Water Gardens

All water features; ponds, pools, waterfalls etc. can create a tranquility in the garden.  They create a sense of coolness in the air even on the hottest summer days.  They're also one of the few spots in the garden where you can grow exotic plants. The best time to plan the water feature is in the winter so come spring you're ready to go.

Water gardens can reflect the surrounding landscape, they attract birds, and with the rippling sound of running water.  Keep these qualities in mind when you begin planning your garden.  Also, what are the characteristics of your garden?  Is it formal or informal?  Do you want the pool to blend in with existing natural landscape or do you want it have crisp architectural lines which may compliment the architecture of the house or garden?

Water features should be attractive year-round.  When considering placement remember that water plants will need at least six hours of sun a day.  Locating a pool beneath a tree which sheds lots of leaves and fruit could be problem unless you're up for lots of maintenance.  Place near a water supply or add a water supply near the pool.  Have an electrician install lighting.

To keep fish, the pool needs to be at least 5'x10', this will keep the temperature of the pool cool enough for the fish to survive.  Pools which get too hot often are breeding ground for algae which can cause problem.  The depth of a fish pool should be about 2' for gold fish and 3' for Japanese Koi.  Fish can service beneath 1' of ice providing there is a hole for air. 

Pools should be drained every few years and cleaned.

Here are a few of the ways to build the pool. 

Pre-formed plastic pools are readily available at most large garden centers.  Though these are the easiest to install the choice of shapes are limited, usually square, round, oval, kidney shaped.  All that is involved is to dig a hole to match the shape add sand, place the preformed pool in the hole and level.  That's it.  Be sure the pool lip is above the ground by 2", this will prevent rain water from flowing in to the pool.

Polyvinyl liners can be shaped to what ever you decide.  Dig a hole to the desired shape, add a layer of sand and place the liner in the hole.  Weigh down the edges.  Here the edge can be created with a landscape stone coping. Pond filters can be used to keep the pond water clean.

Concrete pools are another option. If you are planning to make use of concrete, it’s better to seek professional help. After the concrete pond is ready fill it with water and wash it to remove all the chemicals. You have to repeat this for two weeks if you are planning to introduce exotic fishes and plants.

By properly following the above mentioned techniques it is possible to make your back yard colorful and attractive.

Check local code as the even shallow pools can be dangerous to small children.

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