DAVIDSON NC
PONDS-INSTALLERS-BUILDERS
Ponds, waterfalls, and water gardens
Providing Services in:
Allen NC Allison Ferry NC Atando Junction NC
Caldwell NC Charlotte NC Chemway NC Cornelius NC Cowans Ford NC Croft NC
Davidson NC Derita NC Dixie NC Grove Park NC Hebron NC Hickory Grove NC
Hicks Crossroads NC Homestead NC Hoods NC Hopewell NC Huntersville NC
Idlewild NC Joplor NC Junker NC Marlwood Acre NC Matthews NC Mint Hill NC
Newell NC Oakdale NC Olde Providence NC Paw Creek NC Pine Harbor NC Pine
Ridge NC Pineville NC Providence NC Rama NC Rhyne NC Sharonbrook NC Shopton
NC Shuffletown NC Smithville NC Sodyeco NC Sterling NC Toddville NC Tuckaway
Park NC Wilgrove NC 28201 28202 28203 28204 28205 28206 28207 28208 28209
28210 28211 28212 28213 28214 28215 28216 28217 28218 28219 28220 28221
28222 28223 28224 28226 28227 28228 28229 28230 28231 28232 28233 28234
28235 28236 28237 28241 28242 28243 28244 28246 28247 28250 28253 28254
28255 28256 28258 28260 28262 28263 28265 28266 28269 28270 28271 28272
28273 28274 28275 28277 28278 28280 28281 28282 28284 28285 28287 28288
28289 28290 28296 28297 28299 28031 28035 28036 28070 28078 28105 28106
28227 28126 28130 28134
Preformed Ponds
The Perfect Pond Starter Kits
Preformed pond "tubs" are the most popular style on the market today, mostly
because of their reasonable price. With costs ranging from $50 to $100, most
homeowners can afford the basic component needed to start a backyard pond
project.
Preformed ponds are also simpler to install than using a pond liner for a custom
pond. The only drawback to using a preformed pond tub is that you can't
However, with
the right decoration, like rocks around the outside to hide the tub's edges, it
can look just as natural as a custom pond. Another disadvantage is preformed
ponds aren't generally over 100 gallons in size, so you have to winterize your
fish, some aquatic plants cannot root properly and both are easy prey for
predators.
Preformed ponds are usually made of fiberglass and come with a pump and a
filter. Due to recent popularity, manufacturers are now making different shapes,
sizes and configurations to enhance the look and creativity of your yard. The
main advice is to shop around before you make your purchase. Some pond supply
retailers charge a larger mark-up, especially if you live in smaller,
inaccessible towns. Do your homework and look online first.
The key to installing preformed ponds is to dig a hole the same size and shape
of the tub, so that it can be placed in the ground snugly. You should allow the
top rim of the preformed tub to sit several inches above ground level when it is
unfilled. When you fill it with water, it will sink into the soil and become
level with the ground. To mark the area, use a garden hose or spray paint. It is
advised to dig the hole immediately before installation because it could rain,
raccoons could wreak havoc with the area or kids could fall into the hole.
These types of ponds are good as starter ponds and they are not wasted later if
you decide to upgrade to a larger or liner-based pond. You can always use the
preforms as a holder for fish when cleaning, use it as an indoor place to
winterize your pond fish or use the frame as an addition to your new pond. The
preformed ponds are great additions for multi-level, waterfall ponds as well.
When installing
your pond liner, you need to make sure you have enough liner to cover the depth
and enough to cover the sides, reaching up and over of the top of your pond.
Here's how to determine how much liner you will need:
Pond Liners
Choosing a Pond Liner
Custom ponds require liners, just like swimming pools. They allow you to dig the
shape of the pond any way you want it. The liner sits in the hole, holds the
water in the pond and keeps it from leaking and losing water.
Pond liners are very flexible and are designed to conform to any hole,
regardless of its shape. They are built to withstand serious punishment, remain
flexible through extreme temperatures and are UV resistant. Most liners are made
of polyethylene and come with a 20-year warranty which guarantees a solid and
leak-proof pond.
•Measure the pond's width, length and depth and make sure all measurements are
taken at the deepest, longest and widest parts of the pond.
•Length of Pond Depth X 2 2 extra feet = Total Length of Liner
•Width of Pond Depth X 2 2 extra feet = Total Width of Liner
Chances are the basic liner will not be wide or long enough if you have a very
large pond, so you will need to attach two or more pieces together with adhesive
silicon or another splice kit method. However, this method is not recommended.
You may be able to get a larger liner from a roofing company. If you do this,
remember to put the algaecide-side down on the earth and not where the water
will go.
Pond liners vary in price depending on the size and weight. The smallest liners,
about 8' x 10', will cost around $30, while the largest, usually 40' x 40', can
cost up to $670. They are also available in rolls, ranging from 5.5' x 100' at
$220, up to 50' x 100' at $2,000.
Pond Kits
All of the Components Needed to Start Your Pond
Pond kits are the easiest way to build a professional-looking pond in your
backyard without having to cough up the extravagant price it would take to hire
a garden contactor. To save the time and money it takes planning and shopping
for all the components needed to install a pond in your yard, complete pond kits
have become a popular choice for many homeowners. It's the perfect kit for
beginner ponders.
Pond kits usually include a liner , underlayment, aqua falls, pump ,
silicone sealer and anything else that will be needed to properly
build your pond. More expensive and complete pond kits include every
imaginable piece of equipment you'll need to get started - pond
skimmers, starter bacteria and dechlorinators, koi food and even a
pond thermometer .
Pond kits make building a pond much easier than going out and
choosing each component individually - especially since most pond
kits also come with installation instructions!
Pond kits are available in different sizes (though it's difficult to
find them for ponds larger than 8x11 feet in size). Some of the kits
are for ponds less than 100 gallons which makes it hard for plants
to root, makes fish prey to predators and it means you have to
winterize your fish. Paying the difference for a slightly larger
volume pond kit would be advantageous in the long run.
If
you are new to the world of ponding, then the pond kits are a great
way to start. Just remember, pond kits provide the basic equipment
and instructions necessary to build and maintain a long-lasting
garden pond. But they don't take specific problems into
consideration that could arise in your backyard. Landscaping and
decorating your garden pond is up to you - once the pond kit is
assembled. For example, décor such as waterfalls and fountains can
be combined with a pond kit for added backyard ambience.
Another thing to remember before purchasing a pond kit is the time
involved in maintaining it and growing it. Some people think all you
do is set up the pond and enjoy its beauty, however; there is more
time involved than you may think. Do your homework.
Cement Ponds
So you're
thinking of putting in a cement pond? We're actually talking about ponds for
lily pads, fish, turtles and frogs rather than swimming pools. The 4 major types
of ponds are cement, polymer sheet liner, rigid shell, and clay lined. They all
have different strengths and weaknesses. The "best" type of pond for you may not
be the best for someone else.
Here's some things to consider:
1. A properly constructed cement pond is not leak prone. Think about how many
swimming pools are in use and leak free in your country and around the world. If
cement swimming pools are in widespread use in your area - sometimes soil
conditions make them impractical - then a cement pond is also realistic.
2. Cement ponds are the most puncture resistant type of pond. If you live in an
area with extremely cold Winters, special care should be taken in the design and
installation of the areas near and above the waterline to avoid "freeze/thaw"
damage.
3. They usually cost more than any other type of pond if you hire someone else
to do it. If you have some experience with concrete work (or are willing to
learn) cement ponds can be very economical to install yourself. Portions of the
pond can be made from cinder/cement blocks.
4. Once installed cement ponds are not as easy to modify as a plastic sheet
liner pond so you should have a very good idea of what you want. If you are
really smart, you'll plan your pond with future expansion in mind. Most people
who get the "pond bug" end up wanting bigger ponds and more ponds!
5. fact the
lime in cement is poisonous to fish, However neutralizers are available for this job and provide a far safer
environment for livestock. Also in zones where the winter temperature drops
sufficiently for the water to freeze then the pond should have a minimum depth
of 600mm (2ft) (preferably 1000mm (40")) and 50mm (2") of cement will not be
thick enough to prevent the ice from cracking it!
