1. Location, Location, Location – be sure of your location before you dig

2. Where is the water feature going to be best viewed: from a deck, the kitchen window, coming around the corner of the house, a walkout basement, from a  bedroom window, or all of the above

3. Are there any natural grades, capable of creating  a natural drop down, waterfall and/or stream

4. What portion of the yard are you willing to dedicate to a water feature, and do you know what length and width you want for the maximum opening,

5. What are your plans for the rest of the yard

6. Are you planting trees, shrubs, flower gardens, placing a bridge over the stream, using wood chip borders etc.

7. What finishing materials are you planning to incorporate into your design: natural stone , slate, partially raised with allan block (or split n stack), or a combination of several types.

8. Have you considered perimeter and exterior pot lighting to accent your features

9. Do you want submersible pond lights

10. How about livestock: will you have, fish or no fish, plants or no plants

11. Are there a lot of trees in the immediate area, what type are they

12. Are you close to roads that may cause excess dust or debris to blow in your pond

13. Is your yard fenced or are you planning on fencing, and do you have 6’ locking gates

14. What type of sunlight does the proposed area get in during daylight hours

15. Where is the nearest power tie in point

16. Do you have good access to move material in and out

17. Do you have small children and do you have dogs that love to swim

18. Have you checked for any special bylaws in your area in regards to backyard ponds

19. Have you called “Call before you Dig”  This is a good idea early in the planning stages because their markers may change the location you were considering.

Bring this information with you when you come to Aquarium Illusions. This will allow us to serve you and help you plan your pond more efficiently. Don’t worry, if these points lead you to more questions … just write them down and we will answer them for you. Randy is our resident expert,  for he installed ponds professionally for many years. Feel free to call ahead and arrange a meeting with him or Ron.