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 ...

  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...

  Sending Wishes To You And Yours For A Safe, Happy and Healthy Holiday! Everyone here at Laughing Waters Inc. hopes that you and your loved ones have a joyous celebration full of glad tidings and abundance.  While how we celebrate the holiday may have changed, the spirit of the season and the bonds we forge are stronger than ever. As everyone eagerly awaits a new year full of adventure and possibility, many are looking to make changes for their home as well.  Some will opt to add a water feature or pond to their landscape in order to create more beauty, relaxation or to simply fill the time with a new hobby.  The real question becomes, What Kind Of Pond Do You Want ?  Once you understand what each pond has to offer, it makes the decision so much easier.  Truly, a pond is both an improvement for your home and your state of mind.  After the year we've endured, isn't it time for a little peace? 2020 has been a wild ride and some folks will be looking at ...

  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 ...

  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 ...

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 ...

  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...

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...

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...

Summer is the best time to feature and enjoy your beautiful ponds and water features.  This is the prime time for your pond to be in full splendor but it is also critical to keep it healthy during the hottest months.  Ponds need regular maintenance in the summer to prevent plants from taking over and to stabilize the delicate ecosystem.  It's also important to remember that all ponds will green a little in the heat but, if everything is properly balanced, the water should clear in no time! One of the top priorities for pond health is that it's properly aerated and maintaining steady oxygen levels.  Essentially, you need to make sure that oxygen is circulating properly throughout your pond.  Larger waterfalls help with this as well as outdoor aeration systems.  Another way to increase oxygen is by using aquatic plants.  They can keep the water clean and provide necessary oxygen but aquatic plants need to be meticulously maintained so they don't ov...