Common options include ecosystem ponds with or without waterfalls, pond-less waterfalls or streams, and fountainscapes which can include one or a combination of bowls, spheres, urns, walls, basalt columns, or bubbling rock features. Recreational ponds, or “Rec ponds,” are also an alternative to a swimming pool that combines the beauty and biology of an ecosystem pond while providing the space needed for swimming.

Not necessarily. We can do a whole lot with a little bit of real estate when it comes to incorporating multiple types of features in a small area to maximize enjoyment and give the illusion of a grander space.

The first question to ask yourself is if you want fish.  Once you have the answer to that question, other factors to consider are how committed you are to maintenance of your pond or if you would outsource the maintenance, what budget you’ve set, how you see yourself enjoying your water feature (night life with lots of illumination or day time with tons of plantings, etc.), what bells and whistles you want to incorporate, the list can go on and on. The most important thing is that it fits with your lifestyle.

For crystal clear water you’ll need filtration systems, beneficial bacteria, skimmers, and occasional water treatments. We also recommend marginal or aquatic plants to eliminate the nutrients in the water that contribute to algae growth.  Likewise, occasional trimming of those plants and any surrounding landscape plants to minimize debris and using a net when warranted is needed.  A seasonal cleaning is recommended and typically done in the Spring. The key to a clean, healthy water feature is a balanced ecosystem, whether we’re talking about a fountainscape or a pond stocked with koi, goldfish, and turtles. We can handle all your maintenance needs so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. Check out our membership packages here.

In freezing climates, remove pumps and store them indoors. Use a pond heater or de-icer to maintain an open area for gas exchange along with an aerator if fish are present. In Texas, our winter weather makes the water feature shut down an option rather than a necessity. That said, we do recommend a fall netting to keep leaves out of the pond that can break down and cause excess nutrients in water that throw off the delicate balance and clog the skimmer box meant for less substantial skimming of the surface. We can handle all your netting and winter needs if you’re a maintenance member.

Fish can often feed on natural food like algae and insects, but supplemental feeding is beneficial, especially in ponds with limited natural food sources.

Costs vary widely depending on the size, complexity of design, and site conditions. Simple fountains start at $7,000 while our small ecosystem pond starts around $15,000. Rec ponds start around $125,000. Don’t forget about bells and whistles. These are different for everyone. For you it may be landscaping in and around the pond and adding a few lights; for your neighbor it may be incorporating fountainscape items into the design or rainwater harvesting with a full color changing light package. Check out our most popular packages here. If these don’t tickle your fancy, we’d love to design something completely customized for you.

We do! We have great partners that are able to provide financing opportunities for our clients who’d like to take advantage of them. Check out our finance page to see what options are right for you.