Water gardens pull kids outside, away from the TV and video games. Mom and Dad get to spend relaxing time watching their children and catching up on the day's events. This is so much better than reality TV!
Even the family dog enjoys getting in on a little snorkeling action in the backyard pond.
Sure, the kids could enjoy a pool ... but they won't be able to watch the koi swim underwater or search for tadpoles and watch them grow into frogs.
Of course ... snorkeling isn't just for kids. Even dads like to get in on the action. What better way to spend a hot summer day with your kids? It's like a vacation ... in your own backyard!
More snorkeling! Imagine all the great things he's seeing at the bottom of this gravel-bottom stream. Mother Nature has lots of lessons just waiting to be learned.
If snorkeling's not your thing, maybe a lazy summer afternoon floating on a raft will suit your fancy. This photo was supplied by The Deck and Patio Company located in Huntington Station, NY (they installed the pond, too!).
A waterfall without a pond (aka the Pondless Waterfall) creates a great spot for small children to get their feet wet.
This Pondless Waterfall features a pebble beach with rounded stones for tender feet. It might be hard to coax her into the house for nap time though.
Yes, this is a backyard pond. Beautiful plants and clean water transform you to another world ... you'd never know you were actually in the suburbs of Chicago.
Checking out the waterlilies with dad ... this is about as close to heaven on earth as you can get.
Imagine swimming in clear water, surrounded by all types of beautiful koi. It just doesn't get any better than this for exploring nature, up close and personal.
A backyard water feature ensures that giggles of delight will replace complaints of summer heat and boredom. Water gardens are truly a unique way to unite the family and enjoy the splendor of our wonderful planet.
Here's a short video filmed while swimming underwater in a backyard ecosystem pond ... if you want to see what it looks like (note the swimmer has his eyes open - no chlorine to worry about!).
This week I'm linking up to:
9 comments:
I often look out at our big pond and wonder why we don't swim in it. Looks like fun!
So what type of algae killers and other pond products would I use if I also wanted to swim in it?! hmmmmm VERY tempting... My family will think I've done lost my mind LOL
I was swimming in a pond yesterday, there was no algae. We built it and installed a product that uses copper ion to kill algae but does not harm fish or plants. The water was smooth and silky, noy slimmy as you might expect. The rocks and gravel were not slippery. Honestly, this is the first time I swam in a pond and I was shocked at how nice the water felt.
A pond with well establish emergent plants will not have much filamentous algae. A UV sterilizer will keep the water clear of phytoplankton, green water algae, and kill off bacteria. No chemicals are needed.
For a large pond nutrients that promote algae can be controlled with large beds of submerged and emergent plants. I have made these with water flowing up through a gravel (mostly large fist sized rocks and large gravel). This makes a good water clarifier and biofilter. A conical shape to this compartment and bottom waste drain drain makes it possible to remove accumulated sludge. (direct it to your garden)
Steve
When you think of it, we swim in lakes and oceans (some of which aren't as clean as a backyard pond). Aquascape makes products that help keep pond water balanced and clean (products that are safe for fish, plants, and animals that might drink from the pond) and also offers the IonGen ionizer - like what Bill mentions above. Visit www.aquascapeinc.com to find a retailer or contractor in your area.
These are really pretty water features that would be beautiful in any backyard. How fun they are large enough to swim in. Thanks for linking it up at HSH!
Sherry
My favorite kind of pool!!!
Outdoor fish ponds are definitely the best ways to decorate and make the best of the backyard space. If one is willing to spend money and commit to taking care of the whole landscaping set up carefully created, then nothing can beat the beautiful surroundings. As you have mentioned it can be a great motivation for kids to spend quality time with parents, instead of playing video games and watching Tv. Thanks a lot for sharing :)
http://www.nicheanswers.net/outdoor-fish-ponds.htm
Interesting post! I am wondering why I had not tried to swim in pond. It is really loveable and you can make your time memorable with family.read more
Post a Comment