SAN ANTONIO-AUSTIN TEXAS
KOI PONDS INSTALLERS BUILDERS-DIGGING PONDS WATER FEATURES
Pond & Waterfall Design/Installation
Designer Properties and Associates will design a pond and waterfall feature customized for your property.
Divide
themselves
Water features divide themselves into decorative projects or water gardens. The distinction is that a water garden contains life, while a decorative feature (including most waterfalls) does not. This choice is your first major decision and needs to be made before you start considering how to build your
Charlotte water feature. Each type has its own characteristics that must be considered:
Decorative Features
Water Gardens
Formal or informal in shape
Typically freeform in shape
Suitable pool depth to cover pump
Suitable depth not to freeze or overheat
May use an automatic water fill
Sensitive to evaporation
Use any nozzle that works with pool size & shape
Nozzles avoided in small ponds
May use bleach or non-foaming algaecide
Limited chemicals (use plants!)
A pump intake screen may be sufficient
Potentially elaborate mech./bio filters
Example #1: Q: "Can I put that neat looking nozzle in my fish pond?" A: A fine droplet spray nozzle would be fine in a decorative fountain, but in a water garden it will: 1. Plug with fish waste; 2. Increase evaporation, leading to greater concentration of dissolved solids and potential nitrate toxicity; 3. Disrupt the growth and blooming of aquatic plants.
Example #2: Q: "Can I throw a few goldfish in the fountain for the kids?" A: Well, this means: 1. You can't use bleach or algaecide anymore; 2. Your pump intake screen won't cut it as a filter; 3. Your fountain may be small, above grade or too shallow to let the fish winter or endure summer heat; 4. The site may suffer from storm runoff, inadequate sunlight for plants, or ease of doing things like cleaning and partial drain/fills.
Site Planning and Pool Material
After selecting the type of project, consider the site location, and construction materials. A pool under a tree may seem picturesque, but will fill with leaves during the fall, and if built out of flexible liner may get punctured by roots. Here is our humble experience with different pool materials:
Materials
PVC Liner
Rubber Liner
Concrete
ABS Preform
Poly Preform
Fiberglass Preform
Cost
(cheap)
Good
Fair
Good
Good
Fair
Ease of Installation
Fair
Good
Fair
Fair
Fair
Very Good
Ease of Repair
Poor
Good
Fair
Poor
Poor
Good
Initial Appearance
Fair
Needs skill
Needs skill
Fair (sags)
Fair (sags)
Good
Fittings/ penetrations
Poor
Fair
One Chance
Fair
Fair
Excellent
Reliability (general)
Fair
Good
Good
Fair
Good
Excellent
Reliability (winter)
Poor
Excellent
(cracks)
(brittle)
Very Good
Very Good
Overall Results
Poor
Good
Fair
Fair
Good
Very Good
A raised
edge
Your pool should have a raised edge to avoid storm runoff that can run into the pool. This is very important with water gardens where the fish can be killed by insecticides or other chemicals. Winterization should be planned for in advance of freezing conditions.
Your site will need a source of electricity for its pump. Submersible equipment must have Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) protection, as well as have its other aspects of installation conform to Article 680 of the National Electric Code.
WATERFALLS, WATER GARDENS AND PONDS
Water features are often included in landscape designs because of the unique sights and sounds that they bring to both exterior and interior living spaces. Many people find a moment of peace as they listen to water splashing in a fountain and gurgling over rocks as it runs down to a waiting pond. The use of ponds, aquatic plants, fish and water features in landscapes is sometimes called water gardening.
There is a wealth of information available about water gardens, ponds and waterfallsbecause aquatic gardens have been used in landscapes for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to the neighbor next door, people have been enjoying the musical sounds ofwaterfallsand the slow but deliberate movement of fish in ponds since the beginning of civilization.
If you want a pond built with a soothing
waterfalland stream, beautiful plants, fish and Koi we can custom create this for less than you think. Our water gardens, pondsand otherwater features
are custom designed to interact with our clients architectural settings. The beauty of stones and the sound of water flowing will create an atmosphere of healing for any environment.
Waterfalls Great for relaxing
Please
click small arrows to side of thumbnails for more photos
.
Preformed Ponds
The Perfect Pond Starter Kits
Preformed pond "tubs" are the most popular style on the market today, mostly
because of their reasonable price. With costs ranging from $50 to $100, most
homeowners can afford the basic component needed to start a backyard pond
project.
Preformed ponds are also simpler to install than using a pond liner for a custom
pond. The only drawback to using a preformed pond tub is that you can't
However, with
the right decoration, like rocks around the outside to hide the tub's edges, it
can look just as natural as a custom pond. Another disadvantage is preformed
ponds aren't generally over 100 gallons in size, so you have to winterize your
fish, some aquatic plants cannot root properly and both are easy prey for
predators.
Preformed ponds are usually made of fiberglass and come with a pump and a
filter. Due to recent popularity, manufacturers are now making different shapes,
sizes and configurations to enhance the look and creativity of your yard. The
main advice is to shop around before you make your purchase. Some pond supply
retailers charge a larger mark-up, especially if you live in smaller,
inaccessible towns. Do your homework and look online first.
The key to installing preformed ponds is to dig a hole the same size and shape
of the tub, so that it can be placed in the ground snugly. You should allow the
top rim of the preformed tub to sit several inches above ground level when it is
unfilled. When you fill it with water, it will sink into the soil and become
level with the ground. To mark the area, use a garden hose or spray paint. It is
advised to dig the hole immediately before installation because it could rain,
raccoons could wreak havoc with the area or kids could fall into the hole.
These types of ponds are good as starter ponds and they are not wasted later if
you decide to upgrade to a larger or liner-based pond. You can always use the
preforms as a holder for fish when cleaning, use it as an indoor place to
winterize your pond fish or use the frame as an addition to your new pond. The
preformed ponds are great additions for multi-level, waterfall ponds as well.
When installing
your pond liner, you need to make sure you have enough liner to cover the depth
and enough to cover the sides, reaching up and over of the top of your pond.
Here's how to determine how much liner you will need:
Pond Liners
Choosing a Pond Liner
Custom ponds require liners, just like swimming pools. They allow you to dig the
shape of the pond any way you want it. The liner sits in the hole, holds the
water in the pond and keeps it from leaking and losing water.
Pond liners are very flexible and are designed to conform to any hole,
regardless of its shape. They are built to withstand serious punishment, remain
flexible through extreme temperatures and are UV resistant. Most liners are made
of polyethylene and come with a 20-year warranty which guarantees a solid and
leak-proof pond.
•Measure the pond's width, length and depth and make sure all measurements are
taken at the deepest, longest and widest parts of the pond.
•Length of Pond Depth X 2 2 extra feet = Total Length of Liner
•Width of Pond Depth X 2 2 extra feet = Total Width of Liner
Chances are the basic liner will not be wide or long enough if you have a very
large pond, so you will need to attach two or more pieces together with adhesive
silicon or another splice kit method. However, this method is not recommended.
You may be able to get a larger liner from a roofing company. If you do this,
remember to put the algaecide-side down on the earth and not where the water
will go.
Pond liners vary in price depending on the size and weight. The smallest liners,
about 8' x 10', will cost around $30, while the largest, usually 40' x 40', can
cost up to $670. They are also available in rolls, ranging from 5.5' x 100' at
$220, up to 50' x 100' at $2,000.
Pond Kits
All of the Components Needed to Start Your Pond
Pond kits are the easiest way to build a professional-looking pond in your
backyard without having to cough up the extravagant price it would take to hire
a garden contactor. To save the time and money it takes planning and shopping
for all the components needed to install a pond in your yard, complete pond kits
have become a popular choice for many homeowners. It's the perfect kit for
beginner ponders.
Pond kits usually include a liner , underlayment, aqua falls, pump ,
silicone sealer and anything else that will be needed to properly
build your pond. More expensive and complete pond kits include every
imaginable piece of equipment you'll need to get started - pond
skimmers, starter bacteria and dechlorinators, koi food and even a
pond thermometer .
Pond kits make building a pond much easier than going out and
choosing each component individually - especially since most pond
kits also come with installation instructions!
Pond kits are available in different sizes (though it's difficult to
find them for ponds larger than 8x11 feet in size). Some of the kits
are for ponds less than 100 gallons which makes it hard for plants
to root, makes fish prey to predators and it means you have to
winterize your fish. Paying the difference for a slightly larger
volume pond kit would be advantageous in the long run.
If
you are new to the world of ponding, then the pond kits are a great
way to start. Just remember, pond kits provide the basic equipment
and instructions necessary to build and maintain a long-lasting
garden pond. But they don't take specific problems into
consideration that could arise in your backyard. Landscaping and
decorating your garden pond is up to you - once the pond kit is
assembled. For example, décor such as waterfalls and fountains can
be combined with a pond kit for added backyard ambience.
Another thing to remember before purchasing a pond kit is the time
involved in maintaining it and growing it. Some people think all you
do is set up the pond and enjoy its beauty, however; there is more
time involved than you may think. Do your homework.
Cement Ponds
So you're
thinking of putting in a cement pond? We're actually talking about ponds for
lily pads, fish, turtles and frogs rather than swimming pools. The 4 major types
of ponds are cement, polymer sheet liner, rigid shell, and clay lined. They all
have different strengths and weaknesses. The "best" type of pond for you may not
be the best for someone else.
Here's some things to consider:
1. A properly constructed cement pond is not leak prone. Think about how many
swimming pools are in use and leak free in your country and around the world. If
cement swimming pools are in widespread use in your area - sometimes soil
conditions make them impractical - then a cement pond is also realistic. 2. Cement ponds are the most puncture resistant type of pond. If you live in an
area with extremely cold Winters, special care should be taken in the design and
installation of the areas near and above the waterline to avoid "freeze/thaw"
damage. 3. They usually cost more than any other type of pond if you hire someone else
to do it. If you have some experience with concrete work (or are willing to
learn) cement ponds can be very economical to install yourself. Portions of the
pond can be made from cinder/cement blocks. 4. Once installed cement ponds are not as easy to modify as a plastic sheet
liner pond so you should have a very good idea of what you want. If you are
really smart, you'll plan your pond with future expansion in mind. Most people
who get the "pond bug" end up wanting bigger ponds and more ponds!
5. fact the
lime in cement is poisonous to fish, However neutralizers are available for this job and provide a far safer
environment for livestock. Also in zones where the winter temperature drops
sufficiently for the water to freeze then the pond should have a minimum depth
of 600mm (2ft) (preferably 1000mm (40")) and 50mm (2") of cement will not be
thick enough to prevent the ice from cracking it!
Please
click small arrows to side of thumbnails for more photos
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company. Designer Properties and Associates is one of the few companies in this
business run as a team of expert Contractors and Master Tradesman. Our contractors
and Tradesman work independently, Under their own contracts have their own license
and insurance and responsible for their area of expertise. We are a company
that emphasizes a team solutions approach. "Designer Properties boasts a unique,
close-knit team of experts in all facets of construction development" we provide
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Bexar County TX
Adkins★
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County TX
Abercrombie
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Comal
County TX
Bracken
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Guadalupe
County TX
Barbarosa
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County TX
Bear Creek
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County TX
Brownsboro
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Wilson County
TX
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County TX
Campbellton
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Davis TX★ Espey TX★ Iuka TX★ La Parita TX★ Las Gallinas TX★ Leal TX★
Introduction to San
Antonio-Austin,
Texas
One of Texas' most famous cities is the City of San Antonio-Austin. Located in the
south-central part of the state, San Antonio-Austin is Texas' second-largest city and
serves as an economic and cultural gateway to the American Southwest. The city
lies about 140 miles northwest of Corpus Christi on the Gulf of Mexico and 150
miles northeast of the city of Laredo on the Mexican border. Several major
freeways service the city, including Interstates I-10, I-35, I-37, and I-410;
U.S. Routes 87, 90, and 281; and Texas State Highways 16 and 151.
Named for Saint Anthony of Padua, on whose feast day (June 13) a Spanish
expedition explored the area in 1691, the San Antonio-Austin River was the principal
tributary which spawned the founding of its namesake village in 1718. The site,
on the river's west bank, was initially a stopping place on the Texas wilderness
trail leading to French trading posts in Louisiana. By 1731 the town was known
as San Antonio-Austin de Béxar, which in 1773 became the capital of Spanish Texas.
During the Texas Revolution, San Antonio-Austin was the site of several battles,
including the battle of the Alamo in 1836, in which 189 defenders held the old
Alamo mission for 13 days against some 4,000 Mexican troops. Although the
defenders were ultimately killed, the memorable phrase "Remember the Alamo"
became forever known as the rallying cry of the Texas Revolution against Mexico.
After the Civil War, San Antonio-Austin prospered as a cattle industry hub and military
center serving the border region and the Southwest. During the twentieth
century, San Antonio-Austin became an important military center for the Army and Air
Force through both world wars; a distinction which it has retained to this day.
San Antonio-Austin is the current home of Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base,
Randolph Air Force Base, and Brooks City-Base, with Camp Stanley and Camp Bullis
located just outside the city limit
