Do any of you have a back yard pond?

[Greenman]

I think I need one, with a waterfall. I know I need a hole, a liner, probably a couple fish, and that pretty much plumbs the depths of my knowledge on the subject. Lots of info is available, but it's all the fun happy chirpy stuff, what's the down side?

 

[BoomerD]

I think I need one, with a waterfall. I know I need a hole, a liner, probably a couple fish, and that pretty much plumbs the depths of my knowledge on the subject. Lots of info is available, but it's all the fun happy chirpy stuff, what's the down side?

Maintenance, critters getting in and eating your fish.

 

[KeithP]

Here is your target

-kp

 

[Greenman]

Here is your target

-kp

That would take up almost my whole yard.

 

[WelshBloke]

...what's the down side?

 

[Greenman]

View attachment 105194

Back at the beginning of summer I picked up a mosquito control device for $24. Hung it in my back yard and haven't seen a single mosquito since. It could be that there just aren't any mosquitos around here, or maybe the neighbors taste better. I don't know what it is, but mosquitos aren't a concern.

 

[pcgeek11]

Everybody thinks about mosquitos. My wives cousin had a small pond in her back yard. It quickly became infected with Frogs frogs that loved to breed and breed and breed. It became so loud they couldn't sleep at night for all the croaking such.
They tried reducing the population, scooping out the billions of eggs etc... and none of that worked. They finally drained the pond and filled it in with dirt.

 

[Greenman]

Everybody thinks about mosquitos. My wives cousin had a small pond in her back yard. It quickly became infected with Frogs frogs that loved to breed and breed and breed. It became so loud they couldn't sleep at night for all the croaking such.
They tried reducing the population, scooping out the billions of eggs etc... and none of that worked. They finally drained the pond and filled it in with dirt.

Frogs! In my pond!
I never thought about that, could very well be a deal breaker. I could keep a small gator in the pond, but it seems like that would be an issue for the dogs.

 

[pcgeek11]

Frogs! In my pond!
I never thought about that, could very well be a deal breaker. I could keep a small gator in the pond, but it seems like that would be an issue for the dogs.

They didn't think about it either until it happened.
Obviously frogs love to breed...

 

[herm0016]

Frogs! In my pond!
I never thought about that, could very well be a deal breaker. I could keep a small gator in the pond, but it seems like that would be an issue for the dogs.

before you know it you are looking for a lion known to eat gators. it's a slippery slope.

sounds like an excuse to buy a mini ex.

 

[Hans Gruber]

I think I need one, with a waterfall. I know I need a hole, a liner, probably a couple fish, and that pretty much plumbs the depths of my knowledge on the subject. Lots of info is available, but it's all the fun happy chirpy stuff, what's the down side?

What kind of question is that? Yes, of course we all have backyard ponds.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I don't, but one of my uncles has a Koi (fish) pond, it's actually pretty cool. He dug a little then built a wood wall around then added a liner to get the water level higher.

He moves them all to his basement in winter but he wants to experiment with the feasibility of heating it in winter so the water doesn't freeze. I'm not sure how easy that will be to do though.

 

[WelshBloke]

Back at the beginning of summer I picked up a mosquito control device for $24. Hung it in my back yard and haven't seen a single mosquito since. It could be that there just aren't any mosquitos around here, or maybe the neighbors taste better. I don't know what it is, but mosquitos aren't a concern.

Mosquitos aren't a concern before you get a pool!

 

[WelshBloke]

Everybody thinks about mosquitos. My wives cousin had a small pond in her back yard. It quickly became infected with Frogs frogs that loved to breed and breed and breed. It became so loud they couldn't sleep at night for all the croaking such.
They tried reducing the population, scooping out the billions of eggs etc... and none of that worked. They finally drained the pond and filled it in with dirt.

They could have invited some hungry french people around to stay.

Of course you then have to work out a way to get rid of the french people.

 

[BoomerD]

View attachment 105194

First, in a relatively small pond, (not like that 5 acre monster posted above) the movement of the water should help to keep the mosquitos from breeding. They need standing water...then, a few fish SHOULD eat the mosquitos, especially mosquito fish...besides, he's in Mississippi...the mosquito is the state bird.

 

[highland145]

Of course you then have to work out a way to get rid of the french people.

Drop flyers saying the Mongols are invading.

 

[Greenman]

before you know it you are looking for a lion known to eat gators. it's a slippery slope.

sounds like an excuse to buy a mini ex.

Now you're really on to something, and I could justify it. There is no soil around here, the ground is red clay mixed with a great deal of gravel. I'll look into this.

 

[Greenman]

So it appears that I need a mini excavator, a gator, a lion, frogs, French people, and maybe a few Mongols. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without you fellows.

 

[highland145]

Don't forget the plane for the flyers.

 

[Steltek]

So it appears that I need a mini excavator, a gator, a lion, frogs, French people, and maybe a few Mongols. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without you fellows.

Don't forget you need something to kill all the snakes that will be attracted by your frogs, fish, and nice cool (relatively speaking) water hole.....

 

[nOOky]

Check local laws regarding ponds and neighbors with children, some localities treat them like swimming pools. If that's not applicable I don't know why in the hell you'd want to go through all of the hassle to have a pond.

 

[Steltek]

Check local laws regarding ponds and neighbors with children, some localities treat them like swimming pools. If that's not applicable I don't know why in the hell you'd want to go through all of the hassle to have a pond.

And your insurance policy as well. Not worth getting your insurance canceled over it as there are companies that view any free standing pool of water as an abomination before god or something.

Maybe just settle for a nice birdbath???

 

[Greenman]

Check local laws regarding ponds and neighbors with children, some localities treat them like swimming pools. If that's not applicable I don't know why in the hell you'd want to go through all of the hassle to have a pond.

It's not an issue. Huge ponds are common as dirt around here, small ponds are what's rare.
I want a small pond with a waterfall because I find it relaxing. A little waterfall, a firepit, and a nice whisky makes for a pleasant evening.

 

[bbhaag]

It's not an issue. Huge ponds are common as dirt around here, small ponds are what's rare.
,I want a small pond with a waterfall because I find it relaxing. A little waterfall, a firepit, and a nice whisky makes for a pleasant evening.

My brother-in-law has had a small pond in his backyard for around 25 years or so.

I've spent many hours out there sipping whiskey with him while having the fire pit going with the water rushing in the background so I can see the appeal.

Over the years I've talked to him about it and came to three conclusions.

1. The initial installation cost is steep. Stone, pumps, liners, chemicals, plants.....it goes on and on.

2. It took him years to figure out the right balance for a healthy pond. This is the maintenance aspect. Years, not days not weeks, not months but years.

3. I would never want a pond in my backyard. My Bro-In-Law spends so much time dicking around with his that I learned pretty quickly that it was just not for me.

But after 20 plus years of sipping whiskey looking at the fire and listening to some good music while the water is cascading over his waterfall.... Yeah I get the appeal. I'm just glad he takes care of it and not me. 😁

 

[highland145]

Here.

I can still drown y'all in it....given enough peat moss whiskey.