The start---- the end

[brokensword]

I couldn't get an exact match re angle of photo, but you can see enough of the change...


ground zero

halfway done (showing pond placement relative to back of house; the only pic I have of this relationship)

finished pondhouse; August 2011: year 1

2012 interior aerial view

Wish I'd have taken more pics from the same angle; will have to go on my 'to do' list this summer!

 

[j.w]

BS that is the best thing I have seen for pond protection and enjoyment in forever! I want one now just like that
What do you do for snow load?

 

[brokensword]

jw; I'll admit, when I read of the predator and other problems associated with ponds, I do get a nice feeling of 'I don't have to deal with that', which is relaxing. I mainly did the enclosure to keep the mosquitos out. When I originally built the house in '87, I didn't include a patio. As time went on and my habits of watering the lawn/gardens developed, so too did the mosquito problem and I hated even being in the backyard in the evenings. Sooooo, when the idea of a pond caught fire, I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone. Hence, what I call the pondhouse.

For winter, I roll the top screening all the way to one side and secure it, so that means snow just falls as it wants to. In the spring when the weather warms up enough, I'll unroll it. I attach it to hooks etc on three sides while it's fixed on the one. And, it really does make staying out when it gets dark that much more enjoyable. Have had zero mosquito problems, with maybe a stray that got in when someone didn't close the screen door quick enough, but with the fish and frogs, they're my cleanup crew. I like having the top open early as it allows some dragon and damsel flies to get in and lay their eggs. Hard later when they can't get out but they do have the whole pond then to themselves and a lot less predators than 'down the road at the big pond'.

And because I work all summer in the sun, I worked the table umbrella to be on a sliding pole at the 'ceiling' so I can open it nearer the water where I like to park my chair. Keeps the sun off me weekends and still allows for use with the patio table. It's all good. I WOULD have liked to have made my pond larger (the only real drawback as I can't relate to the others' "larger pond" syndrome) but if more than my chosen 20' x 20', the wood members would have been cost prohibitive.

Glad you like.


Michael

 

[Lisak1]

BS - that is beauty and genius all rolled up into one! I love the pond house!

 

[addy1]

love it! Actually love all the ponds pictured, each has their own uniqueness.

 

[brokensword]

oh, I quite agree with you addy; I really like the 'look' and natural-ness of the open air ponds, how the length and breadth of each flows into the surrounding yard/area. I just wish the herons weren't as envious as well...

 

[BlueOrca]

 

[addy1]

Very nice!

 

[cas]

The digging (May 2004):

The finished results in May 2004. I went a little rock crazy.

And in 2014 after yearly revisions.

 

[addy1]

I forgot about this thread, thanks for adding your pond cas

 

[cas]

I loved the idea of this thread. I hope others continue to add to it.

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I'll have to update mine again. Too bad I didn't remember to take another photo on March 30th.

 

[rodsboys]

My deck "pond" from a few years ago, now used as a filter in my current pond. Had to build above ground for several reasons including but not limited to my wife's desire to not have the yard dug up. Please disregard the "unfinished/untidy look of the new pond. Still have some things to do in this pic.

 

[tbendl]

 

[addy1]

Great starts and ends! What a change.