Building a stream

TOOLS AND MATERIALS
INSTALLING A LINED WATERCOURSE

If you are installing a pond, it is easiest to install the pond and the watercourse at the same time. However, if the watercourse is an afterthought, it can always be added at a later time.

To begin your project you will need various tools and materials, similar to the ones used for a preformed pond. It is a good idea to mark the outline of your watercourse, waterfall or stream, first with a string, hose or spray paint. You will need a shovel and something to tamp the soil, such as a 2x6 nailed to the end of a 2x4. A spirit level and a long straight 2x4 to check large areas. Concrete blocks are optional, but can be used to provide support for the outer edges and/or the lip of the waterfall.

For your watercourse, waterfall or stream, you will need a pump and all of its fixtures and tubing. Adhesive or tape for liner joints is optional, but a good idea to have on hand. You will need some type of underlayment or sand along with a heavy duty scissors or a utility knife for cutting the liner and/or the

underlayment. Along with the liner, you will need something to hold it in place such as 3-inch or longer nails. Edging material such as rocks, mortar for securing stones along the edges of your watercourse, landscaping materials like rocks and plants and a watering can or hose are additional materials needed to begin your watercourse, stream or waterfall project. You can find many of the supplies you need at MacArthur's Water Gardens at wetrack.it/macarthurwatergarden/a/lmack6675/e/22.

Installing a watercourse with a flexible liner is more challenging than using a preformed shell. You will need to grade the site, build your waterfall or stream, create catch basins, install the tubing and pump, position the liner, position the edging and add your landscaping. I will guide you through each step of building your watercourse with a flexible liner, so you can have a beautiful watercourse and pond for your Koi fish upon its completion. Shopzilla.com also has many of the supplies needed to begin your Koi watercourse project.