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
Can You Use an Air Compressor to Aerate Ponds?
Can You Use an Air Compressor to Aerate Ponds?
If your pond needs aeration, you can turn to an air compressor to get the job done. Air compressors intended for use in water, however, differ from those manufactured for use on land, and many kinds of compressors exist. Before choosing one, figure out your specific goals for pond aeration, which will make choosing easier.
Land vs. Water Use
Although the term “air compressor” sounds like the machine should be able to deliver high volumes of pressurized air to any medium, that isn’t the case. Many air compressors are intended specifically for use in dry conditions — for instance, to power tools — and won’t function in water. Also, air compressors not intended for aquatic use can contribute toxins to water. Even when the word “pump” is part of an air compressor model’s name or label, the compressor still may not be suitable for pond use. That is because although “pump” usually indicates an item can be used with liquid systems such as ponds, some air compressor pumps are meant for use on only land.
Aquatic Air Compressors
All air compressors used in ponds should be “oil-less” because, compared to their counterparts, they deliver higher quality, cleaner air, which is safer for the animals and plants, or aquaculture, in the pond water. Aquatic air compressors are more high-tech because they can move oxygen through water without breaking stratification, which means they won’t mix the warm upper and cold lower pond water layers. Air compressors usually are intended for use in large ponds deeper than 8 feet. So if your pond is shallower, you could consider other aeration methods.
Other Aerators
Blowers, diffusers, pumps and fountains can achieve satisfactory pond aeration. Blowers work well for shallow ponds and often are used in conjunction with air diffusers, which mix pond water, breaking stratification. Surface aerators force water from about 6 feet down upward to snag oxygen from the air. Fountains achieve the same effect, often with decorative flair, making them an option for aerating small, shallow garden ponds.
Aeration Benefits
Pond aeration provides many benefits to aquatic ecosystems. Adding oxygen to a pond through aeration is often necessary when algae blooms deplete it or when it is treated chemically for plant overpopulation; the addition of oxygen helps pond fish and other aquatic species stay alive during those times. Aeration also circulates pond water, preventing problems such as stagnation, mosquito breeding and the debris buildup that often accompanies low oxygen levels.
Benefits of Having a Garden Pond
Having a garden pond is a dream for many homeowners. While creating a garden pond ecosystem can be a lot of work, there are many long-term benefits of building one. A garden pond provides aesthetic beauty to your house or commercial premises and can help you impress your neighbors and visitors. Below are some of the benefits of building a garden pond.
Natural Calmness and Beauty
A garden pond ecosystem provides a natural scenic beauty and natural calmness to your garden. It acts as a relaxing retreat from all the busy work life worries. Having a garden pond provides a very positive effect on the mind and body. Spending some time amidst your garden pond ecosystem can rejuvenate your mind and increase focus, creativity, and sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety. Having a positive effect on the mind will also improve physical health.
Less pollution
Garden equipment machinery emits high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides. When a pond occupies space in your garden, it automatically reduces the space available for plants and grass. This leads to less use of lawnmowers and garden equipment machines, leading to lesser production of gas and other air pollutants. It also helps in reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Reduced usage of fertilizers helps to reduce the levels of toxicity in the garden. It also leads to cost savings on garden machinery and fertilizers.
Safe sanctuary for local wildlife
While ponds can be filled with beautiful fish, such as Koi and goldfish, they also attract and provide a sanctuary for local wildlife. Aquatic plants can be grown in ponds, which can attract different types of birds and frogs. The growth of algae also attracts tadpoles and other small aquatic animals. A garden pond can lead to an entire ecosystem of flora and fauna of local plants, birds, and small animals.
Financial benefits
We already discussed building a garden pond to save costs on garden machinery and fertilizers, and pesticides. But the most significant financial benefit of having a garden pond is it can help increase the overall value of your property. A garden pond makes your property far more attractive to prospective buyers. Having an already present garden pond means your potential buyer will have to spend money to build a new one, plus it gives your property that premium feels and helps command a larger price.
Our experts with years of experience can quickly help you plan and build a garden pond according to your needs.
Water Pumps for your Garden Pond
Water Pumps for your Garden Pond
Water pumps are one of the most crucial features of the garden pond. Although a static garden pond pump isn’t an absolute necessity, a pump is required when we install a fountain, waterfall, and filter. A water pump helps to keep the circulation of water. Water circulation helps to keep the fish and plants healthy. Water circulation helps in the prevention of algae build-up, breeding of mosquitoes, and stagnation of water. Water circulation also helps in the proper distribution of oxygen levels throughout the garden pond system.
Choosing a correct pump for your garden pond is very essential.
There are following types of pumps for Garden pond
Submersible Pond Pumps
These pumps are fully submerged under water normally at the deepest area of the pond. They are a very economical solution for a small size pond and make a perfect fit for garden ponds. Submersible pumps are excellent for ponds with fish as all the electrical parts are well isolated from water, thus reducing the risk of oil spill or an electrical accident. The water intake pipe attached to filter helps to clean the water before it is delivered to the pool by the outlet pipe. These pumps come in many different sizes.
External or Centrifugal Pond Pumps
These pumps are installed outside the pond usually in a dry location. They are easier to maintain. These pumps are suitable for larger ponds. Compared to submersible pumps they do make a lot of noise.
Selecting the right pump for your Garden Pond
Garden pond pumps are measured by Gallons Per Hour. It’s recommended that the pond water is circulated every hour. So, if you have a pond with a water volume of 1800 gallons then you would require a pump with 1800 Gallons Per Hour. However, if your pond has fish and other aquatic animals you may have to select a larger pump with a capacity at least twice the volume of water in the garden pond.
Choosing the right kind of pump for your garden pond will help to keep your pond clean and healthy. We at Aquascapes can help you to select a pump that’s the right fit for your Garden pond needs with our expertise and experience. You can also check various water pump products in our catalog here.
