Fill in the garden pond

Hello everyone,

I am new to the forum and hope that I am in the right place with some questions.

My girlfriend and I are looking for a house; we have already looked at numerous properties. Now we have found a nice property, but there is something bothering us: the garden has two large ponds, at least the first and bigger one would have to be removed. We have no idea how to best do this and what costs to expect. Does anyone know about this? The pond is about 2.5 meters deep and approximately 6x6 meters long/wide. So there is already quite a large hole in the ground. I have also considered whether it would be possible to pour a foundation into the hole to build another basement room. But I also have no idea what costs that would entail.

If anyone can offer advice, we would be very happy.

Best regards,
the Swede

Let it be filled in! The prerequisite is that a large vehicle can reach the pond - otherwise it is a menial task to transport 100 cubic meters of earth/sand there with a wheelbarrow. The earth will then also settle....

Watch out for [Naturschutzauflagen].

(6 x 6 x 2.6) m is approximately 90 m³. You then need about 90 m³ of fill material. Depending on that, it’s also approximately 90 t. Here, 1 t of topsoil, sifted, cost 15.60 euros net (delivery and installation). Let’s say 19 euros gross. Then you are at 1710 euros to fill the hole again. Plus or minus 50%.

Of course, you don’t need 2 m deep of the best topsoil. There is surely cheaper material for the majority of the volume.

Then you need a pond pump, some garden hose, pump the pond empty (sewage? neighbor’s field?). Then clean up (liner?), then fill in.

Then let one or two winters pass so the ground settles.

Just because there is a pond, I wouldn’t build a basement. What should be above the basement? What do you plan to do with the space where the pond is today?

First, however, it should be determined what kind of pond it is. Artificial? Natural? With liner? Or “naturally” water-retaining?