How to Choose and Size Pond Netting
When netting a pond, we like to choose between two types of pond netting -- an economy net and a heavy duty net. Choosing between the two types can be a little confusing. Let's get this cleared up.
Heavy Duty Netting
Heavy duty pond netting is a soft, woven poly netting. It has openings of 1/2". The softness of the net makes it easy to store. It's great for long-term use.
Pros:
Easier to store -- softer, and compacts easily
Good for long term use
Includes plastic stakes
Cons:
Costs slightly more
Has a larger opening at 1/2 inch -- some debris might come through it
Economy Netting
Economy pond netting is slightly more rigid but still malleable enough to store from year to year. While not as strong as the heavy duty net, the 3/8" openings will keep most debris out of the water feature. We use economy netting most often.
Pros:
3/8 inch opening keeps most leaves and debris out of the pond
Slightly less cost than Heavy Duty Netting
Larger over-all netting sizes available
Cons:
Doesn't store as easily as the Heavy Duty Netting
Not as strong as heavy duty netting
Determining Net Size
In the photo, you see a 6' wide by 10' long pond (including waterfall). We also have to take into account the height of the "hoop" which in the photo is 2'.
For me, the easiest way to determine the proper net size, is to look at the pond dimensions compared to the available net sizes and narrow it down that way.
In the photo we chose to use a Heavy Duty net. The options for a Heavy Duty net are 10 x 15, 20 x 20, and 20 x 30. I know I want to cover the entire pond, waterfall and all, and I want a little extra to roll up on each side to place the staples. The 10 x 15 would have been close, but we chose the 20 x 20 to make sure we have plenty of net to work with. If we had chosen the smaller size and it didn't completely cover all sides, we run the risk of leaves blowing in the short size. Better to err in being too large than too small.
Pro Tip: We always use metal staples to hold down the net (even the heavy duty net that comes with plastic stakes.) And when we put the staple into the ground, we leave part of the staple sticking up. If the ground is frozen when you decide to take down the net, you will be happy you did!
What Are the "Hoops" Made From?
If you haven't watched our netting video, the hoops are made from PVC electrical conduit installed over 2' pieces of rebar that have been pounded into the ground about half way. Be careful you don't install your rebar into your plumbing!
Read more about netting here:
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