Water features can greatly change the appearance of a pond. Adding a fountain of flying water to a flat, simple looking pond instantly changes it from dull to dramatic. A pond that mimics nature can be enhanced by the mesmerizing splash and gurgle of a waterfall.
But don’t think that water features are simply for show. The addition of moving water to a pond environment provides aeration, an invaluable part of pond maintenance.
A water feature can dramatically improve your pond
Importance of Aeration
Ammonia and nitrites are toxic elements produced by your pond’s wildlife. If left unchecked, your pond would quickly become uninhabitable for both plants and fish.
Water features such as fountains and waterfalls aerate the water, promoting the growth of the friendly bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrites.
Types of Water Features
Water features are divided into two types: fountains and waterfalls. Both types use pumps to redirect water, either ending in an elaborate spray, or creating an endless cascade of falls.
There are variations of the two main types, such as streams, fountain statues, pebble fountains and water-spouting urns. As long as you know that they operate on the same principles, it should be easy for you to pick out the best garden water feature.
Choosing a Pump
For a waterfall or stream to look real, it should have a strong flow of water. It’s usually better to choose a large pump, as you can adjust it as you need to.
Fountain installations are easier since they’re usually sold as a pump and fountainhead set. In most cases, the pump is directly under the head, although you may opt to place them apart and connect them with a hose. This setup allows for easy pump access without compromising the location of the fountain.
Managing Water Loss
Water features, attractive as they may be, increase your pond’s water loss. Without the proper precautions, your pond could lose gallons of waters a day.
You should consider this in your pond building plan. Fountain sprays can be blown away from the pond by strong winds, while waterfalls lose water from excessive splashing.
Properly selecting, locating and installing your water feature will save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Here you can find some inspiring images on ponds:
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- Garden Waterfall Design + Waterfall Design and its Features – In fact, many times people prefer to have garden waterfalls placed in the very rear of the property because it provides the ideal location for a private, family gathering seating area. This is one of our more costly services due to the …
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