There are many fungi and insects that grow in an environment such as a pond, their waste is known to contaminate the water and possibly hurt or kill the fish. In a healthy, clean pond, the balance between the nutrients and organisms is very delicate. Many foreign objects can throw the balance out of whack. This can be very detrimental to the wildlife that the pond supports.

For many years, the only way to clean a pond was to use harsh chemicals which weren’t good for the environment. Nowadays, with attention to products being eco-friendly, there are better choices for naturally cleaning ponds. These cleaners use all naturally derived ingredients that don’t introduce foreign chemical based products into the water.

Backyard Landscaping Design Idea - Koi Ponds

Here are a few considerations when looking for a natural cleaner for koi or other ponds. When followed, it can be helpful in making the decision as to which product is best for what it is suited for.

1. Does the product claim the ingredients are biodegradable? This is very important when choosing a natural cleaner that doesn’t introduce chemicals into the environment.

2. Is it safe? The cleaner used should not only be safe for wildlife and fish, it should also be safe for children. Some companies even produce special dispensers that will dissolve over time, leaving no waste or chemicals in the water.

3. The most important aspect of the product is its effectiveness. It’s supposed to clean the pond, naturally. Research the product before purchasing on line; it could save money, time, and possibly the life of the pond.

Owning a clean koi pond can be a little work, but with products such as Bioverse’s all-natural pond cleaners, a monthly additive for the water that is completely eco-friendly, makes it a little easier. A clean pond is a sign of a healthy, natural pond.

Trey Casselman enjoys blogging and taking care of koi ponds. To get additional details about water clarity products like koi pond cleaner or to find about others such as clean pond products, visit the Bioverse website now.

A pond plan is especially useful when you are working with a group. It allows you to coordinate and guide your friends so that your project moves smoothly. It can also be an invaluable asset when you need to secure building permits for your outdoor pond.

Steps in Making the Pond Plan

Making your pond plan from scratch is fine but you could save yourself a bit of time and effort by looking for the original house and lot plans. Either way, you’ll be devoting a good chunk of time walking around your property, taking measurements, and drawing. Take note of important yard features and mark where you’ll be making changes to accommodate your new outdoor pond.

Start off by drawing the work space boundaries which is defined by your property’s lines, buildings, walkways, trees, major planting groups, and other permanent features. Obviously, you’ll need to either build around these things, or find some way to move them. Once you understand the layout of your site, you’ll have a better idea of how your new backyard pond features should be positioned. Carefully draw in the your pond’s shape along with the any fountains, waterfalls, and bridges you wish to build.

Building restrictions may also prevent you from building too close to neighboring properties. Check with the local authority so that you don’t “trespass” accidentally. Building a pond over plumbing pipes, gas lines, and electrical wiring is a very bad idea so make sure you identify the location of utilities and mark them in your plan. Your pond design may require you to move or extend these utilities so be sure to draw in any such changes.

When to Draw Cross-Sections

Your pond design may be partially or fully raised, meaning that you will be building a wall. You’ll need to make a cross-section drawing that shows the height, width, and thickness of the wall. Also indicate the material you will be using and any features you’ll be adding to the wall such as planting shelves and built-in plumbing.

Want to find out more about Pond Building, then visit Michael W.’s site on how to build the best outdoor pond for your needs and dreams.

Weather effects on pond sites

Weather plays a large role in pond maintenance. As such, you’ll want your backyard pond to be in a position that receives the proper amount of sunlight, shade and wind. If your pond gets too much sunlight, it’ll be vulnerable to evaporation and algae blooms. The sun might also make the water to hot for your fish and plants. Too little sunlight is also bad as it limits plant growth and can discourage fish spawning. You’ll have to add or remove trees, shrubs, and even fences or sheds to achieve the ideal exposure for your pond.

You should also avoid high debris areas. Fallen leaves, fruit, and seed pods are among the many waste materials from your garden that you don’t want dirtying up your pond. An area that receives strong winds should also be avoided since wind promotes water loss and disrupts fountain spray patterns. If you have no choice but to build in such a site, you should create a windbreak by planting trees or constructing a wall.

Working with the Ground

The topography of the site of your backyard pond will affect the difficulty of your pond construction. Some sites will be flat and level, while other sites are uneven, full of hills and dips.

Depending on the site, you’ll be doing a certain amount of digging and grading. Sites that receive a lot of water runoff might force you to take specific measures. You might need to adjust your pond’s coping height or even create a gravel-filled trench to divert the water.

Practicality is important, but don’t forget to choose a location whose rise and run complement the style of your pond.

Pond Site’s Nearby Utilities