Pond Basics – Part I

by | June 10, 2011 10:47 am

 A guide to installing a pond

[1]

By Chris Dahl

Sparkling water cascading over a waterfall, the vibrant colours or subtle fragrance of flowering water lilies and the graceful movements of curious koi and goldfish—these are just some of the wonderful features that make ponds so alluring. These water features can be the centrepiece of your backyard, transforming it into a beautiful oasis, full of life, where you can unwind and let the stresses of the day float away.

Design tips for your pond

Ponds can take many shapes or forms, including water gardens, formal water features or koi ponds. While there is no definitive right or wrong way to design a pond, there are some important design parameters you should consider to get the most enjoyment from them. Location, size, depth and filtration are just some of the aspects you should take into account before construction begins in order to achieve a healthy, low-maintenance ecosystem.

Location

When considering where to situate your pond, it is best to place it where you will enjoy it most. For example, if you spend a lot of time on your deck or patio, keep the pond close to or right beside the deck. What better way is there to enjoy your pond than to smell the fragrant flowers or feed the fish right from your favourite chair? Ideally, the pond should receive four to six hours of sunlight per day, since most aquatic plants require this much sunlight to stay healthy and produce plenty of flowers. It is also beneficial to keep the pond away from large trees, to prevent leaves and debris from falling in the pond.

Size

Although a pond can be designed to fit even the smallest backyard, try to build it as large as you possibly can. Most people get so much enjoyment from their pond, they soon ‘outgrow’ it. If you are unsure what size you want, talk to someone who already has a pond. They will likely tell you they wish they had built a much bigger pond (if they haven’t already upgraded to a larger version).

Depth

Even more important than size is depth. Not only do deeper ponds provide more room for fish to grow and exercise, they are actually easier to maintain. The added depth creates a more stable environment, where parameters such as temperature and water quality fluctuate much less. Shallow ponds tend to become warm and stagnant in the summer, which encourages algae growth, poor water quality and reduced clarity.

If you are planning a water garden to primarily grow plants with no or few fish, build it a minimum of 0.6-m (2-ft) deep. Koi ponds must be deeper to accommodate the needs of larger fish and should be a minimum 1.2-m (4-ft) deep. Also, don’t forget to incorporate some shelves, ranging from 304- to 609-mm (12- to 24-in.) deep, to accommodate marginal plants and water lilies.

[2]

Waterfalls and streams

Waterfalls create a focal point and produce soothing sounds as water cascades over stones and boulders before returning to the pond. The moving water also improves water quality by oxygenating the pond, creating a more balanced ecosystem. If your property is naturally sloped, consider incorporating a stream into the hill; vary the width and depth for a more natural look. If you have a flat property, the excess soil excavated for the pond can be used to form berms or banks, which can create a starting point for the waterfall.

Lighting

The use of lighting in and around your pond can bring it to life in the evening and extend its hours of enjoyment. There are different ways to use lighting depending on what type of look you are trying to achieve.

Placing a submersible light under or behind a waterfall gives off shimmering waves of light, producing a stunning effect. You can also place lights deeper in the pond shining up towards the surface. This produces a beautiful luminous glow and if you have fish, allows you to see their silhouettes as they slowly swim by. Although halogen lights have traditionally been the industry standard, more manufacturers have introduced light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures in recent years. LED lights are long lasting, come in a variety of colours, are exceptionally energy efficient and can be used in or out of the pond.

Choosing the proper pond equipment

Pumps

Choosing the right pump can be a bit confusing, as there are many models and brands to choose from. Although the initial purchase price is usually the main consideration, there are a few other more important characteristics to bear in mind, including flow rate, design and operating costs. The required size or flow rate of the pump should be based on the pond volume. Ideally, a pump should circulate the entire volume of water a minimum of once every hour. For example, if you have a 3,785-L (1,000-gal) pond, you should have a 3,785-litre per hour (lph) (1,000-gallon per hour [gph]) pump or larger. Many pond owners choose to operate larger pumps than what is required to achieve a more substantial flow over their waterfall.

Often overlooked, yet very important, is the pump’s overall operating cost. Since pumps should be operated 24 hours a day during the spring, summer and fall, choosing an energy-efficient model can translate into substantial savings. This type of pump may be more expensive at first, but when energy savings are factored in, it can soon pay for itself.

[3]Filters

The filter is the single most important piece of equipment, especially if you decide to add fish such as koi because it helps maintain clear water and a healthy environment for fish. However, it also generates the most common complaint people have about ponds—having to clean the filter too often. This is usually a result of a cheap or poorly designed filter, or one that is too small for the pond in question.

Do your research and choose a well-designed model adequately suited to your pond. While these quality filters typically cost more money, they can also reduce your overall maintenance time by up to 70 per cent. Also, when it comes to filters, bigger is always better. Select a model with a capacity larger than your pond; many filter manufacturers overestimate the capacity their filters can handle. Spending more money on a larger model could mean the difference between cleaning your filter once a month or once a day.

Recent technological advancements have also made filter maintenance a lot easier. Most older pond filters rely on filter pads or sponges to trap debris. These sponges are a chore to clean because they need to be manually squeezed and rinsed by hand. Some recent innovations include the use of small plastic beads (or kaldnes filter media), which allows filters to be backwashed with the simple turn of a handle. You don’t even need to get your hands wet!

Bottom drains

Bottom drains, which help draw debris from the bottom of the pond and direct it to the filter before it can build up, are becoming more popular, especially in larger koi ponds. Without this type of drain, debris can accumulate and create a layer of sludge on the bottom of the pond, which must be manually removed. Although they are a bit complicated to install, they virtually eliminate the need for draining or vacuuming.

Ultraviolet clarifiers

Some pond owners never have a problem with green, murky water caused by free-floating algae; for others, it is a perennial issue. Ultraviolet (UV) clarifiers offer a guaranteed solution for crystal clear water, as long as the equipment is properly sized. Installation is usually quite simple and the system can be added to an existing pond at any time.

Installing a pond may be one of the most rewarding things you can do for your backyard. By taking the time to carefully plan and prepare for a new water feature, you can add a unique and lively element and create your own peaceful backyard oasis.

Chris Dahl is the owner of Hydrosphere Water Gardens & Fisheries, a water garden centre that supplies imported Japanese koi, aquatic plants, pumps, filters and all other pond supplies to retail customers and landscape contractors. For more information, visit www.pondexperts.ca[4] or contact him at info@pondexperts.ca[5].

 

Source URL: https://poolspatios.com/homeowner/pond-basics-part-i/

---