If you have a pond that is taking up valuable backyard space, or it just isn’t doing its job, then there are options when it comes to what to do with it.
Whilst it might look generally nice, if it isn’t efficient, then there is usually no point in keeping it, especially when it is taking a sufficient amount of your time to maintain it – as well as money.
If you are finding it stressful to own a pond, and are unsure what to do with it, then you have come to the right place. In this article we shall look at 3 easy ways to change an unwanted pond.
So, let’s get to it!

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What Can You Do With An Unwanted Pond?
If you have a pond in your backyard (see also ‘5 Cover Ideas For Your Backyard Pond‘) that you don’t want anymore – perhap it is overgrown or you are struggling to maintain it – then there are a few things that you can do.
For example, instead of becoming stressed due to leaving it alone, you can take action. One of these ways is by transforming it completely into a brand new pond. This way, you can make it into a pond that suits the home, or one that you are willing to maintain.
Or, you can just fill it in. It isn’t the preferred option, but if the pond is causing you stress and you would like to not have a pond at all, then this action is for you.
Lastly, you can also just leave it, however, this will not solve your problem and will cause you to keep getting stressed!
So, with these actions in mind, let’s take a look at how we can fix the issue.
Action 1 : Fill The Pond In
If you want the easy option, then filling the pond in is a good idea. Once you have gone through the motions, and you feel like giving up, then you might finds that removing it all together is the best option
That being said, whilst filling it in might seem like it will reduce your stress, maybe you will regret doing so? If you think about it, you are taking away a bit of nature from your home.
Ponds attract all sorts of different bugs that help with the ecosystem within the water. Not only that, if the water is healthy, it can attract dragonflies which feed off mosquitos, helping to keep them at bay.
Also, having a pond is a great way to teach your children about nature and why bugs are important for all of us. So, before you decide to pick up that shovel and fill the pond with dirt, think about any benefits that having a pond might bring to you and your family.
If you don’t find the sound of running water relaxing, and really do what to fill in the pond, then go for it!
Action 2: Transforming An Unwanted Pond
You could however, just transform the pond into something that you would like. Whilst it might not look like much now, it doesn’t mean that you cannot have a pond that suits your style and needs.
A pond can be a highlight, rather than a hindrance, especially when it comes to the design and where it is placed. Obviously, you cannot move the location, but you can still create a design feature that is also useful for the environment.
Think about how you can make the pond become more efficient, whether that is the fact it runs smoother, it looks different, or that it becomes pondless.
It might sound odd, but you can turn it into a water feature instead so that the work you put into it is vastly reduced.
If you are unsure about getting rid of the pond altogether, this option might be the best way to go. If you have any doubt, it likely means that you don’t really want to get rid of the pond for good.
So, instead of removing it altogether, why not think of ways you can improve it? It also might be a fun project to get stuck into!
Action 3: Or, You Can Just Leave Your Pond
You can also just leave it and ignore it, however, this isn’t the best option and should be avoided. The reason being, the pond will not just magically get better. In fact, it’ll become worse over time.
That is exactly what you have been doing, and as you have likely noticed, all those years of leaving it has made it into more of a job – and probably an expensive one, too!
So, instead of leaving it to become an eyesore, take action with the two options above. If you want to keep it, perhaps change it. If you don’t want a pond anymore, then fill it in.
Before You Take Action
Before you decide to take action on any of the above, think about why you decided to have a pond in the first place. Did you want to create something wonderful where bugs and frogs could have a home?
Or, was the pond already there when you moved in? Because if it was, then action 2 could be a great option to creating something that you would love to have in your backyard.
So, think about the reasons as to why you had a pond first before you fill it in, and then have to go through the effort of creating a new pond because you regret filling it in!
Final Thoughts On An Unwanted Pond
Owning a pond can be time consuming and expensive in the long run, and if you have one that looks like an eyesore – well, that is a whole other issue entirely!
Instead of having to put up with a bad looking pond that you feel is a waste of time, think about changing it up or getting rid of it. Just, whatever you do, don’t leave it to become even worse!