The 100+ Best Backyard Pond Ideas – Landscaping Inspiration
These backyard ponds help create a relaxing spot to unwind and unplug.
A pond in your backyard will increase your property value and immediately turn your backyard into a mini oasis. But there’s more to pond construction than digging a hole in your yard. You need to decide on a location, size, and style.
With these DIY backyard pond ideas, you’ll find that creating your backyard water feature can be as simple or elaborate as you want. From a pondless waterfall to a large in-ground pond, you’ll be ready to take your backyard to the next level. Place a chair next to it and have a beautiful backyard outdoor space that you can enjoy.
So are you ready to create a beautiful pond in your backyard?
1. Backyard Garden Pond Ideas
If you have a garden in your backyard, then adding a pond will take it to a new level. A water feature is a serene place to sit and meditate or relax. Your pond doesn’t have to be large, even a small one with a fountain can create a calming effect. To make a statement, though, a large garden pond will become the focal point.
No matter what size of pond you decide to build, have it match the design of your garden. A tropical garden in a warm climate should have tropical plants that live near water around it. An Asian inspired garden could have koi fish in it. A French or Italian inspired garden will look at home with a pond that has flowers and other vegetation growing in the pond.
Create a sitting area next to the pond where you and your guests can sit in comfortable chairs. You could even build a deck over the pond to feel as though you’re surrounded by water.
2. Backyard Koi Pond Ideas
If the idea of having a koi pond appeals to you, then prepare to have a larger sized pond. It needs to be big enough to provide a healthy environment for your fish. You’ll also need to install a quality filtration and circulation system to ensure the health of the fish.
While it’s popular to line the edge of a koi pond with rocks, this isn’t conducive for you to enjoy them. Instead, you could create a wood decking around the edge of the pond, or use a combination of rocks and decking. This will allow you to stand at the water’s edge and appreciate the beauty of these fish.
A koi fish pond is a serious investment. This isn’t like going to your local pet store and buying a goldfish. Baby koi fish can easily cost $50, and as they get older, they can easily cost several thousand dollars for one fish. Most fish live to be 25 to 35 years old, so you’ll be caring for your fish for many years to come. If you plan to have older koi, keep in mind that they can get quite large. Your pond will need to be deeper to accommodate the size of the koi.
When constructing your koi pond, look for water plants that will create a pleasant environment for the fish and naturally clean the water. Water hyacinth, water lotus, water smartweed, horsetail, and water lettuce are all great picks for your pond plants.
3. Backyard Waterfall Ideas
Adding a waterfall is a smart idea for your backyard pond idea. It creates a beautiful focal point for your pond. It will also create a calming and pleasant soundtrack to your backyard. Finally, the movement of the water through the fountain prevents mosquitoes and adds oxygen to the water.
A simple waterfall could be made from rocks and boulders, where the water flows over the edge of one rock and into the pond. You could scale this up and have the water fall from one rock to the next. If your pond is near a wall, you could have it flow out of a spot higher up in the wall for a tall waterfall feature.
Another option is to create a series of pools where the water flows from one to the next and then finally into the large pond at the bottom. Whatever you decide, try to scale the waterfall to the size of the pond.
4. Backyard Fountain Ideas
It doesn’t matter how small or large your pond is; you can add a fountain. This is actually a smart idea because the fountain will better circulate the water, which will help keep your pond cleaner. Be sure to buy the right kind of pond pump and pond filter to power the type of fountain that you want to have. More elaborate fountains need to have stronger pumps to move the water.
A basic fountain installation is one that simply sits in the bottom of the middle of the pond and shoots water straight upward. For something a little fancier, install a rock fountain installation on the side of your pond. Then the water will bubble up and out of the rocks. For something luxurious and high-end, you can install an entire fountain network where the water goes high in the air or arcs across your pond.
5. Backyard Pond Landscaping Ideas
When it comes to landscaping your pond, you need to think about what you’ll grow in and around the pond. While you don’t have to put aquatic plants in your pond, they’re beautiful and help keep the water clean.
Check into pickerel; it has these beautiful blue, white, or pink blooms. The blooms last for a long time and look stunning when you have several plants together. Another great option is the water iris. It blooms early and comes in a wide variety of hybrids. An obvious option is the water lily in either white or pink.
When it comes to the landscaping around your pond, you can keep it simple with rocks or lawn. These are both easy to maintain and keep the focus on the pond. For something a little more natural, try a tall grass like feather, zebra, or silky thread. To create a tropical pond paradise in a warm climate, consider planting more lush plants like palms, birds of paradise, or elephant ear.
Don’t forget to include a walkway path to and around your pond. This will give you and your guests a dedicated place to walk. This will avoid you trampling your plants and grass. You’ll also want to consider the plants you put around your sitting area. A large tree could be nice to provide you with natural shade to keep you cool while enjoying your pond.
6. Natural Pond Ideas
Many of the DIY ponds that you see are obviously man-made. But when it comes to pond building, you can also go the natural route. Instead of edging your pond with stacked stone, you could pile natural stones. Large stones will give you a strong solid edge. Smaller river rocks are also a good choice to give your pond that natural edge that you’d see around a wildlife pond.
The next step is to plant landscaping around and in the pond. Choose plants that grow well around bodies of water. Then choose aquatic plants that grow in water so that you can have a water garden.
When building your natural pond, you’ll still want to hook up a pond pump to it. This will help with water circulation. While you can choose plants that will naturally clean and filter the water, a mechanical system will ensure your pond stays clean. Natural ponds fair better when they’re bigger because it’s easier to maintain a pond when it’s a larger body of water.
7. Backyard Container Pond Ideas
Not all ponds need to be a hole in the ground. An easy and fast way of building a pond is to fill a container will water. It could be a concrete basin or a large tub. If you can’t find a pre-made tub, you could always build one out of stone. This lets you build a pond that’s above ground, or partially above ground.
Another option is to turn your unused swimming pool or hot tub into a pond. It’s the perfect pond container because it’s already designed to hold water. Convert the decking around the pool area into a lush garden. You could even build a walkway from the edge to a sitting area out in the middle.
8. Backyard Small and Shallow Pond Ideas
Don’t let a small backyard stop you from having a pond. You could purchase a pond kit and create a mini garden around it. You can purchase a pond liner that will create a shallow pond.
Place your small backyard pond near your house so that you can enjoy it without having to go outside. Your pond design could be above ground where you build a retaining wall out of paver stones. Then fill the space and place your pond liner in it. Then you can create a fancy pond design around the liner with beautiful landscaping.
A small pond can also look beautiful in a large backyard. This works well when you want a pond, but you don’t want it to be the focal point of the entire backyard. Create a small DIY garden pond in one corner of your backyard. Then create a walkway from other backyard features to the pond. You could have a gazebo, hot tub, or eating area that all connect by stepping stones or walking path.
You also don’t need to have a deep pond. The pond needs to be deep enough to effectively circulate the water, but this only requires a few feet. Plan for your pond to be at least two feet deep. This works well for small koi, water lilies, and warm climates. Colder areas where water freezes in winter may require three feet to accommodate the frozen water.
9. Backyard Pond Sitting Area Ideas
The simplest thing you can do is place a bench next to the pond. This gives you a place for two or three people to sit. For something a bit more, consider placing a cafe table and two chairs. This will give you a place to set your cup of coffee or a cocktail.
To create a sitting area, you need to have a solid and stable ground for the table and chairs. This could be a simple concrete pad, but that won’t be beautiful. Consider tiling a small area, this will make it both beautiful and durable to the elements. If you don’t like the idea of tile, then consider using large stones.
For a sitting area that is more elaborate, you could build a gazebo. This will give you a sheltered area to enjoy your pond throughout the year. This also gives you the ability to place a larger table or a cushioned outdoor couch. Don’t be afraid to add some string lights to improve the relaxing ambiance.
Backyard Pond FAQs
If you build your pond correctly, then mosquitoes won’t be a problem. Mosquitoes only lay eggs on standing, still water. So if you have circulating water or fish, they will prevent the water from standing still, and mosquitoes will move along to the next body of water.
Most likely not. You won’t be swimming in the pool, so you don’t need to make it safe for people to enter. At the same time, mother nature doesn’t regularly test bodies of water, and they’re safe. Design your pond to be an ecosystem so that it will take care of itself.
Fish live in nature during winter just fine. Similar to bears, they go into a hibernation state. The pond should be at least two feet deep to support the fish. This works well for winter also since the water will typically freeze only eight inches down. The fish will still have room to move under the ice. The only other things you’ll need are a hole in the ice and oxygenated water.
If your backyard pond ideas include introducing koi or goldfish, the first thing you must do is make sure your pond is ready to receive them. You must research to ensure that the water quality, aquatic plants, and pond materials are fish-safe. Thankfully, there is no shortage of information to be found.
Ideally, a fish pond habitat will have approximately 60 percent of the water’s surface covered in aquatic plants. Keep in mind that algae and other substances will grow on your rocks, because this is necessary to sustain life. It’s best to let this happen naturally over the course of a few weeks before adding your goldfish or koi.
While your nearest home improvement center may be stocked with basic backyard pond building materials, your best bet is to become well-acquainted with a local garden shop that specializes in water features. Choose a shop that sells both plants and fish. The experts on staff can help you build the best type of aquascape suitable for your climate and budget.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Get 15% off using the discount code NEXTL at checkout
Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.
