There are so many benefits to having a pond in your yard. It acts as a safe place for wildlife, it can conserve water and other resources, and even reduce toxic chemicals sometimes found in groundwater.
When most people think about a pond, though, they think about how beautiful it is, and how much peace and tranquility it can provide to any area. There’s a reason why ponds add so much value to a home. But, some people stay away from putting in a pond because they’re worried it’s too much work to keep it clean and clear.
That doesn’t have to be the case if you install a fountain. Fountains are more than just aesthetically pleasing. They can actually help to keep your water clearer. Let’s find out how that works and whether a pond fountain could be the answer to your murky water situation.
A Lack of Movement Could Equal Big Problems
It’s true that sometimes ponds can look less than appealing. For some people, it can feel like no matter what they do to care for their pond, it still looks lifeless and can feature a layer of algae and dead leaves. Sometimes, you might even notice a bad stench coming from the water.
Think about how water moves when it’s in a natural body. Rivers, streams, oceans, and lakes don’ ever look stagnant because they are in constant motion. A pond doesn’t have that luxury on its own. So, things like a lack of movement in the water can cause issues. That’s especially true if you have fish. Less movement creates less oxygen and a buildup of algae, weeds, and debris.
Thankfully, you don’t have to spend hours and hours treating your pond every day, when the solution is simple - movement.
How Movement From a Fountain Helps
Installing a fountain in your pond can help to keep the water in constant motion. That contributes positively to gas exchange. Oxygen from the water mixes with oxygen from the air, cycling through below the surface. When that happens, it prevents harmful gases from building up underneath the water that could harm your fish. More fresh oxygen equals happier, healthier wildlife.
Any gases that have been “trapped” under the surface will also get the opportunity to escape as a fountain keeps things moving. Not only will it make your fish healthier, but it will also keep them safe during the cold winter months.
While a fountain will protect your fish and the wildlife you want, it will also help to keep your water from becoming stagnant. This will reduce the likelihood of pesky insects like mosquitos from lingering around. Bugs can be especially troublesome depending on the climate you live in, and they don’t like aerated, moving water.
Improving the Clarity of Your Water
In addition to keeping the oxygen levels of your water higher, having a pond fountain can also improve the clarity of your pond. As stated above, there are plenty of things that can cause your pond to look lifeless and dirty, but a fountain is one of the easiest things to help it spring back to life.
Because of the constant movement caused by a fountain, it’s less likely that any type of scum or algae will form on the surface of your water. The movement prevents the algae from growing properly, so even if some does form it will quickly dissipate.
Why does a fountain make it so hard for algae to grow? Aside from the agitation on the surface of the water, the constant movement gets rid of the nutrients in the water that essentially “feed” algae. This also harkens back to keeping your fish and other aquatic wildlife healthy. Fish will lose oxygen with excessive algae growth in the water. The less algae there is, the more freely your fish will be able to breathe.
This is true of almost any type of light debris that might otherwise make your water look dull or lifeless. Things like dead leaves will also be “moved” thanks to the agitation of the water, making them easier to scoop out and keep the surface clean.
Healthy Bacteria Growth
Having a fountain in your bond might discourage the growth of algae, but it can actually encourage the growth of some healthy, beneficial aerobic bacteria. This bacteria helps to additionally aerate the pond and keep it clear by consuming any excess nutrients within the water that could be making it cloudy (and could be disrupting the wildlife). Not all bacteria are bad, and this kind of “healthy” bacteria will work as a beneficial army for you, eating away at the things that will make your pond water dull and dingy, like organic matter.
The Natural Beauty of a Fountain
If you have an existing pond or you’re thinking about installing one, you should certainly consider a fountain in order to bring it to life. Most people tend to think that fountains are only for show, but that isn’t the case. As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to having a fountain in your pond, including keeping your fish safe and happy.
But, of course, if your main concern is the overall beauty of your water, a fountain is great for that, too. Essentially, it can turn any dull pond into an active ‘spring’ in a matter of minutes. From the beauty that comes from the constant movement of the water to the gentle, soothing sounds a fountain creates, you will enjoy every second of relaxation as you look out at the water or stand by the edge of the pond.
So, if your current pond is suffering from an overgrowth of algae and the water looks dirty or dull, a fountain can help. If you’ve been holding off on a fountain because you’re worried about the work in keeping it clean, now you know the little “secret” that can do most of that work for you while giving you the added bonus of a beautiful centerpiece.