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...

  It happens to the best of us.  You try to get all of your holiday shopping done as early as possible to avoid hassles and crowds but there's always one or two people on your list that stump you.  Maybe they always have everything they need.  Maybe they have unique tastes that make it hard to find the "perfect" gift.  No matter what you do, how early you start or how much you grill them, there you are searching for the right present that will bring a smile to their face or somehow make their life a little easier. Why not the gift of pond maintenance? Ponds and water features are often the jewel of a homeowner's outdoor space but they can require a lot of upkeep and effort, especially if there are fish and plants.  In order to maintain a healthy balance for any pond's ecosystem, it takes patience and the right juggling act of cleaning, chemical balance, trimming and component protection or repair to keep it running efficiently.  During winter, especial...

  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...

  On this Thanksgiving, may you be blessed with joy, happiness and abundance. The way we celebrate may have changed - where we host a gathering, who is invited, what is to be shared.  Yet, the most important reason for the season has only strengthened.  As we approach this holiday, what matters is that we are surrounded by love, full of resolve and still able to hope.  From everyone at Laughing Waters, Inc., we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving full of good health, good cheer and good fortune. While we prepare to embrace another blistery Chicago winter, many pond owners are struggling with the decision of what to do with their beautiful water features.  Winterization is a natural process for many things to those that live in colder regions but you may not have to wrap up the splendor just yet.  Take a look at the pros and cons concerning Whether You Should Winterize Your Pond .   Even though this year has been a whirlwind for those around the world, m...

  You've made the decision.  A backyard pond or water feature would look stunning in on your property and bring joy to all those who get to enjoy it.  It might even increase the health of your existing outdoor ecosystem or simply be the perfect spot to relieve stress.  You may have even picked the design, some landscaping and the type of pond you want - whether it's stocked with koi, a reflection pool or a neat swimming spot when the temps skyrocket.  The biggest question you have to answer is whether or not you're building it yourself or hiring a pond service to do it for you.   The construction and materials of your pond are critical in keeping it functioning properly and making sure it lasts for years to come so who builds and maintains it will be the most important decision you make on this journey.  Let's take a look at the different pros associated between do-it-yourself and hiring a pond service... Do-It-Yourself Pros:  You are a handy...

  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 ...

  Laughing Waters Inc. isn't your typical local pond service. As for maintenance, our technicians handle clean outs, winterization, repairs for water feature and pond components and pump/filter systems, chemical balances, fish and plant care and much more.  With flexible scheduling and swift, courteous service, we are able to keep ponds healthy and clean while preventing serious issues before they have a chance to take root.  Running a stable, balanced ecosystem is no easy feat but our pond care experts have the experience, equipment and patience to keep your features looking gorgeous for years to come. Yet, care and careful upkeep are not the only services Laughing Waters Inc. has to offer.  We are an award-winning design and build firm as well that has been serving both domestic and international clients since 2002.  While this may sound intriguing, what does this mean exactly? As a design and installation firm, our engineers and building professionals can cre...

  For pond owners that live in regions where winter months are cold, snowy and icy, winterization is a process you conduct on many systems in and around your home.  Essentially, winterizing anything simply keeps it from incurring damage that can cost quite a bit in repairs or possibly a complete replacement. When it comes to ponds, some owners shut it down and some continue to run it with added maintenance.  As winter sets in, what should you do? Honestly, this is entirely up to your comfort level and how much maintenance you are willing to do to run the pond in freezing temps.   Some pond owners choose a complete shut-down in winter so they don't have to worry about ice dams or the cost they will take on to run a larger pump.  All leaves and debris are removed, plants trimmed and prepped and each piece of equipment, maintained, cleaned and/or stored for the coming season.  Jets, bubblers, etc. need to be checked, disconnected and excess water drained ...

  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...

  Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance is a one-stop shop for all of your water feature needs.  Since 2002, our award-winning firm has designed, built or maintained every type of pond and water feature imaginable.  Take a look at what our premier pond service can do for you... Start-Ups Clean-Outs Pump & Filtration Service/Support  Winterization Services Repairs and Installation Free Quotes  Custom Plans Our specialists are committed to keeping your pond or water feature running efficiently and looking gorgeous for years to come.  It takes time, energy and experience to maintain a healthy pond ecosystem and Laughing Waters trained professionals are here to handle all of your water feature needs.   With endless YouTube videos, you may be wondering why you can't simply command your own pond maintenance.  You certainly can!  Some folks prefer rolling up their sleeves and tackling it DIY.  It all comes down to personal preference, budge...

  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 ...

  A backyard pond is already an amazing water feature to enhance your property, heighten your moods and a wonderful centerpiece for parties.  With its rich plant life, varied layers and relaxing water sounds, it can turn any backyard into a tranquil and engaging oasis.  An exciting aspect for pond owners is that you can add a few smaller features to make the water space even more beautiful, help the ecosystem thrive, increase the impressive nature of your property or all of the above.   Here are just a few ideas for simple features you can add... Water Wall - A stacked stone, or even layered, water wall can take blank space and make it exciting and unique. Fountains - Whether placed in another section of your property or directly in your pond, fountains add a relaxing ambiance. You can vary your theme and get sculpture based, artistic or simple fountain designs. Jets, Bubblers, Etc. - Playing off of the fountain idea, jets, bubblers and the sort can help aerate ...

  As the summer sun sets earlier and temps begin to drop, it's important to prepare your pond for surviving the coming winter.  It takes a bit more than shutting off the pump and throwing a tarp on top to keep your ecosystem thriving and make a spring opening that much easier.  What is vital for your pond, especially if you have fish, is to maintain acceptable oxygen levels throughout the bitter weather and get rid of as much decaying debris as possible because they give off toxic gas.  When it comes down to it, is your pond ready for the fall? Leaves - Fallen leaves and other foliage that access your pond produce toxic gases as they decay, which can be harmful to fish and your ecosystem in general. Before the leaves begin to fall, put a protective net over the top to catch leaves.  When it's time to close up the pond all you have to do is roll up the netting and toss out the leaves collected.  Equipment - Now is the time for your pump and filters to be cle...

  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...

Laughing Waters Inc. is more than just pond cleaning and maintenance.   In fact, Laughing Waters Inc. is America's premier design and build firm for ponds and water features.  Having won numerous awards for design, Laughing Waters has been one of the most respected and knowledgeable water feature companies since it's inception in 2002.  Our unique, innovative designs have impressed homeowners and large corporations alike, bringing out the natural beauty of every area and creating nothing short of majesty to backyards, courtyards and every space in between.   Our professionals do not simply create inspirational designs but execute flawless installations and builds.  The world-renowned Laughing Waters Inc. team has over twenty years of talent in engineering and construction of premium water features and custom land environments.  Whether it's a small koi escape for a backyard or a multi-layered fountain with timed jets to captivate the public in a c...

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...

Summer is in full swing and Covid-19 restrictions are easing.  This is the perfect time to start planning those barbecues and swim parties to gather those you hold dear.  You shouldn't have to spend this quality time worrying if your pond or water feature looks great or if you serviced it correctly. Whether you just need someone to check your work and make sure all systems are in proper working condition or you want that water feature to look stunning throughout the season, Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance can help. Our trained experts have been taking care of Chicagoland's water features for nearly two decades.  It takes time, energy and serious commitment to keep those ponds looking gorgeous and our specialists are here to take on the heavy task.  With our passion and dedication to ponds and water features, we take pride in the work we do to keep your unique aquatic space in peak condition.  We focus on the details and gritty work so you can spend mor...

To Keep Fireworks Debris Out Of Your Pond And Protect Your Aquatic Creatures And Plants, Consider Covering It With A Netting Around The 4th! Are fireworks bad for your pond? This is a hotly debated issue between fireworks enthusiasts and pond owners.  While there are no definitive tests to answer this question completely considering all fireworks types, distance and environment, it's better to play it safe and remove any and all fireworks debris from your ponds and water features immediately. First of all, as a pond owner, you can relax.  For the most part, it would take a massive amount of fireworks to release any substantial toxins to harm your plants, fish and pond.  Yes, fireworks release copper compounds, sulfur dioxide, lead nitrate and lead chloride that can be a hazard to water ecosystems but a few pieces of debris are an extremely low level threat to your pond. The fact is that you should be more invested in getting out the foreign debris.  Pie...