Asked on Jan 09, 2014

Why a pond?

Why do people want ponds in their yard? Why would you not want a pond in your yard?
My pond stays this clear at all times using Aquascape Beneficial bacteria
  15 answers
  • SYNLawn Of Kansas City SYNLawn Of Kansas City on Jan 09, 2014
    I think a small pond could make a backyard look better, however it all depends on the size of the backyard.
  • Melissa Gutilla Melissa Gutilla on Jan 09, 2014
    I had one at our old house and loved it! They are beautiful. In the evening I loved watching the fountain and the fish it was very relaxing! Hoping to build one this spring at our new home.
  • Margie*Lee Margie*Lee on Jan 10, 2014
    While I think they are pretty and add some beauty to a landscape, I don't want one in our yard because it would breed mosquitoes.
    • See 1 previous
    • @Margie*Lee That is true only if the pond is built poorly without proper circulation. A well designed and constructed pond with a good circulatory system will not attract mosquites as they only breed in stagnant water.
  • Lentzcaping, Inc. Lentzcaping, Inc. on Jan 10, 2014
    If you have a properly built water feature (like the pond pictured above) with circulating water from a pump, waterfall and skimmer box, they do NOT breed mosquitos. This is a common misconception!
  • Anna Ibarra Anna Ibarra on Jan 10, 2014
    I also thought of mosquitos, since I live in mosquitos country :-) They breed in everything here, but with that knowledge I still may not consider it cleaning it out since I have a yard full of oaks. But that is for my own home, but I would love to look at others amazing ponds.
  • Melissa Gutilla Melissa Gutilla on Jan 10, 2014
    Margie and Anna -- I thought the same thing when we moved into the house. But I never had a problem with them. I used to sit out on the front porch all the time in the evening and never got bit! To be honest I had more of a problem at the house we are at now where there is no pond. Last summer I got eaten alive everytime I went out to work in the garden or sit on the deck!
  • Letha Letha on Jan 11, 2014
    Just bought a house with a pond and waterfall. I have no idea how to take care of it. Any ideas/info On how to keep it looking clean and pretty?
    • See 1 previous
    • @Letha Go to www.pondspatiosandwaterfalls.com and look at the pond myths page, also check out www.aquascapeinc.com they have a great youtube channel with videos about all aspects of pond building and care. If you want a pro make sure they are a CERTIFIED AQUASCAPE CONTRACTOR (I am one) We are highly trained in all aspects of pond care.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jan 11, 2014
    How well do ponds do in shade?
  • Donna Shipley Donna Shipley on Jan 11, 2014
    I love my pond!
  • Jennie McFarling Jennie McFarling on Jan 11, 2014
    I spent 5 years tying to keep a great pond. Between the raccoons, opossums, and cranes, I finally just gave up. I spent so much money replacing plants and fish and hours taking care of the messes left for me...it is now a miniature rose garden...now my battle is with the gophers, but they are not as disruptive.
  • Melissa Gutilla Melissa Gutilla on Jan 16, 2014
    Letha - I loved my pond but make sure it is not where there is rain water runoff into it. Whoever built mine didn't make the sides well enough and the mulch and dirt would run with the water right into the pond which creates a hugh mess. I first took out my fish and cleaned it well - instead of any chemicals I just kept spraying the hose and washing down everything while the pump would keep pumping it out. Then refilled it with the hose. I did have to add chemicals because it was city water. Make sure you have a good filter and some plants to shade and create oxygen for the fish. I added a little waterfall (which had it's own filter) to the middle of mine to create more movement which helps with the oxygen and keeping algae out. In the end I had 2 water features and a couple lillies, fish and some frogs.
    • @Melissa Gutilla one of the biggest mistakes pond builders make is locating the pond in a low area or an area susceptible to runoff. Too many unskilled pond builders out there posing as professionals. Hiring a Certified Aquascape contractor will ensure you get it done right the first time. All aspects of pond building require knowledge of how a pond ecosystem works and the location is important as well as proper filtering needs and pump specifications.
  • to all who have posted answers and other questions...thank you. I learn more about what people are thinking about water features by the posts I read. What I have found is that there are a lot of uneducated pond builders out there and many homeowners with false information based on old methods and ideas about how to build a pond. A properly built ecosystem pond that is filtered and pumped properly will have minimal issues and will require only annual cleaning if just minor maintenance chores are done regularly. Nature does a great job if we give her the proper ingredients to do her thing!
    • See 1 previous
    • @Melissa Gutilla we travel if you want a certified pro to do it right. Or I can recommend a qualified contractor in your area....do it right or you will have issues. Modern pond building is more than lining a hole in the ground and putting a pump in it
  • Letha Letha on Jan 19, 2014
    I just bought the house and my pond needs some repair. I don't think the pump is deep enough or the pond might have a leak. I have to add water everyday, sometimes twice a day or the pump starts sucking air. I'm sure that's not good for the pump.
  • no not good for the pump or the pond in general....call a qualified contractor. find one at www.aquascapeinc.com
    • Letha Letha on Jan 25, 2014
      @Ponds Patios and Waterfalls Co. Thank you. I will check that page. Wish you were closer.
  • Melissa Gutilla Melissa Gutilla on Jan 22, 2014
    Thanks! I added you guys! I know about the liner and pump thing- that's why the last pond drove me crazy!