Pond Waterfall Filter

Koi Pond or Pondless Waterfall: Where Do I Begin?

1.) Have you thought about A Water Feature?– Is it true that a water feature will add equity to my home? What about a swimming pool? Doesn’t a pond require a lot of upkeep? What is the average cost? Do I need a building permit? Do I have to have fish? …we travel a lot!

American Society of Landscape Architects

Landscape Architects Identify Trends for 2007

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –”Sustainable design is bigger than ever and homeowners and commercial building owners alike are looking to utilize outdoor spaces even more. The New Year will bring a number of exciting and creative design solutions from landscape architects.

Homeowners are requesting that landscape architects design complete outdoor rooms, such as kitchens and bars, for entertaining. Water features such as koi ponds, waterfalls, and fountains continue to be popular (with no signs of slowing), according to a new survey of leading members of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).”

The American Nurseryman Association reports that “water features are the fastest growing trend in landscaping since 1990 (2007 should break all records.)”

Regionally, in-ground pools will add about 5 percent to the value of a home in the Northeast, about 6 percent in the Midwest, and 7.5 percent in the Southeast and West. In the Southwest, a swimming pool will add nearly 11 percent to the home’s value.

If you add a $35,000 pool to a $300,000 house, you will just barely recover your initial expense. However, you still have the high maintenance cost and you have just limited the future buyers of your home to people who want a pool. Therefore, you have actually reduced the equity in your home. On the other hand, everyone loves a beautiful water feature, young and old! Therefore, increased equity!

Swimming pools require constant attention and maintenance. Unlike ponds, pool owners cannot rely on the nitrogen cycle to lend a hand at keeping the water healthy. This can only be accomplished by due diligence and a myriad of chemicals. Unlike a pond, the enjoyment of a pool comes from its use; and for most regions of the country, the climate dictates a very short period of time for pool use. Unless you heat your pool, then your dumping more money in your pool.

A pond requires minimal attention compared to swimming pool. Once a properly constructed pond is established with the right proportion of fish, plants and biological elements, a pond will take care of itself, the rest is enjoyment, year round. You do not need to use a pond as you do a pool, it only need to exist for you to enjoy.

2.) What do I do about the safety of my small children or grandchildren? How big should it be? Is this something I can do on my own or do I need professional help building a pond?

Unlike a swimming pool, ponds can be child proofed, with very little expense. A swimming pool, however, requires special self-closing gates with special latches. Another required code requirement is 95-decibel alarms on all exit doors leading to the back yard.

And for your added peace of mind, you can install an unsightly, removable, lightweight fence that cost hundreds of dollars. Then you can continually agonize over whether you, or someone else, forgot to close the fence gate.

A pond, however, can be filled with large boulders, which can be removed later when the children are grown. Or you can construct a pondless waterfall to begin with. Now you still can enjoy the sight and sound of cascading water without the concerns for safety.

An added advantage of a pondless waterfall is that a pondless waterfall costs less to construct and maintain. A pondless waterfall can be added to your front yard, meet all building code requirements, increase curb appeal, and thereby increase the equity and the resale value of your home.

The “size of the water feature” is a relative term. There are many factors that need to be considered. Far more than can be be discussed in the space I have allotted for this article. I will cover it in my next article. A few questions to ask yourself: How big is your yard? Where do you spend the majority of your time?

What is your budget? How is the size, shape and topography of your yard related to certain limitations regarding the building codes? Will the existing water table affect your water feature? Does your property currently have adequate drainage? Do you have underground utilities? If so, where are they located? What are the local building codes regarding pond depth? Do you need a building permit, or a licensed contractor? …just to name a few of the topics covered.

Whether you need a professional contractor is another article. What type of access do you have to your property? Do you want large boulders? If so, is there proper clearance for a crane or Bobcat? How do you find a qualified contractor? How do you go about qualifying them? Are they properly licensed? Insured? Bonded? Workmen’s compensation? Liability insurance? Hospitalization? References? Background checks and much, much more. Do your homework and proper research prior to commencement, it could save you thousands of dollars.

3.) What is the single most important first step in building a water feature? What about equipment? Should I get koi fish and a turtle? Where should I place my pond and waterfall? All these questions can be addressed with two words: Plan & Design!

First, decide where you spend most of your leisure activity. …family room, living room, patio etc. Your waterfall and pond should be in close proximity to that location. Not in the far corner of your property. Sound and visualization are two of the major benefits of a waterfall and pond. These decisions are part of the planning process. Once you decide on these issues, the design process begins.

The best way to approach this phase is to consider a digital design. There are companies that can produce an incredible digitally designed, virtual photo of your backyard, by simply providing them with a digital photo of the area you want the water feature located. You may opt to digitally design your own. There are digital design programs that are simple to master on your own for less than a hundred dollars. Just search the web by typing in digitally designed ponds or waterfalls.

The type of equipment you should use is dependent upon the size of your pond. Your budget is another factor. If you have a small budget, you’re looking at designing a small pond. In addition, look at the available options for construction materials.

You can buy a rubber liner kit and install it yourself, or have a rubber-liner-kit-installer-guy install it for you. Bottom line, either way, is there is no guarantee against bucked-toothed critters such as mice, rats, ground squirrels, gophers and ground hogs, from burrowing underneath your expensive rubber liner and chewing a hole in it. Concrete (3500psi) and rebar is the best construction method, and if done correctly, will last for generations. Concrete ponds cost only 10 to 20% more to build than liner ponds.

Your pond will require less maintenance if you allow the nitrogen cycle to do all the work. This means you need to do your part by providing the elements needed for the nitrogen cycle to operate. The fish provide the waste which produces nitrates and ammonia. Certain essential bacteria break down the nitrates and ammonia into safe byproducts used by the plants and other organisms.

Once this process is started, with the aid of a biological filter and possibly an ultraviolet light, future maintenance is minimal and routine. An above ground, high efficiency pump produces more water flow at half the energy and less initial cost than a sump pump used with liner ponds. The savings in electrical costs alone could easily pay for the additional cost of professional concrete construction in less three years.

4.) Where do I find the equipment and construction material I need to complete my project? How do I know what size filter, pump or ultraviolet light I need? If I want to have a concrete pond and waterfall shell, Where do I begin?

The internet is the best place to start looking for equipment. Local pond stores are usually higher priced, because of overhead expense. Most of the internet dealers are knowledgeable on sizing pumps, filters and ultraviolet lights to any size pond or waterfall. However, keep in mind, most on line dealers are trying to push pond liners, sump pumps and pond liner-related filters and accessories.

Look for energy efficient pumps first, and those dealers will carry concrete pond related products such as bottom drains, pool type skimmers and pressured, back-flushable biological bead filters. Also, Liner dealers sell the cheap mechanical autofill devices, because of a high profit margin.

Make sure you invest in a reliable electronic autofill system that is less likely to malfunction such as the levelors and aquafill systems. A stuck float could result in the chlorine poisoning death of all your fish and possibly thousands of dollars in flood damage.

If you act as your own project manager, you can get competitive bids from local concrete contractor for pouring your pond and waterfall shell. Also find a stone mason who will build your waterfall using mortar. With liner ponds and waterfalls, the rocks sit on the liner and can easily move when stepped on by adults or children resulting in serious accidents.

Trying to save hundreds up front, could possibly cost you thousands down the road. You get what you pay for.

Penny wise and [pond] foolish? Happy koi, peace & joy.

About the Author

Waterfall Filter Installation

Atlantic Oasis Pond Waterfall Filter BF1600 $238.00

Submersible Pond Fountain Pump 1584 GPH -water garden-waterfall-koi-fish-filter $142.35

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 600 WATERFALL FILTER PUMP POND NO FOAM $114.95

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 900 WATERFALL FILTER PUMP POND NO FOAM $149.95

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 2000 WATERFALL FILTER PUMP POND NO FOAM $239.95

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 2400 WATERFALL FILTER PUMP POND NO FOAM $269.95

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 2900 WATERFALL FILTER PUMP POND NO FOAM $299.95

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 4200 WATERFALL FILTER PUMP POND NO FOAM $329.95

Koi Fish Waterfall Water Pump And Filter Unit For Pond Effects Garden Fish Tanks $44.49

Pondmaster DIY Pond Filter/Filtration Kit -backyard water garden w/ waterfall $389.00

1200 GPH Pond Pump and Waterfall Filter Combo Kit $184.99

6000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 18W UV $159.99

Serenity Pond/Waterfall Filter-bio-biofilter-koi-fish $152.85

Crystal Pond Waterfall Filter-spillway/biofilter/koi fish/water garden/tank/pool $199.50

13200GAL KOI POND WATERFALL BIO POUND FILTER w/ MEDIA LOWEST ANYWHERE $99.95

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 600 WATERFALL/POND & FILTER PUMP BRAND NEW/FACTORY SEALED $94.99

6000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 18W UV $159.99

Atlantic Pond Waterfall Bio filter with 17″ falls – Atlantic BF1250 $99.99

Submersible Waterfall Pond Pump With Filter $34.99

Savio 22″ Waterfall Pond Filter-Make offer!! Save $$$ $420.75

6000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 18W UV $159.99

SAVIO LIVINGPONDS POND WATERFALL FILTER $466.90

Savio LivingPond Waterfall Pond Filter Biological with 22″ Weir, 5000 Gal Ponds $429.99

5000 GPH PUMP / FILTER WATER FALL FOUNTAIN POND SUBMERSIBLE FOUNTAIN NEW $154.99

Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 2400GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $269.99

Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 2000GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $239.99

Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 600 GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $114.99

Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 1500GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $209.99

Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 2900GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $299.99

Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 4200GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $329.99

Hagen Laguna Pond Max-Flo 900 GPH Waterfall Filter Pump $149.99

Pond Waterfall Filter by Atlantic 26″ Big Bahama series $426.35

Pond Waterfall Filter by Atlantic 38″ Big Bahama Series $678.63

Pond Waterfall Filter by Atlantic 48″ Big Bahama Series $729.09

Professional Koi Pond Kit 20′x30′ Liner 5200 GPH Pump Skimmer Waterfall Filter $1,325.00

Professional 20 x 30 Deluxe MEGA Pond Kit 5200 GPH Pump 26″ Waterfall Filter $1,325.00

Laguna MaxFlo 600 Fish Pond Koi Waterfall Filter Pump $76.59

LAGUNA POWER FLO 5000 WATERFALL POND KIT FILTER FALLS $338.90

2012 American Pro Pond Kit 16′x16′ Filter/Skimmer -water garden-waterfall-koi $2,098.50

3900GPH CalPump Waterfall Koi Pond Pump W/Filter screen $168.00

Laguna PowerFalls Filter-waterfall-biofilter-koi/fish pond/water filtration/tank $177.50

LAGUNA POND WATERFALL MINI POWER FALLS FILTER SPILLWAY $144.95

LAGUNA POND WATERFALL POWER FALLS POWERFALLS FILTER PAD $19.95

NEW EASY PRO SMALL AQUAFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER AS $419.99

NEW EASY PRO MINI AQUAFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER AT $249.99

Crystal Pond Professional ClearFalls 24″ Waterfall/Filter Kit Model WK24 New $165.50

CRYSTAL POND CLEARFALLS WATERFALL FILTER 24″ WEIR $151.88

CRYSTAL POND CLEARFALLS WATERFALL FILTER 40″ WEIR $237.88

Laguna MaxFlo 2900 Fish Pond Koi Waterfall Filter Pump $186.00

MATALA Waterfall Pond Spillway for BioSteps 10 Filter 11″ Weir $49.99

Savio Livingponds Waterfall Filter For Koi Pond Systems- FREE SHIPPING $420.75

Professional Quality Laguna PowerFlo Filter WaterFalls 5000 For Koi Ponds $385.00

Nelson’s 15.25″ Spillway & Waterfall Box -pond-garden-water-filter-MADE IN USA! $75.70

Savio F100 Livingponds Waterfall Filter for Koi Ponds $420.75

1100gph Submersible Pump For Waterfall UV Pond Filter $89.99

Non Kink Tubing For Pond Filter UV Waterfall 1 1/4″x20′ $45.95

Non Kink Tubing For Pond Filter UV Waterfall 1 1/2″x20′ $49.99

Submersible WaterFall Pond Pump W/Filter $49.99

LAGUNA POWERFLO 5000 WATERFALL POND KIT FILTER FALLS $338.90

Crystal Falls Pond/Waterfall Filter-koi fish biofilter $198.65

2800 GPH PUMP / FILTER WATER FALL FOUNTAIN POND SUBMERSIBLE FOUNTAIN NEW $99.99

Savio Livingponds Waterfall 31 Filter 1500G Pond $186.95

LAGUNA PT 340 MAX FLO 600 GPH Waterfall/Filter Pump 1200 g pond countryfishgirl $77.00

TETRA POND WATERFALL FILTER 12″ 1000 GPH w/ BIO MEDIA $60.44

Atlantic Garden Pond Waterfall Filter – 14″ waterfall $136.23

Atlantic Garden Pond Waterfall filter with 17″ falls $163.99

Savio LivingPond Waterfall Pond Filter Bio/Mechanical 16″ Spillway 1500gal Pond $219.99

EasyPro WF6E Eco Series Tempo Waterfall Filter for Ponds up to 600 Gallons New $55.07

Little Giant 571010 WF5 Waterfall Filter for Ponds $288.23

Little Giant 571011 WF10 Waterfall Filter for Ponds $468.19

6000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 18W UV $175.98

LAGUNA PT 342 MAX FLO 900 Waterfall & Filter Pump 1800 gal pond countryfishgirl $95.00

4000 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 13W UV $149.99

Laguna PT 340 Pond Max-Flo 600 Waterfall & Filter Pump $79.95

LAGUNA MAX-FLO 1500 WATERFALL FILTER PUMP POND NO FOAM $209.95

LAGUNA PT 348 MAX FLO 2400 GPH Koi Pond Waterfall & Filter Pump 4800 US gal $154.95

NEW AQUASCAPE MICROFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER 40″ WEIR $223.98

AQUASCAPE ULTRAFALLS BIOFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER 19″ $419.99

AQUASCAPE MEGAFALLS BIOFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER 40″ $599.95

AQUASCAPE MICROFALLS POND WATERFALL FILTER ROCK TRAY $49.69

MATALA POND BIOSTEP 10 GRAVITY FILTER BIO STEP 10 $225.00

MATALA POND BIOSTEP 10 GRAVITY FILTER BIO STEP 10 $330.00

MATALA POND BIOSTEP 10 GRAVITY FILTER BIO STEP 10 $370.00

MATALA POND BIOSTEP 10 GRAVITY FILTER BIO STEP 10 $410.00

LAGUNA POWERFALLS FILTER SPILLWAY PT 490 KIO POND WATER FALLS $99.75

NEW MATALA POND BIOSTEP 10 GRAVITY FILTER W/WATERFALL $229.89

Submersible WaterFall Pond Pump W/Filter $59.99

Beckett Clearfalls Waterfall Weir Filter Kit WFK8HD 7207310 400 GPH Pond $149.99

Aquascape UltraFalls-Bio Filter/waterfall/koi-fish-pond-water garden-large tank $383.99

7300 Gallon Pressurized Bio Pond Filter 4 Fish Pond Waterfall Fountain w/ 24W UV $189.90

Aquascape MicroFall Pond Filter-waterfall/bio/koi fish $246.85

Savio Livingponds Waterfall Pond Filter 5000G FREE S&H $420.95

Prelude Waterfall Filter Box-Pond Biofilter/ water garden filtration/spillway $195.85

LAGUNA PT1770 POWERFLO WATERFALL WATER FALL FILTER POND $372.89

Savio 22″ Waterfall Filter for pond/water garden/koi. $504.90

Aquascape UltraFalls-Bio Filter Waterfall / Koi-Fish-Pond-Water Garden $379.95

Aquascape MICROFALLS Pond Waterfall Filter 40″ Weir $219.95

NEW EASY PRO SYMPHONY POND WATERFALL FILTER 34″ 6000GAL $569.95

NEW EASY PRO SONATA POND WATERFALL FILTER 18″ 1800 GAL $326.09

NEW EASY PRO PRELUDE POND WATERFALL FILTER 13″ 1000 GAL $214.39

Intermatic P1121 Heavy Duty Above Ground Pool Pump Timer $19.96 …

Beckett 7060210 325 gph Submersible Pump $34.95 Circulate water in your pond while being kind to fish and plants. With the Beckett Versa Gold fountain pump, you can pump 300 gallons of water per hour for fountain art, spa drainage, and ponds. Easily attach tubing for a water feature or different fountain nozzles for more creative looks. The pump sits flat underwater and is heavy enough that it doesn’t need suction cups or other attachments to h…

Beckett 7107910 Pond Waterfall Pump 600gph $71.34 Great for ponds, streams, and extra large fountains and waterfalls, cycles 600 gallons per hour, environmentally friendly, energy efficient, handles large particles. Use horizontally or vertically, underwater only….

Excel Grip-On Knife With 5 #11 Blades $4.34 Grip on knife with 5 extra blades. Caution All blades have razor sharp edge. Handle with care….

POND/WATERFALL PUMP, Size: 400 GPH (Catalog Category: Pond:FILTERS, PUMPS & ACCESSORIES) $63.37 Designed specifically for medium to large size ponds and statuary. Energy efficient magnetic drive. Fish safe. Maximum pumping height 6.5 feet. 400 gallons per hour. Intake 3/4 threaded, discharge 3/4 threaded. Barbs included for easy connection to flexible tubing.(Size: 400 GPH)…

WATERFALL PUMP, Size: 3,750 GPH (Catalog Category: Pond:FILTERS, PUMPS & ACCESSORIES) $223.48 Non-toxic. Energy efficient. Quiet operation. 16 foot cord included. Easy assembly. Designed for waterfalls up to 12 feet.(Size: 3,750 GPH)…

WATERFALL PUMP, Size: 2,300 GPH (Catalog Category: Pond:FILTERS, PUMPS & ACCESSORIES) $171.71 Non-toxic. Energy efficient. Quiet operation. 16 foot cord included. Easy assembly. Designed for waterfalls up to 10 feet.(Size: 2,300 GPH)…