Recreational (or swim) Ponds
Recreational Ponds are ponds specially designed for human interaction. They have enormous filters (in comparison to koi ponds), specialized pumps and are designed specifically for each unique site.
Wetland Filtration
Wetland filters are enormous filters that look just like another smaller pond. They utilize natural bacteria, gravel, plants and aeration keep your pond clean the way Mother Nature intended. Below is a diagram of components and several pictures of actual wetland filters. A wetland filter is like a septic system in reverse where the water is forced through various decreasing sizes of gravel where fines settle and bacteria scrubs the water. It is then delivered to plant roots and then over a waterfall (where it is aerated) before returning to the pond. Each wetland is designed specifically for the pond it is attached to and can incorporate many interactive spaces such as stepping stones and small islands for reading or yoga. Oftentimes pets and children find this area to be the best play area. I personally love them as a gardener as there are many opportunities for planting aquatic specimens such as water lilies and lotus.
Intake Bay
|
|
The Intake Bay is the first stop in pond filtration it collects leaves and other debris into one easy to remove location. A vault in the bottom of the Intake Bay holds the intakes for the external pumps. For all intensive purposes it looks like a little bay of water at one end of the pond. A net is used to collect and dispose of the debris collected into the intake bay.
|
External Pumps
|
External Pumps provide an added layer of safety to a Recreational Pond. Most only need one or two pumps, some like the one pictured above are larger (quarter acre with large waterfalls) and require several. Most times they are located in a box or in this larger application a pump house.
|
How Much Does a Recreational Pond Cost?
|
Small swimming ponds "Cocktail Ponds" are about 16'x20'x4' and start at $30,000 ponds range up in cost to the limits of your Imagination. The average recreational pond costs about $100,000 a quarter acre swimming pond starts at about 1.5 million.
|
How Deep is a Recreational Pond?
Well that depends on the use. For general swimming and fish a minimum of 30" is perfect. 48"-60" is average for larger recreational ponds. Deeper ponds are often built for trout and other cold water species.
Most human and pet activities take place in the shallow edges of the pond. "Sun decks" at 18"-24" are generally the most popular spaces in the pond and special care should be taken in the design to make sure that they are not overlooked in the design of your pond. Deeper spaces may look good on paper, but in actual use these shallow areas are much more frequently enjoyed.
Most human and pet activities take place in the shallow edges of the pond. "Sun decks" at 18"-24" are generally the most popular spaces in the pond and special care should be taken in the design to make sure that they are not overlooked in the design of your pond. Deeper spaces may look good on paper, but in actual use these shallow areas are much more frequently enjoyed.