Natural Backyard Swimming Pond Installation Tips
These eco-system swimming creations are environmentally-friendly and will protect you.
If you care about the Earth, or if you hate the way your skin smells and feels after swimming in a chlorinated pool, consider going au naturale.
What is a swimming pond?
Split 50/50 to accommodate vegetation and swimming, its been dubbed the swimming pond as the new and improved backyard pond.
The plant section of the pond is around a foot deep, while the swimming area typically ranges from six-and-a-half to eight feet deep. Timber usually separates the two zones.
How clean is it without chemicals?
Very. The regeneration portion isn’t just there for ambiance, it’s also the pond’s natural filter.
Plants like flag irises and water lilies keep phosphate levels in check while getting rid of nitrates so there’s no algae. Gravel also plays a role in filtering the pond.
To keep the water moving, go the scenic route with a waterfall or install a small pump — this will also help keep the pond clean.
Bonus: Your natural oasis will attract wildlife (think dragon flies, birds, tadpoles.), which will help control pesky insects. To avoid snakes, the surrounding grass is kept as short as peach fuzz.
Does a swimming pond cost more than a pool?
The upfront payment is more expensive because of the regeneration zone, but the cost per square foot is about the same.
Thinking ahead, the initial cost pays off. Unheated natural ponds evaporate less than normal pools, don’t have energy costs, and you save around $350-500 on chemicals and chlorine.
How much does a swimming pond cost?
The design you choose plays into the overall cost of installation!
Is it maintenance-heavy?
According to Aquascapes, a pond requires less maintenance than a pool. You don’t have to worry about chemicals, the pond essentially cleans itself, and you can keep it uncovered and full during the winter (ponds make great ice-skating rinks).
Tend to it as you would a garden — and make sure the surface is skimmed.
Is this really something people are doing?
While the trend is still developing in the U.S., Europe is all over natural swimming ponds and pools. The idea originated in Austria and Germany in the 1980s and has evolved from there. Last month, the UK unveiled its first man-made public swimming pond in London!
Long stream with multiple waterfalls flowing to a beautiful pond
Outdoor Water Garden Ponds
Outdoor Water Garden Ponds
Meyer Aquascapes installs outdoor water garden ponds, water features, water fountains and ponds. When we install a new water garden, we take into a wide variety of factors. Our water feature experts share with us some of their water garden ideas, designs, and the impact these decisions have once the pond has been installed. Many of our customers prefer to go the route of installing their own DIY outdoor water garden pond.
If you need help installing your outdoor water garden pond, give us a ring. Here at Meyer Aquascapes we love installing custom water gardens!
Outdoor Water Feature Ideas
Bringing family together is usually one of the first things people think of when they think of an outdoor water garden pond. Family is a good thing to think about, because everyone will want to see the paradise in your backyard! Water gardens are great conversation starters and breaking the ice with visitors.
Water Feature Design Factors
Children love playing in outdoor water garden ponds, and this keeps them out of the mud! When we design water garden ponds, we think of who is going to be seeing the pond. Are children going to be around? How deep should it be? What kinds of rocks would work best?
Aquascapes Outdoor Pond Ideas
Why go to the park when your backyard is just as good? A water garden adds serenity to a backyard, or front yard for that matter! We tried to capture the beauty in this picture, but we just couldn’t. Pictures and words just can’t describe this beautiful outdoor water feature design.
Outdoor Water Garden Pond Fish
Outdoor water garden pond design also includes what kinds of fish we determine to be best for the water garden’s ecosystem. We account for the water garden temperature, climate, tree shade, and proximity to other features. Some outdoor pond fish can be kept together, and some pond fish can be natural predators to other specific water garden fish.
Pond Water Lilys
Water lilys for outdoor water garden ponds come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. The perfect water lily depends on the water feature, design, and surrounding pond fish. When we design an outdoor water feature pond, we take into account several factors to arrive at a decision on which water lily will thrive in the water garden.
Outdoor Water Garden Pond Vegetation
Vegetation is important when it comes to outdoor water garden design. When plants are added to a water garden, they assist in balancing the outdoor water garden’s natural ecosystem. Adding in beneficial bacteria helps keep the water clear of gunk and debris.
Water Feature Placement
Kicking back and enjoying your water feature is one of the most important things we can help do! When we design an outdoor water garden pond, we think about the placement. We want you to be able to enjoy your Aquascapes water garden pond as much as possible. Typically our customers enjoy their water garden pond next to their deck, patio, or porch.
Outdoor Water Garden Pond Front or Back Yard?
Choosing between the back yard and front yard is one of the most difficult decisions for any outdoor water garden pond installation. When we install a water garden, we help you consider whether you would prefer the front, or back yard. If your water garden is in the front of your home, your visitors will see it right away, but backyard water features are typically easier to enjoy due to the proximity of nearby seating areas.
How can we help?
