You might not know what a recreational (rec) pond entails, but it’s all in the name: a rec pond is a pond used for recreational purposes. They’re designed to imitate natural bodies of water with less defined shapes, as well as waterfalls and water features. There’s typically two areas of a recreational pond, one for swimming and playing and the other for plants and wildlife.

Recreational ponds are perfect for those who might be on the fence between a swimming pool and a pond, you get the best of both worlds and an outdoor space that’s sure to be the envy of the block! Here’s a few reasons why a recreational pond can be a better choice than a swimming pool.

Rec Ponds are Easier to Maintain

Recreational ponds need notably less maintenance compared to swimming pools. To keep your recreational pond in good condition, its best to regularly trim your plants and remove any leaves that end up in the water. The majority of the work put into maintaining your pond will come from the planted water bed that works to keep the water clean throughout the year.

In contrast, swimming pool maintenance can be laborious, costly and difficult. It involves the regular addition of chemicals to the water, frequent testing, as well as cleaning filters, skimming leaves, raking, vacuuming, and scrubbing pool tiles at the waterline, all of which is backbreaking tedious work.

Rec Ponds Have Low Ongoing Costs

Generally speaking, recreational ponds tend to have lower maintenance costs compared to swimming pools. Pool owners need to regularly add chlorine and other chemicals to the water to maintain the water’s chemistry and replace filtration materials frequently. Additionally, traditional swimming pools require a continuous supply of electricity to operate skimmers, heaters, and filters.

Rec ponds however, are a more budget-friendly endeavor. According to some estimates, natural pond owners spend $500 less per year on maintenance than swimming pool owners.

Positive Environmental Impact of a Rec Pond

Adding a recreational pond to your backyard is a great way to attract wildlife, supporting the local ecosystems. They help provide shelter, drinking water and food to birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its also a great stress reliever to watch these little creatures zip around doing their little tasks as certain animal sounds are great for relaxation and lowering blood pressure.

Swimming pools on the other hand can damage the environment. The chemically treated water can kill fish and other aquatic animals if released into nearby bodies of water, and regular exposure to chlorinated water can impact your pets’ organ systems. Swimming pools also consume around 3,000 to 5,000kWh per year – that’s a lot of electricity.

A Rec Pond Adds Natural Beauty

A rec pond can be skillfully designed to seamlessly blend into the landscape of your outdoor space, becoming a complementary feature of the property rather than conspicuous one. Utilizing planted water treatment zones and covering the banks with rocks contributes to achieving a natural and organic appearance. While the design of a swimming pool can be adjusted to better suit the property, it may never quite attain the authentic and natural aesthetic of a recreational pond.   Contact us for more information.