[header] How to make a backyard fish pond [title] Pick out the placement of your backyard pond. [step] Sun or shade? If you are going to have water lilies they take at least 5 hours of sun a day. The downside of placing your pond in direct sunlight it may be uncomfortable for you if you want to sit by your pond and enjoy the fish. 
Also, algae will flourish in direct sunlight (water lilies and a uv clarifier will help prevent this). [substeps] Avoid placing the pond in areas where water runs off after a heavy rain.