Please read Michael Bush's url. The only thing I would add is not having your hive in damp areas even if the area does not flood the wood will not last an it could be a pain to get around in to work your hive. If you have lots of grasses in your pond that is good otherwise make a few light weight small (1/4"x12"x12") floats for the bees to land on. My floats absorb enough water that the top of the float floors are wet but not under water. -Mike