garden
(Photo: © Shutterstock)
JUNE 06, 2019
For some years now, the pools have made their mark in our gardens. Very pleasant, they favor the tranquility of places and participate in the development of a small ecosystem. You want to decorate your garden by creating an outdoor pool? Discover the most important steps to successfully develop your water.
1. Prepare your project well
The creation of an outdoor pool can not be done at random. For the development of this space to be successful, you must mature your project . Here are the four big questions to ask yourself :
> The type of basin : do you want a tarp model (PVC or EPDM) ? A preformed basin with a ready-to-use hull ? A miniature basin installed in a zinc tank or jar ? A pool with fountain and water games ? It is up to you to make your choice.
>The shape and size of the pond : it will depend on the style you want to give your garden, the space you have and your budget. There are so-called "formal" basins with well-drawn geometric shapes and "natural" basins with more random curves. Japanese style or more design, manufacturers launch each year new products to develop an outdoor water space.
>The location : for the biological balance to be respected, avoid placing your body of water near a leafy tree or in full sun. Ideally, it should be exposed four to six hours a day. Also check that you can easily connect your electrical devices.
>Aquatic life : the design of your pond will depend on the presence or absence of aquatic animals and plants. You must think about it before the work.
2. Inquire at the municipal administration
In Luxembourg, the creation of an outdoor pond in a garden requires an authorization. The town planning rules are specific to each municipality, it will be necessary to inform you in advance on the styles of authorized basins. Before starting work, it is therefore essential that you contact your local administration.
You will also have to submit an application for authorization to the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure.
3. Build your artificial pond
You have two possibilities to create your outdoor pool: make it yourself, or contact a specialized company.
In the first case, you will have to go through many steps. After choosing the location and the type of pond , it will be necessary to dig the earth to install the tarpaulin or the hull. You will also have to provide upstream filtration systems aeration and evacuation basin, essential to its balance.
Then come the planting of plants, the impoundment and the stocking of the pond.
4. Fish and natural plants: the settlement of the water body
In addition to being pleasant and aesthetic, vegetation is essential to maintain the balance of the basin. Aquatic plants especially absorb nitrates that pollute the water and are the refuge of the fauna. Planting is ideally done between April and June.
Most outdoor ponds also contain fish of different species , such as carp and goldfish. To accommodate them, your pond must have a minimum depth of one meter on a third of its surface. Wait a month after impoundment to introduce newcomers.
5. Securing your pool
Artificial ponds are not subject to the same safety rules as domestic swimming pools. In theory, you do not have to secure your pool with specific equipment.
Nevertheless, children and animals are often attracted to water. An accident happened quickly, even if the basin is shallow. In order to avoid the risk of drowning, there are several ways: a protective fence blocking access to the pond (with a height of at least 60 centimeters), a motion detector that triggers during a suspicious impact, a protective net to be placed just below the surface of the water or a rough board, which will serve as an emergency ramp
Good to know: in any case, any body of water is likely to be a danger to young people: as the owner, you will be responsible.
By calling on a professional to create your ornamental pond, you will delegate the most difficult tasks while enjoying valuable advice. Know that there are many companies specialized in landscaping in Luxembourg: do not hesitate to contact them to compare their offers.
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