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KOI PONDS INSTALLERS BUILDERS-FISH
POND-WATERFEATURES-WATER GARDEN
Providing Services in:- Design and Install - Ponds - Koi Pond
Builders - Pond Installers We create fish ponds, garden ponds,
vanishing waterfalls, babbling brooks, and meandering streams
that produce the wonder of natural sites and sounds and increase
property values.
Pond & Waterfall Design/Installation
Water features divide themselves into decorative projects or
water gardens. The distinction is that a water garden contains
life, while a decorative feature (including most waterfalls)
does not. This choice is your first major decision and needs to
be made before you start considering how to build your water feature.
Each type has its own characteristics that must be
considered:
|
Decorative Features |
Water Gardens |
|
Formal or informal in shape |
Typically freeform in shape |
|
Suitable pool depth to cover
pump |
Suitable depth not to freeze
or overheat |
|
May use an automatic water
fill |
Sensitive to evaporation |
|
Use any nozzle that works
with pool size & shape |
Nozzles avoided in small
ponds |
|
May use bleach or
non-foaming algaecide |
Limited chemicals (use
plants!)
|
|
A pump intake screen may be
sufficient |
Potentially elaborate
mech./bio filters |
 Example
#1: Q: "Can I put that neat looking nozzle in my fish pond?" A:
A fine droplet spray nozzle would be fine in a
decorative fountain, but in a water garden it will: 1.
Plug with fish waste; 2. Increase
evaporation, leading to greater concentration of dissolved
solids and potential nitrate toxicity; 3.
Disrupt the growth and blooming of aquatic plants.
Example #2: Q: "Can I throw a few goldfish in the
fountain for the kids?" A: Well, this
means: 1. You can't use bleach or algaecide
anymore; 2. Your pump intake screen won't cut
it as a filter; 3. Your fountain may be small,
above grade or too shallow to let the fish winter or endure
summer heat; 4. The site may suffer from storm
runoff, inadequate sunlight for plants, or ease of doing things
like cleaning and partial drain/fills.
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Site Planning and Pool Material
After selecting the type of
project, consider the site location, and construction materials.
A pool under a tree may seem picturesque, but will fill with
leaves during the fall, and if built out of flexible liner may
get punctured by roots.
Here is our humble experience
with different pool materials:
|
Materials
|
PVC Liner |
Rubber Liner |
Concrete |
ABS Preform |
Poly Preform |
Fiberglass Preform |
|
Cost |
(cheap) |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
|
Ease of Installation |
Fair |
Good |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Very Good |
|
Ease of Repair |
Poor |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
Poor |
Good |
|
Initial Appearance |
Fair |
Needs skill |
Needs skill |
Fair (sags) |
Fair (sags) |
Good |
|
Fittings/ penetrations |
Poor |
Fair |
One Chance |
Fair |
Fair |
Excellent |
|
Reliability (general) |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Reliability (winter) |
Poor |
Excellent |
(cracks) |
(brittle) |
Very Good |
Very Good |
|
Overall Results |
Poor |
Good |
Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Very Good |
Your pond should have a raised
edge to avoid storm runoff that can run into the pool. This is
very important with water gardens where the fish can be killed
by insecticides or other chemicals. Winterization should be
planned for in advance of freezing conditions. Your site will
need a source of electricity for its pump. Submersible equipment
must have Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) protection,
as well as have its other aspects of installation conform to
Article 680 of the National Electric Code.
WATERFALLS, WATER GARDENS AND
PONDS
Water features are often included in
landscape designs because of the unique sights and sounds that
they bring to both exterior and interior living spaces. Many
people find a moment of peace as they listen to water splashing
in a fountain and gurgling over rocks as it runs down to a
waiting pond. The use of ponds, aquatic plants, fish and water
features in landscapes is sometimes called water gardening.
There is a wealth of
information available about water gardens, ponds and waterfalls
because aquatic gardens have been used in landscapes for
thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to the neighbor next
door, people have been enjoying the musical sounds of waterfalls
and the slow but deliberate movement of fish in ponds since the
beginning of civilization.
If you want a pond built with a
soothing waterfall and stream, beautiful plants, fish
and Koi we can custom create this for less than you think. Our
water gardens, ponds and other water features are custom
designed to interact with our clients architectural settings.
The beauty of stones and the sound of water flowing will create
an atmosphere of healing for any environment.
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