Is passion worth paying for?

ONE persons PASSION is better than forty people merely interested. - E.M Forster

As we begin the construction of a project that I have been working on for about two and a half years.

That's a long time right?

I sure think it is, and we make jokes about how long it has been from the first time we spoke about this project but this project really shows how I feel about what I do.

I believe that at Pondtastic Water Gardens we have a passionate team of individuals that  professionally create living works of art. I believe that there are very few people that can do what we do to the level that we do it.

Can others see that passion..... some can , some can't.

When people make a choice to hire anyone for anything... is passion a determining factor?

I am not any different than any of you that are reading this.. I have to make purchasing decisions also.

I look at the same things you do..... cost, experience, references, completion time, etc.... but does passion enter into the equation?  should it?

Absolutely without a doubt yes !

Can you have a passionate auto mechanic? would it make a difference?
Can you have a passionate plumber ? would it make a difference?

I believe that anyone who loves what they do will do it better. I believe that  people will do the extra for the satisfaction of doing the job properly and not just doing enough to get by.


It wasn't until I had the opportunity to really watch my team interact with our customers that I really saw this.

Sometimes I will be sitting in my office working away and kind of eavesdropping on conversations taking place on the phone... it is great to hear the passion in voices of our staff. Can others hear it?

Sometimes we will be out on a pond build and I will watch one of our team search for the perfect rock to finish off the edge of the pond.. stand back and look at it ... pull it out and get a different one. Could they have left that rock there and started to work on something else?  Sure ! But he had a vision of what he wanted it to look like and he wasn't going to settle for anything less.

That's passion ... That's what you get when you pay for passion... You get a team of people that care,  that are concerned that will go above and beyond every chance they have. A team of people that take ownership!

So is passion worth paying for?



How to make your dream a reality?
If you’re considering adding a water feature to your home, CONTACT US for a free phone consultation. We can provide you with details, options for your particular design and budget.
Pondtastic is Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard.

Waterfalls to Inspire your next Project

Are you thinking of having a custom pond or pondless installed? Here are some waterfalls to inspire you as you begin plan.

All of Pondtastic Water Gardens waterfalls are custom built, each waterfall has it's own unique characteristics. Often clients like many elements of multiple features, let Pondtastic take those elements and design your one of a kind waterfall.

The look of a waterfall can greatly change simply by the size pump pushing the water over the falls.
Do you want a crashing waterfall or do you want a gentle babbling brook?

 The waterfall is the focal point of your feature many times so be sure to go to our Photo Albums and look at the many custom designs the Pondtastic Water Gardens has installed. Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor.












Lights are another way that completely changes the look of your waterfall.
We always suggest highlighting the falls from within the water. Pond lighting will change your backyard landscaping the the evening a tropical paradise.











How to make your dream a reality?
If you’re considering adding a water feature to your home, CONTACT US for a free phone consultation. We can provide you with details, options for your particular design and budget.
Pondtastic is Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape Contractor

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard.

Why Hire A Certified Aquascape Contractor?

Looking for a Certified Aquascape Contractor (CAC) to help you with your Central Florida water feature installation?

Certified Aquascape Contractors are the most qualified and informed pond installers in the water gardening industry. All CACs are required to attend continual training and education seminars and maintain a proven record of outstanding work and dedicated customer service and support.


All water feature installers who wish to become Certified Aquascape Contractors must complete an in-depth application that includes referrals, pictures of completed water features, Online Aquascape Academy Classes and general questions about their business and water gardening philosophy. These applications are then reviewed by technical agents at Aquascape, Inc.

Pondtastic Water Gardens became a CAC in 2003 and earned the prestigious Master CAC 2014. Pondtastic is the ONLY Master CAC in Orlando.


Below is a press release that was published announcing Pondtastic Water Gardens being named
Master CAC in 2014.


Orlando, Florida – Jim Price owner of Pondtastic Water Gardens has successfully completed the
qualification process to become a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor (MCAC), the highest level of
certification provided by Aquascape Inc. Master Certified Aquascape Contractors are the most qualified and informed pond installers in the water gardening industry. MCACs are trained and educated to install beautiful, low-maintenance water features, and provide quality workmanship, outstanding customer service, and knowledgeable assistance to their customers.
“Jim has demonstrated his ability to install professional, natural-looking water features while providing
excellence in service to his customers,” said Jeffrey Payton, vice president of business development for

Aquascape. “We’re proud to have Jim on board as a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor.” Aquascape ensures that each applicant meets all standards of the qualification process. Applicants must provide customer referrals, photos of completed water features, pass extensive online training courses and testing, and comply with Aquascape construction methodology. In addition, applicants must use Aquascape product exclusively, with purchases that comply with the Master level over a two-year period, equivalent to approximately 20 water features installations per year.

Pondtastic Water Gardens has been installing water features for 15 years in the Central Florida area, using quality-grade professional products manufactured by Aquascape.
Pondtastic Water Gardens was named Aquascape’s
Contractor of the Year in 2009


You can count on Pondtastic Water Gardens your Master CAC to provide professional, dependable service to install a beautiful water feature that brings hours of enjoyment for you and your family.

If you are considering a water feature at your home, look no further than Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape contractor. Big or small Pondtastic Water Gardens can design a water feature to enhance any Central Florida landscape.
CONTACT US to set up a free phone consultation so we can help you design your custom water feature today

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard



Listen to Ed Beaulieu the Chief Sustainability Officer for Aquascape Inc. to hear what he has to say about Certified Aquascape Contractors

Waterfall Wednesday from Groveland, Florida

This weeks Waterfall Wednesday feature is the focal point of this large Groveland, Fl courtyard.
Guest are drawn to cross the custom built bridge and are often stopping as they cross to interact with the koi swimming about. You get the feeling of being closed off from the world as you sit and relax at this pond.

The home owners had just taken possession of their new custom built home so we had no sod to remove and no trees or shrubs to work around.
Just think no grass to mow in this area.

Big boulders were used to add character as well as to add scale and dimension to the waterfall, we  didn't want it to "get lost" up against the courtyard wall.


Several upgrades were added to this pond oasis to reduce time and maintenance for the home owners.
2 waterfall Biofalls were added for additional flow and filtration. An Iongen system was added to reduce the amount of algae growth on the rocks. Aeration was added to increase oxygen levels in the pond.
Upgraded lighting was added both inside and outside the pond.
2 pumps were installed to give maximum flow over the falls, and a UV system was installed in insure clear water at all times.

The pond looks and sounds amazing.
Due to the location of the pond being in the courtyard, the walls "trap" the sound inside.
When the windows are open the sound travels through the entire home.

If you are considering a water feature at your home, look no further than Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape contractor. Big or small Pondtastic Water Gardens can design a water feature to enhance any Central Florida landscape. CONTACT US to set up a free phone consultation so we can help you design your custom water feature today

Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard

Why We Love Water Features in Central Florida

We Love Water Features in Central Florida for many reasons however here are a few.




 Environmental sustainability is very important  in Central Florida today, and water plays an important role as the world's greatest resource. An Ecosystem Pond is self-sustaining with very little maintenance. Although it takes many gallons of water to fill initially, over the long haul it requires less water than the expanse of lawn it replaced. This by it's self is a great reason why we love water features. No more dry grass or expensive irrigation bill.



One of the cool reasons we love water features is they attract wildlife of all kinds, from birds to butterflies, to frogs and snails. Certified wildlife habitats are growing in popularity, and water is one of the elements required to achieve certification. Water gardening becomes your new hobby as you feel yourself drawn to its beauty and natural elements.

Finally, we love water features because a pond provides opportunity to have fish as pets, without the mess and maintenance of an aquarium. Aquatic plants give you the chance to broaden your gardening horizons with choices that go beyond the standard petunia and rose. In addition, bird lovers will delight in the new variety of feathered friends that flock to a water feature. Nature lovers simply can't go wrong with water features added to their Florida landscape.





If you are considering a water feature at your home, look no further than Orlando's only Master Certified Aquascape contractor. Big or small Pondtastic Water Garden can design a water feature to enhance any Central Florida landscape.
Pondtastic serves all Central Florida Counties
Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk and Brevard

Pond Pump Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips

Do I need to do maintenance on my pond pump?

Yes, In Central Florida ponds run all year unlike our neighbors to the north, so we have to make sure that we are servicing them year round.


How Often Should I service my pump?

We suggest that you check the pump intake at least once a month. If you see a reduction in flow over the waterfalls or if you hear the pump making noises service right away.

When it comes to pond pumps, it's always a good idea to be proactive and stay on top of maintenance so you can prevent problems before they happen. Every pond owner knows that a broken, non-working pump can create a headache with water quality and fish health, so use these tips to prolong the life of your pump.

• Do not allow the filters to become clogged with debris and sediment. Conduct weekly skimmer cleanings and seasonal maintenance.
• Keep water flowing freely to the pump by routinely cleaning the skimmer debris net and filter mat. Be sure to maintain proper water level in the water feature. Avoid allowing the pump to run dry or operate in low water level situations.
• Inspect and remove large debris, such as mulch, sticks, small pebbles, etc from the bottom of the Skimmer, Snorkel™ Vault, or sump basin in order to prevent the pump from becoming clogged and possibly damaged.

If you are experiencing pump issues, follow these tips to troubleshoot common pump problems.

• First of all, is the pump receiving water? This sounds like an obvious question, but we have had clients call and state that their pump is not working only to find that they haven't added water to the pond in the past few weeks and the skimmer ran dry. The pump in this situation may actually be running, but just not receiving enough water. A lot of times you can actually hear the "hum" or "gurgle" of the pump while it's in the skimmer.
• Make sure nothing is blocking the flow of water to the pump, such as large boulders, debris blocking the front of the skimmer opening, a clogged skimmer net, or clogged skimmer filter mat that has not been emptied or cleaned in a long time.
• The pump may be vapor locked. This term sounds complicated, but it simply means that air is trapped in the volute of the pump. The pumps are designed to push water, not air ... so an air bubble gets trapped, and the pump becomes vapor locked. In this situation the impeller is basically spinning, but water is not being pushed. Listen to see if you hear the hum of the pump. A vapor lock can be fixed by tilting the pump to allow the air to escape from the intake. You may even be able to accomplish this without disconnecting the fitting on pump.
• It is also effective to check and see if the electrical supply is operating properly. Premature pump failures can occur due to faulty electrical. For example, pumps hooked up to extension cords may cause potential problems. While this electrical setup usually works for testing the pump soon after the water feature is built, it is not recommended for permanent installations, and may end up causing the pump to fail.
• Check the electric box to see if the safety breaker on the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) has tripped. The proper electrical setup for the pond should include a GFCI outlet. The GFCI's responsibility is to shut the power down if it senses an electrical problem.The GFCI is a safety device installed to protect people from receiving a shock in case of an electrical malfunction.                GFCI's are very sensitive and can sometimes trip during a thunderstorm or a power surge. Reset the breaker if it has tripped.
• Unplug the pump and disconnect the union fitting found at the top of the check valve. The water will back-flush from the BIOFALLS® back into the skimmer. This will help flush out any possible clogs along the length of the pipe.
• Pull the pump out of the skimmer and inspect the intake on the pump for any lodged debris. Aquascape pumps are capable of handling solids and debris up to a reasonable size, typically 5/8". On some occasions, debris may become lodged in the impeller (housing) of the pump. This could possibly seize up the impeller, or restrict the flow causing the pump to stop operating properly. Thoroughly check the pump intake, including the area above the impeller where small debris, such as gravel, may be trapped.
• Plug in the pump after inspecting it for debris, and see if the impeller spins.
• If the impeller does not spin, unplug the pump and try to assist it by using a screwdriver or similar tool to give it a little kick start. On some occasions, the impeller may seize up and not spin. This sometimes happens after the pump has been out of operation for a period of time (such as over the winter). Hopefully, the pump will then begin to operate after it is plugged back in. Once it starts back up on its own, you'll want to unplug the pump again, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. The impeller should begin to spin without assistance this time.
• If you still have no luck, bring the pump over to a different electrical receptacle on the property, specifically one that contains a GFCI breaker, and see if the pump operates. This will tell us if the pond's electrical supply is bad, or if there is something internally wrong with the pump. If the pump trips this GFCI, then there is definitely something wrong with the pump, and it should be replaced. However, you'll want to have a qualified electrician come out and check the pond's electrical setup if the pump runs without a problem on another outlet.

This video shows you how to troubleshoot and service your Aquascape Aquasurge Pump.

 

Need a new pond pond?
Call Pondtastic to order your pump today

Waterfall Wednesday in Winter Park, Florida

Winter Park is in the heart of busy Central Florida, however when you stand next to this waterfall the interstate feels miles away.

These Waterfall Wednesday pictures give you a glimpse of an amazing large water feature which is home to countless koi fish.

This very large pond has 40,000 gallons of water flowing over the massive rocks. 
4 -10,000 Aquascape pumps are placed within each of these pump vaults.













The huge Tennessee boulders are placed around the pond with heavy equipment. It's always important that the boulder are proportionate to the pond size.

Aquatic plants are a very large part of the ecosystem bog filtration. 

The 100+ plants are placed in the bog and on the plant shelves to create a lush water garden.

Spillway Bowls Make A Splash

These new Spillway Bowls are creating quite a splash in Orlando.

 

Are you looking for a something to enhance your Central Florida landscape? Or maybe you want to add more circulation to you koi pond.

These versatile water features can be installed to create many different looks and sounds.

Beautiful spilling water features can be added to small spaces adding tranquility and soothing sounds to any patio or entryway.







Spillway Bowls can also easily be linked together creating a unique standalone water feature.
Enhance your landscaping with the sounds of water.
 





What about adding these bowls to your pond for a modern looking waterfall? Add pond lighting to capture the dancing water as it splashes from bowl to bowl.

These beautiful bowls are made from durable glass fiber reinforced concrete and come in a beautiful patina.


 

 Watch this short video for more ideas

 

Call today for your custom installed Spillway Bowls

                                    407-601-7663

Keep Your Koi Safe From Predators

As we all look forward to enjoying Central Florida's cooler temperatures in the months ahead we need to be proactive when it comes to protecting our koi fish from predators.

A few simple additions to your backyard pond can save your beloved koi.

 Know your enemies
While there are many predators that love to eat fish we really only have a few that cause problems in the Central Florida area.

For the raccoon, you have to first remember he doesn’t mind getting his hands wet, however he does not want to get his entire body wet so it is not likely swim to catch a fish. The design of the pond plays a big role in the safety of your koi. A plant shelf that is too shallow will help him snag a fish every time.

The Florida Great White Egret and the Blue Heron are much more of a challenge to deal with. They are very crafty and smart birds and you should not underestimate them.
These two birds tend to be more of a concern in our winter months. As the lake fish swim deeper in the cooler months it becomes more difficult to get fish from the lakes. They then often find their way into our backyard ponds.

How to protect your koi

There are many methods available to keep them or scare them away from your pond – from plastic heron statue replicas to floating alligator decoys and motion-activated sprinkler. Often ponds are netted to prevent the unwanted predator from entering the pond.
These options all offer varying levels of success for every water garden hobbyist.  

How Decoys Work
Your first defense is to use a decoy of some sort, whether it is heron or alligator decoy. They work better if you keep moving them around the pond to fool the heron into thinking they are real. Herons would rather not feed in the same water as an alligator, and if they see that another bird has staked out your backyard already, they are more likely to move on to the next available spot. The trick is to move the decoy about every three days in the winter and spring and every couple of weeks in the summer.

Fingers Crossed

The most important thing to remember is to have fun with your fish, and to remember that all of these occurrences are case specific. You may never see a heron or raccoon in your backyard.

Watching Koi Fish Is Good for Your Health

Have you ever noticed that many Dr. offices and Dentist offices often have aquariums in them?

           “Fish tanks and displays are often associated with attempts at calming patients in doctors' surgeries and dental waiting rooms," said PhD student Deborah Cracknell.
Watching fish and marine creatures going about their daily lives, swimming and meandering is oddly soothing and hypnotic. And, according to research recently published in Environment & Behavior, it’s good for your health too.

I for one have spent many hours at our water garden pond watching my koi fish in an effort to relax.
Like you, I wear many hats in my daily life; I need the quiet time to transition from my workday at Pondtastic, to being Mom and Wife. I go to the pond armed with koi food and a glass of wine.

Like many pets our koi are happy to know Mom is home and the feeding frenzy begins. To me this is more comical than relaxing, many of our Koi are hand fed and that means I’m getting wet as they swim and splash like crazy to get their food.
Once they have eaten I sit on my huge rock (thanks Jim) that’s when the relaxing really begins.

My favorite fish in the pond are my butterfly koi, as their extra-long fins gracefully float by I can feel their calming effect. Of course I love my standard koi as well; they glide through the pond always looking for more food. Baby koi grant us with the occasional glimpse as the swim in and out of the aquatic plants.

After watching my koi for about 20 or 30 minutes I’m ready to switch hats and finish the night.

Is my health better? I think so; my resting heart rate is lower and I feel relaxed.
That’s good enough for me.