Top 15 DIY Ponds Backyard Simple [Within Budget]

Creating a backyard pond can transform your outdoor space into a serene retreat. Have you ever wanted a peaceful water feature but felt overwhelmed by the process? 

I understand the struggle. That’s why I’ve compiled these 15 simple DIY pond ideas.

Let’s dive in and discover how easy it can be to bring tranquility to your backyard.

DIY Ponds Backyard Simple

Here are the simple backyard 15 DIY pond ideas. 

1. Small Rock Pond

To build a simple garden pond, you’ll need rocks in different sizes, a pond liner, a shovel, a water pump, some tubing, and optional plants.

Pick a spot that gets some sunlight and mark the area where the pond will go.

Dig out a hole and, if you want to include plants, create shelves in the hole where they can sit. Put the pond liner in the hole, making sure it fits well.

Then, place rocks around the edges to keep the liner in place. Install the water pump and connect the tubing.

Fill the pond with water and, if you wish, add some plants. Now, arrange additional rocks around and inside the pond to give it a natural appearance.

2. Container Pond

To create a beautiful water garden choose a large waterproof container and place it in your preferred location.

Then, add water plants to the container. Install a small water pump to keep the water circulating properly.

Decorate the edges with decorative stones to enhance the visual appeal and fill the container with water, and your water garden is complete.

3. Preformed Pond

To create a pond, choose a good spot for your pond. Then, dig a hole that matches the shape of your preformed pond shell.

Spread a layer of sand at the bottom of the hole for a stable base, place the pond shell into the hole, and fill the space around it with soil.

After that, set up the water pump and connect the tubing. Fill the pond with water, and if you want, add some plants to enhance the look.

4. Natural Stream Pond

Pick a spot in your garden with a slight slope. Use the shovel to dig a shallow trench for your stream, making sure to dig a deeper hole at the end for the pond.

Line both the trench and the hole with the pond liner to keep the water in place. Then, arrange rocks along the edges of the stream and pond for a natural look.

Install the water pump in the pond and run the tubing from the pond up to the top of the stream.

Fill the setup with water and test the pump to ensure everything works smoothly.

Finally, enhance the beauty by adding plants around the edges of your stream and pond. Enjoy your serene garden feature!

5. Koi Pond

To build a koi pond, you’ll need a pond liner, a shovel, rocks, a water pump, tubing, koi fish, and plants.

Choose a sunny location in your yard and dig a hole with different depths. Then, place the pond liner in the hole to prevent water leakage.

Arrange rocks around the edges of the pond for a natural look, then install the water pump and connect the tubing.

Fill the pond with water, and add the koi fish and plants to complete your peaceful garden feature.

6. Raised Bed Pond

To create a simple water garden, you’ll need wood for the frame, a pond liner, a water pump, tubing, water plants, nails, and a hammer.

Build a wooden frame to the size you want. Then, line the inside of the frame with the pond liner and secure it with nails.

Now, install the water pump and connect the tubing. Fill the frame with water, and finally, add the water plants.

7. Solar-Powered Pond

Select a sunny spot for your pond. Then, dig a hole where the pond will be and place the pond liner inside the hole to prevent water leakage.

Arrange rocks around the edge of the pond to create a natural look. After that, set up the solar water pump and connect the tubing.

Fill the pond with water, and add water plants to enhance the beauty and eco-friendliness of your pond.

8. Barrel Pond

Line the barrel with the pond liner to make it watertight. Then, install the small water pump and ensure it is properly connected to the tubing.

Now, fill the barrel with water. After that, add your chosen water plants to the barrel.

Place the barrel in a shaded location to help maintain the water temperature and keep the plants healthy.

9. Waterfall Pond

To build a small pond with a waterfall, choose a spot with a slope, then dig a hole for the pond and make a small hill nearby for the waterfall.

Cover the hole and the hill with the pond liner. Arrange the rocks to create the waterfall, then set up the water pump and connect the tubing.

Fill the pond with water and add plants according to your preferences.

10. Small Patio Pond

To create a beautiful water feature for your patio, you’ll need a large planter, pond liner, water plants, a small water pump, and tubing.

Begin by lining the planter with the pond liner to make it waterproof. Then, install the small water pump inside the planter.

Fill the planter with water and then add your chosen water plants, place the planter on your patio, and enjoy your new, serene water feature.

11. In-Ground Pond

To create a simple backyard pond, you’ll need a pond liner, shovel, rocks, water pump, tubing, and optional plants.

Start by picking a spot for your pond and dig a hole with different depths to accommodate various aquatic life.

Place the pond liner inside the hole to prevent water from seeping out. Then, arrange rocks around the edges for a natural look.

Set up the water pump and connect the tubing to ensure water circulation. Fill the pond with water and add some plants to enhance its beauty.

12. Wildlife Pond

Start by selecting a quiet spot in your yard. Dig a shallow hole and then line it with a pond liner.

Once the liner is in place, arrange rocks and logs around the edges to give it a natural look. Then, fill the pond with water and add water plants to complete the setup.

13. Formal Garden Pond

To create a small pond in your garden, you will need bricks or pavers, a pond liner, water plants, a water pump, tubing, and a shovel.

Choose a location in your garden and then dig a rectangular or square hole. Then, line the hole with the pond liner to keep the water in place.

Arrange bricks or pavers around the edges to secure the liner and give the pond a finished look.

Install the water pump and tubing to ensure water circulation. Fill the pond with water and add water plants to complete your garden pond.

14. Modern Pond

Choose a location for your pond. Then, arrange the concrete blocks to define the shape of the pond.

Line the inside of this shape with the pond liner to ensure it holds water. After that, install the water pump and attach the tubing.

Once everything is set up, fill the pond with water and add water plants to complete your pond.

15. Naturalistic Pond

To create a simple backyard pond, start by selecting a natural-looking spot in your yard.

Use the shovel and dig a hole with different depths to give it a more natural appearance. Line the hole with the pond liner to prevent water from seeping into the ground.

Now, place rocks and logs around the edges to enhance the pond’s natural look. Install the water pump and connect it to the tubing.

Once everything is in place, fill the pond with water and add water plants to create a beautiful and balanced ecosystem.