Pond & Waterfall Equipment

Garden ponds may be in ground or above.

A garden water feature will enhance a landscape or garden. Water features may include in-ground pools, above-ground pools, larger ponds, waterfalls and streams. All of these features require the proper equipment.

Liner

Ponds require a liner of some sort to keep water from draining into the surrounding soil. Larger ponds may be lined with flexible PVC sheeting and covered in sand. Smaller ponds may have a preformed rigid PVC liner.

Water Movement

A waterfall provides sound while at the same time aerating the water for fish and aquatic plants. Waterfalls require a pump and tubing to move the water as well as an electricity source to provide power.

Maintenance

Keeping a pond clean and in balance is a constant chore. In fall, the pond should be covered with netting to keep leaves out. A float should be put over the pond in winter to keep ice from forming on the surface. Dip nets may be used to fish debris from the pond. A filter may be attached to the pond's waterfall to clean the water as it moves.

Aquatic Life

Equipment must be used to maintain the pond's inhabitants as well. Buckets and a fish tank may be used to move plants and fish or quarantine them if they are sick or diseased.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Ornamental Garden Pools; Michael Masser; June 1996
• Mississippi State University Extension: Creating Water Features in the Landscape; Robert F. Brzuszek
• Oregon State University Extension: Backyard Ponds and Water Features

Resources

• Pond Product Reviews