Before and After, a Pond Rebuild by Pondtastic Orlando 407-601-7663

Far too often we are faced with a client that has been mislead or even lied to regarding the creation of a water feature or pond. It is always a similar story:

"I wanted a pond and a beautiful waterfall and the guy who cuts my grass told me that he could build it"
or
" I wanted a beautiful pond and waterfall and I saw some pictures of ponds he said he built"
or my personal favorite
"I wanted to add a beautiful pond and waterfall and you guys just seemed too expensive, so I hired " insert company name here" and this is what they built. Can you fix it?"

This project was no different!
When we first met this couple they came to our Orlando location seeking advise regarding a new pond they had just had installed. It had a few issues...
As they began explaining the problems to Theresa, it became apparent that there were more than just a few issues...

The liner was bubbling up in the bottom of the pond.
The skimmer had shifted forward and was floating up.
Flagstone stacked haphazardly. Creating safety issues as well as a " less than desirable" appearance.
These are MAJOR problems and need to be corrected right away so we scheduled an on-site consultation to provide a first hand evaluation of the pond.

I was surprised when I started looking at the pond to see that although the contractor that build the pond had used the best equipment for the pond it had all been installed wrong. When I say it was installed wrong, I mean everything was wrong... It was clear that this client had been mislead and that this was not what they were looking for when they asked for a beautiful pond and waterfall.

Pondtastic was now on a mission to create these wonderful people the backyard eco system pond   they had dreamed of.

We began by completely removing the existing pond. We disassembled every component and reassembled them correctly. Our design called for this 3' x 5' pond to be expanded to 11' x 16' so we began removing the concrete and flagstone patio the landscaper had also provided.




At the end of the first day we had the pond excavated properly, providing shelf areas for the many species of aquatic plants we would later be introducing to the pond. We had installed the skimmer ( guarantee it isn't going to float ) and placed the underlayment and 45 mil liner in the pond.


The next morning we arrived with the Load of Tennessee Fieldstone and River Rounds and began the process of rocking in the pond. At this point the Aquascape LED lights   were also placed within the rock to provide hours of enjoyment , after dark.

The pond features:

- Aquascape 6.0 Skimmer- Aquascape 6000 signature series biofalls.

- Aquascape 4000-8000 gph Aquasurge pump 

- Aquascape LED lights .. 6 watt, 3 watt and 1 watt-Aquascape Iongen System

- Aeration System

 and more...

As this project began wrapping up and things coming together it was obvious that we had really nailed the vision the client had for their backyard.
The sound from the waterfall was a perfect blend of soothing sounds and exciting splash. The transformation of this area is now ready for a few chairs and the client is ready to light up the BBQ grill.

Pondtastic Water Gardens is a Certified Aquascape Contractor, and we consider ourselves as one of the best of the best !
That's why we only install Aquascape Inc. Professional Grade Products, to get the results we need, we need to rely on the products we put in the ground.
We don't cut corners, we do it right, or we won't do it at all !
You expect the best...so we use the best !

To see more photos from this project please
click Here

Bubbling Urns, Fountains, Spitters and Fountainscapes by Central Florida's Pondtastic Water Gardens 407-601-7663

Bubbling Urns, Fountains, Spitters and Fountainscapes by Central Florida's Pondtastic Water Gardens 407-601-7663

by Pondtastic Water Gardens on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 2:47pm ·

Pondtastic Bubbling Urns and Spitters

   These larger water features are typically set atop an underground reservoir that keeps re-circulating the water.  Once the urn fills with water, the water spills out and over into the underground basin, which pumps the water back up through the urn.  If a spitter or decorative fountain is more to your liking, you can still set it on the reservoir and a pipe will transfer the water from the basin up through the center of the spitter or fountain.




Aquascape provides an extra large reservoir called the AquaBasin™.
 The AquaBasin supports up to 2,000 pounds and holds 75 gallons of water.
Large basalt columns can be set atop the basin for a truly impressive decorative water feature in the landscape.  For a more formal look, try an impressive brass sculpture.






The AquaBasin™ can easily be installed within just a few hours if you like to tackle home projects on your own, or you can hire a Certified Aquascape Contractor to do the job for you.  Aquascape provides a wide variety of decorative pieces that can be used in conjunction with the AquaBasin™, from ceramic urns to brass sculptures to carved stone structures.  What's more, Aquascape adds new decorative options each year, so there's always something fresh and new to add to your landscape.

Have It Professionally Installed by Pondtastic Water Gardens. Call 407-601-7663 to set up a consultation to find out what is possible in your yard or place of business, or you can stop by our retail display showroom Monday - Saturday 9am -5pm and see them for yourself. We have LOTS of displays.






Pondtastic Water Gardens
Orlando, FL
407-601-POND (7663)

Pondtastic Water Gardens of Orlando Installs the Aquascape Pond Ecosystem

Ecosystem Ponds

Ecosystem ponds can be easy to understand, At Pondtastic Water Gardens, we have complete knowledge of what components go into a basic, or advanced functioning ecosystem. An ecosystem pond works with Mother Nature to provide food, shelter, and safety to the wildlife around it. It also provides you with an all-natural, low-maintenance piece of paradise. It’s important to remember, however, that every piece of the ecosystem puzzle must be present in order for a true ecosystem to be in place. Eliminate one of these elements and you’ve got an unbalanced ecosystem that won’t be so low-maintenance anymore. Check out the things you’ll need to get your ecosystem pond fired up:

Circulation System is really just a fancy way of saying “pumps and plumbing.” The proper size pump and pipe diameter are extremely important for the aesthetics of a water feature. More importantly, an efficient circulation system keeps the water moving and provides the necessary oxygen levels for healthy fish and plants.

Proper Filtration System includes the use of both a biological and a mechanical filter. A biological filter provides surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and remove excess nutrients from the water. A mechanical filter will not only pre-filter the water and house the pump; it will also skim debris from the water’s surface to prevent the accumulation of organic materials on the pond floor.

Fish are an integral part of any ecosystem. Unfortunately, fish are often seen as creating a maintenance nightmare. Contrary to popular belief, fish will actually reduce pond maintenance, as they graze on string algae and bottom feed from the pond floor.

Aquatic Plants are Mother Nature’s true filters. Plants are great for adding character to a pond by providing color and texture, but from a filtration perspective, they’re second to none. Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.


Rocks, Gravel, and Bacteria have been a controversial element in the hobby for many years. Many enthusiasts have steered away from rocks and gravel out of fear that their system will become a maintenance nightmare. On the contrary, rocks and gravel will not only make your pond look more natural, they will also protect pond liners from UV light degradation and they provide tremendous surface area for beneficial bacteria to break down excess nutrients in the water and dissolved organic debris on the pond floor.

Having all these things in place makes all the difference in the health and success of your water garden. Use them and work with Mother Nature, not against her, for a chemical-free wonderland of water! The truth is that most people opt for the ecosystem way of water gardening because it’s easier and it just makes sense. A low-maintenance ecosystem pond provides you with more free time to enjoy friends and family … while gathered around your pond, of course!

Pondtastic Water Gardens installs the Aquascape Pondless Waterfall System

 
Pondless® Waterfall

Pondless® Waterfalls are simply a re-circulating waterfall and/or stream without the presence of a pond.  You can enjoy the sight and sound of running water without the maintenance of a pond.
     The waterfall is undoubtedly the most beautiful and favored feature in a water garden. If space is lacking in your yard or you have safety concerns with a pond, go Pondless®! The name basically explains it all. It’s a waterfall and stream, without the pond. So why would you want a waterfall without a pond? The truth is that a Pondless® Waterfall isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great alternative for someone who isn’t quite sure if a pond is right for their family.

Safety
Because there is no pool of water, a Pondless® Waterfall is a great option if you are concerned about safety issues associated with a traditional pond.


Cost
Cost can be a big factor when considering the type of pond you want to build. In most cases, the price of a Pondless® waterfall will be less than a pond, because there is less labor involved, as well as less rock and materials. Operating costs are also less. Because you’re not dealing with an established ecosystem, it’s not necessary to run the pump 24/7.

The Aquasurge pump is a great choice more most pondless waterfalls.
  


Space
The small size of the Pondless® Waterfall means you can build and enjoy a beautiful waterfall anywhere in you yard.
Maintenance - Taking care of your Pondless® Waterfall is easy. Filling the reservoir every few weeks to compensate for water loss because of evaporation is all that’s required.

Flexibility
Perhaps the best part of the Pondless® Waterfall is the possibility for the future. If you change your mind later, wishing you’d build a pond, that’s ok! If you leave enough room around the base of the waterfall, it’s easy to add a pond onto a Pondless® Waterfall.

Complete System
It might be difficult to imagine a waterfall and stream without a pond. Where does the water go? A Pondless® Waterfall works much like a regular pond. The hole, deeper than a normal pond, is dug then lined with rock and gravel, and filled with water. The water is then circulated from beneath the rocks and gravel by a pump that sits on the bottom, inside a Snorkel™ Vault. A pipe runs from there up to a BioFalls™ Filter or Waterfall Spillway and into an overflowing waterfall, where it falls back into the reservoir. Since the water level never pools above the level of the rock and gravel fill, it give the appearance of a waterfall without a pond, when in fact, the “pond” is there but not visible.




     The Pondless® Waterfall has made many water-lovers who were previously unable to indulge in the sweet sounds of falling water, very happy. It’s a great alternative for those who are trying to get their feet wet, or looking to fit a little bit of paradise into their own backyard. In other words, when all else fails … go Pondless®!