Karmin’s Koi | 8′ x 12′ Pond
Karmin’s Koi Pond This is a project designed and constructed for our client, Karmin Pop Music Group’s, Champion Japanese Koi fish. The client didn’t have a lot of square footage and wanted to accommodate as many Koi as possible. So they decided a deep pond...3 Different Types of Garden Ponds
If you want a water feature installed in your yard, it pays to know the types of garden ponds you can choose from so you can plan ahead of time. Installation costs vary depending on the type and size of water feature you’re looking to build. With that said, let’s take a look at the different garden pond types you can explore.
Different Types of Ponds
1. Pondless Waterfalls
This type of water feature is ideal for families with little children or homeowners who want to enjoy the soothing sound of running water but are not ready yet for the extra maintenance work.
A pondless waterfall can be constructed even in a limited space and can also be designed several ways depending on your preferences. The flowing water from atop the falls that seems to disappear as it falls on the ground gives this water feature a dramatic effect.
Pondless waterfalls require minimal upkeep. However, it’s important to check the basin regularly to ensure there’s enough water to keep the falls running. One sign you may need to add water is when the pump starts to produce a gurgling sound.
For pondless waterfall design ideas, check out this post.
2. Preformed Ponds
These tub-like ponds come in various sizes, depths, and shapes.
A preformed pond requires minimal investment although maintenance can turn out more challenging. When deciding which preformed pond to choose, consider the location where you want it installed. But actually, every backyard pond requires careful consideration of the space where you’re building it as it should be protected from runoff.
For maintenance, meanwhile, you will have to check the system regularly and add beneficial bacteria as needed. Talk to your pond builder which brand cleaner they recommend to get rid of waste and excess nutrients.
Note as well that once a preformed pond cracks or leaks, it will have to be replaced. That said, a preformed pond can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard but may not be able to offer the longevity other backyard pond types can.
3. Ecosystem Ponds
When properly maintained, this type of pond can attract wildlife right into your yard.
Several elements are needed to ensure that the ecosystem works. Mechanical and biological filters should be present as well as an effective plumbing system. You need not stress on this part though because your pond installer can take care of the heavy work for you. It’s good though to also familiarize yourself with the process.
Rocks and gravel also have to be added to the system. They are used to line the edges of the pond structure to give it a natural look that blends with the existing landscape. Of course, the pond would not be complete without the fish and aquatic plants.
Here are few more resources you can check out:
- Choosing the best stones for your garden pond
- Deciding which fish to add to your backyard pond
- Planting water lilies
- Step-by-step pond cleaning guide
Something to Remember About Types of Ponds
Pond construction may take longer or cost more depending on the scale of the project, so be sure to inquire about the estimated cost. Choose from the garden pond types we’ve talked about ahead of time.
A professional pond builder should be able to help you design and build a water feature that works for your budget and satisfies your requirements. Don’t hesitate to request for referrals when deciding which contractor to work with.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes the Natural Way: Enjoy Your Pond Better
Some homeowners are reluctant of installing a water feature in their yard fearing it would only attract mosquitoes.
It’s only natural to worry as these blood-sucking insects are associated with a number of potential diseases, with the West Nile virus being the most recent threat to California.
A water feature, however, when properly maintained, can keep mosquitoes at bay.
How To Get Rid of Mosquitoes Outdoors
If you already have a pond installed in your yard and feel that mosquitoes ruin your day of fun and are causing you headaches, then it’s high time to deal with these annoying visitors. Let’s talk about few tips how you can do this the natural way.
Get Rid of Standing Water. Mosquitoes reproduce in water. If you eliminate standing water, you also prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Any area in your yard can serve as a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. While it could take up to 14 days before a mosquito fully develops, it’s best to take immediate action. Look into children’s toys, pet dishes, buckets, and other tools in your yard such as a shovel or wheelbarrow. Empty them with water and consider turning them over when when not in use. Watch out as well for standing water when irrigating your plants.
Ensure Regular Maintenance. Clean after piles of twigs and leaves sitting on your yard. Check your pond as well for water that may have been trapped between the stones and consider filling them up with gravel. Thick aquatic plants crowding the water surface serves as a refuge for mosquitoes. Trim them and remove dead leaves or grass to allow water to circulate.
Encourage Water Movement. Mosquitoes love non-flowing water. Consider installing a feature in your pond such as a fountain or waterfalls. This will help break the surface area and encourage movement in the water, hence keeping mosquito-laying eggs at bay.
Add Hungry Fish. Fish don’t prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs on the water, but they do feed on larvae and prevent them from developing into adult mosquitoes. Koi does not target larvae so you might want to add small fish to your pond such as goldfish and guppies. These types of fish will go along well with your koi and come after the mosquito larvae.
For your family’s safety, it’s important to take necessary precautions against mosquitoes. Manage mosquitoes as early as possible, and enjoy your pond in and day out with the help of these tips to getting rid of mosquitoes.
DIY Pond Building Mistakes You Should Avoid
Are you ready for your pond project?
Every phase involved in building a water feature requires utmost attention. And it’s important to go over these details while you’re still in the planning process. You can easily apply changes in paper unlike when the construction has already began.
Check out this list to avoid unnecessary expenses and so you can build your pond successfully.
Not Testing Soil
Your pond should be able to retain water. Unfortunately, not all types of soil have this ability. Sand and gravel wouldn’t be able to hold water so a great choice would be clay.
One way you can check if the soil is fit for backyard pond installation is by going around the neighborhood. Ask actual pond owners how their soil holds up after their pond has been installed.
You can also test the soil in your yard. Dig a hole, fill it with water, and observe how long it takes for the surrounding soil to soak up the water. You can consult professional pond builders on this, and inquire as well about prefabricated pond shells.
Poor Location
Another essential factor that is often overlooked in pond building is choosing the best pond location.
It is not enough that the area is unused. It also shouldn’t be in a low spot. Otherwise, your pond will only suffer from contamination and runoff.
Also, consider installing your pond where it will enjoy traffic. You might even want to place it close to your windows where you can hear the soothing sound of water even when you’re inside your home.
Sides are Either Too Shallow or Too Deep
Your pond should be deep enough to withstand evaporation and harsh summer heat, but not too deep to give you a hard time on routine maintenance.
Also, allow for ledges or shallow areas where you can stack stones or plants. If you’d dig your pond into the shape of a bowl, it will be difficult to edge around it as stones will slide down.
Overlooking Safety Procedures
You will be working around boulders and heavy equipment so you might as well equip yourself with safety gears. Also, since this project includes digging, make sure you’re not hitting any utility lines.
More so, if you’re adding features to your pond that require dealing with electrical components, stay safe and seek assistance from a licensed electrician.
This can mean additional cost but it should be worth it considering the potential losses you can incur for a mishandled electrical job.
Improper Rock Placement
In building your pond, you need both large and small rocks that are carefully arranged to resemble a natural setting.
The larger ones shall make up your perimeter or foundation stones, and the smaller stones will complete the design. You will also need small, polished rocks at the bottom of the pond.
Ignoring Advice from Professional Pond Builders
If you’re still not sure how to get started, you can get in touch with water feature installation experts or pond builders for help. Building a pond may seem simple, but truth is, it takes a lot more than digging a hole in your yard.
At California Waterscapes, we can work with you every step of the way to make sure that the pond turns out the way you want it. We can take care of the heavy work for you so you can focus on other important matters you need done.
If you want to learn more about pond products and services that we offer, simply sign up for a no obligation, FREE estimate so we can get in touch with you at the soonest possible time.