To me there's two ways to build a pond.
1. Standardized design. Basically for people looking for a landscape feature. They like the look, sound of a pond.
2. Custom. For people obsessed with ponds and fish.
For a standardized design you only have to pick a specific design and build that. For example, the most common pond in the US is probably an Aquascape pond. They explain exactly how their pond is suppose to be built and sell all the components. They have lots of authorized contractors that can do the install or you can DIY and there are lots of contractors who can maintain these ponds. There are lots of choices but in the end it's a standard Aquascape pond.
I use Aquascape as an example but this is true for Laguna and other manufacturers, Most have info on
how to build a pond their way.
Custom ponds requires a lot of learning and research. Endless really. Learning is a big part of the hobby.
If you read forums you will get lots and lots of opinions so it can seem confusing and contradicting if opinion is confused with knowledge, experience or fact.
Bottom line imo is it doesn't really matter much brand you go with. They're all about the same because they all complete for the same type of customer. There are better components by manufacturers that specialize in one area, but then you're into a custom pond and having to do a lot of research.
