My 10 Wooden Barrel Water Feature Tips (Whiskey Barrel Pond)

Content: 1452 words

Reading time: 5 min 17 sec

Article by: Ryan Thomas

If you own a wooden barrel water feature this post is for you. And those of you that don’t, will find lots of reasons why you should get one.

A whiskey barrel pond will bring a lot of excitement into your life. It can be more than exciting, keeping a pond can become an obsession.

Many people start with a small half barrel pond. Which quickly develops into a large oak barrel water feature. With a fountain, pump, filter, plants, fish and all the rest.

If that sounds like it could be you, welcome to the club.

A wooden barrel water feature can look a little plain on its own. So why not try adding a few extras like a mini water fountain? They are easy to install and will make a barrel pond look amazing.

For an old-world look to your barrel pond, try fitting a hand water pump. When used with an electric pump, they allow for the continuous circulation of water. That can look very special.

But there are other small touches you can add. For a start, what about a handful of smooth white pebbles? And a basket of water-loving plants such as lilies.

I hope that has kick-started your imagination. Once you start there’s no stopping.

To make a whiskey barrel pond you will need a half whiskey barrel. Because like most barrels that hold liquids, they are watertight.

You can position the barrel wherever you like. But you will have to make sure it’s level. If you don’t and it fills with rain it will be noticed.

Now, for extra protection fit the barrel with a butyl pond liner. That will guard it against rot. Then add some aquatic compost with a layer of grit on top. Finally, a few water plants in a small basket and you're done.

That’s the making of a very basic whiskey barrel pond.

Start by measuring your half barrel pond for a liner. Measure down one side across the bottom and up the other side. And don’t forget to add a bit extra to allow for folds in the liner. If you don’t, in some places it might not reach the top of the barrel.

When you have it, lay the liner flat on the ground. Now put a pencil mark slap bang in the middle of the liner. When you put the liner in the barrel. Make sure the pencil mark is in the middle of the barrel floor. That will give you an even overlap on the barrel rim.

Once the liner is in the barrel add some aquatic compost and grit. Then slowly add some water. All the while, dressing the liner up the side of the barrel.

Push out as much air as possible. The water will flatten the liner as you slowly fill the barrel. When the barrel is full, staple the liner to the rim. Then trim off any excess liner for a nice neat finish.

Aquatic plants make a huge difference to the look of a barrel pond. And in most cases, they’re an essential part of a pond. Especially, if you intend to stock fish.

Start off small with two or three plants. And beware, aquatic plants grow fast and can quickly take over a pond. So, regular pruning is required especially of the roots. If you’re using a water fountain pump make sure the intake doesn’t get blocked.

Floating plants such as water lilies look great in a barrel pond. You can also use rushes and irises. And don’t forget to include oxygenating plants. Hornwort and Spiked Water Milfoil are two you can try. They will both add oxygen to the water and keep it healthy.

A whiskey barrel pond doesn’t need a filter. However, having said that, it will depend on the type of pond. A small whiskey barrel pond won’t need one. But a big barrel might.

A small whiskey barrel pond can be kept clean with oxygenating plants. Some large ones might look better if you install a small pond filter. A small pond filter will keep the water clear. That means if you have fish you can watch them swimming.

Filtered water is also better for dogs, cats and birds. If the water's fresh, local wildlife might come to depend on it. That could bring deer, badgers, foxes and other creatures to your garden.

If you have a barrel fish pond you will want to keep the water clear. It’s essential if you want the full benefit of having a pond. There’s nothing like sitting on the patio watching the fish.

You can keep the water clear without a UV pond filter. Providing, the barrel is of a small size. In fact, some half barrel ponds are really too small to house a filter. So, you will have to keep it clean and clear using aquatic plants.

On the other hand, you could install a large barrel fish pond. But to keep the water clear and fresh you will need a UV pond filter. And you will need oxygenating plants as well. For the best results use the plants and filter together.

If you have a half barrel pond with a mini water fountain. You will need a submersible water feature pump. Whether it’s a fountain, cascade or imitation hand pump. If you want water to flow, you will need a water feature pump.

For most water features a mini pond pump is essential. A mini pond pump will bring any water feature to life. They can turn a dull garden exhibit into an exciting one. They are another expense but they’re well worth the money.

A wooden barrel water feature is the best water feature for decking. Because they don’t take up much room and won’t topple over. You can surround them with plants to add to the attraction. And if you have any, they will help shade fish from direct sunlight.

There’s nothing quite like the sound of running water. So if you have a pond why not fit a mini water fountain? Together they will keep adults and children entertained for hours.

So if you want a water feature for decking. A whiskey barrel pond is my best advice.

Yes, you can use LED lights for water features. You can use them to light the inside and outside of a water feature. That makes them ideal for submersion into a whiskey barrel pond. Or, for lighting up the foliage around a pond.

LED lights add a unique look to a half barrel pond. As the sun falls away the LEDs take over. At that time of the evening, a whiskey barrel pond will look very special.

LED lights for water features can be bought in kit form. The same kit can be placed inside or around the pond. So, you could put one LED in the pond and the rest in the foliage. As you will see, LED lighting will make a big difference.

You can use a water feature cleaner on fountains and other water features. It will save you hours and hours of manual work. By adding a small dose the system will clear within a few days.

A water feature cleaner can do many things. They can offer protection from algae and green dirty water. And many forms of bacteria including Legionella.

But please note, read the instructions before buying. Don’t order water feature cleaner until you know what it does. Make sure it’s non-toxic and safe for all animals and birds. And, make sure it’s safe for your fish if you keep them.

There you have it, ten questions and ten answers. Every one of them about some type of wooden barrel water feature.

This post has provided plenty of how-to information. It will make creating your pond a bit easier.

It doesn’t matter what type of wooden barrel water feature you have. You can have a small pond or a big pond. The main thing is to have fun.

I hope you get as much enjoyment out of your pond as I get out of mine.