Formal pond construction.
Formal ponds fall into two categories, those which contain water plants and those which just contain water. Both types can have moving or static water.
When building a formal pond our aims are that the water is clear and the pond doesn’t leak (and that it looks beautiful!). They don’t have to be deep. 600mm is an ideal depth which doesn’t require additional strengthening of the concrete blockwork used to form the structure.
All of our formal ponds have a black GRP (fibreglass) coating applied on site which is resistant to cracking, freezing and UV light, unlike many of the paint-on products and concrete render waterproofing additives.
Pond filtration
Filtration is often required in formal ponds and smaller natural ponds. Larger natural ponds tend to be less prone to problems with algae and the use of bacterial products (Live Liquid Micro-Organisms) is often the preferred method in larger ponds and lakes because of the costs involved.
Filtration can be carried out in several ways. Our preferred method is the use of gravel bed filtration, similar to that used in some swimming ponds. This can be within the pool or can be on the outside of the pool and have water cascade into it which also acts as a skimmer to remove leaves etc. Either method can be made to look attractive by planting aquatic plants in the gravel. Dark grey gravel can be used to keep an in-pond filter unobtrusive.
We also use a live bacterial anti-algae product which consumes the nitrates and phosphates that are in our water, thus depriving the algae of its food source and greatly reducing the likelihood of green water and blanket weed. In the last ten years, this has become a popular and successful method of algae control in both large and small bodies of water.
If a minimal look is required in the pond design an external balance tank can be installed at ground level. This can be some distance from the pool, with the water in it at the same level as the main pool. The balance tank can contain the power supply, water pumps and a chlorine/bromine dosing unit which will destroy algae. A UV filter can also be installed in the balance tank as well as a water top-up system and overflow. A chlorine dosing unit cannot be used if fish or plants are desired.
Finally, there is the good old black box filtration system which is filled with filtration media on which live the beneficial bacteria that help control algae. Water is pumped up from the pond and passes through the filtration media and returns via a pipe back to the pond. They are bulky so you need somewhere to hide them from view. A vortex filter can also be added to this system. Vortex filters help remove small solids from the water and are simple to maintain as they have no moving parts and do not impede the flow of water when full.
We create beautiful natural surroundings that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come. From very large ponds to boardwalks, small garden ponds and swimming ponds, our work covers a broad range of water-based construction and restoration projects.
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Our work covers a broad range of subjects including pond building, lake construction, pond and lake restoration, pond maintenance, pond repairs, pond decking and other water-based landscaping projects in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Salisbury, Andover, Winchester and Newbury. Other areas considered.