Mirror Ponds | What is a mirror pond and what is the best way to build a sleek pond?

A mirror pond is a unique eye-catcher in your garden, although building a sleek pond requires some precision. Of course, the reflection of the water is what it's all about and you only create that with the cleanest water. For those who like sleek design, a shallow mirror pond is interesting; it can be an enrichment for your small garden. In fact, with such a pond, your garden seems larger than it really is. There is a lot involved in the construction and maintenance of a reflection pond. We are happy to advise you.

All about mirror ponds

• What is a mirror pond?
• What does a mirror pond cost?
• How do you make a sleek pond?
• What aquatic plants can go in a mirror pond?
• The depth and design of mirror ponds
• Maintaining a mirror pond

What is a mirror pond?

A sleek mirror pond has a modern and streamlined design that focuses on a smooth surface that resembles a mirror. Polished concrete or smooth stones are often used for the pond edge and the water surface is kept as flat as possible. The pond can have different shapes and often contains aquatic plants that do not grow above the water's surface, if at all; a mirror pond can contain pond fish just like other types of ponds. The design focuses on a minimalist look with clean lines and symmetrical patterns. A sleek mirror pond can serve as an aesthetic addition to the garden or as a quiet place to relax and reflect. Maintenance is relatively easy, it is only important to regularly remove loose leaves from the water's surface.

What does a mirror pond cost?

If you are interested in constructing a sleek mirror pond, you have to consider the cost. On average, the amount is between 1,000 and 2,000 euros. This is mainly due to the material costs for constructing the pond. Of course, the total price depends on the size of the pond and the type of pond plants and fish you choose. Also to be considered are the costs of setting up the pond.

How do you make a sleek pond?

If you are going to build a mirror pond, first realize that the substrate of the pond must be stable. We recommend black EPDM liner, which lasts for decades and gives the best effect for your sleek pond thanks to its dark color. Laying it does require some expertise. A mirror pond additionally requires an extremely smooth surface, otherwise it obviously cannot mirror well. This means that the pond liner must be laid tightly. And since a reflecting pond is primarily meant to be decorative, the tighter the edges slope downward, the better. Good to know: your reflecting pond will look best when you lay out a long and a short side, with sharp corners. Hence, a rectangular model is often chosen.

What aquatic plants can go in a mirror pond?

To prevent too fast and too much warming of the water in the shallow mirror pond, I recommend planting pond substrate and plenty of oxygen plants on the bottom of the pond. The oxygen plants grow below the surface of the water so that the tight field is not disturbed. If you place a water lily, that will happen, but this pond plant can actually provide a nice, bright addition. In addition, water lilies block sunlight, so algae, such as floating algae and filamentous algae, are less likely to rear their heads. Tip: Place twice as many oxygen plants because you don't have any other types of aquatic plants in the pond. We recommend at least five to six individual oxygen plants per square meter (1000 liters of water) and at least 1 bag of pond substrate (20 liters) per 1 m². More tips for planting all kinds of ponds are in the pond planting plan by pond specialist Simon van der Velde.

The depth and design of mirror ponds

There are several options if you want to build a reflection pond. An above-ground pond is an option where you place a large tub in an area where it forms a natural separation between two parts of the garden. This is a simple and affordable option that requires little work. Another option is an excavated mirror pond with a sleek finish. This requires more work and expense because it involves soil work. The advantage is that the sleek surface can flow seamlessly into the adjacent garden, which can create a beautiful effect. When constructing a mirror pond, the depth is important. A mirror pond usually has a depth of only -50 to -70 cm. It is important to remember that with a pond that is too shallow, the water can quickly become too warm, which can lead to algae growth. Since you want a water plant pond without pumps or filters, it is crucial to plant enough oxygen plants that filter the water and maintain biological balance. This will ensure a clear and healthy pond that will not detract from the aesthetics of your garden.

Maintaining a mirror pond

One of the main features of a mirror pond is the reflective water surface, which must be crisp clear to maintain the desired appearance. Because this type of pond is usually quite shallow, keeping the pond clean is crucial to ensure water quality and clarity. To achieve this, you may choose to add pond bacteria twice a year to help keep the water clear. Placing pond substrate on the bottom and adding oxygen plants is another effective way to balance the water and keep it crystal clear. This combination keeps the water biologically healthy and free of algae and other debris. The advantage of this natural way of maintenance is that it is low maintenance and you can enjoy a beautiful and clear pond without the addition of chemicals.