Garden Ponds, Pools & Swimming Pools: Design, Build & Plant Water Features

Pools

From pre-Christian Asian civilizations, water integral to gardens. Pools, fountains, rills, ponds — puddle to lake — in gardens of every age. Early garden cultures in warm climates: water = luxury, paradise vision. Temperate countries equally keen — most want a pond, few build. Effort in construction and management, but rich rewards.

Water offers: exotic plants thrusting through surface, marginals clothing edges; fish/aquatic life fascination; sky-mirror lightening ground uniquely; water movement — slow flow or scintillating fountain spray.

Introducing Water Successfully

Possible, not necessarily expensive. Two warnings: (1) Artificial water integration isn't easy (except lucky stream/damp-ditch inheritors). More than lining hole + turning tap. (2) Can't combine all desiderata in one spot — some conflict. Water lilies die in moving water (drown under fountain spray). Ask: what do I want? Why? Then move forward constructively.

Informal pools in small gardens rarely appear natural. Same problem as rock gardens — often linked. Dug pond + spoil heap = "rockery." Large scale with backing = lovely. But planting difficulty: waterside plants evolutionarily large — dwarf rock plants. Avoid irregular fibreglass liners — constrict design. Better: define pool's purpose, size, shape, then find liner.

Shapes

Formal simple shapes recommended. Paving association = practical + visual. Water = attention focus → access must be convenient. Rectangular/L-shaped 2–3 m² (6–9 ft²) links terrace/lawn beautifully. Level change? One pool wall at sitting height = water surface/contents better enjoyed.

Planting

Small water area = restrained planting (aquatics + marginals). No point if leafy growth hides surface = ordinary border. Maybe smallest water lilies (Nymphaea tetragona, N. × pygmaea helvola) + aquatic iris (Iris laevigata variegata) for texture. Depth <30 cm (1 ft) = solid winter freeze risk (fish/exotic death) — fine if only sky reflection. ~60 cm = most horticultural/aesthetic needs. Child danger omnipresent — toddlers drown yearly. Compromise: design sandpit convertible to pool (see Family Garden post).

Plants in scale essential. Weeping willows on coffin pool = pool gone in 2 yrs, house in 10. Smaller bamboos (Arundinaria murieliae), corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana contorta), Nandina domestica (protected) = weeping effect.

Loveliest pools: plant growth in all habitats — deep water → shallow edges → marshy ground. Nature's way = delightful species for each condition. Artificial water = moisture only in liner. Sheer edge to full depth = marginals/bog plants out unless soil platforms/sunken containers made.

Construction

Concrete = traditional, best for formal, but considerable effort. Pre-mixed only; 15 cm base + 10 cm sides = surprising volume. Reinforcing bars key bottom to sides. Pre-constructed shuttering removed later. Seal new concrete (proprietary) to prevent exudations poisoning water — or 3–4 water changes. Draining: siphon hose to main drain; rest via base-inserted screw-top flagon (bottom broken) + soakaway.

Modern waterproof liners = easier, potentially shorter life. Fibreglass design dangers noted. Rectangular near-vertical liner admirable. Shallow dish-shaped = hard to disguise — avoid diseased-kidney shapes.

Thick UV-resistant polythene = cheapest. Sand layer in excavated hole, fill with water — weight shapes membrane. Black best. Butyl liners (made-to-size) = professional finish easier, also black. Finish vital: surround must be good (access, mask edges). Water lapping grass = charming in large natural settings; in gardens, paving fronts pool. Flagstones overhang 5 cm (2 in) = shadow hides liner, suggests cool depths. Garden water = artifice; design must make artifice appear natural — nearly impossible, but necessary.

Swimming Pools

Most difficult desirable feature to integrate. Keen gardeners need family persuasion.

Space permits? Consider swimming pool garden separate from rest. Seclusion desirable. Private swimming = freedom from public conventions.

Young family? Ornamental pool warnings apply equally. Pool = child magnet; edge slip = disaster. Door on area = better.

Position

Sunniest spot. Heating (fossil/solar) supplements sun's effect + water's heat retention. Wind increases cooling → enclosure (fencing/walls + plants) helps. Aquatic duvet reduces radiant night heat loss.

Small garden = limited pool positions. Neighbor impact: summer cries not always welcome; open invite to swim = bore. Thick planting absorbs noise.

Professional advice essential: ground levels, water supply/disposal, lining, heating, cost. Outside this site's scope (garden-as-whole visual effect). Pool-builder vs. garden planner conflicts need dispassionate whole-picture view.

Use

Actual swim time/year = very short. Season: more time on edge thinking about swimming, or in chairs post-exertion. Pool must be part of terrace/patio complex. Mediterranean ambience (however illusory). Paving surround prevents splash on grass/plants (resent chlorine). Changing rooms outdated; small shelter fronting heating unit for chairs/maintenance gear = better.

Shapes

Simple, rectilinear variations best. Foetal tadpoles = Hollywood, harder to build. Terrace planting helps: cascading summer annuals, scented tobacco/petunias (hot evenings). Weight/balance: cordyline cabbage palms, New Zealand flax, exotic climbers (Vitis coignetiae, Aristolochia macrophylla). Pool adds pleasure without visual detriment.