Pond descriptions

Mark's pond

Problems with a high water table

Question. Four feet down and, not oil but water! The water seem to be really high. I dug a soakaway 20 ft away for the filter, and that too had the water at the same depth.
I am sure that this is not a new problem, but I have been unable to find any references to it anywhere.
Drawing of suitable pump

If the problem exists when you are digging your pond then the best solution is a Dab Nova pump also known as an automatic basement pump. The pump sits in the water and when this drops below a certain level the pump stops. When the water rises then the float level on the pump is activated and it will pump the water until the water level drops back to the previous mark.

To locate the pump it is necessary to dig out a hole which is deep enough to completely submerge the pump and its float switch.
To prevent the sides caving in the hole must be lined to support the walls of the hole. It can be done by making up a wooden box frame with no bottom. Many koi-keepers use a paint drum or similar with the bottom knocked out. as you excavate out the bottom of the pond then you will need to also dig out your sump for the pump.
A pump in pond base

In this photograph you can see this in use. The handle for the pump can just be seen above the water level. A flexible hose is connected to the outlet to the pump, and this is led away to the main drains.

TIP. There are several small domestic pumps on the market that will do the same task, but it is important to use a professional heavy duty type that is able to cope with the heavy mud and small stones that will be present.

Now let us look at the next problem with a high water table.

Go to last pond. Return to Pond Index.Go to next pond.
This website started with a booklet which I made up originally for the help of those members of the BKKS - South Wales Section who were intending to start building a koi pond, and as the website has expanded more information and articles from other people have been included. This is for general guidance only, and we do not take any responsibility for problems that might occur by following these ideas. It is important that you check out everything in your area, and check on local laws and rules that may apply.
Website Copyright © 1999-2006 Eric W Poingdestre