A) Outline the shape of the pond on the ground with garden hose or rope and adjust until it resembles the shape you had in mind. Simple shapes are best and look more pleasing when finished. Irregular shapes with narrow necks, and sharp corners are not suitable because they are wasteful of liner material, create many folds & creases that can be difficult to edge.

B) Calculate the size of the liner you need. Length is maximum overall length of the pool plus twice the maximum depth. Width is maximum overall width of the pool plus twice the maximum depth. If you intend to take the liner underneath edging stones, for example, you must include this area in your length and width.

C) A simple template will be useful to help you to achieve accurate shelves and angles of the sides.

Dig down to the shelf level and then dig out the centre down to the full depth. Use your-template to ensure the angles are correct and the sides and shelves smooth.

Ensure that the top of the hole is level all round. Lowering the high side is better than trying to raise the lower side. Check for sharp stones or roots, remove any you find and fill the holes they leave. Cover the whole surface with a 2" (5cm) layer of damp sand or pond liner underlay.

Stretch your Pond Liner over the hole and position it so that the pool is centred. Allow it to lay in the hole so that it just touches the bottom and the shelf edges. Hold it in position with smooth stones around the top. Start filling it with water, it will stretch to fit the hole and it will form pleats in corners and curves. Release more liner into the hole in places by moving the holding stones. Move around making any pleats tidy and they will hardly be

visible once the pond is full. Stop filling when the water is 3-4" (10cm) below the top.

Now work on your planned edging. Try and protect the liner from the sun's Ultra Violet rays as these can shorten the life of the liner. Now finish the surrounding landscaping with waterfalls, rockery or paved area to complete your plan.