Emily's Pond Build Log

I was going to ask if the curve was for aesthetics or for a practical reason also. I couldn't think of a practical reason.... unless you one day wanted to put a little bridge over the pond so the bridge wouldn't have to be as long. The bridges look *pretty* and do provide some shade since it looks like your pond won't be getting much shade. You could also build a pergola over the middle or one end of the pond.

Is this the same pond that someone (maybe you) were talking about having solar power for?
 
Same pond, but it doesn't sound like that's a feasible option, so I've put that idea on hiatus at the moment. Granted, not much shade right now, but the plants I have planned should help with that a little, but there will be sun in all areas of the pond at least at some point during the day - no permanetly shaded spots at this point. Will that be an issue?
 
Well, depending on how much the electrician is going to charge you, solar is still an option. If he's charging you in the thousands, it's definitely an option, if in the hundreds, less so but could still be viable when you factor in the cost of power over the course of many years.

Lots of floating plants will provide shade to the water below them to help keep the water cooler in the hot summers and NOT feed an algae bloom like 100% sun will do. Also, they'll help to naturally filter some of the toxins/pollutants/nitrogenous waste out of the water... and provide hiding places for the fish in the event of a predator. Lilies, water hyacinths, etc. are good and depending on how much sun the pond is getting, you might have to cover 50% to 75% of the surface with plants to keep algae in check. If you ask around, you might even find a natural source of floating plants. We have water hyacinths in LOTS of places down here in the burbs and boonies of New Orleans... sometimes right on the side of the road in our bayous and swampy areas. A big ice chest or two and a big fishing net might get you all the plants you need. ;-)
 
eyeballing the ground slope from the raised patio to the pond area, i'd be a little concerned about the pond collecting a lot of rain. how does rain flow off / around the patio? if it likes passing through the pond area (or even near the pond, since you'll be modifying the local gradient around the pond), you should think about designing a diverter of some sort
 
The patio is very slightly slanted to the right hand side of the house if you're facing the back of the house - completely opposite direction from where the pond will go. We considered that when we built the patio specifically because we wanted a pond and knew the general location of it. I actually worked with the contractor to ensure that ahead of time. The water that hits the ground in front of the patio is going to head towards the pond, which is why we're going to use 2x6 boards as a perimeter around the pond with the liner up over top, so that it will be protecting the pond from any run-off. We will surround those 2x6's with stones to conceal the ridge around the edge of the pond. There will be 1 foot on the inside of the pond that will be at ground level, and the stones will be piled from there up and over the 2x6's so they will be concealed from both sides. If that makes any sense. :)
 
Emily,
One suggestion...have someone run a hose into a tub right about where you want your falls, and wander around the yard and patio, listening for the water. The in-pond waterfall will be even lower, since it falls below ground level and the hillside will block alot of sound. If your falls have their 'back' to the house and patio, you won't be able to hear the water, or it will be very muffled. If the falls are on the short end, and point a little toward the patio, the sound will come your way a bit more. When I built my first pond, I was very disappointed that you couldn't hear it at ALL from one side of the yard, or from in the house. It all pointed toward the neighbors' yard, who got a free view/sound of MY pond all year.
Jen
 
Great suggestion Jennie Beth! This makes me want me pond so badly! Keep us updated please, looks like a great start!
 
It's nice, too, to be able to see/hear it from inside the house. My current pond sits so I can see it from the kitchen window, and if the windows are open, hear it from the entire back side of the house. Great to fall asleep to:)

Also makes the pond more 'year-round' when you can see it during the months that it is too cold/nasty outside to sit out next to it.
Jen
 
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