Nothing adds elegance to a home quite like a backyard pond. They can make any place instantly more relaxing. And they can even be a way to bring other environments into your home. But as with any major project, building a pond requires careful consideration of everything involved. Here are the pros and cons of a backyard pond.
Pro: Visual Appeal
A pond is one of the single most aesthetically pleasing features you can add to your backyard. From custom shapes, to the choice of plants, and even down to whether or not you choose to include fish, there are any number of ways to boost your backyard’s appeal with a pond.
Con: Complicated Maintenance
Any man-made body of standing water needs regular maintenance to keep it fresh. You’ll need to test your water’s pH levels and your pond’s filters and drains weekly. The bottom liner will need to be scrubbed periodically. Plants must be tended to and fish must be monitored constantly so that the overall health of the pond stays at a perfect balance. And while maintaining a pond can be a wonderful hobby, it’s usually a hassle for those with busy or hectic schedules.
Pro: Relaxation
A pond can be a wonderful way to relax in your backyard. Pond elements like waterfalls or streams add a soothing sound to your home environment, while feeding fish can be a great way to relieve tension. And on hot summer nights, it can be pleasant to dip your toes into cool water.
Con: Cost
Water features can be costly to build and maintain. There may be building codes in your area that restrict the size of your pond or require a safety fence around it to protect small children. You’ll likely need an official inspection before building the pond to ensure that no city cables, wires, or pipes will be disturbed or damaged during construction. And depending on the size of your pond and the pump that you choose, you may end up spending a lot of money on energy bills to keep it in good repair.
A backyard pond can be a wonderful way to relax in the privacy of your home garden, but if not considered carefully, problems could arise. If you’re thinking of adding a pond to your yard, ABC Scapes would love to help you plan the project! Give us a call at 602-404-0568 to get started.