Start by deciding what you want to keep in the pond. A few fish? A bunch of fish? Big species, or little species? Plants, around or in or both? Rocks? Fish in it all winter or not? Do you want it to be more formal, or more natural looking?

Then, how big for each pool of the fall do you want? How far do you want each fall to fall? 3 inches? 1 foot? How much room is left for the pond? Where will your plumbing end up? Skimmer or no skimmer? Settling chamber or no? Bottom drain?

You need to answer all these questions for yourself before you get started. Keep reading and learning so you know what to expect.

To start out, if you have never done this before, a preform system is great to experiment with. The falls can be moved and changed easily as far as heights and patterns go compared to a liner type pond. It also helps you get a feel for how much water flows with a given sized pump, how filters act, and whether the work involved is worth it. (Obviously, we here, all find that it is worth it!) Remember that most people have found that bigger is better, but starting big might not be best for everyone.

By far, the most important thing is what you want to see when you are done. Begin with the end in mind.

Then, start setting out your water levels for each tier of the falls and the end pond. After that, dig like crazy!

Make sure it is all fun!
-TT