The Concept
Summer 2019
I love the idea of a backyard plunge pool where my fur babies and I can go for a dunk on a hot day. But since New Hampshire doesn’t have a majority of hot days, it seems silly to install a pool. So… why not a water feature I can enjoy most months, even when it’s too cold to swim? I’d like the water surface to be maybe 10’ x 15’, 3-4 feet deep… enough for dogs to plunge, and for me and a friend to relax with a couple of tropical beverages. And it won’t look like a tarp-covered hippopotamus all winter long.
Other requirements:
Most important: sloped egress for the dogs… drowning hazards are no joke.
Integrated landscaping… I know it might not look like nature put it there, but it should look like it fits in.
No loose sand/mud for wet dogs to track in the house.
Waterfall for soothing white noise.
Low-ish maintenance. I can handle skimmers, chemicals, and seasonal maintenance… but nothing that I have to keep alive (e.g. fish).
Maybe: ambient lighting?
Now I’m really starting to collect ideas. And searching through online tutorials figuring out how much of a pain in the butt this is going to be.
THE CANVAS
Spring 2020, A.K.A: “Before”
Ideas
I’m envisioning the pond and waterfall built into the existing slope. The ferns are in the back corner of the lot. I’m sure the fir tree will be in the way… that can easily be removed. Actually, any of the plantings in this corner can be yanked out… the bushes obscure some boulders that stabilize the corner. There is an irrigation line that I’ll have to deal with.
Instructional* Videos
* Not to be confused with thinking I can do this alone.
VISIT TO THE POND SHOP
July 2020
Maddox and I headed out to Chester Hollow Water Garden for a socially-distanced tour of the fountain-studded grounds.
Making it Happen
July 2021
It’s been SO HARD to wait, especially through the heat waves New England has already experienced. But the time has come: I’m getting a pond. Correction: Maddox is getting a pond. 💖
Charlie from Chester Hollow Water Gardens visited my property to get an idea of what I want, and to formulate a design. We walked and talked and pointed and I tried to envision what he will build for me, but I probably won’t be certain until it’s actually in place. Of this I am certain: it’s going to be gorgeous.
Maybe something like this? Except better.
Pond Equipment
Here are the highlights of what went into my pond construction, all by AquaScape.
digging and Building
Click open each picture to see it full-size and read descriptions.
Now that the installation is done, it falls to me to plant and dress the edges. I have my work cut out for me!