We live on a spring fed lake that takes up approximately a 1/2 acre of our land. It is the first thing you see when entering our property and is the main gathering area when we entertain. It brings us indescribable amounts of happiness; a place for quiet reflection, family boating, fishing, bird watching and so forth. As it is a natural lake the water clarity fluctuates due to algea blooms and other natural variables. We have two aeration systems that have been in place for a number of months now and this  has improved our water clarity to a certain extent but we want more!

This week we went to work on a bog filter at the far end of our property next to our lake. This system pumps water from one end of the lake to the bog filter which is essentially a shallow water garden where it filters through many layers of rock, gravel and plant material. The clean filtered water then spills over the top, cascades into a waterfall then returns back to the lake.

We are anxious to see the results and are dreaming about the day we can put that rope swing into use. Cowabunga!!! 

Living in Southern California we know the dangers of wildfires. It is our duty to learn what we can do to protect our property from fire. Firescaping is a key element in keeping a wild fire away from our home or business.

Firescaping is defined as a landscape design that reduces houses and properties vulnerable to wildfire. The goal of Firescaping is to design a landscape which uses fire resistant plants and materials that work as a barrier between a potential wildfire and your home or business.

The use of non-flammable materials such as a natural rock water feature reduces fire fuel loads and creates a fire break. The use of boulders and stone pathways in and around water features like ponds, pools, waterfalls, or streams are a natural fire break and an excellent way to firescape your yard.

A firescape design does not need to look different than any other type of landscape design. Firescaping incorporates the homeowners aesthetic desires with their functional needs.

Adding “fire smart” plants to your water feature will complete your landscape. Fire smart plants are plants with high moisture content. They are usually low growing with stems and leaves that are not resinous, oily or waxy. Plants like sage, yarrow and lavender are endorsed by the San Diego County, Orange County and Los Angeles Fire Authority. Wild strawberry and ice plant are ground cover choices that have been approved and endorsed by the fire authority.

San Diego Ponds can create a complete firescape design for your property. Contact San Diego Ponds today to schedule a design consultation.

San Diego Ponds

760-420-7127

San Diego Ponds had the opportunity to rebuild an existing Koi Pond in Carlsbad this week. The results were breath taking. The home owners and their prize winning Koi Fish could not be happier.

Before Koi Pond Remodel

Koi Pond Inspection

The existing Koi Pond was sagging and leaking. Due to poor filtration the Koi Pond was thick with swamp like water.   The Koi Fish were unable to be seen.  San Diego Ponds carefully inspected the existing Koi Pond, made a plan of action and got to work.

Koi Fish Remediation

First on the agenda was to make a temporary above ground house for their amazing Koi Fish. Then came the removal of the existing pond to make room for the new.

Pond Renovation and Construction

San Diego Ponds carefully disassembled all existing rock, removed the old broken equipment then started carving the earth to make way for the new Koi Pond and Natural Rock Waterfall. New equipment was brought in to ensure healthy water quality. The edges of this pond were reinforced with cement block to provide extra strength. A new 45 millimeter rubber pond liner and underlayment were placed as well as a bottom drain filtration system. This filtration system included a Savio Skimmer, Ultima Filter, Sequence pump and an ultraviolet light. Filtration in the key ingredient in a healthy Koi Pond.

Pond Lighting and Natural Rock Waterfall

To add to the enjoyment low voltage lighting was also added to the Koi Pond and Natural Rock Waterfall. It was a reward in itself for San Diego Ponds to watch the Koi fish explore their new amazing environment. We knew it was a hit when the Koi parked under their new waterfall enjoying the slow current and extra oxygenated water. Speck, a large white Koi Fish soon came over to his owner for a snack where he fed out of their hands at the Natural Rock Pond Edge.

This type of job is what fuels San Diego Ponds and inspires us as we move onto our next pond adventure. What can I say. We LOVE what we do.

Contact us today for your free design consultation!

Add a splash of drama to your pond or lake with a floating fountain. Floating fountains are an excellent option when it comes to aerating your pond or lake and by now we all know how San Diego Ponds feels about aerating your water feature, an aerated body of water is a happy healthy body of water.  San Diego Ponds found a great product called Toba Fountains. Their product is completely wireless battery operated and is controlled by remote. Their floating fountains have an assortment of spray and light patterns that can be changed with a click of a button. Some of the most popular spray patterns are; the bubbler, bell shaped, geyser, ring, tulip or the multi-tiered.  There is an option to place your fountain on automatic which gives you a water light show any time you wish. Hey, who wouldn’t want a taste of Vegas in their own backyard? Think of what your house guests will say when they have their own private water show at your next party. It will surely be the talk of the town.

San Diego Ponds Installs Toba Fountains. Call us today! 760-420-7127

Pondless Streams and Waterfalls Rock!

Pondless Streams and Waterfalls are extremely easy to maintain.

With a disappearing water feature there is no pooling of water at the end. The water filters through a gravel/rock basin and is circulated back to the beginning. This is a safe way to have a backyard water feature in a home with children.

A stream or waterfall can be placed in a landscape with minimal space available. Pondless streams or waterfalls are ideal for  front entryways, side yards or slopes.

Water gardening does not require a pond. Most water plants can thrive in just inches of water.

Pondless Waterfalls and Streams are an excellent way to minimize traffic noise.

Contact San Diego Ponds today to schedule a free design consultation for your Pondless Water Feature.