Mirror Pond
Want a self-sufficient, ecologically balanced reflection pond without pumps, filters or chemicals? With Simons pond check you easily set up your own mirror 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.
Mirror pond or tight pond
Tight pond making
The depth and design of mirror ponds
Cost of a mirror pond
Maintaining a mirror pond
A mirror pond combines sleek design the natural benefits of aquatic plants keeping your garden pond low maintenance and promoting biodiversity.
Others bought this for their mirror pond
Simons Pond Advice Book
- Choose your language of the book
- Complete pond handbook
- 100+ pages from construction to maintenance
STEP ONE - pond substrate - 40 liters
- 40 L covers 1 m² ↥ 5 cm
- Heavy duty quality for the best filtration
- Extra porous: optimal plant growth
Combi Oxygen Plants Set - M - 1,000 - 2,000 L
- For 1,000 - 2,000 L
- 28 plants
- Placement: -1 to -80 cm
BACTA CLEAR
- For 1,000 to 20,000 L
- 100% eco: clear water fast
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
White Water Lily - Nymphaea Alba
- Large water lily
- Full-grown height: 10 cm
- Placement: -10 to -100 cm
Tight pond
A mirror pond is a pond where aquatic plants exclusively below the surface of the water, making the appearance of the pond smooth which creates a perfect reflection, as if you were looking into a mirror. This is where the pond gets its name.
But just because you like a clean water surface does not mean you have to resort to expensive and environmentally harmful pumps and filters. For there are plenty of pond plants that do not grow above the water surface, but still perform their filtering and oxygen enriching task.
Choosing a tight pond means that the water surface can heat up faster in the warmer months because you don't have floating aquatic plants keeping the sun out of the water. It is therefore important to make the right choice in plants, read on and find out through our step-by-step plan how to set up your reflection pond so that it balances itself perfectly naturally.
Natural mirror pond vs unnatural mirror pond
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Mirror Pond with Plants |
Mirror Pond without Plants |
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✅ Naturally self-sustaining | ❌ Regular maintenance required | |
✅ Remains free of algae | ❌ Algae arise faster | |
✅ No pumps or filters required | ❌ Pumps and filters required. | |
✅ Promotes biodiversity | ❌ Does not promote biodiversity | |
✅ Low to no cost | ❌ Higher costs | |
✅ Little to no effort | ❌ Regular cleaning of pump/filter |
Build your own mirror pond in 5 steps
A mirror pond is a stylish addition to your garden because it looks sleek and modern while promoting biodiversity. If you choose the right materials and underwater plants , you can build such a beautiful pond yourself. In our easy-to-follow manual we show you step by step how to do it. This way you can soon enjoy a beautiful pond that brings peace and beauty to your garden.
1. Planning and design
- Goal Setting: Decide whether to go for a natural mirror pond with plants or an unnatural mirror pond with pumps and filters.
- Size and location: Choose a location with adequate light. Consider the shape: rectangular, square, circular. Draw a sketch of your yard with the desired pond design.
2. Digging the pond
- Dig according to your design. Depth depends on your preference, but a mirror pond is usually shallower than traditional ponds.
- Provide solid walls to prevent collapse and groundwater problems.
3. pond liner places
- Choose quality film with a long lifespan, such as black EPDM, for the best mirror effect. This film is strong and elastic, preventing leaks.
- Finish the edges neatly for a clean look.
4. furnishings and plant selection
- Place a layer of 8 to 10 cm pond substrate at the bottom of your pond.
- If you choose plants, go for underwater plants that won't disturb the tight surface, such as oxygen plants.
- Also consider water lilies for a colorful touch and protection from algae.
5. Maintenance
- Keep the water surface clean and free of leaves and other debris to maintain mirror quality.
- If you place enough oxygen plants you will have virtually no pond maintenance.
Mirror pond design in 6 steps
We inform you about the ideal plantings for a mirror pond, without the need for pumps, filters or water improvers. You can choose a completely sleek, natural mirror pond or a natural mirror pond with some beautiful water lilies floating on the surface of the water. By following our step-by-step plan, you will provide yourself with a maintenance-free mirror pond that promotes biodiversity.
1. pond substrate
Indeed, a layer pond substrate of 8 to 10 cm in the pond offers a warm welcome to the right pond bacteria, which adhere to the stone grains or lava rock. These bacteria have a water-purifying effect, keeping the water naturally clear. A filter or pump is therefore not necessary, which saves costs. Immediately after construction you can add these good bacteria. In addition, a layer pond substrate on the bottom gives plant roots of pond plants the opportunity to attach themselves well, without rotting. So if you are in doubt about whether or not pond substrate; for a natural filter it is indispensable.
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 - 40 liters
- 40 L covers 1 m² ↥ 5 cm
- Heavy duty quality for the best filtration
- Extra porous: optimal plant growth
2. Oxygen Plants
Oxygen plants in a mirror pond where you do not want to use a pump or filter are crucial. Normally the rule is 2 pond baskets with at least 8 plants and 10 to 12 loose oxygen plants per 1m2. This rule applies to a pond that uses oxygen plants, marsh plants, aquatic plants and a water lily. If you want to decorate the pond completely tightly you only make use of oxygenated underwater plants and possibly a beautiful water lily so that you maintain the authentic mirror effect. Because you do not use the other types aquatic plants , you will need double the number of oxygenated plants.
Simon's advice for an oxygen plant
Per 1000 gallons of water: 4 baskets (16 plants total) and 24 individual oxygen plants.
Combi Oxygen Plants Set - M - 1,000 - 2,000 L
- For 1,000 - 2,000 L
- 28 plants
- Placement: -1 to -80 cm
3. pond bacteria
To keep the pond clean and clear, use pond bacteria in addition to aquatic plants . Our uniquely formulated formula "Bacta Clear" consists of two types of beneficial pond bacteria developed by pond specialist Simon. Our product helps to break down drab residues that form on the bottom of the pond due to an excess of for example fish food, decaying leaves and dead algae. The recommended dosage is 1 liter Bacta Clear per 1000 to 20,000 liters of pond water, because our formula is composed 100% natural it is not harmful to humans, plants and animals.
Simon's advice for a pond bacteria
1 bottle Bacta Clear from 1 to 20 m³ (1,000 to 20,000 liters of water).
BACTA CLEAR
- For 1,000 to 20,000 L
- 100% eco: clear water fast
- Safe for humans, plants & animals
4. Optional: flowering aquatic plants & water lily
If you don't want your pond to be austere because a bit of color in the pond appeals to you dan you can add a flowering aquatic plants or a water lily to the pond. The white and red water lilies are the most popular and can grow up to -100 cm deep.
Simons advice for water lilies
At least 1 water lily per 0.5 to 3 m²
White Water Lily - Nymphaea Alba
- Large water lily
- Full-grown height: 10 cm
- Placement: -10 to -100 cm
5. Tip for when you have a deep pond
Mirror ponds often do not distinguish between different depth zones. Are you missing a zone of -40 cm for plants? Then use pond crates. By stacking them, you can easily create a shallow zone for plants. One pond crate fits 1 to 6 baskets of 19x19x10 cm with pond plants.
Simons advice for pond crates and pond plants
With 3 stacked pond crates you create a -80cm deep pond in a -40cm zone for various pond plants. For example, put 3 baskets of oxygen plants such as needleweed together with 3 baskets of irises to place a crate full of water purifying plants in your mirror pond
- 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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 mirror ponds
pond substrate provides an ideal base for pond bacteria that naturally purifies the water. In addition, it helps plant roots take hold, contributing to stable and healthy plant growth.
It is recommended to use 40 liters of substrate per m² for an 8-10 cm layer on the pond bottom.
For a mirror pond, mainly underwater plants is recommended because it does not interfere with the mirror effect. The specific choice may vary depending on your aesthetic preference and local climate conditions.
If you use mostly oxygen plants, you will have low maintenance. Make sure they get enough light and regularly remove dead or diseased plant parts. A proper amount of plants also contributes to the overall well-being of the pond.
Yes, you can add flowering aquatic plants or water lilies for some color. Just make sure they don't cover the entire surface to maintain the mirror effect. White and red water lilies are especially popular and can be placed up to -100 cm deep. If you want to put plants in the pond that can go less deep then it is best to use pond crates