Jezírka na klíč / How the construction proceeds
From the first meeting to the first swim, one team manages the entire build. Here is the full process, including what we need from you, how long each stage takes and when official notifications are required.
I would like a pond design
We visit the site, walk through the garden, measure the slope and sunlight exposure, check where the excavator can access and where the soil will be placed. Most importantly, we ask: do you want to swim or sit by the water, will there be fish, and how much maintenance are you willing to undertake? We leave with a sketch and an estimate of the scope.
Within two weeks you will receive the pond plan with depths, a cross-section, a list of plants and equipment, and an itemised budget. The budget is divided into excavation and removal, liner and geotextile, equipment, stone and gravel, plants and labour, so you can see what makes up the price. The price is final; additional charges only by agreement if rock or groundwater are encountered during excavation.
A pond up to 40 m2 at a detached house, located at least 2 metres from the property boundary, is classified under the Building Act as a minor structure requiring neither a permit nor notification. Larger ponds generally require notification to the building authority; ponds exceeding 300 m3 or with inflow and outflow are also assessed by the water law authority. We will prepare the documentation and submit it on your behalf. Authorities assess these cases differently, so we check in advance rather than relying on general rules.
An excavator digs out the zones according to the design; we then finish the terraces, banks and steps by hand. We level and compact the bottom and remove sharp stones. The soil either remains for landscaping the surroundings, which saves on haulage and is suitable for a stream, or we remove it. Excavation takes one to three days depending on size.
We lay protective geotextile and pond liner on the compacted base, weld and inspect the joints. We install the skimmer, optional bottom inlets, pipework and filter shaft. The liner is anchored at the bank so it remains hidden and out of direct sunlight. We devote the most time to this stage, as errors here are the hardest to correct.
We line the banks with stone, fill the regeneration zone with washed gravel, and build steps, a jetty or a beach. We plant aquatic plants directly into the gravel according to depth. Then we fill the pond, adjust the equipment and hand over the pond with instructions for the first season: when to feed bacteria, when to trim and when to top up the water.
The construction of a swimming pond around 60 m2 typically takes two to three weeks of actual work; an ornamental pond by the terrace takes three to five days. Plants need the first season to establish; in the second summer, the pond is fully functional.
A small ornamental pond without fish can be built by a skilled DIYer. For swimming ponds, the design of zones, working with the liner and sizing the equipment are decisive; it is here that errors occur which only become apparent in the first summer and require liner replacement. If you wish to do part of the work yourself, we can agree on this: we handle the design, liner and equipment, while you take care of excavation, planting or stone edging.
All we need is the address, an idea of how you want to use the pond, and photos of the garden if available. A site plan showing utility networks is also useful if you have one. We will measure everything else on site.
We build from spring to autumn, depending on the weather and order of jobs. The best time to get in touch is in autumn or winter, when we prepare the design and estimate, so construction can start immediately in spring and the pond is ready for its first summer.
The excavator follows a single route lined with wooden panels when the ground is soft. After completion, we level and reseed any damaged areas. For finished gardens, we agree in advance on the machinery's path.
We provide a contractual warranty for the workmanship and welded foil joints; manufacturer warranties apply to the foil and equipment, typically 10 years or more for foils. After handover, we remain available for servicing.
Just a few details. We will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your expectations for the water feature and arrange a free survey.