Water is so very cool! As I type, I am listening to a small water feature built into my yard. Two tiny waterfalls splash into a ground basin, and further over is a fish pond, currently covered by a net as one bird in particular has chosen to fish-dive multiple times in the past couple of weeks. We are down by about twenty fish already. No more of that! There is a point where even I intervene in "nature".
The Urban Farmer’s Store recommends the following considerations when choosing water features for your background oasis:
Safety:
Fountains and waterfalls can be designed with concealed reservoirs that are child safe.
Site Considerations:
Carefully choose a site avoiding areas directly under plants or trees so you don’t disturb the roots when excavating. This will also keep large quantities of leaves from falling directly into the reservoir.
Design Considerations:
Plan for a way to hide electrical cords, pipe, and tubing running in and out of the water. This can be accomplished by using stones to cover them as they come up over the edge or by using tank adapters for running through the reservoir wall.
Electrical Requirements:
Electricity must be located nearby, but at least 6’ away to reduce the risk of accidental electrocution…Allow for at least two GFCI protected plugs. 12-volt pumps connected to a transformer may be an option in areas without convenient line voltage.
Sunlight and Wind Considerations:
Sun and wind play a role in how much maintenance your water feature will require. More than 5 or 6 hours of sunlight will cause algae to bloom, and the wind blows debris and leaves into the pond which can choke the filter. Use edging at least 2" above ground surface around the reservoirs to act as a barrier to windborne debris. Plant dense perennials or evergreen shrubs around low edges to keep wind from blowing debris into raceways or reservoir and provide a built-up rim around the edges. Most water plants, like water lilies, require a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight per day to bloom, so select a level spot with the appropriate amount of sun, realizing that more sun can mean more algae. Wind and sun also help determine how rapidly water will evaporate from your pond, and how often you need to refill it.
Water supply requirements:
Plan for a convenient way to fill, drain, and refill your water feature.
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