Ponds 101

As you brainstorming the many different ways in which to elevate the look of your overall landscape, you will find that a great deal of homeowners is already enjoying the allure of an outdoor pond installation. The benefits of choosing a pond for the exterior of your property not only boosts the visual appeal of your residence, but also provides a great escape for relaxation and calm.

Whether you’d like to tap into the benefits of sound therapy, fill the pond with colorful fish for the kids, or simply infuse life into your outdoor surroundings – a pond makes a satisfying addition to the blueprint of your yard. However, it is suggested to investigate the physical demands regarding the upkeep and maintenance. You may also want to weigh the pros and cons of having a professional install or making this your new do-it-yourself project.

Checklist for Creating a Pond

When it comes to creating a pond, numerous do-it-yourself instructions and kits are available for the individual that wishes to tackle this kind of project. A moderate level of skill and knowledge is required to complete a successful pond project, but the benefits of building your own ranges from controlling the cost of installation to achieving a sense of personal accomplishment. Professional installations benefit the homeowner who has an elaborate scheme in mind – such as placing an imposing fountain in the center or satisfying the need for skilled craftsmanship concerning the assembly of surrounding rocks.

A simple checklist of items required for a DIY pond may or may not include plastic lining, slate, rocks, stone, tubing, pond filter, shovel, protein skimmers, and a pond pump. Basic steps associated with creating a pond on your own include selecting the best location for a pond; laying out the shape, digging the depth of the pond and leveling it off; lying down the underlay and pond liner; adding water; and finalizing with edging (stone or paving). In the end, you will also add equipment, such as a pump, filter, plants, fish (if desired), lighting, or anything else you may need.

Pond Maintenance

Once you’ve created or had someone install a pond in your yard – there is a certain level of year-round maintenance that this inviting landscape feature demands. In the springtime, you must check your pond filter and pump. Your filtration system should begin at this time, making sure to check for proper flow rate and leaks. In the early spring, pond plants are usually repotted.

During the summertime, you must compensate for increased levels of organic material, sunlight, and elevated water temperatures. Algae growth becomes an important concern. However, aquatic plants like lilies, water lettuce, and water hyacinths help control algae and cools down water. If you add snails and shrimp – you can also prevent algae build-up on rocks and the pond liner.

In the fall, a pond owner should concentrate on winter protection. You will most likely install pond netting, remove organic materials, remove tropical plants, thoroughly clean out the filters, drain and store the pump, and begin necessary care for fish (if necessary).

During the wintertime, keep in mind that some harmful gases can accumulate under icy conditions. You should create an opening in the ice to allow gas to escape, but remember to melt a hole instead of attempting to physically break through an opening. This is also the time to plan renovations or improvements for the approaching spring.

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