Creating a water garden can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis, but without proper planning and execution, it can quickly become a costly and frustrating endeavor. A well-designed water garden should be a source of peace and beauty, not a financial burden or a maintenance nightmare. To ensure your water garden is a delightful addition to your home, it's crucial to consider the construction materials, the type of pump used, and the overall design and maintenance plan.
A water garden owner's tale of woe—a leaking pond, rampant algae, and escalating electric bills—serves as a cautionary example of what can go wrong without due diligence. The owner's experience of having to frequently add water, deal with unpleasant odors, and face safety hazards from unstable rocks highlights the importance of quality construction and proper planning.
Before diving into water garden construction, it's essential to thoroughly research all aspects of water gardening. Unbiased information can be hard to come by, especially from sellers of pond liner kits and sump pumps, who often disseminate misleading advice. According to a study by the National Pond Society, over 60% of pond owners regret not seeking more reliable information before starting their projects.
Choosing a qualified contractor is paramount. A professional with a solid track record can prevent common issues that plague poorly constructed water gardens. It's also important to verify the contractor's credentials to avoid legal and financial complications down the line.
For a water garden that stands the test of time, using rebar and concrete is advisable. Liner ponds may be more susceptible to damage from rodents, tree roots, and sharp objects. Statistics show that more than 37% of liner waterfalls suffer structural damage within three years, and one in three ponds starts leaking within nine months of completion.
An energy-efficient centrifugal pump is a superior choice over a sump pump, which is not designed for continuous use and consumes up to 60% more energy. Centrifugal pumps also come with longer warranties and better performance for water features.
To maintain a consistent water level and reduce manual intervention, installing an autofill water level controller is a wise investment. This device can help prevent water waste and ensure your pond remains full and functional.
Investing in a water garden should be about long-term enjoyment, not cutting corners. A concrete and rebar construction may have a higher initial cost, but it will save money and headaches in the long run. As the saying goes, if it's not worth doing right, it's not worth doing at all.
In conclusion, a water garden can be a source of immense pleasure if designed and constructed properly. By conducting thorough research, choosing a reputable contractor, and opting for durable materials and efficient equipment, you can ensure your water garden remains a cherished feature of your home for decades to come. For more information on water garden construction and maintenance, visit the National Pond Society and The Pond Digger.
Be Concerned, Be Very Concerned
Water serves three major purposes in our bodies. 1. It controls body temperature. 2. It is the solvent for the foods we eat, carrying the nutrients to every cell of our body. 3. Water replaces bodily fluids such as blood plasma, lymph, digestive juices, bile etc. and washes and bathes every cell, flushing and carrying away waste materials and toxic poisons. If water is so vital to our health and existence, shouldn't we drink the healthiest water possible?
Provident Living - Escape the Global Warming Madness
How will you cook if you no longer have electricity? Do you have a camp stove and an adequate supply of fuel? Using a solar oven eliminates the need to store fuel and will serve you well whether in an emergency situation or not.
The Durability of Concrete Ponds in Frigid Environments
Concrete ponds have often been criticized by proponents of pond liners, who claim that concrete is prone to cracking and cannot withstand the harsh conditions of cold climates. However, this article aims to dispel these myths by presenting the facts about the resilience of concrete ponds, especially when compared to rubber liners, and the engineering principles that ensure their longevity.
