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The following material is provided as a service
to our customers. We recommend that you use this
material as a guideline only.
Before you consider installing a pond or any
type of water feature, we recommend you consult
with your municipality’s Zoning Department. They
can go over any water depth restrictions, fencing
requirements or building permit requirements for
your area. Bylaws differ from city to city and
may even be different from one block to the next.
Before getting the tools out, you should make
a few more inquiries. Think of underground services
like sewers, gas and power lines, cable TV, telephone,
etc. Be safe and call before you dig. Don’t
forget to notify your insurance company.
If you plan to operate electrical equipment in
your pond, such as a fountain pump or underwater
lighting, make sure you use approved equipment
only (UL Listed) and connect it to a properly
grounded and GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
protected outlet only. Do not run extension cords
across your lawn. Not only are they not approved
for use around the pond, they may get chewed up
by your lawn mower and you risk being electrocuted.
Carefully read all instructions supplied before
operating any equipment. Always follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations and guidelines.
Now that you have found the perfect location
for your new pond you can start gathering some
tools. You will need:
- Rope or can of spray paint (to outline the
shape of your pond)
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Pick Axe (if you have clay in your yard)
- Flexible measuring tape
- A level
- Straight board or 2x4 long enough to reach
across the pond
- A few friends who would love to spend their
weekend digging a hole in your yard
Choose a location that has 4 – 6 hours of sunlight
daily and good drainage.
After you have chosen the location of your pond
and purchased it, outline the shape using the
rope or spray paint. Make the outline a little
larger than the pond itself.
For a pond without shelves, dig the hole a little
larger and deeper than the actual pond. Ponds
with shelves require that the shelves be replicated
in the excavation and fully supported with dirt
or sand. Make sure you remove ALL rocks, debris
and tree roots. Roots that can’t be removed should
be cut back as far as possible.
Put down 2 – 4 inches of sand, making sure it
is evenly distributed and level. Place the pond
into the site. Begin backfilling the hole as
you fill the pond with water. GAUGE YOUR TIME
TO ENSURE THAT THESE TWO STEPS END AT THE SAME
TIME.
Once the pond has been filled you should wait
24 to 48 hours before adding plants and fish.
You may add a recirculating fountain pump or underwater
lights at any time.
Joining two ponds together is easy when you use
our connecting pool. One pond should be at a
higher elevation than the other. Place the connecting
pool between the two ponds. Drill a hole just
beneath the flange of the higher pond, in line
with the connecting pool Also drill a hole beneath
the flange of the connecting pool, in line with
the hole from the higher pond. Using a piece
of radiator hose or flexible tubing, connect the
holes. Choose a hose whose diameter is slightly
larger than the hole. Your seal will be
watertight.
A well-balanced water garden requires relatively
little maintenance. Occasional cleaning and frequent
checks on its equipment and water level are about
all that is needed.
Unless there is accumulated debris that cannot
be removed by other means, there is no need to
drain the pond on a regular basis. Instead, use
a net or pond skimmer to remove the fallen leaves
and other plant debris. Dead plant material that
has accumulated at the bottom of the pond must
be removed. Not only does a clean pond look better,
it is also healthier for it’s occupants. Decomposing
plant material can smell and it pollutes the water
for aquatic life.
A major clean-up requiring draining of the pond
is the only time when it is safe to add a large
quantity of fresh water to your pond. Most times
we recommend adding small amounts of fresh water
only. Keep an eye on the water level and top
off the pond when needed, being careful not to
alter the water temperature by more than a few
degrees. Some people collect rain water in barrels,
which can then be added to the pond as needed.
This is a good idea if you are on municipal water
that has been chemically treated.
If you do drain the pond, refill it immediately
after cleaning. Allow the water to warm up before
adding your plants. Cold water may shock some
tender plants. Allow the pond to re-establish
for at least 48 hours before adding your fish.
Algae control is usually the largest maintenance
problem in a pond. When setting up a new pond
it is normal to have excess algae growth until
an ecological balance has been achieved. MacCourt’s
Natural Pond Treatment will maintain a natural
balance in your pond.
The amount of oxygen in the water is also important.
Oxygen is needed to support aquatic life such
as fish, tadpoles and aquatic snails.
If your fish are coming to the surface gasping
for air, you have a problem in your pond. You
can increase the pond’s oxygen levels by adding
an aerating nozzle on a pump, planting more oxygenating
plants or adding a bit of fresh water.
When water is exposed to air it will pick up
essential oxygen. This is why many people use
a recirculating pump to run a waterfall or fountain
head. Moving water is aerated water.
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