Can you buy patio pond kits & garden pond kits ?
The short answer is yes, but if you're looking for patio pond kits or a garden pond kits, firstly, it's a good idea to consider the different types of raised pond options available. We've created this guide to help you choose the most suitable solution for how to make a raised pond.
What is a raised pond?
A raised pond is a pond which is above ground rather than dug into the earth. There are many benefits to a raised pond especially if space is at a premium or if you prefer not to dig up your patio or precious garden lawn. They can offer a degree of safety when it comes to young children running around and are much more inclusive for wheelchair users.
How to build a raised pond on a patio or garden
A raised pond can be achieved in many different ways including a pre-designed and manufactured kit or by building a wooden or brick structure and using a box welded liner. The route you choose may depend on the space you have available, costs and the purpose of the pond. Check out some raised pond ideas below.
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Pre-formed pond
Pre-formed raised ponds are made from a wide variety of materials including metal, plastic and glass in various designs. There is an option for almost any shape and size, so many looks can be achieved, although some options (especially larger metal ponds) can be pricey. Using a preformed pond for your garden is often the quickest and easiest way to get a raised pond as most will come as a single piece which simply needs putting on a level, flat base and filling with water. The downside of this type of pond is also the thing that makes it the easiest – these ponds often come ready to go, so manoeuvring them from your delivery point to their final location should be carefully considered prior to purchase. It should also be noted that metal is highly heat conductive so care should be taken if you are hoping to use a metal pond for fish as the water can heat up.
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Wooden raised pond kit
Wooden raised pond kits are similar to preformed ponds in that they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they often appeal to people trying to achieve a more natural look to their outdoor space. Wooden raised ponds are usually supplied in flat-pack form. The walls are either a more natural round log shape or square cut for a smoother finish. These raised ponds often also have a seat built into the top so you can enjoy your pond. Fitted with a pre-formed raised pond liner to suit, wooden ponds are designed to last as well as look good!! Using a wooden raised pond kit eliminates a lot of the planning and stress associated with this kind of project, as they are generally quick and easy to install allowing you to have your pond up and running and ready to enjoy in no time at all. They do however require assembly so make sure to take this into consideration when choosing a patio pond kit. Some may also require groundworks, for example, if they are supplied with a sump. As with most garden pond kits, the area where you are looking to install will also need to be flat and free from debris as the preformed liners can be damaged by small stones etc.
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Self-build pond
Alternatively, if you have a specific plan in mind then you might want to build your own raised pond, allowing for a more intricate design and perfect for formal, ornamental or koi ponds. Self-build ponds are often built out of blocks, bricks or railway sleepers depending on the aesthetic you are looking to achieve. Sleepers provide a more natural look, whereas brick ponds can look more formal. More planning is required for this type of raised pond of course and in turn, it may take longer to complete, the cost element is also something to consider as you will require groundworks to build the actual pond and then a pond liner on top of this. A box welded pond liner is the best option for this type of pond because it can be made to fit the shape of your pond without requiring any folds or creases in the liner. Before you start building it is a good idea to check with the liner manufacturer that your ideas can be turned into reality. Don’t be put off by the name either, a box welded liner can be circular too!!
How big should my pond be?
This depends on what you would like to use it for as well as your budget and the space you want to dedicate to your pond. For example, if you would like a water feature then your pond can be as small or as large as your space and budget allow. However, if you would like to keep fish then you will need something on the larger side. You can calculate how many fish your pool can hold with a few simple calculations, firstly you will need to work out how many gallons of water your pond will hold:
Square or rectangle pond: length x width x average water depth (feet) x 7.5
Round: diameter x diameter x average water depth (feet) x 5.9
If you are keeping koi, you should allocate 35 gallons per inch of fish and if you are keeping goldfish this should be 20 gallons per inch.
As an example, 400 gallons raised pools will be big enough to support around five medium goldfish. But don’t be put off smaller raised ponds if fish is what you want, they can hold fish as well, you will just need smaller or fewer fish!
We hope this has provided some useful raised garden pond ideas. If you would like more information on raised ponds, see our box welded liners or raised wooden pond kits.
