Landscape water feature (not a large pond). Ideas, experiences with, maintained issue

[Budweiser John]

Having recently built a new porch on the front of our home the wife and I would like to include a 'water feature' as part of the new landscaping. We're not talking a large body of water, probably not more than 4' in diameter with a fountain, bubler, or whatever to offer some visual interest.

We had a landscape guy quote us a price but he was at least two grand beyond our budget so plan B, build it ourselves. Our local Lowe's store carries a plethora of pumps, liners, ECT but not much in the 'how to' department. On line resurch has been slightly helpful but thus far I've found little on the sizing of the pump required, turnover rate on the water volume or matters of water filtration.

If any members have any experience or advice letter rip. Pictures would be a Huge bonus

Many thanks...........

 

[Zick]

I'm guessing this front porch area is open to the elements so freezing would be a factor?


The wife and I built an indoor pond ourselves after receiving very large quotes from builders.

The water turn over rate and filtration depend a lot on what you are planning on putting in the water. Are you going to have Fish, turtles, plants, etc?
Turtles for example require a lot more filtration, specific water temp, and special lighting.


We have 2 large turtle and handful of random fish in our setup. It's roughly 300+ gallons and runs a 1200GPH pump.
Our filter is based on the Skippy filter design (google it) and is enclosed in a 30 gallon Rubbermaid garage can in the upper portion.

We went from this:


To this:

 

[lhfarm]

Having recently built a new porch on the front of our home the wife and I would like to include a 'water feature' as part of the new landscaping. We're not talking a large body of water, probably not more than 4' in diameter with a fountain, bubler, or whatever to offer some visual interest.

We had a landscape guy quote us a price but he was at least two grand beyond our budget so plan B, build it ourselves. Our local Lowe's store carries a plethora of pumps, liners, ECT but not much in the 'how to' department. On line resurch has been slightly helpful but thus far I've found little on the sizing of the pump required, turnover rate on the water volume or matters of water filtration.

If any members have any experience or advice letter rip. Pictures would be a Huge bonus

Many thanks...........

I just went out and took a couple of pictures of the little water feature we have off of our porch. It is between the sidewalk and the house, to the side of the porch. We have a 1/4 acre pond about 100' from the porch, which is lovely to look at. But I wanted sound. So I put a small pre-formed fountain tub (6' x 3' or so) and built a simple waterfall above that. The waterfall is only a couple of feet, but in my years of backpacking in the Smokies, I learned you don't need a lot of height to get a nice sound. It has been in place 17+ years.

No fish or plants, and just a small pump. I don't drain it in the winter, but do drain it and clean it each spring. I made the top stone by taking a square rock found on the farm and chiseling out the top, with a lip for the water. Drilled a hole in the back for the pump tube. Over the years I've tried a variety of setups for the little fall, but found the best sound came from using a little pre-formed waterfall tub. I can't really hide it and as you can see from the pictures, I still need to cover some of the liner. Part of the fun for me was trying different methods for the waterfall to get the sound just right. Not to loud, just soothing.

The birds enjoy the water, as does our Lab. He drinks from the top piece and I think he enjoys the sound too. I just took that picture a couple of days ago.

I think you are on the right path. You can start small and then decide if you need more. I was careful when I installed the tub to make sure it was on some sand and it has lasted through all these winters without an issue. If you would like more measurements let me know.

 

[lhfarm]

Just did a quick search and saw this - Cascade and Pond Kit — 170 GPH, 110 Volt | Pond Kits| Northern Tool + Equipment

Lots of good reviews and might be quick start.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Paddy]

John,

Building a Japanese style water garden is an easy selfbuild. I have built several over the years. All with roof rubber, .060. The pumps are an off the shelf item at any big box store. The design is the part that sets apart the good from the best. You can go for a natural looking setting or a more formal setting. Try to avoid a hole in the ground surrounded by rocks. Waterfalls coming from a pile of rocks do not look natural. If you have a small hill/elevation change, it works. If all if flat best to do something more artsy. Like a pc of half bamboo as a channel from a small whiskey barrel..

There are two things that kill a pond, heat and cold. Fish require a lot more oxygen during July/August. Keep fish small and just a few if you don't want to be a slave to keeping fish alive. We had the power go out for two days and the fish were clearly gulping for air. They die real fast in those conditions. The classic problem is pond folks start with 10 baby koi and in two years they have 10 12" to 18" oxygen grabbing beasts. Let alone all the fish poo. Gold fish grow much slower. I prefer koi so best to buy just two that are 6" long with good markings. Quality over quantity.

Now for cold. Go deep. if the fish count is under control, they actually do better in winter under 6 in of ice than a clogged pump in July

Get plenty of rubber, you can cut it back after the design takes shape. Hiding the rubber is the trick. If you go for a more formal look, flat stone pavers allow for a nice level look. Level is the key and the water is the best level right? Have the pavers extend over the water edge by 2-4 inches. design so water is 1 - 2 inches below the bottom of the stone pavers, nice clean look. I usually have a corner/area for the over flow. It only has to be 1/4" lower and it's where any excess rain water goes out.

Lastly consider what plants you will have. Keep in mind you will have a "winter look and a Summer look", plan for both. Elephant ear plants can grow in pots of sand directly in the water, looks very tropical.

 

[Budweiser John]

Wow, thanks for the tips. Our new porch is an Adirondack style with a south western exposure so lots of afternoon sun. We are planning the water feature just off the edge of the porch deck. On the right hand facing end we have a copper 'rain chain' that carries the water from the gutter to the ground. I'm inclined to establish a brick water way from the base of the rain chain to the pool itself and establish a fountian in the pools center. Since we're in Michigan I suspect we'll opt for a seasonal water feature as maintaining one over the winter is probably more effort and we don't use the porch in freezing weather but who knows.

I've got several weeks to ponder the project options as new knee number two is on the horizon in two days so playing in the dirt and hauling bricks and stones will be slightly out of the question just now. Expect to get som serious porch time in even with out a water feature however.......

Budweiser John