Terrace Ponds | How do I make a patio pond and what pond plants do I need?
A patio pond or mini pond on your balcony is an attractive addition to your home. If you live small, you probably don't have the space to create a (large or small) pond in the garden - if you have a garden at all. A small pond basin or balcony pond is an easy alternative that will soon give you a lot of fun and enjoyment. Keeping fish is tricky, but you will make many other animals and insects happy. Making your own mini pond is not difficult. We will help you on your way.
Complete patio ponds with colorful plants
All about the patio pond
- What is a patio pond?
- Pond plants for a patio pond
- Requirements for a patio pond
- step-by-step plan for making a patio pond
- The best place for patio ponds
- Pond plants for a large patio pond
5 important tips for an organically clear pond
As a result, you can easily save hundreds of dollars.
What is a patio pond?
A patio pond or mini pond is a small pond specifically designed to be placed on a patio or balcony. It is a compact pond that is usually no larger than 1 square meter and has a maximum depth of about 50 centimeters. With a patio pond, you help restore biodiversity and add a touch of nature to your patio, garden or balcony.
Pond plants for a patio pond
There are many different types of aquatic plants that are suitable for planting in the patio pond. It is just convenient to choose aquatic plants that help keep the water in the pond clear and prevent algae formation. Water lilies are a perfect choice for in patio pond because of their beautiful appearance and ability to prevent algae. Oxygen plants are also not to be missed in your patio pond, they keep the pond water clear and healthy.
Most purchased aquatic plants for a patio pond
Requirements for a patio pond
Creating your own patio pond is super easy! All you need are a few essential supplies, such as a waterproof pond container for your patio pond, a pond basket to put your aquatic plants in and pond substrate to cover the bottom of the pond. Also don't forget to add pond clay and pond soil with nutrition for the right nutrients. To complete your patio pond, add pond plants and make sure the water stays healthy using pond bacteria. And of course, don't forget to fill your patio pond with water! But why buy all these products separately when you can also get them in a convenient package, specially designed for your patio pond? Take a quick look among our patio pond kits and create your own patio pond easily and quickly.
Substrate and bacteria for a clear patio pond
Step-by-step plan for creating a patio pond
Choosing a patio pond tank
As a first step, it is important to choose a beautiful container or pot for your patio pond. Choose something that matches your style and the look of your patio or balcony. Make sure the container or pot is at least 1 square meter in size and has a depth of 20 centimeters, so your pond plants have enough room to grow and flourish. With a beautiful patio pond, you will create your own mini-oasis on the balcony or terrace!
Picking a spot
To enjoy your patio pond or mini pond to the maximum, it is important to place it in a place where you can enjoy it regularly, such as in your garden, on the balcony or on the terrace. This will allow you to enjoy the beautiful look and soothing atmosphere of your own pond every day. Just keep in mind that your mini pond is a small and shallow water source. This means that during the warm summer months, pond algae may form on the water surface, such as floating algae and filamentous algae, due to the sun shining on the water. The water can also evaporate due to the heat. To prevent this, you can move your mini pond to a less sunny spot. In this way, your mini pond will remain clear and healthy.
Learn how to become a pond specialist for your pond
With the help of my books, stemming from 35 years of professional experience, discover how to save money in both the construction and maintenance of your pond.
Making height differences
As a third step, you may want to create height differences in your patio pond. You can do this by placing stones at the bottom of the pond. This allows you to place your aquatic plants at different heights in the pond and creates a fun and playful effect. Many people find this a nice addition to their patio pond.
Picking pond plants
When you want to build a patio pond, it can be difficult to decide which aquatic plants are best suited for your little pond. But don't worry, because we have the solution for that: a handy patio pond set! Such a set includes everything you need, from pond substrate to pond bacteria. So you no longer need to buy large bags of soil and clay. With a terrace pond set you can quickly and easily enjoy your own beautiful pond.
Mini and patio pond sets
Terrace pond landscaping
Spread the pond gravel evenly over the bottom of your patio pond. Then it's time to mix the pond plants, clay and pond potting soil together in a pond basket. Into this you will then plant the aquatic plants. Make sure the pond basket is at least 20 centimeters under water and place it on the bottom of the patio pond. Then fill the terrace pond to just below the edge with water. This way you can quickly and easily have a beautiful pond on your terrace or balcony.
The best place for patio ponds
Not everyone has the luxury of a large garden, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy aquatic life. In fact, with a few simple steps, you can create your own patio pond. And the great thing is, not only can you enjoy aquatic life yourself, but you also help many animals with it. After all, a patio pond attracts insects such as bees, dragonflies and damselflies, and birds like to come and drink or cool off in the water. When placing your patio pond, it is important to choose a good location. Preferably choose a spot in the sun so that the aquatic plants can grow and bloom well. Avoid placing your patio pond under a deciduous tree to prevent too many leaves from entering the water.
Pond plants for a large patio pond
There are numerous aquatic plants suitable for a patio pond, but it is important to choose plants that are not only beautiful, but also help keep the water clear and healthy. Fortunately, there are many options that meet these requirements. If you choose to install a somewhat larger patio pond, it is best to choose a ready-made plant package. Because you can put more aquatic plants in a larger patio pond, you can also choose a larger package. Choose a varied package that includes different types of aquatic plants for a healthy and clear patio pond.
Pond plant packages for patio ponds of 500 liters or more
As you can imagine, a patio pond with fish is not just possible with any size patio pond. Especially when the pond is full in the sun, the water quickly becomes too warm for fish and they will not survive. Also when it freezes and ice forms, the fish will not get oxygen and the chances of survival are slim. With a small patio pond or balcony pond, it is therefore not recommended to have fish swimming around in it.
Once you have decided that you want to purchase a patio pond or balcony pond, it is a good idea to ask yourself how big the specimen should be. If you have access to a balcony or small terrace, a small square pond container may be appropriate. If you have more space, a somewhat larger, round patio pond is also one of the possibilities. If you want a patio pond with a window, we recommend going for a larger patio pond.

Simon van der Velde
Pond specialist and aquatic plant grower since 1986
Simon's vision is to let nature do its work in your pond. No need to buy all kinds of measuring equipment and water improvers. If the fish are swimming nicely and the plants are growing well, then the water in the pond is of good quality. With a good planting plan and the right approach, you can save a lot of money and maintenance, and ensure a clear, biologically balanced pond that becomes more beautiful every year.