ROCK PONDS

When water flows over the earth, it strips the soil, exposes the rocks and gravel below, and creates waterfalls. A rock pond attempts to recreate this natural landscape, although on a much smaller scale. For the most realistic appearance, the design should be integrated into an existing hillside, and the surrounding site should be covered with rocks similar to those used in the pond. Since the water should be fast-flowing, marginal plants are more appropriate than floating plants. The fish population should not exceed one inch of fish per square foot of pond surface. A depth of 18" to 24" is sufficient, except in cold climates.

In the illustration, the pond is excavated as a series of terraces. Liner Protection Fabric is laid over the soil and covered with an EPDM or Butyl rubber pond liner. Rounded rocks form the edge of each terrace, while the horizontal surfaces are covered with coarse river gravel that completely conceals the rubber liner. Plants can be rooted directly in the gravel.

Water is drawn into a skimmer box (left) where a leaf net and polyester filter matting extract leaves and other floating debris. A submersible pump at the rear of the skimmer conveys the water underground into the bottom of a waterfall filter (right). As the water rises, it is mechanically and biologically filtered by polyester matting and ceramic rock. Reaching the top, the water spills over a flat rock set on the lip of the filter, beginning the waterfall.

• an EPDM rubber pond liner five feet wider and longer than the kit size

• an equivalent quantity of our unique Liner Protection Fabric

• an energy-efficient, stainless-steel submersible solids pump

• a sturdy skimmer including a pre-filter mat, leaf net, and lid

• a waterfall filter with two filter mats and two media bags

• 50 lbs of ceramic filter rock (much better than lava rock)

• a length of flexible black PVC pipe appropriate for the pond size

• a check valve assembly to prevent filter backflow

• all skimmer and waterfall plumbing fittings

• pipe adhesive, spray foam, and teflon tape

• dry bacteria to assist in maintaining water quality

• rubber liner repair tape

We also design custom rock pond kits for ponds of any size, shape or budget. We can substitute larger or smaller skimmers, larger or smaller waterfall filters, and larger or smaller pumps. If a stream is desired, we can add a stream liner and more flexible pipe. Other popular options include auto-fill valves and underwater lights.

Rock Pond Kit, 10 ft x 10 ft, $call
Rock Pond Kit, 10 ft x 15 ft, $call
Rock Pond Kit, 10 ft x 20 ft, $call
Rock Pond Kit, 15 ft x 15 ft, $call
Rock Pond Kit, 15 ft x 20 ft, $call
Rock Pond Kit, 15 ft x 25 ft, $call
Rock Pond Kit, 20 ft x 20 ft, $call