Fort Collins Water Features: Outdoor Fountains, Ponds and More

Backyard Ponds and Waterfalls in Fort Collins

Backyard Ponds

Backyard ponds create a serene atmosphere in any landscape design and truly enhance your outdoor space. An active pond with running water cascading down a waterfall provides your property with a relaxing, soothing sound.

Pond Plants

Backyard ponds create a serene atmosphere in any landscape design. Including a variety of pond plants enhances the beauty and ecosystem of the water feature. These plants can vary from floating plants such as water lilies to submerged plants like hornwort. Choosing the right plants depends not only on the pond size but also on the climate in Northern Colorado.

Pond Fish

A thriving backyard pond may also host fish like koi or goldfish. These popular pond fish add natural movement and visual interest to any water feature. Koi are able to survive year round in the pond with proper aeration and gas discharge from the pond.

Koi serve to help balance the ecosystem by eating algae and other organic matter.

There is some upkeep though – you do have to keep your fish alive with proper care. Feeding and making sure you maintain healthy water quality is essential for their survival.

Predators are also a concern for Koi. You’ll want to make sure they have enough available cover to hide when a hungry heron or raccoon stops by looking for a snack.

Other Pond Wildlife

Besides fish, a backyard pond in Fort Collins can attract other local wildlife. Frogs, turtles, and various birds may be drawn to the water feature as it creates a natural habitat for them.

Providing plants or structure for nesting and hiding spots contributes to a healthy ecosystem.

Building a Backyard Pond

How a Pond Works

Pond Pump for Waterfalls and Aeration

A key part of a Fort Collins pond design is a pond pump, which keeps water moving and fresh. The pump helps in maintaining healthy water features and creates a vibrant ecosystem for plants and fish.

It pulls water up from the pond and sends it cascading over waterfalls or through aeration devices, adding oxygen to the water. This process is essential for keeping fish healthy and supporting aerobic bacteria that cleanse the water by breaking down harmful substances.

Pond Filtration

Filtration plays a crucial role in a pond’s overall cleanliness and clarity. A well-designed pond filtration system in Fort Collins typically includes both mechanical and biological components.

The mechanical filter catches and removes solid debris such as leaves, twigs, and algae from the water. Biological filters leverage beneficial bacteria to turn dissolved waste into harmless substances. Proper filtration helps create a balanced environment conducive to healthy plants, fish, and other aquatic life.

Keeping up with Maintenance

Ponds with water features, such as a fountain or waterfalls, require additional attention to ensure optimal function and appearance. Regular maintenance of the pond pump and filtration system is necessary to keep the water feature functioning efficiently and to prevent algae buildup or unpleasant odors.

Consideration of Pond Requirements for the Proper Amount of Water In Motion

How a Contractor Builds a Pond

Designing Your Backyard Pond

A reliable contractor in Fort Collins starts by understanding the landscape owner’s vision. They assess the available space, taking note of existing plants and structures. Based on this, they create a custom design that complements the area and fits the client’s preferences.

Excavation to Make Room for a Pond

Next, the contractor digs the area where the pond will be placed. They ensure proper depth and slope to facilitate water circulation and create various levels for plants and fish. If you plan on having koi, your pond should be at least three feet deep in order to protect them from herons and other predators.

Installing a Liner or Underlayment

Upon completing the excavation, a durable liner or underlayment is laid out. This prevents water from leaking into the soil and ensures the pond’s stability.

Installing Plumbing, Pumps, and Filtration

In this stage, expert plumbers install pipes, pumps, and filters needed for proper water flow, aeration, and cleanliness. Contractors ensure that these components blend seamlessly with the pond’s design, to maintain a natural look.

Adding Gravel, River Rock, and Stone in and Around the Pond

The contractor then adds gravel, river rock, and stones to the pond. These materials not only enhance aesthetic appeal, but also offer protection to the liner and create a suitable environment for plants and fish.

Adding Plants and Fish to the Pond

Finally, the contractor helps the owner choose suitable plants and fish for their pond. They consider factors such as water depth, sunlight, and the pond’s ecosystem to ensure a harmonious and balanced environment. The contractor then adds the selected flora and fauna to complete the project.

Waterfalls and Streams

Waterfalls and streams stand out as exemplary elements for enhancing the beauty and tranquility of outdoor spaces.

Pond Waterfalls

Pond waterfalls provide a sense of calm and relaxation to any landscape. The sound of flowing water adds to the overall ambiance, while also benefiting aquatic life. Pond waterfalls come in many shapes and sizes. Your contractor will help you in choosing the right height for your waterfall as well as the appropriate pump to deliver water to the very top of your waterfall.

Pondless Waterfalls

For those seeking the beauty of waterfalls without the maintenance of a pond, pondless waterfalls are a great choice. These features use a hidden reservoir to pump water, creating the visual and soothing effects of a waterfall while minimizing upkeep. This makes pondless waterfalls ideal for adding elegance and peace to any landscape.

Outsourcing Pond Maintenance to a Contractor

Pond Cleaning

Hiring a skilled contractor for pond maintenance in Fort Collins means ensuring a clean and healthy pond. They take care of debris removal, algae control, and sediment management. This helps avoid clogging filters and keeps water quality at its best. They’ll also make sure you have good water quality to keep the fish and plants healthy.

A pond cleaning contractor can come in on a regular schedule – usually every week or two – and make sure that your pond keeps running optimally.

Pump Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement

Contractors also handle pump care, which is vital to your pond. They inspect, fix, and replace pumps to keep water flowing smoothly. Proper pump maintenance can prevent problems such as pondless waterfalls running dry or stagnant water building up.

Filter Cleanings and Replacement

Filters play a key role in maintaining your pond’s cleanliness. By outsourcing the filter upkeep to a contractor, you make sure it is done correctly.

This is a nasty job, and it is a good thing to outsource. A pond contractor will clean and replace filters as needed, ensuring your pond remains free of harmful algae and debris.

Maintaining Proper Pond pH

A well-balanced pH level is crucial for the health of your pond’s plants and fish. Professionals in the Fort Collins area regularly test and adjust pH levels as required. By doing so, they promote a thriving environment for your pond’s inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Hire a Contractor for Pond Maintenance Instead of Doing it Myself?

Hiring a professional contractor for pond maintenance offers various benefits over doing it yourself. Professionals have expertise in pond upkeep, water quality, plant care, and fish health. This can lead to better results and prevents potential issues.

Working with a professional allows you to focus on enjoying your pond while the contractor handles the maintenance.

Is Evaporation a Problem with Ponds and Water Features?

Northern Colorado has a semi arid climate, so the water in your pond or water feature will evaporate and the water will need to be replenished.  As part of your pond landscaping project, you can set have your contractor integrate your pond with your irrigation system.  The pond can be established on its very own sprinkler system zone.  Use of a float within the pond can ensure proper water usage and avoid overfilling the pond.

What Plants are a Good fit for Ponds in Northern Colorado?

In Fort Collins, Colorado, it is crucial to choose plants that can adapt well to the local climate. Hardy water lilies, pickerel rush, and cattails are suitable choices for Fort Collins ponds. These plants offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for water quality and wildlife habitat.

Can Proper Pond Design Minimize Algae Growth?

Yes, proper pond design can help minimize algae growth. This includes strategic placement of aquatic plants to shade the water and reduce sunlight exposure. Installing an effective filtration system and maintaining proper water circulation also help keep algae growth under control.

How Expensive are Koi?

Koi fish prices can vary depending on factors such as size, color, and rarity. They can cost anywhere from a few dollars for young, small specimens to several thousand for high-quality, mature fish. You can even get live koi delivered to your doorstep in a box.

Discussing your preferences with a local pond service provider or koi breeder can help you find the right fit for your budget.

How Can I Protect my Koi from Predators Like Herons and Raccoons?

To protect koi fish from predators, consider installing physical barriers such as nets or pond covers. Motion-activated devices, like sprinklers or lights, can also deter predators. Placing hiding spots, such as caves or submerged pipes, within the pond can provide additional protection for your koi.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Backyard Pond?

The cost of building a backyard pond depends on factors like size, materials, and complexity. On average, small DIY ponds can cost as little as $600, while professionally installed larger ponds can range from $2,000 to over $15,000.  For larger ponds, you’ll want to use a landscaping company that has experience installing and maintaining more than one water feature installation.