Building a backyard pond in Charlotte, NC? Whether you’re dreaming of a koi pond, water garden, or pondless waterfall, knowing the right materials is essential. In this guide, Pondscapes of Charlotte breaks down the must-have pond construction materials that ensure durability, functionality, and beauty for years to come.
Underlayment
Placed underneath the liner.
Protects the liner from punctures caused by rocks, roots, or sharp debris.
Increases the lifespan of the pond liner.
45 mil EPDM Liner
Fish and pet safe (non-toxic).
Holds the water inside your pond or water feature.
Flexible enough to mold to various shapes and sizes.
Highly durable and UV-resistant.
Always installed with an underlayment.
Pond Skimmer
A mechanical filter for ponds.
Includes a removable basket that catches leaves and floating debris.
Contains a filter pad for added filtration.
Houses the pump at the bottom of the skimmer box.
Handles flow rates up to 10,000 gallons per hour (GPH).
Pump
Pumps water from the reservoir to the top of your waterfall.
Comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Energy-efficient models available from 3,000 GPH to over 8,000 GPH.
Reliable and low-maintenance for long-term performance.
Check Valve
Connects the waterfall pump to the flexible pipe.
Allows you to remove the pump easily with a built-in collar.
Prevents water from draining back when the pump shuts off.
Optional in some pondless waterfalls or fountainscapes.
Flexible PVC Pipe
Carries water from the reservoir to the top of the waterfall.
Flexible and durable to handle bends and curves.
Typically 2″ in diameter but available in larger sizes.
Biofalls Filter
Water is pumped into the bottom of this biological filter.
It rises through filter media to remove nutrients and debris.
Helps keep your pond water clear and healthy.
Should be filled with biological filter media like BioBalls.
Requires cleaning only once a year to preserve beneficial bacteria and sustain effectiveness.
Filter Media
- We use BioBalls from Aquascape, but there are also some alternatives such as lavarocks.
Each ball has 19 inches of textured surface area.
Provides ideal conditions for beneficial bacteria to grow.
Typically placed in mesh bags (about 100 per bag) inside the BioFalls.
Beneficial Bacteria
Comes with a convenient scooper—one scoop treats 1,300 gallons.
Works synergistically with filter media to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Promotes a clean, clear, and healthy pond environment.