Don and Pat Snodgrass personal website

Ponds

This page details certain aspects of the construction of two KOI ponds at our previous home in Murray, KY

Phase 1 - Planning

A - Max-Flo 2400 pump for 1st pond
B - OASE Atlantic 3000 pump
C - Laguna pressure UV/filter
D - UV filter
E - OASE 3 way valve
F - Savio waterfall weir
G - Atlantis SP3600 fastfalls

A pumps water to C thence to F returning to 1st pond, B pumps water to E which splits to D and G, G returns water to 2nd pond and D returns water to 1st pond thus creating a current flowing from 1st pond to 2nd pond via a channel cut through the brick wall separating the 1st pond from the second pond.

Planning notes:

11' X 9' and 2.5 ft deep
Concrete footings and pond floor
Brick walls back and left side (2 bricks wide) matching existing brick shown in above photograph.
Existing steps to be integrated into the pond design to provide handy shelves for water plants, etc.
Pond interior sealed with a black fish safe product called "Aqua Kote"

Submersible pump at center pond floor pumping to an external pressure filter thence to a waterfall
weir to be constructed on the right hand wall of the pond about 2 ft above pond surface.

1.25 inch non kink black tubing used throughout.

Equipment specifications as follows:

- Unique pump "cage" minimizes pump damage and clogging

- Transports suspended solid particles to external filters for clean debris-free pond water

- High performance water pumps for pond filtration systems and waterfalls

High performance pond pumps ideal for filtration systems, waterfalls, and watercourses. Durable "pre-filter" pump cage minimizes pump damage and clogging by selectively screening larger debris particles. Features convenient carrying handle, keyhole slots for optional fixed mounting and pivot pin fastener for quick and easy access to pump. Includes "Click-fit" coupler for convenient plumbing compatible with other Laguna series pond systems. 3-year warranty.

Because of their ability to process water moderately loaded with suspended solid particles (or solids), the Waterfall and Filter Pumps are ideal for use with filtration systems and for creating waterfalls and watercourses. These pumps are designed to transport suspended solids to suitable external filter systems (including pressurized filters), which then trap any debris that could potentially pollute pond water, effectively filtering the pond.

- High performance pressurized pond filter system with UV clarifier

- Algae-clumping UV lamp and efficient bio-mechanical filtration keeps pond water clean and clear

- Revolutionary backwash system extends interval between pond filter maintenance

Pressurized pond filter with integrated UV clarifier makes beautiful water gardens simple. Easy-to-install filter features algae-clumping UV lamp and efficient bio-mechanical filtration for clean, clear water. Custom features such as the cleaning indicator and the revolutionary backwash system extends interval between full maintenance. Squeegee action of the cleaning blades remove buildup from the entire surface of the foam filters to keep filter operating at optimum level. Versatile above ground or in-ground installation. Includes 3/4", 1", and 1-1/4" Universal Click-Fit Fast Coupling for easy hosing connections. Biospheres biological filter media included with Model 1400, 2100, and 3200.

- Quick and easy installation

- Creates a beautiful 16-inch wide waterfall curtain

- Manufacturer's 5 year limited warranty

Includes filter mat, mesh media bag, liner attachment bracket, and tack screws. Rated for pump flows between 600 to 1,500 gph. 2" opening. 5-1/2" x 15-1/2" x 10" high. Waterfall extends width by 4-1/2".

Phase 2 - Construction

Excavation in progress 07/16/2006. Brick steps are left intact.

Concrete block footing and rebar to support the back and side walls 07/20/2006. Note white pvc pipe adjacent to green sprinkler system manhole cover to provide a handy way to fill the ponds.

Brick wall nearly finished 08/04/2006.

Completed brick wall and concrete floor 08/11/2006. Ready for waterproofing with one coat of fish safe "Aqua Kote" pool paint.

Waterfall weir bricked in place 08/11/2006.

Construction notes:

Concrete floor 3 inches deep with 3/8 inch steel rebar crisscrossed.
Antique brick "old tumble" to closely match house's brick walls. Smeared mortar joints.
Pond is 28 inches in deepest part.
River rock and stepping stones line the outer wall of the pond.
A skimmer system will be added at a latter date.

Phase 3 - Completion

Construction finished! Pond is ready for water, fish and plants after the black pool paint has had a chance to cure for 5 days 8/15/06.

Detail A - Pond fill system
Detail B - Pressurized filter/UV
Detail C - Recessed pump with adjacent "frog island" (stepping stone perched on two concrete blocks)
Detail D - Underwater spot light

The pond project is essentially complete! Water, goldfish and plants (water lettuce) all having a great time together 8/20/06. Four Koi and three albino catfish have since been added. UV (built into filter) has been activated.

Three of our "pond people" (top to bottom...2 Koi and 1 goldfish)

River rock and stepping stone border added around the outer parameter of the pond 8/24/06

((A second pond was constructed on the opposite side of the brick waterfall adjacent to the pergola. A "breezeway" was cut through the waterfall to allow fish to freely swim from one pond to the other.))

Note: This project was accomplished entirely by Don and Pat in less than two months at a total cost of about $1900. If you decide to build a similar brick and concrete pond, be certain to build it strong ... that's critical for a pond like this that does not depend on a rubber liner for water tight integrity.

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Don and Pat Snodgrass | 5 Woodhaven Estates | Metropolis, IL | 618-524-7590
donsno@verizon.net

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