Pond and Water Feature Service

  ABSOLUTELY NOT! When it comes to opening your pond and water features for the Spring, it's never too soon to have an action plan in place.  How you care for your pond during Spring start up sets the tone for the entire year.  Would you rather have everything running efficiently and looking beautiful or be fighting algae and poor functioning pump systems? Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance has dedicated nearly twenty years to servicing commercial and residential water features around Chicagoland. With the proper equipment and industry knowledge, our professionals keep your aquatic environment thriving and awe-inspiring year after year.  Save precious time and money by having the experts maintain your backyard, public space or business courtyard water ecosystem. Clean Out Filtration and Re-Install Pump or Skimmer Pump System and Critical Component Repairs  Fish and Plant Health Water Changes Chemical Balances Landscape and Foliage Upkeep  Landscape and Foliag...

  To Quickly Create An Opening In Ice For Your Pond, Pour Warm Water On The Surface. Avoid Breaking Through The Ice Using Force Because You Can Harm Pond Life. For pond owners with fish or other inhabitants, winter poses new challenges.  While you can move your creatures to a tank inside to wait out the weather, it's just as easy to leave them in their natural space and keep them healthy.  Ice itself is not an issue for Koi as long as your pond is deep enough to not become frozen completely.  Koi fish and many other inhabitants go dormant in the winter, which means they huddle to the very bottom where the water is warmer and use far less oxygen. The most critical reason why you need to make sure your pond surface doesn't freeze over completely is because it keeps oxygen out and traps toxic gases that can kill your fish. As long as there is a hole, or several, in your pond surface, your fish can ride out the cold weather just fine.  You can definitely add a pond ...

  How To Run Your Pond In Winter Greatly Depends On If You Have Aquatic Life, Like Fish Or Turtles. No Matter If Your Pond Will Stay Running Or Not, It Should Be Prepped For Winter BEFORE Temps Dip BELOW 40 Degrees. One of the most common questions we are asked is when to start prepping a pond for winter.  This is especially important if you live in a cold climate where the water is apt to freeze.  A common guide is to have your pond properly secured and ready to face winter BEFORE the temperatures begin dropping below the 40 degree mark. The only real difference in pond prepping will be if you have aquatic life.  For those with fish, turtles and other living creatures inhabiting their pond, you will need to winterize much differently than those without.  In order to keep those creatures alive and make sure they bounce back come Spring, you need to keep the water circulating via large enough pump, aerator or both.  Something often overlooked is the fact tha...

  When you're in a colder region, especially Chicago, you can expect frigid winds and freezing temperatures.  For pond owners, this poses an interesting question... what do you do with your pond in the winter? Winter ponds can be gorgeous with their ice formations and ample home-skating rink space, if you are so inclined.  You can keep your pond running for the winter season or shut it down - the choice is yours.  No matter which option you pick, the critical key to keeping your pond in great shape will be maintenance. Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance is ready to help you conquer the frozen tundra Chicagoland will morph into.  If you opt to keep your pond open, our technicians will focus on pump functionality and efficiency, de-icing, reducing negative effects of ice-damming and other critical maintenance needed to protect your ecosystem and equipment.  Many homeowners choose to shut their ponds down for winter - leaving it until the Spring to enjoy once ag...

  One Of The Easiest Fish To Maintain In A Backyard Pond Are Koi.  With Decent Water Volume, Good Filtration, Proper Diet, Algae Control And Oxygenation Can Keep Them Healthy And Lasting 25 To 35 Years Or More.  Koi fish are perhaps the easiest fish to maintain for backyard or DIY ponds.  Regular maintenance and proper care right from the very beginning will help keep these social creatures happy and healthy.  Koi are pretty hardy fish and, with proper care, can live decades.  They are also intelligent and social creatures that will get along and interact with you.  Your pond needs regular maintenance and so do the fish. Water Volume - Make sure you have a relatively large volume of water for koi to swim in.  The more water there is, the easier it is to dilute pollutants and keep the water cleaner and more stabilized for the fish. Proper Diet - Koi happen to be omnivores so they will eat algae, plants, flies, bugs and anything else that might po...

  Whether you put in a simple water wall or would like an intricate stream running into a pond, planning your water features ensures the success of your project.  Taking the time to plan out space, components and how everything will function can keep your project realistic, help you avoid serious issues and be more budget friendly.  Of course you can use the internet to research how to put your pond or water features project on the right path or even ask others interested in the same hobby.   Did you know that you can also consult a design and build firm such as Laughing Waters Inc.? That's right - you CAN consult with professionals and find out what you are capable of accomplishing with the space and budget you have in mind.  Our seasoned water feature experts have turned dreams into reality and have decades of constructing with the proper materials and industry guidelines.  The quality of materials you use is critical to how it will hold up over the ...

  Predators Can Come By Land, Air Or Water But Using Decoys, Alternate Food Sources, Repellents, Hiding Places and Netting Can Help Keep Your Fish Alive And Well! When you have a backyard pond or outdoor space, it's only natural to expect Mother Nature to swing by for a visit.  This is especially true if you keep your pond stocked with fish.  Predators looking for food will naturally be drawn to such convenience to hunt but there are a few ways you can protect your fish. First of all, it's important to know who the predators are and where they are coming from.     Land - Find out from your local animal control or fish and game department what predators are prone to your region.  You can have variety of predators such as: raccoons, muskrats, beavers, otters, foxes, opossums or bears that enjoy hunting fish.  Fences may keep larger predators at bay but smaller creatures can sneak into many backyards. Water - Take note if you have a creek, lake, rive...

  When Planning A Pond, Some Details Are More Important Than You Think - Smaller Ponds Require More Maintenance And Adding Fish Will Cause Higher Energy Bills. Ponds are almost as unique as fingerprints.  Everyone has the ability to design them in ways that not only bring out creativity but improve function as well.  With features such as streams, waterfalls, bubblers, lighting, landscaping and more, you can truly create a one-of-a-kind relaxation spot for your home.  When it comes time to plan out what you want and how much of your property to dedicate to it, there are small details that can easily be overlooked but have the potential to shape the future performance, maintenance and costs of having it. A smaller pond might be better equipped for your space but keep in mind that it will require a bit more maintenance than a larger one.  This is due to the sheer water volume.  The more water that's in your ecosystem, the better nature is able to take over an...

Interest in backyard ponds and water features has surged in the past few years as more homeowners and businesses start to implement them in backyards and courtyards.  While they do require maintenance, they bring far more pleasure than work and provide a heap of benefits to your home, family and the environment around you.  Take a look at what a backyard pond can do for you... The "WOW" Factor - Not just anyone has a pond.  When you do, it becomes a focal point full of wonder and excitement.  Whether it's a backyard birthday party or a small barbecue, friends and family will be impressed and amazed with your addition.  Often, your pond becomes a key talking point and can spice up any event. White Noise - An often overlooked aspect is that ponds can drown out obnoxious city noise - no pun intended.  Ponds need to be aerated to stay healthy and a great way to do this is by adding a waterfall, stream, jets or bubblers.  These water features create a lov...

Ponds, waterfalls and other water features can take a static landscape and make it into a stunning paradise.  When it comes to moving into a new home, that might have been one of the very pros that led you to choose this particular property.  Unlike most stationary appliances in a home, a pond is an active, living ecosystem that needs care and maintenance.  That may not have been in your mind when you chose the house, went through closing and managed a hectic move.  The question then becomes... now what? If you've chosen to keep the water feature on your property, the very first thing you must decide is if you will maintain it yourself or hire someone to handle it for you.  Understand that pond maintenance can be a very time-consuming and eye-opening experience.  It isn't like upkeep on a clean pool - you must deal with the delicate chemical balance between aquatic life, plants and the water itself.  Everything interacts with each other and can...

As restrictions begin to ease with the Coronavirus quarantine, we have much to look forward to.  The warmer weather of a much anticipated summer, the majesty of our landscape or water feature projects and coming together to honor the fallen on Memorial Day. That's right - it's Memorial Day weekend already!  This is the perfect time to honor our nation's heroes who have sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom.  As folks gather with loved ones to laugh, love and feast in remembrance, one of our biggest forms of relaxation and enjoyment are the ponds and water features proudly displayed.  These visual treasures provide a bit of splendor and awe in such confusing times. Whether you have loved ones stopping by or are ready to linger in your own backyard sanctuary, it's the perfect time to make sure your pond is up to snuff.  By having the Laughing Waters pond professionals perform a spring opening and meticulously maintain your gorgeous feature, you can be s...

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...

The most common problem with both residential and commercial ponds is algae growth or the accumulation of muck.  Your water being cloudy or dirty-looking can be a result of many different factors but, for a majority of pond owners, it is simply a breakdown of sludge that releases nutrients which tip the scales to create murkiness or algae blooms.  This is why regular maintenance, especially a proper Spring start up, are so crucial to the ecosystem of your water feature. A Spring clean out is like a fresh start for your pond and allows for clearer water and better health for fish or aquatic plants.  Your pond should be drained and power washed annually to remove harmful buildup.  This is also the perfect time to check on aquatic plants and see what needs to be divided and re-potted, to check the soil and liner, fill gaps, adjust landscape, remove all debris and check all filter and plumbing systems.  All filter systems need to be thoroughly inspected, repa...

One Of The Best Things You Can Do For Your Pond Is Keep Mowed Grass, Fallen Leaves And Tree Branches OUT Of It! Water features and ponds look stunning in backyard settings but not many people realize the maintenance that goes into them to keep them running in peak shape.  For many homeowners, they simply don't have the time, equipment or know-how to repair equipment, properly balance pH or keep fish and plants thriving. DIY can be overwhelming but the absolute greatest thing you can contribute to your pond is the simple act of keeping foreign objects out.  When the season changes or a big storm has passed through, scope out your pond and the surrounding area for branches, twigs and leaves.  These things can decay in your pond and completely throw off the pH, disrupting the delicate balance of your tiny ecosystem.  It's important to keep any trees or shrubs nearby well-trimmed. Another major disruption to your pond's chemical balance is grass...

When it comes to your pond and water features, you want to enjoy them for years to come and depend on great service to maintain them.  Keeping them in top shape takes skill that only an experienced professional can supply but how do you choose a pond maintenance company? Experience - You can find pond maintenance companies just about anywhere - Google, Craigslist, your community papers - but that doesn't mean they are a good company.  First of all, you want to check out what experience they have.  Some companies only deal in certain aspects of water features, such as design or building, but fail to have a service team for routine checkups and repairs.  Call the company directly and ask them what areas they specialize in and how long they've been doing this.  Never make any commitments until you finish your research and gauge how they respond.  Hesitation, avoidance of topics or vague conversation are indicators that they may not be the greatest choice...

For many, having a personal water feature or pond on their property sparks images of beauty and joy.  It conjures images of lazy summer days and cool refreshing sensations as one enjoys the moment.  The reality is that if you don't maintain your pond, you're likely to see a green, mucky mess instead of luxury and relaxation. So, what mistakes are being made that have your scenic beauty look more like a swamp? Fish - Sometimes you simply have too many fish for the amount of water you have.  Over population will greatly throw off the balance of your pond.  Take care not to overfeed those fish either!  That leftover food will decay and rot at the bottom. Quick Clean - Speaking of decay, clean out all debris as soon as possible so it doesn't have a chance to decay. Plants - Too many plants is definitely a bad thing.  If more than 40% to 60% of your surface area is covered by plants, they'll drastically decrease the oxygen levels your pond needs to...

The Best Time To Clean A Pond Is In The Early Spring Just After The Water Thaws But Before Everything Has A Chance To Wake Up! The best time to perform a pond or water feature clean out is in the early spring.  You want to try and have the clean out before the water gets above 55 degrees.  Waiting until the water is warmer than this will cause bacteria colonies to form, throw off the ecosystem of your pond and cause more algae blooms.  This just makes it harder to bring your pond into proper balance. It's also a great idea to make this your annual full-scale pond clean out.  Draining the water, cleaning the fixtures and pond itself, cleaning and checking filters, grooming aquatic plants and acclimating fish are all basic parts of this process.  By keeping your pond regularly maintained, you can keep the ecosystem thriving and stop any issues from affecting your filter or pump systems. You can perform the clean out and maintenance yourself or hire l...

Ponds and water features can be amazing relaxation spots or add such beauty to an otherwise blank area.  There are many reasons someone might want to add a particular water feature but before you start picking out fish, plants or colors, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself. Most important, what are you hoping to achieve with a water feature? The type of water feature you choose will largely depend on why you want it in the first place.  Are you trying to reduce a noisy background?  Are you creating a relaxation spot for yourself and your family?  Are you trying to create a more natural landscape for local wildlife?  There are many options to choose from when it comes to water features so understanding if you need a simple fountain to create more ambient noise or crafting a stream and waterfall to turn your yard into a mini-vacation spot is crucial. You don't have to choose a definite water feature or understand every process in crea...

So, what CAN Laughing Waters do for you? Laughing Waters Inc has been around since 2002 providing premium water features and ponds to homes, businesses, office complexes and public areas.  While we may be an award-winning firm, our first priority is customer satisfaction and providing the highest quality service available. We can: DESIGN - Working within any space, we can design premium water features to highlight an area and achieve the green space, relaxation spot or recreation point most desired.  Our design pros have decades of experience under their belts bringing customer visions to life. BUILD - As a build firm, we take on the crucial task of constructing these designs.  The Laughing Waters crew is highly experienced in water feature and pond construction, using only the best materials and most innovative industry strategies to make those designs a reality. Already have a water feature on your property?  Just looking to give it a little TLC? L...

Whether it's in a beautiful courtyard of an office building or your very own backyard, taking care of your pond is vital.  As soon as construction finishes, you should be concentrating efforts on how to keep it clean and functioning properly.  There are many factors that can cause damage or negatively impact your pond's ecosystem so it requires a healthy balance in order to thrive. CLEAN IT REGULARLY - Dirt and debris, such as leaves, can release toxic gases and sludge can overwhelm your fragile pond.  A little bit of sludge is needed for healthy algae growth but that pond needs a proper cleaning weekly.  Spring is the ideal time to do an annual full cleaning, which is where you completely drain the pond and deep clean it. PLANTS - As the weather warms, this is the perfect time to grow some plants in your pond.  Not only do they make the environment look gorgeous, they help regulate oxygen and clean certain toxins from water levels.  These plants...