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Aquatic Gardens
Ponds, Streams, Waterfalls
& Fountains:
Volume 1. Design & Construction
Volume 2. Maintenance, Stocking, Examples
V. 1
Print and
eBook on Amazon
V. 2
Print and
eBook on Amazon
by Robert (Bob) Fenner |
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Water Quality Problems with a Reflection Pool. Ftn. design,
maint. 6/27/12
Hi Bob,
<Hello Bruce>
I live in Ottawa, Ontario in a condo with a large reflection pool in the
courtyard. The pool measures about 25' by 50' and there is
room for the water level to be 7 inches.
<Ugghh! Hard to keep such shallow systems chemically
stable... clean>
Right now, however, there is a layer of small pebbles on the
bottom so there is only about 4 - 5 inches of water.
<Yikes! Even worse!>
The pebbles have trapped dirt over the years and they hold a bevy of
sludge and other impurities. The pool originally had new
water added continuously with the old water going down the drain.
<Wasteful>
When the city started to charge for water, the pool water was recirculated
to avoid waste. The pool is in the sun for most of the
day.
<Good gosh... do you have numerous ducks as well?>
We have a fountain in the middle of the pool that gives a nice effect
but does little to circulate the water. We have added a second
pump to push water around the perimeter and we place chlorine
pucks in front of it.
<... one approach. You need to have... measure, maintain "conditioner"
(see the pool folks, biz); and monitor pH and alkalinity as well>
This has had little effect other than right in front of the outlet.
Needless to say, with the hot weather comes algae. It is only June
and we have had to empty the pool and start again.
The water does not circulate and the chlorine is not sufficient to stop
any algae build up.
<Yes>
We are contemplating some changes to improve the water circulation but
are uncertain of the effectiveness of each. Both options
include eliminating the pebbles in the pool.
<Yes I would... or at least mortar them with just half or less of their
faces exposed... for ease of vacuuming, cleaning>
The first option would be to replace the liner with one that would allow
a water depth of 9 inches as we are told that this would allow for the
introduction of plants that would help to purify the water.
<Mmm, not worthwhile; no. This is still way too shallow>
This is somewhat problematic as we are told the plants would have to be
stored somewhere over the winter. The second option would be to
increase the circulation with either a 6-7 inch depth or a 9 inch depth
if necessary and introduce a chlorination system of some sort to keep
the water clear. Under each option, key to success, we believe, is
to increase significantly the circulation of water in the pool.
<These would help...
We were wondering if you could provide any advice on the relative
effectiveness of plants vs. chlorine in keeping the pool water clear and
on an appropriate circulation system (capacity and type) to keep the
water moving and clear. Would either scenario require raising the
depth from 6-7 inches to 9 inches?
<Won't help much... I wouldn't advise it. IF the area around the feature
could be built up... above grade... to eighteen or more inches... this
basin could be made biological>
How effective would reducing the size of the pool to about 25' by 30' be
in providing an effective solution.
<A percentage by volume...>
We would greatly appreciate any advice you might be able to give.
Thank you.
Bruce Irving
<Mmm, there are a few moda chemically to consider other than the current
chlorine/pool/spa... Some are toxic to surrounding landscape... so if
there's much splash, spray from the central jet... I might well propose
abandoning this water feature altogether (it can't be made either
serviceable or functional really... and replacing it with more garden...
art... benches, a contemplation area. Bob Fenner>
Algae control in a small fountain and
pond! 8/23/06 To whom it may concern: I have a six
tiered water fall <A bunch of tiers> terminating an a
approximately 75 gallon pond. I am experiencing a problem in
controlling the alga formation on the bottom of the water fall and
walls of the pond. My question to you would be, what copper compound
would be suggested and in what concentration on a per gallon of water
capacity? Thank you very much Dave Dillon, Topock, Az <Mmm... copper
is not easily dosed in most ponds... and am hesitant to encourage its
use here... w/o knowing the livestock you intend to keep... In this
small volume of water, if you did not have live plants present, I might
use Jungle Pond Blocks (active ingredient Diuron, Di-Methyl Urea
Calcinate)... Do you have data re the make up of the water? Is this
feature shaded at all? Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/PondSubWebIndex/pdalgcontrol.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Copper fountain/water-effect algicide use - 03/27/06
Dear Sir, I wonder if you can kindly help me. I have recently purchased
a small indoor waterfall, and I wish to prohibit algae growth. Please
see link below. The unit has a solid copper base, which contains the
water - someone has told me that the copper is a good agent to
eradicate algae. Could you tell me if this is true, or, do I need to
take other precautionary measures ? I would greatly appreciate your
advice, Thanks Steve Davies
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00015D7JU/qid=1143500993/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-0412159-4974247?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A200W35O5U03O&s=home-garden&v=glance&n=1055398
<Mmm... I would not use a copper-based algicide here... nor the
conventional halogen-based chlorine, bromine... too likely to stain,
ultimately corrode the unit itself. You might look for Simazine-based
"aquarium" algicides (e.g. Algi-gon) or Jungle Pond Blocks
(Di-methyl urea calcinate) or equivalent... Whatever you use, I would
take care to not have the water splash on, or incidentally be poured on
living plant material... and I would frequently (twice a month or so),
dump completely and re-fill the unit with new water. Bob Fenner>
Re: Advice please - 03/27/06 Hi Bob, Thanks a lot - that
is very kind of you. However, the water containing tray of the
waterfall is itself made of copper - I was wondering if that would be
sufficient to prevent the algae. <Mmm... depending on the water
quality, principally pH and alkalinity, very likely so... Turns out
that copper is much more soluble in lower pH and alkaline water...>
I do not understand the chemical make up of these things - would
Fountec be suitable ? <Not familiar with this> The unit has no
live plants - it is only a small decorative unit , with a copper base,
water pump, and slate backdrop. I greatly appreciate your time, Thanks
Steve <I do think you'll be fine in any/all cases here... not
hard to maintain.
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Aquatic Gardens
Ponds, Streams, Waterfalls
& Fountains:
Volume 1. Design & Construction
Volume 2. Maintenance, Stocking, Examples
V. 1
Print and
eBook on Amazon
V. 2
Print and
eBook on Amazon
by Robert (Bob) Fenner |
|
