Location

• Choosing a location that affords a view of the pond from your living room, patio or deck works well. The pond should blend with the rest of your yard, so it looks natural. For low-maintenance ponds, building them away from trees keeps less debris from falling into the water.
  
  

Digging

• Digging a test hole works to find what kind of soil you'll dig through. In some parts of the country, you may rocks, boulders or limestone that limit the depth of your pond.
  
  

Equipment

• All ponds require a liner so the water does not leak into the soil. Plastic or rubber liners are available in a variety of sizes. You'll need a water pump to circulate the water in your pond. Ponds that rely on natural streams for their water may not require pumps.
  
  

Permits

• Depending on your location, the city, county or state you live in may require you to obtain a permit to build your pond. Housing associations also require approval before you begin building.