There are five golden rules for siting a pond:
- Choose a sunny spot, preferably sheltered from cold easterly winds. For a pond to reach its full potential in a temperate climate, for instance, it should be positioned where the sun can shine upon it for at least half the day - indeed waterlilies will only give of their best if they receive six hours or more of sunshine per day. It has to be said, however, that in very hot countries - such as the Mediterranean and north Africa - some shade is positively beneficial!
- Avoid overhanging trees - they cast shade, and their fallen leaves will readily pollute the water with harmful salts and gases, which also encourage algae. The worst offenders are horse chestnut, laburnum, holly and - would you believe - willow, so avoid these trees if you can. Plums and cherries, meanwhile, host waterlily aphids in winter.
- Make sure your site is level. This makes for easier installation, a better-looking result, and will be easier to maintain.
- Choose a low-lying site, to avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements, but make sure that your chosen location is above the water table, otherwise flooding will be a regular occurrence.
- Do not place a pond at the base of a slope. Run-off from the higher levels will cause problems, and places like this also act as 'frost pockets' because the average temperature of this part of the garden is lower, and so water will more readily ice over.
The following are merely recommendations for the best siting of a pond, not preconditions, like those listed above:
- Site the pond close to the house and power supplies (for running the electric pumps, filters, under-water lighting, and so on).
- Ensure that the pond is clearly visible from several vantage points around the garden.
- Avoid locations with unsightly surroundings, especially those that would cast ugly reflections in the water.
You might also be interested in learning how to construct a concrete pond in your garden and also how to build a good waterfall in your garden. | 
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