Is a gorgeous, pondless water feature in your future?
The beauty of a backyard water feature is universal. You know you want that calming, peaceful atmosphere. But the real question is – are you cut out for pond maintenance?
Let’s find out.
Did you know that backyard ponds and fountains require a lot of work? It takes diligent monitoring, frequent chemical additions and a super-intelligent mind to decipher the filter manufacturer’s directions.
Aaron Scarlata of Waterscape Design Group in Ohio says that “Many water features lack the proper filters or care and slowly become maintenance nightmares.” Now doesn’t that sound peaceful?
Test #1: Are You Technical with Pond Pumps?
Most filtration systems and other mechanical things in a water feature have complex instructions. Do you follow directions well – even when you can’t figure out what a “plastic bio-media” is? (That’s a genuine example of something in a pond filter system, by the way.)
Are you scientific? Can you understand the whole idea of gravity-discharge filters? Are you prepared to learn exactly why your filter needs to sit at the highest elevation and can’t be hidden out of sight, despite what your spouse says?
Pond filters and pond filter supplies are highly specialized, often confusing things. You must be ready to study and learn the lingo, if this terminology doesn’t roll right off your tongue.
Test #2: Are You Comfortable Going Pondless?
Scarlata of Waterscape Design Group understands why going pondless is gaining in popularity. “Any homeowner can turn a favorite flower pot, old crank spigot or fancy urn into a low maintenance water feature,” says Scarlata who has been a wasterscapes professional for more than a decade.
The latest trend in backyard water features–pondless waterfalls and features–are a major shortcut in maintenance. Scarlata says the “pure ease of maintenance” has many industry leaders and homeowners turning to pondless water features. If the science and technical jargon of pond biology turn you off, can you handle the pondless waterfall features instead? Go pondless in the name of weekend freedom.
Test #3: Are You Humble?
What does that have to do with water feature maintenance? If you can humble yourself to ask an expert for design advice, you will end up with a waterscape that suits your lifestyle.
Sure, you can head to the local home improvement shop and load one of the pondless waterfall kits into your pickup. You can gather a few friends and make a weekend project of it. But is it really worth it if that kit, once installed, transforms into a maintenance nightmare? How relaxing is that?Professional waterscape designers offer personalized service that presents all of your options. Things like bog filters (for those with larger ponds and more than a passing interest in science) and swim ponds (ecologically sound conversions for the old swimming pool) will be brought to the table. Quality contractors will find the perfect design for you.
If you’re exceptionally humble, look for a professional maintenance company that will handle everything for you. Sound like the easy way out? That’s because it is. But you still get to enjoy the water feature.
Garden Pond vs. Pondless Waterfall: The Test Results
It’s always time and money, cost versus value. Like everything else, with ponds and water features you get what you pay for. If you enjoy work before pleasure, then maybe you’re a do-it-yourselfer. If not, pay for a well designed water feature that incorporates the latest technology.Science and technical gurus have a field day with complicated filters and garden ponds. Average, clever folk go with a pondless water feature. Those who really know what they want and know their limitations, hire the pros to create their waterscape.
Are you cut out for pond and water feature maintenance? Now you know.
Waterscape Design Group is a featured exhibitor at the Dayton Home & Garden Show. For more tips, read about these green building products.
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