Dipping my toes in the river near my home during the spell of warm weather made me reflect on how therapeutic water is in so many ways, whether just to cool off or to appreciate in its movement and sound.

You can transfer some of those therapeutic qualities to your garden by creating a water feature, whether it’s as simple as a wooden barrel with a waterproof lining and a single plant in it, or as elaborate as a large pond that will not only provide a focal point but will become a magnet for wildlife.

Whatever type of water feature you decide to install, positioning it will be important in all but the smallest of features.

Ponds should be situated on an open site, with at least six hours of sunlight a day, away from trees where you are less likely to come across tree roots when digging the hole and falling leaves are less likely to cause a problem.

Try to avoid placing the pond where there’s a naturally high water table, as the pressure from below is likely to lift your liner, forcing your water out.

Also be aware that placing a large pond in full sun will encourage a build-up of algae.

Next you need to select your liner. It can be either concrete, butyl or a pre-fabricated shell made of fibreglass or plastic. Concrete may be the most long-lasting, but it is also likely to be the most expensive.

The cheapest pond option is probably a flexible butyl liner which can be used for any shape of pond and is particularly effective for informal ponds. Dig the hole slightly larger than the desired size of the pool, creating shelves as you go.

Remove sharp stones and roots and cover the base of the pond with a thick layer of soft sand which, if dampened, will help to keep it in place.

The liner width should equal the pond’s width plus twice the depth, plus a 30cm (1ft) overhang.

Lay the liner loosely over the hole and lightly anchored at the sides with stones or bricks. Start filling the pool with a hose, allowing the weight of water to drag the liner into the shape of the pool.

Fill the pond to within 5cm (2in) of the rim, then cut off the excess liner, leaving around 15cm (6in) overlap, which can be anchored with paving stones, turf or planting.

Ponds should be at least 60cm (24in) deep if you want to keep fish. To keep the water moving, which helps prevent it going stagnant, and create a soothing, bubbly sound or a small fountain or waterfall, you’ll need a pump.

Small pumps are available with fountain or waterfall kits, but all electric pumps should be used with a residual-current device (RCD) device. Consider access to your mains and always use a qualified electrician.