The Complete Pond Builder has numerous color photos as well as line drawings of ponds and pond liners. An excellent book for someone who wants to build a pond since it covers numerous types of construction basics as well as types of ponds such as raised and semi-raised ponds, earth ponds, and waterfall construction.

Many of the projects include step-by-step photos with the step-by-step instructions which is great for a beginner who wants to be sure they are doing the project right. There are numerous tips in sidebars throughout the book that give additional information such as the fact that a pH reading over 8.5 can indicate the presence of lime from construction materials in a pond. The tip goes on to explain what to do about this.

The book covers various types of pond edgings such as plants, bogs, wood and rock to name just a few. Each section does mention possible problems you may encounter with various edging materials. This section also contains line drawings showing the best way to use the various materials as edgings.

The pumps and filtration section is very basic and while it will get you started you will want to find a second book to learn more about filtration which is an extremely important function of pond equipment. I really feel that this area needed expansion.

There is a small section on other water features such as fountains, water wheels, bridges and islands. This section is very brief and if you are interested in any of these features for your water garden you will need to consult a different book. Basically this section runs a few ideas past you and then you are on your own.

At the back of the book is a section on water garden plants. If you know what plant you have in mind and want information such as hardiness or sun exposure this section is fine. There is even some information on how deep into the water the plants crown or roots should be. It does cover quite a few plants but again if you need a lot of information you will need a different book.

There was not a section on pond life such as fish or frogs. I really felt this was an area that should have been covered even if it was touched on the way the last three sections were.

As a book that strictly covers pond construction this book is fine, but if you want a more comprehensive volume that offers in-depth coverage of all aspects of pond building and managing your pond once it is built I encourage you to keep looking.