My wife and I have just decided to install a pond in our back yard. The salesman at the pond supply store steered us toward an Aquascape pond kit (11' x 16') that would "have everything that we need." We have not yet spent any money, and we are intimidated the vast amount of decisions that we need to make. I would like to know if it is better to buy a 'complete' kit, or to buy all of the components separately. I am afraid that the kit contains an assortment of inferior components with an attractive price tag. Will I have to worry about replacing the pump and patching the liner because I jumped at the lowest price I could find? :unsure:

Hi and welcome! I can't answer your question but I am sure someone will sometime today or tomorrow so be sure to check back!
By the way, what zone do you live in??

Tia

Hi Tia, I live in Zone 7a. Thanks!

I've never bought one of the kits myself because I want control over each part of the pond. There are some good kits out there but none of them are even close to "complete." I prefer to pick each component but some others want choices made for them. I will say that there are plenty of pond kits that are totally worthless as far as durability and quality of the parts, adequate filtration for the pond, etc. Most kits have pumps and filters way too small for the pond. Most of the parts will be the cheaper versions.

Hi, Ufale! Welcome to the forum! I have never done a pond kit either. I guess a kit isn't really necessary.....you need a liner, pump and filter to start. I guess after that most things are optional and you can add them as you go. The only thing I can say from experience is don't cheap out on the liner. I did and it was BAD! If your pond is on the smaller side the cost won't be too bad. Pumps aren't that bad of a price and you can build your own filter (lots of ideas on the internet) of course if money is not an object than you can buy a filter too. I get most things on ebay because that is about my only option in my area. Feel free to ask us lots of question we don't mind and check out Robyn's pond pages too! Good luck and have fun!

Hi Ufale, I personally would not go for the pond kit I've heard to many story's of them being poor quality, Just as KK and Robyn were saying you can pick up the stuff cheap enough on eBay, But you will turn into a pond junkie and there is not a cure :P

mark

My DH has been researching our pond for at least the last month and has found that typically getting exactly what he wants doesn't happen with a kit and is much less expensive to purchase individual components instead of the whole thing. The other thing we have found is that we are ordering different components from different sites as there is not one that has everything inexpensively.

Ufale, As others have stated in general pond kits are not the way to go, unless you are talking something real small less than 150 gallons which is not what you are looking for.
Research on forums or pond supply web sites can be a big help to you making wise decisions on buying the supplies needed. Before anyone can help with advise you should let us know what the plans are for this pond will be. Fish, if so, what type. Location, are trees going to be in the imediate area? Have you contacted the utilities to see if the area is clear for digging? Are you digging by hand? How deep are you planning to go? I started planning my two ponds totaling 8000 gallons last fall (with several years experence having a pereformed pond) and the plans changed many times over the winter with researching different options. Hope this helps.

Fm3

Wow! So many valuable insights. Thanks everyone! I am planning to dig the entire pond by hand. I was thinking about building to a depth of 2.5 feet in the center, with ledges around the sides. I keep reading different opinions about the value of ledges. I want the pond to be large (I have the space), and I keep reading that bigger is better. I am most intimidated by planning and constructing a waterfall. I am told that they can be a source of endless problems. I also have not given much thought to the quantity and type of stone that I will need. It seem that there is so much more to water garden construction than I have ever dreamed! I would be grateful to hear more from you veterans. Thanks!

There are some threads on the forum about waterfall building (I don't have the time right now to find them but maybe one of my helper's does). I had my waterfall poorly built by a landscaper. It has settled a lot. The main thing with the waterfall is that you want the entire area covered in a liner because all the water is not going to go where you want it. You have to play with the rocks, maybe use sealant foam (my rocks are all loose), and make very sure that no water gets diverted outside of the lined area.

I prefer to have shelves/ledges for two reasons. You can put your pond plant pots on the shelves (I don't like messing with milk crates, etc. to raise the pots). And, they make it easier to climb in and out of the pond. The disadvantage is that it makes it easier for some predators too.

Ufale, if you at all concerned about the rock cost/availability you can also go with a semi raised pond and use timbers or 4x4's or 6x6's like I did. I also say go for shelves as I did not do this in my last pond but will 100% for sure be doing it in the new one!!!! Of course....since your pond will not be that deep, you could also set you plants etc. on milk crates and with not putting in shelves you will have more water volume! Just trying to scramble your brain with ideas so you will fit in with the other pond nuts on here, lol ;)

Also check with your local City Hall. There's usually a depth limit before you need a permit...in my area it's 2 ft. The only 'kit' I would recommend is to try to get the liner and underlayment together ( you usually get a deal when you do ), but it does decide on the size of liner...and go EDPM!! Rocks can get expensive so expect a chunk of cash for them. Somebody just recieved pond rocks on a Freecycle site I belong to a few weeks ago...just a way to check things out.