morewater
President, Raccoon Haters International
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2014
- Messages
- 1,344
- Reaction score
- 1,673
- Location
- Southern Ontario
- Showcase(s):
- 1
- Hardiness Zone
- 5b
- Country
1. Pond location
Too many times have I seen ponds built in the absolute worst area of the backyard. From covering swales to digging the pond in the low spot. Location is key when building a pond. The area where you think it will look the best isn't necessarily the ideal location. Low spots will gather water which will undermine the liner, cause hippos and drain lawn fertilizer into the pond are just a few of the unforeseen problems that can occur with improper placement. Want lilies? Sun exposure is key.
2. Underestimating the dig
Few people bother to actually calculate how many yards are going to come out of that hole in the ground. Fewer still realize it until they've got a huge mound of dirt and don't know what to do with it. Filling the swale isn't advisable, nor is altering the grade of your land without a permit. This is often the cause of why the resulting pond is too shallow.
3. Going cheap on the liner
I've seen a wide, wide array of improper materials that have been adapted to the role of "liner". The liner is the backbone of the pond. There's absolutely no point in going to all the trouble, time and expense to dig a hole and then line it with a substandard material that is going to necessitate you doing it all over again. Cushion the liner, don't stick it down on the bottom of the excavated hole.
4. Underpowered pumps
I don't know why the calculation of total pond volume is such a mathematical feat. Total pond volume should be turned over at least once every 1.5-2.0hrs. Sump pumps are cheap, but won't last. Overcompensating for pump filtration leads to thermo-trips and will shorten pump life.
5. Overstocking of fish
Many people put a whole whack of fish into their ponds as soon as they've built them. Surely they realize that they'll multiply? As the fish population multiplies, it puts stress on the whole balance of the pond. Some homeowners act as though these fish are like puppy dogs. They're not. Cull the uglies. Maintain proper fish load.
6. Lack of filtration
A sponge on the intake of a pump is not filtration. Use a combination of biological and mechanical filtration.
7. Overplanting/Underplanting
Too many plants will turn what was supposed to be a pond into a swamp. Divide and toss, divide and toss. Not having enough filtration plants (ie. rushes), and surface cover (lily pads) will make balance difficult.
8. Over maintaining/ Under maintaining
Cleaning of filters too often, scrubbing liners and a constant, unending attention to keeping everything "clean" is the main cause of grubbiness. Stop cleaning them so often. If you wanted a pool, you should have put in a pool. Dead lily pads should be removed, dead lilies should be removed before they sink to the bottom and rot.
9. Extension cords
Too many times have I seen electrical nightmares, lack of GFCIs and buried extension cords. Spend the money and do it right or prepare to have a fresh, new hairstyle that'll look good on you at your viewing.
10. Uneven dig
Nothing will throw off the overall look of the finished pond than an uneven water level.
11. Mixing rock types
Using every rock under the sun with no regard for aesthetics makes the finished product look like a rock rummage sale. Dress your pond as you would yourself, match and compliment.
12. Loose overhanging stones
A shifted stone that falls off the edge of a pond can pick up a lot of momentum before that sharp edge comes in contact with the liner. Patches are easy, but the time involved........
Feel free to add, I've only scratched the proverbial surface....
Too many times have I seen ponds built in the absolute worst area of the backyard. From covering swales to digging the pond in the low spot. Location is key when building a pond. The area where you think it will look the best isn't necessarily the ideal location. Low spots will gather water which will undermine the liner, cause hippos and drain lawn fertilizer into the pond are just a few of the unforeseen problems that can occur with improper placement. Want lilies? Sun exposure is key.
2. Underestimating the dig
Few people bother to actually calculate how many yards are going to come out of that hole in the ground. Fewer still realize it until they've got a huge mound of dirt and don't know what to do with it. Filling the swale isn't advisable, nor is altering the grade of your land without a permit. This is often the cause of why the resulting pond is too shallow.
3. Going cheap on the liner
I've seen a wide, wide array of improper materials that have been adapted to the role of "liner". The liner is the backbone of the pond. There's absolutely no point in going to all the trouble, time and expense to dig a hole and then line it with a substandard material that is going to necessitate you doing it all over again. Cushion the liner, don't stick it down on the bottom of the excavated hole.
4. Underpowered pumps
I don't know why the calculation of total pond volume is such a mathematical feat. Total pond volume should be turned over at least once every 1.5-2.0hrs. Sump pumps are cheap, but won't last. Overcompensating for pump filtration leads to thermo-trips and will shorten pump life.
5. Overstocking of fish
Many people put a whole whack of fish into their ponds as soon as they've built them. Surely they realize that they'll multiply? As the fish population multiplies, it puts stress on the whole balance of the pond. Some homeowners act as though these fish are like puppy dogs. They're not. Cull the uglies. Maintain proper fish load.
6. Lack of filtration
A sponge on the intake of a pump is not filtration. Use a combination of biological and mechanical filtration.
7. Overplanting/Underplanting
Too many plants will turn what was supposed to be a pond into a swamp. Divide and toss, divide and toss. Not having enough filtration plants (ie. rushes), and surface cover (lily pads) will make balance difficult.
8. Over maintaining/ Under maintaining
Cleaning of filters too often, scrubbing liners and a constant, unending attention to keeping everything "clean" is the main cause of grubbiness. Stop cleaning them so often. If you wanted a pool, you should have put in a pool. Dead lily pads should be removed, dead lilies should be removed before they sink to the bottom and rot.
9. Extension cords
Too many times have I seen electrical nightmares, lack of GFCIs and buried extension cords. Spend the money and do it right or prepare to have a fresh, new hairstyle that'll look good on you at your viewing.
10. Uneven dig
Nothing will throw off the overall look of the finished pond than an uneven water level.
11. Mixing rock types
Using every rock under the sun with no regard for aesthetics makes the finished product look like a rock rummage sale. Dress your pond as you would yourself, match and compliment.
12. Loose overhanging stones
A shifted stone that falls off the edge of a pond can pick up a lot of momentum before that sharp edge comes in contact with the liner. Patches are easy, but the time involved........
Feel free to add, I've only scratched the proverbial surface....
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