Large pond
Large pond
Want a self-sustaining, ecologically balanced natural large pond without pumps, filters or chemicals? With Simons pond check you easily set up your own natural large pond. Avoid mistakes and save at least €1000 with the expert Pond Advice Book. Order all essential aquatic plants and supplies easily through our webshop.
Save hundreds of dollars with my pond tips.
Customers give us a 9.2/10
Lay out your large pond properly and make sure you set it up correctly, because you will save yourself a lot of money, time and maintenance. Design your large pond according to my planting plan so that the pond maintains itself.
Others bought this for their large pond
Simons Pond Advice Book
- Choose your language of the book
- Complete pond handbook
- 100+ pages from construction to maintenance
Helophyte Planting Package - XL - 8 - 12 m²
- 180 plants for 8 - 12 m²
- Helophyte filter plantings
- Placement: -1 to -20 cm
parrot feather & conifer - 96 plants - 8 - 12 m²
- For 8 - 12 m²
- 96 plants
- Placement: -1 to -20 cm
Water Lily Field - Perennial Native water lilies - 6 Drop & Grow Lilies
- 6 overage water lilies
- Without basket into the water
- Placement: -10 to -100 cm
IDEAL FOR LARGE BODIES OF WATER
Perfect for natural ponds, lakes or ditches. These perennial water lilies are well-rooted, sturdy and mature. You can literally throw them into the water from the shore, and when the weather is nice they soon bloom.
STEP ONE - pond substrate - Big Bag - 1000 liters
- 1000 L covers 10 m² ↥ 10 cm
- Heavy duty quality for the best filtration
- Extra porous: optimal plant growth
BACTA CLEAR
- For 1,000 to 20,000 L
- 100% eco: clear water fast
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
Large natural pond
For a pond with a volume of 10,000 liters of water or more, it is referred to as a: "large pond. A pond of this size provides enough room for a variety of aquatic plants and fish and can be a prominent feature in a garden or landscape. It is important to realize that a pond of 10,000 gallons or more typically requires more maintenance than a smaller version, unless you properly design the natural pond so that you create a self-sustaining water feature. It is essential to maintain balance and water quality to ensure the well-being of the aquatic plants and animals in the pond. When properly designed, the pond will naturally self-maintain itself, eliminating the need to install pumping and filtration systems.
Constructing a natural pond
Constructing a large pond offers an ideal combination of natural beauty and sustainability. By coupling stylish design with the power of natural filtration, a large pond provides an environmentally conscious and virtually maintenance-free alternative to ponds with pumps. Everything starts with thorough preparation: from selecting the right digging materials and pond liner to choosing the perfect aquatic plants. We offer a detailed guide to building your large pond yourself. Our additional tips will help you get the most out of this natural oasis. Enjoy the tranquil waters without worry, while the local wildlife is at ease in the plant filter and nature takes care of the heavy lifting.
1. Planning and design
- Determine purpose: First, determine the purpose of your large pond. Is it primarily for viewing or do you want to promote biodiversity in and around the pond at the same time?
- Location: Choose a location that is partially shaded and away from trees and shrubs that can drop leaves and debris into the pond. Also check that the ground is stable and suitable to support the pond.
2. Digging the pond
- Dig the pond according to your design. The depth of the pond depends on your preference and intended use. Commonly chosen depths are between -1.50 and -1.80 m.
- Provide solid walls, especially if the pond is deep, to avoid collapse and problems with groundwater.
- Take into account a possible plant filter. A good depth for this is -40 cm from the water level.
3. pond liner places
- Apply a quality rubber liner (such as EPDM) that is durable, stretchy and suitable for the shape and size of your pond. This liner helps retain water and prevents leaks. Make sure it is evenly distributed and not pulled tight. Cut off the excess liner and cover the edges with rocks or other decorative material.
- Finish the foil well at the edges with hardwood cover battens or stones, for example.
4. Setting up the plant filter
- Place a layer of 20 cm pond substrate in the filter section of your large pond.
- Plant water purifying plants in this layer, followed by another layer of substrate of about 10 cm.
- The plant filter will serve to purify the water naturally. The plants will have to grow first before the filter works optimally.
5. Maintenance and heating
- A natural pond requires minimal maintenance. However, occasionally you should remove twigs or leaves and prune the filter plants.
- Also consider accessories such as a dock with lounge area so you create a perfect place to sit next to your large water feature and enjoy the pond daily.
Large pond planting plan
We give you information about planting options for a large pond, without the need for pumps, filters or water conditioners to keep the water clear and healthy. With our planting plan, you can design your pond so that it maintains itself naturally and you have minimal maintenance.
1. pond substrate: for a good start
It is very important to get off to a good start when setting up a pond to avoid future problems. Especially with a large pond this is important because this is a large pool of water that requires a lot of maintenance if you set up the pond correctly. A low pondsubstrate on the bottom provides a natural and stable base. This is because the pond substrate attracts good bacteria that keep the water clear. Substrate also ensures that plant roots can take root better so that the aquatic plants can perform their useful functions in the pond. Because our substrate consists of porous stone grains, it is low maintenance and lasts a lifetime, making it a very good investment.
Simon's advice for a pond substrate
Use 40 liters of substrate (2 bags) per m2, leaving a layer of 8-10 cm of substrate on the pond bottom
STEP ONE - pond substrate - Big Bag - 1000 liters
- 1000 L covers 10 m² ↥ 10 cm
- Heavy duty quality for the best filtration
- Extra porous: optimal plant growth
2. Oxygen plants: keep water clear and healthy
Are you experiencing algae blooms in your large pond, especially during the summer months? This is a common problem in natural ponds. Algae is not only unattractive to look at, it also removes all oxygen from the pond water, which can cause plants to die. An effective solution is to introduce loose oxygen plants or oxygen plants in baskets. These plants convert carbon dioxide in the water into oxygen, thus controlling and preventing algae.
Simons advice for oxygen plants
Minimum: 1 basket with 4 oxygen plants and maximum 4 baskets with 16 plants per m³ (1000 liters of water) + 5 to 6 loose oxygen plants.
parrot feather & conifer - 96 plants - 8 - 12 m²
- For 8 - 12 m²
- 96 plants
- Placement: -1 to -20 cm
3. Sumpfpflanzen: naturally filter the water of waste products
Sumpfpflanzen purify and filter the water in ponds. By placing these grass and reed-like plants, you ensure that the pond is complete. Thanks to their strong root systems, Sumpfpflanzen grows quickly and roots firmly into the pond bottom, from which they get their nutrition. In addition, Sumpfpflanzen are hardy. Hardy means that they can survive cold weather with frost and do not require covering.
Simons advice for Sumpfpflanzen
Minimum: 16 plants per m²
Helophyte Planting Package - XL - 8 - 12 m²
- 180 plants for 8 - 12 m²
- Helophyte filter plantings
- Placement: -1 to -20 cm
4. water lilies: prevent algae with a water lily
For an ultimate and colorful large pond, water lilies is indispensable. These hardy plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, suitable for different depths. With their large leaves, they not only block out sunlight from the surface of the water, which prevents algae blooms and prevents excessive warming of the water, but also provide an ideal hiding place for pond animals such as frogs, salamanders and toads. We supply the water lily, like our other aquatic plants including basket, which makes planting easier. A water lily can be planted to a depth of -100 cm and provides a lively and healthy dynamic in your large pond.
Simon's advice for a water lily in your large pond
At least 1 water lily per 0.5 to 3 m²
Water Lily Field - Perennial Native water lilies - 6 Drop & Grow Lilies
- 6 overage water lilies
- Without basket into the water
- Placement: -10 to -100 cm
IDEAL FOR LARGE BODIES OF WATER
Perfect for natural ponds, lakes or ditches. These perennial water lilies are well-rooted, sturdy and mature. You can literally throw them into the water from the shore, and when the weather is nice they soon bloom.
5. pond bacteria
Finally, it is important to add a bottle of Bacta Clear to the pond water twice a year. This is because this unique formula, along with various types of aquatic plants , ensures that the pond remains clear and balanced. It contains two types of bacteria that remove waste products from the water. This increases the oxygen level in the water, which in turn helps promote the growth of pond plants, keeping them strong and healthy. One bottle Bacta Clear pond bacteria is suitable for ponds up to 20,000 liters, if your large pond contains more than 20,000 liters, add additional Bacta Clear .
Simon's advice for pond bacteria in a big pond
Add 2x a year (1x in spring and 1x in fall)
BACTA CLEAR
- For 1,000 to 20,000 L
- 100% eco: clear water fast
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
- Unfortunately, a common mistake: the pond is already filled with water while the pond plants have yet to be placed. This makes it difficult or even impossible to put all the plants in a good, solid place. Simon therefore recommends starting first with a thin layer of pond substrate in an empty pond, then only letting a small layer of water into the pond. You can now step through the pond with boots on to place the aquatic plants in place in the substrate. Then top up with substrate. Is everything set and firm? Only then fill the entire pond with water.
- If you have a somewhat larger pond, it is smart to work from the inside out. So you start in the lowest zone and work outward step-by-step. You end in the shallowest zone (swamp zone).
- When placing the aquatic plants , also pay attention to what depth is best for optimal growth. This is indicated on the packaging of our pond plants. Do you like a lot of plants? Then place the baskets or crates against each other.
Want more helpful tips?
This is what our customers say!
Excellent 
200+ reviews at 
Marjoke Bakker
Oxygenating plants and a bottle Bacta clear
Purchased: Pond clear package - M
My pond was quite murky, so after a good conversation with Simon, I decided to follow the advice: more oxygen plants and a bottle of bacteria. I ordered the recommended package, but after four days no improvement was visible. Full of disappointment, I contacted customer service. They advised me to be patient and give the process 2-3 weeks. Although I had my doubts about it, I decided to wait anyway. And what turned out? After two weeks, the water started to clear and I even saw frogs that I had never noticed before! Thanks team vdvelde, and apologies for my impatience!
Patrick Müller
Plants are growing much better now and water is crystal clear
Purchased: POND SUBSTRATE pond substrate - 40 liters
Last year I had a landscaper install a plant filter at my swimming pond, recommending lava and some plants from the local garden center. Unfortunately, things went completely wrong; the plants died one by one and I suffered an algae infestation. After contacting customer service, I was advised to replace the lava with pond substrate and order some more plants. Now, several months later, the plants are growing well, and my filter is finally free of algae.
Fenna Schmidt
My little city pond
Purchased: Complete Pond Package - S - Red
I had been dreaming of having a pond in my urban garden for some time, but it always seemed like such a hassle. Online I found a complete package and decided to take the gamble, although I was skeptical about the quality of plants sent through the mail. But to my surprise, everything was delivered neatly and well-packaged. Within no time I had my pond set up. To my delight, after only two months I saw the first water lily bloom, and as icing on the cake I discovered salamanders in my pond. No idea how they got there, but it only adds to the joy. Truly enjoying it!
Susi Werner
A must for anyone with a pond (large or small)
Purchased: Simons Pond Advice Book
This book completely meets my expectations. A great guide with lots of great tips on pond construction, pond plants and design.
Highly recommended purchase on my part.
Great book!
Jules Chabot
Blue lily: beautiful!
Purchased: Hardy Blue Water Lily - Nymphaea Blue Queen
Thank you very much for the generous delivery of the swamp iris "Blue Lis".
The new plants have been planted and I am curious to see if they will bloom this year.
There is good news about the water lily "Blue Queen": It is also blooming here in blue - and how beautiful!
Bart Timmermans
Removing soil sludge without a vacuum cleaner
Purchased: Soil Dirt Pond Removal Package - M
After years of accumulation by fish, quite a bit of silt had accumulated in my pond.
At first I thought about a pond vacuum cleaner, but after contacting customer service I opted for the bottom debris removal package. I was skeptical, especially because the water became murky the first week. But after a month, the silt has reduced considerably. No hassle with a vacuum cleaner, and great results!
I am a fan.
Johanna Brink
water lilies for more biodiversity
As lovers of greenery, we were looking for a sustainable addition to our project. Van der Velde's water lilies were a hit! With DROP & GROW, it was really simple: plant and enjoy. We asked for different varieties and this was no problem either. Delivery was perfect. Within a week we already saw leaves above water, and meanwhile there are several flowers blooming. Both we and our customer are very enthusiastic.
Raphael Blanchard
Oxygen plants save my fish
Purchased: Oxygen Plants Pond Package - L
My fish were gasping for air, so I was looking for an air pump. Then I read that oxygen plants could also solve this problem. I ordered the package that fit my pond, and now my fish are swimming around carefree again. Additional plus: my pond water is much clearer. Fish happy, me happy!
Greta Schultze
Very happy with my small pond
Purchased: Complete Pond Package - XS
This handy kit helped me set up my mini pond quickly. Everything you need is included! The service and advice were top notch, much better than at the garden center where no one really knows anything.
Maria Maes
From maintenance to an organic swimming pond
Purchased: Complete Plant Filter Package - L
I was tired of constantly cleaning the pump, so I decided to convert my pond to an organic swimming pond. With the plant filter package from vdvelde.com, it worked out perfectly! Now I enjoy a beautiful, natural filter and lovely swimming water.
Simon van der Velde: Expert on ponds and an advocate of biodiversity and sustainability
Simon van der Velde is an expert in ponds with more than 35 years of experience in designing dream ponds. He is the founder of "Van der Velde aquatic plants", a company focused on creating biodiverse and natural ponds without the use of pumping systems and filters. Simon's vision goes beyond just creating beautiful ponds; he also wants to contribute to the restoration of biodiversity in the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. In addition to his work as a pond specialist, Simon is a passionate nature lover and is committed to preserving nature and the environment. He inspires people to take a sustainable approach to their gardens and the natural environment. Simon's passion for biodiversity and natural lifestyle makes him an advocate for sustainability and a key player in restoring the natural balance in our world.
Pond advice and tips
Frequently asked questions about large ponds
The cost of a large pond depends on the cost of constructing and setting up the pond. If you set up the pond with aquatic plants to filter the water naturally and do not use pumps and filters you will be a lot cheaper and contribute to the environment!
The amount of water needed per square meter of floor space depends on the depth of the pond. Generally, for a pond with a depth of about 50-60 centimeters, a volume of 1,000-1500 liters per square meter is recommended. This means that for a 10-square-meter pond, the amount of water needed would be about 10,000-15,000 liters.
If you choose to keep fish in your pond as well, it is important to size the pond accordingly. For the fish to overwinter safely, the pond should have a minimum depth of 80 cm. In addition, it is advisable to match the size of the pond with the types of fish you want to keep.
Building a large pond near your home does not require a permit, unless it will be located in your front yard. By law, this refers to an area within 30 meters of your home. However, if you have a spacious yard and place the pond 50 meters from your home, then a permit is required.
An average pond is about 80 - 100 centimeters deep. Small ponds are usually around 60 centimeters deep. A koi pond and swimming pond are often much deeper (usually around 150 centimeters deep).