How to Update a Backyard Pond

Update your backyard pond with a simple color palette.

Updating a backyard pond can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you have a limited budget or no knowledge of landscaping. Luckily, it doesn't have to cost a small fortune or require an army of expensive landscapers to transform an outdated pond. The combination of the right materials, including pavers, plants, exterior lighting and water features, can transform your backyard pond from a tired eyesore to the envy of your neighborhood.

1

Clean up any overgrown foliage around the backyard pond. Pull weeds, and remove dead or dying plants that cannot be salvaged.

2

Replace broken or worn out pavers with modern materials. Use several different landscaping materials -- including flagstone, quartz pavers and decomposed granite -- to create a more updated feel.

3

Incorporate more updated geometrical patterns. In the past, round and oval pavers were used to create water features or hardscape a backyard pond. Replace your outdated oval or round pavers with rectangular, square or triangular materials.

4

Replace your three-tiered garden fountain with a more modern water feature. For instance, a stainless steel or fiberglass pitcher fountain creates a rustic garden scene. If you cannot afford to replace your outdated water feature, cover it with moss to create a more organic, modern display.

5

Draw attention to your water feature or landscaping with outdoor lighting. Only purchase fixtures labeled “waterproof.” When in doubt, hire a professional lighting designer to safely and properly install the equipment.

6

Transform your backyard pond into a fashionable outdoor living space. Set up a concrete-top table and benches, and line the pavers with candles to create a Tuscan-inspired seating area. Or keep it simple by adding a sleek, modern chair and table for your cocktail and novel.