In large gardens, artificial ponds are gaining more and more popularity lately. A small pond or stream can perfectly decorate the site, create an excellent atmosphere in the garden filled with tranquility and tranquility. Since ancient times, man has been trying to seek harmony in the world, which consists of four elements. Water is the element in which life itself appeared. She has an attractive power, mystery and a special charm. The presence of water has a beneficial effect on a person, on his feelings, thoughts and physical well-being, no matter where you are on the coast of the sea or river, next to a small forest stream or an exquisite fountain.
An artificial reservoir on the site can have a different shape and variety, from a small stream, spring, fountain, to large-scale waterfalls and ponds. Everything primarily depends on the needs and capabilities of the owners of the site. The most accessible and easiest to arrange is an ordinary stream. The stream can be made in the form of a small stream of water, which fancifully meanders throughout the site.
Its appearance will in no way betray its artificial origin. Depending on the landscape of the site, especially if there are elevation differences, you can simulate a small mountain stream or a small waterfall with a rocky bottom, swift cascades and quiet backwaters. The device of an artificial stream is very simple.
Water circulates in a closed circle, from a direct source (pipe), located at the highest point, through the channel to a pond or backwater. The water returns back through a pipeline laid in the ground, using a special pump. When forming the stream bed, it is necessary to observe a slight slope, about 1 – 2%. To give water acceleration, it is necessary to plan the greatest height difference directly at the source. The optimal width of the stream flow should be approximately 40 – 50 cm, which will ensure the free flow of water. Under the bottom of the stream, the soil is prepared as follows: a soil sample is made, a sand bed is arranged, it is carefully compacted, a special waterproofing film is laid on top of the sand, and the bottom is lined. Along the edge of the stream, the edges of the film are masked, recesses for the soil are formed, and plants are planted.
If the size and relief of the garden allow, then you can arrange cascades. Which will not only add variety to the flow of water, but also qualitatively saturate it with oxygen. In some cases, designers resort to a source device, which is a slightly more complicated alternative to a regular stream. A feature of the source is the special decoration with various stones or sculptural elements of the place where the water spring breaks from the depths. Fountains create the greatest effect on any site. At present, a wide variety of tools and materials has become available for the original and unique creation of a unique image of the fountain.
There are a huge number of special spray nozzles, pumps, lighting and sound design elements on sale. Depending on your mood, you can change the intensity of the water, its lighting, etc. If the size of your site allows, then one of the ideal solutions would be to arrange a pond. Ponds are one of the most common types of artificial reservoirs. They have not only an original and unique appearance, but also have their own microcosm, filled with animal and plant life. When planning a reservoir, it must be taken into account that its depth should be at least 0.5 meters, since at a shallower depth in the heat it will heat up and water will quickly evaporate, and algae will grow.
If you plan that fish will live in the reservoir, and possibly winter, then the depth of the reservoir should be more than 1 meter. The bottom of the reservoir is recommended to be formed in the form of shelves at various levels, so that it is convenient to place various algae or plants on them in special container baskets with soil. The soil for such plants should have an equal proportion of earth, clay and sand. The edges of the pond or reservoir must be arranged in such a way that the edges of the waterproofing material used for arranging the bottom are not visible. They are recommended to be carefully covered with stone slabs, gravel or masked with swamp plants.
Regardless of the style of the planned reservoir, remember that the larger the pond and the more diverse the collection of coastal and aquatic plants in it, the easier it will be for you to maintain its biological balance, the less trouble you will have with it. Regardless of the size and type of the reservoir you choose, the first and foremost issue will be the arrangement of the bottom. Which material is best for this? If you have a high level of groundwater on the site, then it is best to equip the reservoir in the lowest place of the site, it will soon spontaneously fill with water. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to dig a pit and equip a sealed bowl at its bottom. As a waterproofing material, it is necessary to use only those materials that are intended for this, otherwise they may contain harmful and toxic substances that adversely affect living organisms. Most often, PVC film or a synthetic rubber membrane is used as waterproofing. The recommended thickness of PVC film for arranging ponds should be in the range of 0.5-1.5 mm. The film is laid on a specially planned and compacted layer of sand 5-10 cm thick, which protects the film from damage. If you plan to make a coating of pebbles or gravel on the bottom surface, then it is best to cover it with a special protective plastic mesh or geotextile for external protection of the film. Correctly and qualitatively laid film can serve you for about 10 years. The rubber membrane coating has high mechanical strength, it is resistant to frost, exposure to ultraviolet rays and high temperatures. The service life of this type of coating is about 50 years.
Another waterproofing material is bentonite. It is a natural material based on clay, consisting of two layers of non-woven material between which there is an pressed bentonite granulator. Bentonite is usually sold in the form of mats, which are spread on the bottom of the reservoir with an overlap of about 20 cm, a special pressure layer of concrete (15 cm) or earth with sand (40 cm) is laid on top. Under the action of moisture, bentonite swells and forms a sealed layer. In some cases, clay is used to equip the bottom of the reservoir.
At the bottom of the planned reservoir, lay out several (from 2 to 5, the more the better) layers of ground dry clay or finely crushed unbaked brick. Each layer is carefully compacted. The resulting bottom coating (approximately 15 cm thick) swells after moistening and does not let moisture through. Reinforced concrete can also be used to construct the day of the pond. With the right manufacture of a concrete bowl, it can serve you for many years, be resistant to various mechanical influences, high and low temperatures. It is better not to undertake the manufacture of such a bowl yourself, but to entrust its manufacture to an experienced specialist. The concrete bowl should be reinforced with a plaster mesh or metal rods with a diameter of 3-6 mm, have a layer thickness of at least 15 cm. For its concreting, concrete with low water resistance (at least W4) and a class of at least B25 is used. If concreting is carried out using a lower quality concrete mortar, then the surface must be additionally waterproofed. This option for arranging the bottom of the pond is not the best, since over time, water can wash chemical compounds harmful to the fauna and flora of the reservoir from the shell of the waterproofing material.
If you equip relatively small ponds, then one of the best options would be a bowl made of composite material.
Currently, the construction market has a huge number of ready-made bowls for artificial reservoirs of various shapes and sizes. They must be installed in a pit, after laying and ramming a 10-15 cm layer of dry sand. After its careful installation in a horizontal plane, all the remaining space between the soil and the bowl is also filled with sand and rammed. For good compaction of sand, it must be spilled with water. It is important that there are no voids left, since under the weight of water the bowl in these places can be deformed and crack. The quality of the installation and its material affect the life of the bowl.
So, bowls made of polyester and reinforced with fiberglass have twice the life of polyethylene. After we dug a pit, arranged the bottom, poured water and settled flora and fauna in the reservoir, we need to think about a water purification system. If you are the owner of a large pond, then various types of plants and algae planted in it will establish biological balance and start the natural process of water self-purification. In small reservoirs it is necessary to install special filters.
If you want the water in the reservoir to remain constantly clean and transparent, then you need to choose a filter with such a capacity that would ensure the pumping of the entire volume of pond water at least once every 10 hours, in very small reservoirs – once every 2 hours. Filters can be either external, placed on the edge of the pond, or submersible, installed at the bottom. In order for the filter to fully perform its function, a pump of the appropriate capacity is required. Pumps are also divided into underwater (submersible) and surface. Underwater pumps are installed directly at the bottom of the pond, they are small in size, almost silent, but at the same time they do not have high performance. Surface pumps are designed for installation in a dry place, outside the pond. They are installed most often in an equipped mounting well.
These pumps work best when installed below the water level of the pond. Surface pumps are high performance, reliable, but they create a lot of noise. Their installation sites are recommended to be soundproofed. Submersible and surface pumps are powered by standard 220 V AC, but some submersible pumps are available for 12 and 24 V DC.
Even a small pond on your site or in the garden can create a unique atmosphere of calm and tranquility. On the shore of a pond or near a stream, you can always have a great rest, think about the good and forever, or just admire the beauty of the smooth surface of the water.