Water features and fountains

An algae free water feature makes water gardening a pleasure rather than a hassle. Your water feature then becomes an asset in your garden, on your patio or even indoors. Choose your water feature carefully. Water feature project and ideas and the decisions you need to make early on in your water feature project are discussed below. Paying attention to these points early on is important to get the most from your feature ...

Water feature is used as a general term meaning different things to different people. Consider any of the following to be a water feature for the purpose of this discussion.

In South Africa most people mean a pond when they talk of a water feature. Ponds that are buried in the ground, or placed on top of the ground (above ground ponds) no matter whether made from a pond liner or a preformed pond unit are features. You can buy the best fibreglass water features in the world direct from the manufacturer in pretoria, South Africa. take a look at heir range at focus features website.

A stream or waterfall feature running into a pond or even "disappearing" into the ground for child safety reasons. This latter point is the reason many gardeners install a pebble pond water feature or fountain while their children are growing up.

Formal concrete or resin ornament feature with circulating water. These are generally referred to as a self contained water feature

An informal or natural looking water feature made from plastic, wood, stone or a whole host of other materials make an ideal water feature or fountain

Your plain simple homemade water feature using planters, barrels and so

Important water feature considerations irrespective of the water feature type

Place your water feature where you can enjoy it to the fullest extent. Not much is to be gained by putting your water feature at the bottom of the garden, out of sight.

Choose a water feature that is easy to take home and especially easy to install. The easiest and most natural looking water feature ranges these days are made from fiberglass.

Is your water feature going to contain fish? ... if so then you will not get a clean and clear water feature without installing a biofilter to purify the fish waste as well as an ultra violet light to make sure your water feature is always crystal clear. Do not try to skimp on these important items or you will regret it later.

If you are going to have only aquatic plants in your water feature then do not worry about a biofilter although you may decide to install an ultra violet light later. A water feature with plants only is a lot easier to care for than a water feature with pond fish

Almost every water feature needs a submersible pump. Choose your pump carefully in order to reduce the cost and to make sure the water feature performs as you wanted.

Waterfalls and similar water feature types need special attention when it comes to choosing pumps. These types of water feature generally need a stronger pump than a feature which just has a simple spray creating a fountain effect

One of the most important considerations in choosing pumps for a water feature is how much power it will use because remember a water feature that contains fish must have a biofilter and a biofilter must have a continuous supply of water which means the pump must run all day every day. A water feature that creates spray is also an excellent way of adding oxygen to the water to also aid the biofilter. The cost of electricity will normally far exceed the purchase price of the water feature pump.