Skip to main content

Bottoms Up: Pros and Cons For Your Pond

 



When you decide to build a pond on your property or overhaul an existing one, every choice is ultimately yours.  While you can get advice and premium service from a pond building and maintenance company, peers and online forums, what you do and how you execute it are completely up to you.  A popular question is what to do with the bottom of your pond.

Keep in mind that this question usually doesn't apply to natural ponds since nature itself has figured that all out.  For those who build and maintain ponds in their backyards or on property, it's valid to know what might be better for you.  

Many pond owners want a more natural look and choose to put rock and/or gravel on the bottom.  

Pros: 

  • rocks and gravel provide a unique, layered medium for aquatic plants to grow their roots
  • creates a biological system for beneficial bacteria to break down sludge
  • makes a pond look less manufactured and more real - as if it was in your backyard all along
Cons:
  • more difficult to clean - algae and debris gather on and among the rocks making it harder to reach and a significantly longer process
  • with water features such as waterfalls and proper filter systems, enough beneficial bacteria is already created making the rocks/gravel unnecessary 
  • since plants can take root easier, you may find an overgrowth of unwanted species of plants which throws off your ecosystem and pond levels which threatens existing life
  • a cost-increase for materials and/or labor
Some pond owners prefer the simple black (or other color) liner bottom to be visible.

Pros:
  • less cost overall - for both installation and future maintenance
  • much easier to clean - can simply use a net and vacuum to rid sludge and debris
  • colorful, vibrant fish and plants stand out much easier
VIP TIP: A pond liner by itself will eventually grow a layer, or film, on it that will help make it look much more natural - just give it TIME.

Cons:
  • liners eventually leak
  • bottom drains and out-of-pond pumps usually can't be used with liners (the sealants eventually break down and cause leaks)
  • safety issues - rocks around pond edge to hold liner in place are typically loose - anyone standing or leaning on them can tumble into the pond or onto the ground and rocks causing injury
  • money wasted on material - loose liners come in rolls making unique shapes harder to form and extra material bunched up to make it fit (custom shaped loose liners can cost significantly extra)
Another option considered by some is a preformed plastic or fiberglass liner.

Pros:
  • easier to install
  • easy to spot leaks
  • more durable than typical loose liners
Cons:
  • better suited for above ground ponds
  • not flexible to fit your desired size and shape
  • very limited on design and shapes
As a pond owner you have several choices for how the look, feel and function of your little ecosystem.  What you choose will ultimately come down to budget, what fits your space and needs, if you are performing consistent maintenance or hiring a service and, honestly, what you like.  For more guidance on what will work best for you, contact your local pond maintenance service for a consultation, do more research and ask individuals who have these options about their experience.  Taking the time to make an educated decision will ultimately help your pond's future maintenance and success.  Cheers!



Ready to talk about building your pond?  Thinking of an overhaul?  Contact our Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance pros today at 708.586.2393 or check out our site at laughingwatersinc.com!















Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What Kind Of Pond Do You Want?

You may not realize it but a pond isn't simply a pond. In fact, there are so many unique characteristics and features that can be constructed to bring your vision to life.  When you decide that a pond is perfect for your backyard oasis, the next step is to decide WHICH type of pond you're looking for.  Here are some different ponds you can design and build... Koi Pond - The most popular fish from Japan, koi are beautiful additions to any outdoor landscape.  These ponds need to be maintained and inspected regularly and built with the necessities for proper aeration and hibernation needs. Wildlife Pond - Wildlife pond are completely managed by nature.  They are typically built with no liner, pump, filter or chemicals.  They rely on rich and diverse plants to attract animals and keep the water high in oxygen.  Some creatures you can expect are frogs, insects and even salamanders.   Swimming Pond - You may be less about the wildlife and more about ...

Reliable Pond Care Near You

When it comes to caring for your pond and water features, don't settle for subpar service or flaky contractors.  Routine maintenance and repairs are critical for the delicate ecosystem you have built in your pond.  Weather, nature and regular wear and tear put strain on your systems so you need professionals you can rely on to keep them running in peak condition. At Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance, our number one priority is addressing each and every one of our customer's water feature needs.  Our trained technicians are trained in the latest industry strategies and protocols for proper pond care and have spent nearly two decades servicing the Chicagoland community.  We have seen, fixed and maintained it all! Our pond specialists are there when you need them and utilize best practices and innovative solutions to provide courteous, amazing and professional service for ponds, waterfalls, jets, bubblers and so much more.  With affordable pricing and flexi...

Wishing You A Very Happy New Year

  Cheers To Health, Happiness And Prosperity In 2021! While this year has been turbulent for so many people in so many ways, the new year is a promise of better days and endless possibilities.  This clean slate affords us with the ability to improve on so many areas of our lives - health, stability, relationships and even finishing tasks or sprucing up our homes.  Whether you are looking to add some beauty and relaxation to your personal space or you simply need help maintaining your little oasis, Laughing Waters can help.  Our experienced technicians have been involved in the design, build and maintenance of ponds and water features since 2002.  Using innovative solutions and quality materials to create structurally sound projects that are breathtaking, Laughing Waters Inc. has created some of the most unique and memorable water features for commercial, residential and public spaces all over the world.  We even offer premium pond and water feature maintena...