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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!















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Location: Chicago, IL, USA

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