2. Rocks and Gravel
Adding rocks and gravel to a pond solves many traditional pond problems. Contrary to popular opinion, adding rocks and gravel reduces pond maintenance. Gravel, unlike a smooth pond liner, provides surface area for bacteria to colonize. Fish waste and other organic matter that settles to the bottom gets broken down by the bacteria living there. Anaerobic sludge is therefore decreased naturally the way nature intended it to be. Additionally, covering the pond liner with gravel protects the liner from harmful UV rays and damage from animals and other sharp objects. The rocks and gravel also help hold down the liner during high ground water conditions and create areas for fish to hide when predators come around. Finally a stone bottom looks far more natural and is safer to walk on than an exposed slippery rubber liner.

3. Underlayment
A woven needle punched underlayment forms a soft padding for the liner. Unlike newspapers, it's quick to install. Unlike sand, it completely covers the vertical areas of the pond shelves. And, unlike carpet padding, it allows gases to escape out the sides while looking more professional.

4. Liner
A string 45-mil liner is the best choice for most pond installations. Unlike concrete, it is easy and inexpensive to install and won't crack. When covered with stone, it has a 40-year life expectancy. If a leak ever were to occur a simple inner-tube patch kit can make it as good as new.

5. Plant Pockets
Design plant pockets into the base of your pond and you will eliminate unsightly plant containers. plant pockets, around 6 inches deep and filled with soil, promote health in plant development by allowing the roots to spread through surrounding gravel, unlike contained plants, which can quickly become root-bound.

6. Cleansweep Skimmer
The Cleansweep skimmer filter is the most user-friendly design on the market today. This molded polyethylene vault is buried alongside the pond. The re-circulating pump is housed inside and pulls water and surface debris into an easily removed catch bag. Maintenance is a breeze with only a periodic weekly or even monthly emptying of the bag depending on debris loads. A horizontal filter pad traps smaller debris without preventing water from reaching the pump like imitation vertical pads do. An automatic fill valve can be added to keep your water level at a constant level so you never have to worry about filling your pond again. An overflow out the back even removes excess water during heavy rains.

• Bacteria
  Aquaclearer bacteria naturally balances the pond and String Algae Buster breaks down long string algae growing in the pond.
• Plants
  Marginal plants can be planted directly in the gravel. Their roots will spread throughout the gravel, cleaning the pond by using nutrients and growing vigorously.
• Fish
  Fish, like Koi and goldfish, can be successfully kept, and even bred, in water that is only two feet deep as far north as Zone 4 (MN).