Pools of water at ground level have an illusion of appearing smaller so make the pond as large as possible
An ideal depth for a garden pond is 24" - 30" though some koi require small areas as deep as 36". Be sure to investigate local building codes since often pools over 18" deep require extra fencing, etc.

Pond Construction

Outline the pond area using a hose, rope, etc
Excavate the soil leaving a few shelves for plants, sides should angle about 20 degrees
Underlay with underlayment material
Place liner in the hole and spread it out evenly
Flexible liners can be covered with rocks and gravel to give a more natural look, reduce the chance of liner damage and offer more surface area for the beneficial bacteria to colonize
Let pond stabilize before adding plants and fish
If a waterfall is also being built, be sure to include a small holding pond or use a Biofalls filter before the waterfall to slow the water velocity and allow the water to flow evenly over the lip of the waterfall

Pumps

Determine pond volume ( L x W x D x 7.5 gal/cubic ft )
Pump should be sized to recirculate the entire pond volume every 60 to 120 minutes
Determine height from top of pond level to pump discharge level, the pump must be capable of producing the required volume at this height
For the best circulation the pump should be located in a skimmer or slightly off the bottom of the pool and on the opposite side of the pond from where it discharges
To reduce friction loss piping should be at least the same size as the pump outlet
Increased flows may be desired for waterfalls. 1200 gal/hr is a good flow for a 1 foot wide waterfall

Electrical

Small pumps through 1/2 hp require a standard 120 volt power source
Pump should be on its own circuit and have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

Filters

Mechanical filters and skimmers simply filter out the waste and debris in the pond
Biological filters use layered media to provide a stable environment for "good" bacteria to convert wastes and algae into fertilizer, this type is a must for ponds with fish

Fountain Nozzles

Fountain nozzles beautify the pond and help oxygenate the water
Be sure to keep the top of the fountain nozzle above water level
Install an in-line valve for height adjustment. Fountain height should be a maximum of half the width of the pond

Plants

Use one bunch of submerged plants for every 1-2 square feet of pond surface
To keep the water cool, surface plants should cover at least 50% of the pond

Fish

Fish are enjoyable to watch and help keep submerged plants from over-growing. They also will eat algae and mosquitoe larvae

Maintenance

Regular maintenance includes filling to maintain water level and cleaning filters. Add dry beneficial bacteria when the water temperature stays above 50 degrees. When cleaning biological filters clean only the pads, not the media. Use pond water to clean the pads since tap water contains chlorine which will kill the bacteria.
Spring maintenance includes removing leaves and organic matter. Expect a period of green water as the pond comes back to life. Late spring is also the best time to add new aquatic plants.
Summer maintenance includes pruning water plants and keeping an eye out for insects or disease. Be sure to keep water level high and filters and strainers clean.
Autumn maintenance includes cutting back plants and removing leaves and organic matter before winter.
Winter maintenance's main activity is making sure the pond does not become completely covered with ice since the ice will trap gases which can kill fish. To keep an open spot in the ice you can use your pump as long as you never turn it off during cold spells. Be sure to maintain water level even during the winter. If your pond does not contain fish, store the pump inside during the winter.

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