Frequently Asked Questions
A basin is built at the end of the waterfall which houses all of the water, and equipment necessary to run the system. The basin is then lined and filled with stone hiding all of the equipment from sight and the water level is just below the stone, giving the appearance of a pondless waterfall.
- Great for customers who don't want a pond… just a waterfall and/or stream
- Perfect for public settings where child safety or the liabilities of a pond may be a concern
- Virtually maintenance free! Simply add water to the basin periodically, or add a water fill valve to compensate for water loss due to evaporation.
- Great alternative for a front yard pond, adding beautiful curb appeal
- Energy efficient; No ecological need to run the system continuously.
Like a fine wine, ponds become better with old age! The key to a successful pond is to establish a well balanced ecosystem. Built properly from the beginning and you will be ensured a crystal clear, low maintenance pond. A well balanced pond includes the following:
- Biofalls filter
- Skimmer filter
- Rocks & gravel
- Water plants
- Fish,
- Beneficial bacteria
At Natural Water Gardens, Inc., we understand how to work with Mother Nature and not against her.
Adding bacteria to your pond is one of the most important things you can do to maintain clear, healthy water. Bacteria breaks down sludge build up and fish waste, and will compete with algae in the pond for the excess nutrients, essentially starving off the algae.
Unfortunately, we still have lots of contractors using pool construction philosophies for pond construction. These contractors usually prefer to work with pool equipment, which is not cost effective to run continuously, so they will often suggest running your filters and or waterfalls part time to help save you money on electricity. How nice of them! However, the beneficial bacteria that colonizes in your filters requires constant oxygenation and can be starved to death in less than one hour.
A properly designed water feature will be constructed with high efficiency submersible pumps that are economical to run continuously. Remember, your pond should be ecologically balanced, low maintenance, and be circulating 24 hours a day!
If you have a pondless waterfall or stream, then you have the option to run it continuously, or have it run for a set number of hours.
Concrete is the preferred construction method of the PAST! The irony here is that in most cases a rubber liner would be installed first under the concrete just in case of leaks!
Not only does it add cost to your project and take longer to install, but it is more often than not far from natural looking, unyielding to future expansion, and if not cured properly can be FATAL to your finny inhabitants. We always use a 45 mil EPDM FISH SAFE rubber liner. This liner is very strong and easy to work with. It comes with a 20 year warranty when left exposed to the UV rays from the sun, We always cover the liner with stone, extending the life of the liner to...say longer than we'll be around. The gravel in the bottom of the pond provide a large surface area for the bacteria to colonize, which cannot happen in a concrete pond.
As long as the pond is constructed properly, we try to take as many precautions as possible. We will try to make the pond at least 8' wide if possible, and always offer to build in miniature fish caves within the walls of the pond. This eliminates just about all possible threats from any predators. Bottom line; enjoy your pond every day to the fullest and don't worry about the one time, something might happen.
Natural Water Gardens, Inc. Specializes in constructing water features. Today you find landscapers trying to take on everything, synthetic lawn installation, tree trimming, irrigation, pavers, and water features.
We build more ponds and waterfalls in one month than other contractors build in one year. Who would you rather have create your custom, one of a kind water feature? A contractor who builds one or two ponds a year specializing in many fields (a jack of all trades, and master of ?), or a contractor that Eats, Sleeps, and Breathes, Waterfalls and Pond Construction 8 days a week!
