Back to the Cove. Water Flow, Retention & Depth

[Big Lou]

My goals for the cove are to have an attractive, beneficial water depth and flow rate back into the main pond. The more water covering the roots the better.

Before testing began the small cove was thoroughly vacuumed to remove as much debris and sediment as possible. All stones that essentially damned off the small cove were removed in order to decrease the amount of sediment and debris retained in the cove and to increase flow. A 500 GPH fountain pump with a 20', 3/4" ID hose is pumping water into the cove. The pump is in a convenient place that is most probably not its permanent location. For the sake of economy I have not yet shortened the 20' length of 3/4" hose. I assume the flow rate is somewhat decreased due to the force needed to pump water through overly long hose.

So far I am disappointed with the test results namely the amount of water flowing/being retained in the entire cove and especially on the side containing the most roots. The most water and highest flow rate is on the side with the least roots. Of course this fits the rule that water flow will seek the path of less resistance. As you will see in the attached photos I moved the hose with and without a 45 degree elbow to two locations to ascertain impact on flow/retention. Obviously, greater flow and retention on the more populated root side was obtained when the hose was located closer to that particular area. It is also easy to see that the water still had a good flow rate on the more open side.

All of my rambling comes down to a question and a possible conclusion.
Questions first.

• Will replacing the 500 GPH pump with one with a higher GPH bring about a higher water level on both sides of the cover? If the water level is much deep I'm assuming it also possibly equalize the flow rate out of the cover.

As for the conclusion.

• I am thinking the only true way to ensure more/deeper water in the cove is to create a simple non permanent barrier where the water flows from the cove back into the main pond. To do this I would use sizeable rocks. The downside to the outflow barrier is that the cove will retain more sediment and small debris.

Yes, I realize that I am probably over thinking the whole matter. Btw, the surroundings (bare liner and such) will remain that way until the pond is cleaned and soft and hardscaped in the first few weeks in May

Your thoughts, criticisms and suggestions please.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Based on what you have described, your conclusion is correct. Not really sure exactly what final effect you are looking for, but I would gradually dam the cove outlet until you achieved the flow and depth that you are looking for. A larger pump will only create more turbulence and certainly not appear natural.

 

[Big Lou]

Barriers are a simple task. Now carefully plan where to put the pump a hose. I pride myself in hiding everything. Btw, found a simple solution to camo the liner. Photos when done.

 

[DrCase]

What's kind of plant are the roots coming from Lou ?

 

[Big Lou]

Native Louisiana Bald Cypress Doc. These specific roots produce classic cypress knees and seek out water. Underwater the roots send out fingerlings. Actually, very thin small roots that collect water. When I first discovered the roots I was very alarmed. I immediately contacted the Louisiana Department of Forestry. During several conversations and emails I learned quite a bite about our beautiful trees. The great news is that cypress roots of any size that seek out water will not puncture the liner. As I said earlier their only purpose is to get water. And not a great amount either. Plus these above ground and in water roots are not critical to the trees growth or survival. Cypress trees have tap roots. Very deep tap roots. Back to the roots in the pond. I did cut quite a few back while leaving others for their beauty. If wanted I could cut them all out but we like the natural addition to our pond.