Pond construction
Our garden and swimming ponds are perfectly integrated with the surrounding ecosystem. Water is purified without chemicals, pumps or filters just by the plant area.
And yes they are working fine, we have over 15 years of experience in building natural ponds.
The idea
To ensure your pond is the jewel you have always dreamed of, it is important to avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses in the planning stage.
Give yourself enough time between planning and realisation to inform yourself thoroughly.
A pond is built in 3 weeks if well planned and craftsmen meet their deadlines.
We will be happy to provide you with advice
What kind of pond
If enough space is available a swimming pond is ideal. In addition to the natural beauty, in the summer you can cool off in the refreshing water. A real pleasure, not only for water lovers.
An eye catcher at any garden design is always a water lily pond.
A fish pond is another type of pond, since holding fish requires specific conditions and prerequisites that may vary greatly between koi, goldfish or the domestic stickleback.
A small ornamental pond, with or without a fountain is always fascinating, consider the size of the pond when choosing plants.
If there is not much space available or you wish to build a small pond on a balcony or terrace, the mini pond is the ideal solution. The pond can be created by using an appropriate container. When selecting plants consider their space requirement and spread.
Shape & size
Depending on the space available and the planned use, a pond can be any shape or size.
The larger the pond, the lower the cost per square meter of water surface. Especially since there is no need to use any technology.
No pumps and filters are required if you simply ensure the following: an adequate water depth, an ideal regeneration zone size and an optimum number of quality plants.
Materials
Depending on the focus of the project and the existing budget, different materials can be chosen. There are numerous vendors for sealing foil and even more products. Apart from the right colour and material thickness, the central question is whether PVC or an alternative is used. PVC produces dioxin in incinerators and therefore can not be disposed of together with household waste.
Our experience in various pond remediation does not cast a good light on wood and limestone used under water, because algae always seem particularly at ease in their proximity.
When choosing the wood for your decks you basically have the choice between domestic wood, tropical wood and domestic thermal timber. Here you should look very carefully at the pros and cons before making your choice.
What animals live in my pond?
An often asked question is whether it is advisable to keep fish in a swimming pond. You have to find the answer for yourself, as you loo deeper into the appropriate habitat of your favourite fish. Consider, however, that after feeding, uneaten food sinks and decomposes increasing the nutrient content of the water. The food eaten will leave your fish as high quality fertilizer, which spurs the growth of algae. Therefore we do not recommend keeping fish in a swimming pond.
There are animals that are not always welcome such, as frogs. Although some people enjoy a frog concert, others might not …
Remember, all amphibians, including frogs are protected species. So if you are not willing to listen to a frog concert, consider a ‘frog barrier’ when planning the pond.
Another unwelcome insect at the pond is the mosquito. They are rarely seen at a well functioning pond, since there are enough predators for mosquito larvae. Rain barrels, as well as sometimes mini ponds can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Meanwhile, there are reliable biological products on the market, for example based on BTI, which alleviate the problem well.
Other animals
Many other animals don’t need not be settled: they find their way, magically attracted to their new habitat, completely without our assistance.
Dangers
While refining our idea we eventually end up considering dangers that might arise from the pond. Unless exotic plants or animals are planted, local flora and fauna in the pond do not pose any particular danger. A wasp or bee sting is painful and more likely than a prick of a water dweller.
In ponds hosting ducks, swimmers may get skin redness, triggered by cercariae (duck parasites). So, if in spring a duck couple looking for a suitable nesting site arrives, send them on their way.
Water attracts children magically and they usually don’t see any danger. Depending on your specific situation appropriate measures and precautions should be considered when planning.
Maintenance
Regardless of how much technology is used in the pond, the following activities and measures help to reduce biomass. Make sure to prevent fertilizer inputs from areas surrounding your pond. Selecting the right plants causes you less work and increases the positive effects.
Spring
Now, when there is a clear view of the ground, sediments should be removed from the swimming area, for example with nets and/or a pond vacuum system. Later in spring filamentous algae can occur. Even if they are a sign of good water quality, they should be removed as well, as they bind large amounts of phosphate. When a pond is new, young plants near the shore should be occasionally checked and if necessary freed from naturally settling competition
Summer
There is little to do during summer time. When summer is slowly drawing to a close and water temperatures decrease, in older ponds, sprawling oxygenator plants should be reduced. Removing biomass from the natural cycle helps to prevent a subtle eutrophication of the pond.
Autumn
If necessary, sediments can be removed at the bottom of the swimming area. To prevent leaves from falling into the pond, a leaf net can be used. In any case, especially in autumn, watch any nutrient input closely to be able to react in time. Dead plants can be carefully removed.
Winter
When winter comes and the pond freezes permanently, all visible parts of the plants can be cut and removed. The shoreline should be mowed about 10 cm above the ground. Keep in mind that motor operated tools may interfere with the hibernation of pond inhabitants.
