Maintaining your pond

One of the most effective items you can buy is an ultraviolet light bacteria killer, a simple pump which passes water around the pond, killing harmful bacteria under its ultraviolet light as it circulates the water. This is an additional cost in the short run, but will pay for itself, lowering costs and hassle in the long run. Such a unit might cost over £100. However, store-bought tablets are also capable of doing this job, although less efficiently.

The most important thing is to always keep an eye on your pond and make sure that everything in it looks healthy. If your pond is of any significant size, you will almost certainly need a circulation system to keep the water fresh.

A simple pump system (starting at as little as £20) will sit at the bottom of the pond, keeping the air fresh. This device will need to be connected to a mains electrical source – use caution when installing!

Out of your depth? Ask a professional!

Looking up specific problems on the internet is helpful, but if you are seriously worried about anything either in building or maintaining your pond, it is best to seek the assistance of a professional at your local aquatic centre (the ones that specialise in koi carp fish are the most expensive, and generally get the best staff).

Making your pond a part of your home

Of course, some of the things which make your pond a part of your home take time and effort. Some things, such as adding electrical appliances such as a UV filter or a water pump take both electrical and wiring skill, and may need to be done by a professional.

But with time and dedication, anyone can build their own pond which, when it reaches full bloom, will add a tranquil spot in your garden, perfect for sunny days or summer barbeques.

However you choose to enjoy your pond, the following points are worth noting:

• Much wildlife will develop for free – frogs will gravitate towards this oasis, and a cool, shady rock garden is a natural and beautiful, low-maintenance companion for them.
• The usual selection of goldfish or, at a slightly higher price, stunning silver Koi carp can be bought to populate your pond with a stress-busting wildlife show that's really worth the initial time and effort of building a pond.
• Pond plants are cheap and should develop easily – but make sure to watch out for mould and any signs of disease – one damaged plant could easily damage the whole stock.
• In the summer months, in particular, you should watch out for mosquito or any other potentially harmful parasites using your pond as a staging point: your local aquatic centre will have plenty of pills and potions which keep the bugs at bay.
• A pond is a constant financial investment and will become stagnant and unpleasant with neglect – but properly maintained, will not only provide your family with summers of beauty but also a considerable financial gain for the value of your house. An investment of as little as £400 on a home-built, DIY pond could directly increase the value of your house by up to four times the cost of the pond, and will certainly make your house stand out on the property market.

In conclusion

A pond is one of the cheapest investments in terms of adding value to your property that you can make – it's cheaper to add to your home than replacing the boiler or replacing the carpets with wall to wall parquet flooring – a pond can brighten up any garden space from small to large, and offer years of enjoyment, particularly in those summer months when the garden comes into its own.

Building your own pond is by far the cheapest option, but it's up to you to decide whether all the hard work (and, believe me, there's lots) is worth the money saved. Either way, a firm initial investment in a decently sized pond and a good filtration unit will save you a lot of money down the line.

And one final tip: if your pond is ever in the shade, frogs will come naturally, drawn to the cool, refreshing water. If you don't like our amphibian friends, getting too close to the pond might not be for you. On the other hand, you can feel truly proud that you're contributing to the environment, creating a true paradise in your own back yard.