Why Install Recreational Ponds

You might not know what Recreational Ponds are, but the name gives it away: a recreational pond is a pond designed for recreational purposes. They mimic natural bodies of water with less defined shapes, featuring waterfalls and other water elements. Typically, a recreational pond has two areas: one for swimming and playing, and another for plants and wildlife.

Recreational ponds are perfect for those torn between a swimming pool and a pond. You get the best of both worlds and an outdoor space that’s sure to make your neighbors envious! Here are a few reasons why a recreational pond can be a better choice than a swimming pool.

Recreational Ponds are Easier to Maintain

Recreational ponds require significantly less maintenance compared to swimming pools. To keep your recreational pond in good condition, it’s best to regularly trim your plants and remove any leaves that fall into the water. Most of the maintenance involves caring for the planted water bed, which helps keep the water clean throughout the year. This natural filtration system means fewer chemicals and less manual labor are needed to maintain water clarity and quality.

In contrast, maintaining a swimming pool can be laborious, costly, and difficult. It involves regularly adding chemicals to the water, frequent testing, cleaning filters, skimming leaves, raking, vacuuming, and scrubbing pool tiles. All this is tedious, backbreaking work that requires constant attention, especially during peak swimming season. Additionally, pool maintenance often demands specialized equipment and professional services, adding to the complexity and cost.

Recreational Ponds Have Low Ongoing Costs

Generally speaking, recreational ponds have lower maintenance costs than swimming pools. Pool owners need to regularly add chlorine and other chemicals to maintain the water’s chemistry and frequently replace filtration materials. Additionally, traditional swimming pools require a continuous supply of electricity to operate skimmers, heaters, and filters. These ongoing costs can add up quickly, making pool ownership an expensive endeavor.

Recreational ponds, however, are more budget-friendly. According to some estimates, natural pond owners spend $500 less per year on maintenance than swimming pool owners. This significant savings can be attributed to the natural filtration systems used in ponds, which reduce the need for chemical treatments and high-energy filtration equipment. Moreover, the cost of maintaining a recreational pond tends to decrease over time as the ecosystem matures and stabilizes, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness.

Positive Environmental Impact of a Recreational Pond

Adding a recreational pond to your backyard is a great way to attract wildlife and support local ecosystems. They provide shelter, drinking water, and food for birds and pollinators like bees and butterflies. Watching these creatures can be a great stress reliever, as certain animal sounds are known to lower blood pressure. The presence of a recreational pond can transform your backyard into a thriving natural habitat, promoting biodiversity and contributing to environmental conservation.

Swimming pools, on the other hand, can harm the environment. Chemically treated water can kill fish and other aquatic animals if released into nearby bodies of water. Regular exposure to chlorinated water can impact your pets’ organ systems. Swimming pools also consume around 3,000 to 5,000 kWh per year – that’s a lot of electricity. This high energy consumption not only leads to increased utility bills but also contributes to a larger carbon footprint, making pools less environmentally friendly.

A Recreational Pond Adds Natural Beauty

A recreational pond can be skillfully designed to blend seamlessly into your outdoor space, becoming a complementary feature of your property. Using planted water treatment zones and covering the banks with rocks helps achieve a natural and organic appearance. The aesthetic appeal of a recreational pond is unmatched, as it can be tailored to mimic the serene beauty of natural water bodies, creating a tranquil and picturesque environment.

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. Pools often have a more artificial appearance, with rigid lines and synthetic materials that can clash with the surrounding landscape. In contrast, a well-designed recreational pond enhances the visual appeal of your outdoor space, providing a harmonious blend of water, plants, and wildlife that can be enjoyed year-round.

Health and Wellness Benefits

In addition to the aesthetic and environmental benefits, recreational ponds offer numerous health and wellness advantages. Swimming in natural water can be more beneficial for your skin compared to chlorinated pool water, which can cause dryness and irritation. The natural surroundings and gentle sounds of water can also promote relaxation and reduce stress, contributing to overall mental well-being.

Conclusion

In summary, recreational ponds offer a host of benefits that make them a compelling alternative to traditional swimming pools. They are easier to maintain, have lower ongoing costs, positively impact the environment, and add natural beauty to your property. Additionally, they provide health and wellness benefits that enhance your quality of life. If you’re considering adding a water feature to your backyard, a recreational pond might be the perfect choice for you.