pond design and building

Question
Hello Leigh, We are looking to install a DIY pond in the back yard
partially under a deck on the SE corner of the house. One of the
prime functions would be to be able to sit in it in the hot
weather - like a cool hot tub. Of course, the border collie would
have to be able to go in too. She would be impossible to keep
out, as she loves the water. Do you have recommendations? It
doesn't have to be stocked with either fish or plants, but that
would be nice. We like the aesthetic naturalness of a pond as
opposed to a hot tub or spa. We even discussed heating it in the
winter for use with a fire pit nearby for ambience. This
application would not have plants or fish. (If we heated it in the
winter which is appealing) Thank you for your reply. Happy
Spring!
Mary

Answer
Mary, how big in gallons of water are you thinking? If over
1000 gallons look in the newspaper for someone trying to sell a pool filter. This kind of a pump will be invaluable for what you want. The intake can be contained in a box, the outlet can be adjusted to a fountain of desired size and can be also used as a a Jacuzzi type jet. If the dog is coming in plants are probably not a viable option as he will uproot the plants, fish would be an option this is why the inlet should be contained in a box so you won't suck the fish into the filter.

            Think about this and get back to me if you have further questions

               Keep Ponding
                  Leigh