Creating a Garden Pond

The two most popular pool liners are preformed rigid liners or flexible liners

Preformed (Rigid) Ponds

These are available in many shapes and are made out of polyethylene. The advantage of a preformed pool is that there is less chance of putting a hole in it.

Use a spirit level throughout installation to ensure the surface at ground level is straight.
Set the pool on the ground and mark the outline of the base of the mould.
Start digging. You can dig deeper than the depth of the mould, but not wider, the sides need to be a snug fit.
After the hole for the base has been dug, place the base in the hole. Mark where the shelf will be. Dig out the shallow shelf. When the pool fits snuggly, dig a few centimetres deeper and fill with sand.
Evenly spread sand in the bottom of the hole. Remove or add sand if necessary to make the pool level. Fill in the sides with sand if necessary.
When you are sure the pool is level and fits snuggly, it is time to edge it.

Do not fill the pool with water just yet. It is easier to plant around the shelf before filling the pool with water. That way, soil will not fall into an already full pool, making it murky.