A circlet of water is a small, circular water feature that brings the tranquil aesthetics of a natural pond into a compact garden space. This feature provides a calming focal point and attracts beneficial local wildlife without the scale or complexity of a large pond system. Building a water circlet relies on precise planning and specific materials to create a balanced, recirculating ecosystem. The key to a successful water circlet is ensuring long-term water quality and structural integrity through careful design choices.
Designing the Water Circlet: Location and Scale
Before starting excavation, the choice of location is paramount for the feature’s long-term health. The ideal spot receives a balance of partial shade and sunlight, which helps support aquatic plant growth while minimizing excessive algal blooms. Positioning the circlet where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade is often recommended, as algae thrive in high-intensity sunlight. Avoid placing the feature directly beneath deciduous trees, as falling leaves and debris will rapidly compromise water quality and clog the pump system.
The circlet’s depth is the most important factor for regulating water temperature stability. A minimum depth of 18 inches (46 centimeters) at the deepest point helps prevent the water from freezing solid in winter or overheating rapidly in summer. Varying the depth is accomplished by creating one or two planting shelves, typically 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) deep, around the perimeter for marginal plants. Once the location and dimensions are finalized, the circular perimeter should be marked clearly on the ground using a rope or spray paint.
Essential Materials and Equipment Checklist
The core of the water circlet is a durable, non-toxic liner designed to hold the water volume reliably. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) liners are the industry standard due to their superior flexibility, resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light, and long estimated lifespan. While Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) liners are a cheaper alternative, they are more susceptible to UV degradation and tears, making EPDM the more reliable choice for a permanent installation.
A protective underlayment must be placed beneath the liner to prevent punctures from sharp rocks or roots in the soil. For a feature with a small waterfall or stream element, a submersible pump is required, and its flow rate should be calculated to circulate the entire water volume at least once every hour. Materials needed also include a shovel and level for excavation, along with smooth stones, pebbles, or paving materials for edging and camouflage.
The Construction Process: Excavation and Lining
Excavation and Leveling
The excavation process begins by digging the circular perimeter to the depth of the first planting shelf, usually around 8 inches, keeping the sides vertical. From this point, the center is dug down to the final minimum depth of 18 inches, creating the deepest water zone. It is important to ensure the edges of the excavation, which will form the perimeter rim, are perfectly level using a standard builder’s level. This prevents the water from spilling over the edge at the lowest point once the circlet is filled.
Installing the Liner
After the soil is removed, the entire excavated surface must be cleared of any sharp debris and then covered with the protective underlayment fabric. The flexible liner is then carefully draped over the underlayment, ensuring it conforms to the shelving and deep center without excessive stretching. As the liner is pressed into the circular shape, large folds will form, and these should be managed and overlapped neatly rather than cut, which would compromise the waterproof seal.
Filling and Adjusting
To secure the liner in place, the pump and any necessary tubing for water circulation should be positioned in the deepest section before the initial filling. Water is then slowly added to the circlet, which uses the hydrostatic pressure to press the liner firmly against the contours of the excavation. As the water level rises, the liner is carefully adjusted to smooth out any remaining wrinkles and ensure the edges extend evenly over the rim of the circlet.
Integrating the Feature and Seasonal Care
Finishing and Wildlife Access
The final step in construction involves camouflaging the visible liner edge to give the water circlet a natural appearance. This is accomplished by placing smooth, flat stones, pavers, or coping materials around the perimeter rim, overlapping the excess liner material. A gentle slope or “beach” of pebbles should be created on one side to allow easy access for small wildlife, such as frogs or hedgehogs, which adds to the ecological balance of the feature.
Aquatic Planting
Introducing aquatic plants is the most effective way to maintain a healthy, low-algae environment. Submerged plants, like Anacharis, help oxygenate the water. Floating plants, such as water lilies, provide essential surface coverage to shade the water and limit direct sunlight that fuels algae growth. The plant population should cover approximately 40 to 60 percent of the water surface area for optimal balance.
Winterizing and Maintenance
Long-term care involves routine debris removal, especially in autumn when fallen leaves can decompose and release nutrients that feed algae. Before the first hard frost, the submersible pump should be removed from the circlet to prevent damage from freezing water. The pump is best stored for the winter in a bucket of water in a frost-free area to keep the internal seals from drying out.