Forget Expensive Pools: The Less Expensive Feature That Adds A Rustic Touch

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A backyard pool sounds like a dream. Imagine sipping delicious Mai Tais while working on your tan or splashing around in water when the days get hot. However, your montage of beautiful memories will come to a screeching halt when the quotes come in for a pool's installation — hundreds of thousands of dollars and that's before you add decking and fencing. Even then, you need to shell out hundreds (gulp) every year on maintenance. But if you simply want a water body in your backyard without breaking the bank, know that there is an alternative to building a traditional pool without burning a deep, deep hole in your pockets. Go for a small DIY backyard pond to give your yard a natural, rustic look with much cheaper installation costs.

To get started, all you need is a container, a pump, and plants to make it happen. You can even invite some wildlife to your pond by putting it in a spot that is shaded from afternoon sun but still gets enough natural light. This is because uninhibited exposure to sunlight can cause algae bloom and quick evaporation. Plus, it won't provide any cold respite for visiting wildlife on a hot summer day. Also, if you have little children in your neighborhood, don't put it in the front yard as it can be a safety hazard. Then again, you want it close to a space from where you can enjoy the pond, like a window or patio.

Start by deciding whether you want a decorative pond with fountains or one with aquatic life. If you choose the first option, place it close to a power outlet. However, keep in mind that an aquatic pond will be costlier and demand more maintenance than a decorative one (koi fish alone will throw your entire budget in disarray). Once the spot and style are settled, it's time to build. You have the option to either dig the pond or just place a container in your yard (however you'll need a couple of large rocks to anchor it). But if you want a sunken pond, there's some technical stuff you need to check before you start digging. Call 811 before you begin so you don't end up digging into underground utility lines. And if your pond is in an unfenced area, checking the local code is a must.

After your pond's location is figured out, mark it using chalk or paint, so you don't end up digging a spot bigger than necessary. Now, you can start digging. Dig as deep or wide as you want. But, keep in mind that your outdoor water feature should be at least 5 to 8 inches deep and 18 inches in diameter for it to be healthy and functioning. Be sure to keep the sides as vertical as you can to make it easier to hide your DIY pond's liner.

Next, you need a waterproof container sized to the pond you want to dig. Fortunately, it needn't be purpose-built. A large watertight metal tub or livestock water tank works, as does any box — it should just be sealed well enough to withstand water. If it isn't, add a pond liner, such as Adroiteet's HDPE Outdoor Pond Liner. A 10- by 15-foot option sells for around $50 on Amazon. Hide liner edges with rocks like flagstone, slate floor tiles, or small river rocks. You can also add a layer of rocks, gravel, or logs to create different depths and a gradual slope to really bring out the rustic look. Otherwise, get a silicone-based sealant, like a 10-ounce tube of Aquascape's Black Silicone Sealant for $20 on Amazon, to stop water soaking into the soil nearby. If the pond sits above ground, create a ramp outside using bricks or inverted terracotta pots, so it's accessible for visiting creatures.

Gently fill the pond halfway with water (brownie points if you can wait for rain to do the work) and let it sit overnight. If you want a fountain, now is a good time to add it, perhaps on top of a brick if you want some height. Optionally, add some plants — miniature water lilies are one of the best plants to complete a water garden as they keep the water clean and healthy by blocking excess sun. Once everything is in place, fill the pond the rest of the way, and your fancy water feature will be ready.