If you want to give your outdoor space a makeover, consider installing a fountain. The benefits of an outdoor fountain go beyond aesthetics. It can attract wildlife to your garden and help create a relaxation area where you can chill out with friends and family. As your fountain circulates water, negative ions are produced. They remove particulate matter, helping improve indoor air quality.

Before you start your fountain installation project, be sure to address these problems.

Poor Accessibility

When determining the best route to bring the fountain to the installation area, consider its size and weight. If you want to install a bulky fountain, make sure the area is accessible, or your contractor’s crew may face difficulty moving through it.

Keep the path clear and remove any objects that can cause an obstruction, or your contractor can trip over it and get hurt, or they may drop an important fountain part, such as the pool or wall basin, on the ground, accidentally damaging it. If the diameter of your fountain’s basin is more than 70”, make sure there is enough space for the delivery truck to back up.

Clearing the Installation Area

Before installing your fountain, clean the installation area. If any existing landscaping can pose an obstruction or additional materials are needed, inform your fountain installer in Morristown in advance so they can plan accordingly. If the area is boggy, add contractor’s sand to the soil to improve drainage. Contractor’s soil can also help build a stable and strong foundation for your fountain.

If the fountain is to be installed on a deck or a wall, or you want to hide unsightly wires and cords, your contractor will need power tools to drill into concrete. Sharing your requirements with your contractor a few days before the installation day is a great way to ensure they arrive well-prepared on the installation day.

Inadequate/No Power Supply

If the area does not have access to electricity, have an electrician install a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI/GFI, or a standard outdoor electrical box in an easy-to-reach area near the fountain before the installation day. After installing your fountain, your water feature contractor will want to fill it with water and operate it to check if it works properly. If the area is far from the water source, your contractor will need a hose to direct water from the source to your fountain.

Choosing a Fountain Location

Install your fountain in an area where it will be visible. Ensure there are no overgrown plants in the area and it receives ample natural light. Select an area that is close to a water source. If the fountain you are considering has a larger pump, install it in an area where it won’t drown out your conversations.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading water feature contractor in Morristown. Our unparalleled ability to bring our customers’ vision to life sets us apart from other Morristown water feature contractors. To schedule an installation, call 973-627-0515.

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Most pond owners will encounter an algae problem at least once during the lifespan of their pond. While it’s normal for ponds to have algae to some extent, thick layers of algae can indicate a problem.

Murky green algal blooms are not just an eyesore, but they can also compete with your plants and fish for sunlight and deprive them of the nutrients they need to grow. Excessive algae growth in a recreational swim pond in Short Hills can lead to oxygen depletion, causing fish kills.

Algal blooms are usually caused by large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water. There are several methods and products for removing algae from a pond, but not all are safe for fish. A regular algaecide, for example, can kill fish if used incorrectly.

Fortunately, there are ways to remove algae from ponds without harming the fish. We have compiled a list of some such ways. Take a look.

Rake Out the Algae

This is the simplest way to remove string or matted algae safely. Using a rake or a swimming tool, manually remove as much algae as you can from the surface of the water. To clean a pond with a rubber pond liner, use a plastic rake instead of a metal rake, as it can damage the liner. Be careful to avoid injuring your fish. This is a short-term solution and won’t prevent algae from growing back.

Add Barley Straw to Your Pond

Barley straw removes algae and also prevents new growth. Submerge a bundle of barley straw in your pond and let it float around close to the center. Soon the straw will start to break down, releasing organic compounds that kill algae into the pond. Wondering how much barley you should add to your pond? Around 8 ounces or 230 g of barley can treat 1,000 gallons of water. So, if you have a 5,000-gallon pond, add 1,150 g of barley to it. Because barley straw is organic, this is a perfectly safe approach to removing algae from a pond.

Use Beneficial Bacteria Tablets

Beneficial bacteria tablets are available at pet stores. They are perfectly safe for fish. Place a tablet in your pond. Beneficial bacteria break down organic waste and help keep bad bacterial populations in check. For maximum effectiveness, add a tablet to every 1,000 gallons of water.

Use a UV Sterilizer

A UV sterilizer only emits enough UV light to kill free-floating algae, and is harmless to fish. Do not become alarmed if your water turns gray or brown after you install a UV sterilizer. This is a sign that the algae in your pond are dying. Before installing a UV sterilizer, remove as much algae from your pond as possible using other methods. Avoid using a water clarifier to remove the dead algae during UV treatment, as it can clump your fish’s gills together

Atlantis Water Gardens is a renowned water feature contractor in Short Hills. Our water feature experts have years of experience installing, servicing, and renovating different water features. To learn more, call 973-627-0515.

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In addition to boosting the curb appeal of your property, a koi pond can help create a tranquil environment. Like all other types of water features, koi ponds get dirty over time. To keep your koi pond looking its best, clean it regularly. Periodic pond cleaning in Millburn, New Jersey, can help improve pond water quality, keeping your fish healthy and happy.

Follow these steps to clean your koi pond.

  • Using a high-flow pond pump or siphon hose, drain your koi pond down to six inches
  • Use a net to gently catch your koi and carefully move them to a container filled with the original pond water. Keep the tub in a shady spot
  • Drain the remainder of your pond and vacuum out debris. Power wash the sides and bottom of your pond to get rid of any remaining dirt
  • Clean filters, skimmers, pumps, and any lights, biofall, and lava rocks. Replace any fuse light bulbs and cut back plants
  • Refill your pond and treat it if required
  • Slowly reintroduce your fish back to their home

Maintaining Clean Pond Water

Pond cleaning is a laborious task. If your koi pond gets dirty quickly, you will spend more time cleaning it and less time enjoying it. The longer your pond remains clean, the more time you can wait to deep clean it. Follow these tips to keep your pond clean for a longer time.

Install a Skimmer

If you do not use a skimmer, now is the right time to install one in your pond. A pond skimmer can prevent debris such as leaves, pollen, and rocks from entering your pond. Clean the collection cup of your skimmer twice every week. In the absence of a skimmer, debris can make its way into your pond. Before you realize the gravity of the situation, debris can start decomposing, affecting pond water quality.

Be Mindful of Koi Population

When you have too many koi in your pond, they compete with each other for oxygen. This could lead to fish kills. Given the fact that koi produce a lot of waste, you will struggle to keep your pond clean. So how many koi can you have in your pond? A good rule of thumb is to have one koi for every 1,000 liters of water. Say if you have a 5,000 liter koi pond, do not keep more than 5 koi in it.

Do not Overfeed Your Koi.

During winter, fish metabolism decreases drastically. If you feed your fish frequently in winter, they will produce more waste, affecting pond water quality. Any uneaten fish food can cause unwanted changes in water chemistry. To prevent these problems and keep your pond healthy in winter, stop feeding your koi once water temperatures fall below 50 degrees F.

Atlantis Water Garden is a renowned water feature contractor serving Milburn, NJ. Our water feature experts have the knowledge and experience required to bring customer vision to life. To make an appointment, call 973-627-0515.

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Winter can take a toll on your pond. As water temperatures drop, a thick layer of ice can form on the surface of your pond. As a result, toxic gases can get trapped in the water, increasing the risk of a fish kill. Cold temperatures can also harm your plants, and even kill them.

Winterizing your pond is a great way to protect the plants and fish in it. Here are some tips to prepare your pond for cold weather.

Treat Your Pond Water

Cold water bacteria help maintain water quality by decomposing organic debris like fish waste. Consider adding cold water beneficial bacteria to your pond. A good cold-water bacteria treatment makes pond maintenance a breeze. As a result, you spend less time maintaining your pond and more time enjoying it. Top-of-the-line treatments are designed to work in water temperatures as low as 32 degrees.

Install Pond Netting

Why wait for leaves and other debris to end up in your pond and then remove them, when you can prevent them from making their way into your pond by putting a net over it in the first place? Remove the leaves and other debris in your pond net at regular intervals.

Remove Leaves and Debris

If you haven’t installed pond netting, use a long-handled skimmer net to scoop out debris from the surface and bottom of your pond. If you fail to do so, the debris at the bottom of your pond can decay over time, affecting pond water quality. Therefore, even with pond netting, you will want to clean your pond periodically.

Trim Back Dead Foliage

Trimming dead foliage in your pond is a great way to remove excess organic debris that would otherwise decompose in the water. Trim back any hardy marginal plants and leave them in the water. Remove any tropical plants from your pond and move them inside your home.

Feed Your Fish Less Frequently

Fish slow down their heart rate and metabolism in winter. As a result, they tend to be less active and need very little to no food to survive. If you overfeed your fish in winter, they may excrete more. Fish excreta is a source of ammonia. Ammonia is also produced when uneaten fish feed completely breaks down or metabolizes.

If allowed to accumulate, ammonia can affect pond water quality. To prevent water quality problems, stop feeding your fish once the water temperature goes below 50 degrees F.  

Whether you want to add a pond or any other water feature to your backyard, Atlantis Water Gardens has got you covered. Our experience enables us to bring our customers’ vision to life. To schedule a fish pond repair near you in Randolph, call 973-627-0515.

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A koi pond is a worthy addition to any property. However, like all other types of ponds, koi ponds also need to be cleaned regularly. Failure to properly maintain a koi pond can accumulate organic debris or sludge at the bottom.

Pond sludge can affect pond water quality. As a result, your pond can quickly become an eyesore. A sludge buildup can cause oxygen levels in your pond to drop rapidly. Extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen can lead to fish kills. In addition, pond sludge can promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas that gives water a distinctive rotten egg smell.

Here are some ways to remove sludge from your pond.

Use Muck Reducer Tablets

Muck reducer tablets contain beneficial bacteria that break down organic waste without harming koi fish. In addition to eating away at the sludge at the bottom of a pond, beneficial bacteria eliminate any floating organic matter in it.

Use a Pond Vacuum

A pond vacuum is designed to suck out the sludge sitting at the bottom of a pond. Pond vacuums are usually used for small ponds. For a larger pond, use a large portable muck dredge or submersible pump.

Scoop Out the Sludge

To scoop out pond sludge, run a fine pond net along the bottom of your pond. This method may not remove sludge completely, but it may help reduce it.

Drain and Clean Your Pond

If the above pond cleaning methods don’t work, first drain your pond and clean it thoroughly. Be very careful when transferring your koi fish to a container, or they can get stressed. Once your pond is empty, use a pond vacuum or any other pond-cleaning tool to remove pond sludge. Be sure to dispose of it responsibly.

Tips to Prevent Pond Sludge

They say prevention is better than cure. So, why wait for pond sludge to accumulate at the bottom of your pond and then get rid of it, when you can prevent it in the first place?

Here are some ways to prevent sludge buildup:

➢ Remove dead leaves before they sink to the bottom of your pond.

➢ Plant beneficial plants around your pond to create a barrier that prevents debris such as leaves, grass clippings, and dirt from making their way into your pond.

➢ A stagnant pond is a breeding ground for germs. Consider adding a water feature to your koi pond to aerate it.

➢ Add beneficial bacteria to your pond at regular intervals.

➢ Make sure your pond isn’t overcrowded.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading water feature builder serving Milburn, New Jersey and beyond. Our experts have years of experience transforming regular backyards into oases with stunning water features. We also help our customers keep their water features in top condition all year round. To schedule pond cleaning in Millburn, call 973-627-0515.

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What is better than a pond? A fish pond, of course! A fish pond is a worthy addition to any property. It can add character to a property and help create designated space for relaxation. Watching the fish in your fish pond play with each other is a great way to unwind and relax after a long and hectic workday.

Fish pond installation can be a complex project. One mistake and all your hard work and money can go down the drain. Instead of trying to build your fish pond yourself or placing your trust in an amateur, reach out to a professional for help. An experienced pond builder can manage your project from start to finish.

Atlantis Water Gardens is committed to helping homeowners navigate complex fish pond installation projects. We are one of the most trusted fish pond installers in Summit, NJ. Atlantis Water Gardens is not your average fish pond installer in Livingston. Our ability to accurately understand and turn client vision into reality sets us apart.

A fish pond installer in Millburn is only as good as their team. We have assembled an A-team of expert pond installers. Our technicians bring decades of combined experience and specialized skills to the table. They know the ins and outs of the fish pond installation process and plan everything down to the last detail in order to prevent costly mistakes and unpleasant surprises.

We used advanced fish pond installation tools and technologies that allow our technicians to be more efficient with their tasks. Our comprehensive fish pond installation checklists help ensure everything goes according to plan and nothing important is forgotten during execution.

Every pond needs a pond liner to prevent water from leaking through the pond base. There are different types of pond liners. With so many options available, it is easy for prospective pond owners to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right pond liner for their fish pond.

We help our customers weigh the pros and cons of the different types of pond liners they’re considering so they can arrive at an informed decision.

We go to great lengths to protect our customers’ investment. Our technicians hide pond liners for a more natural look and to reduce their exposure to the elements so they last longer.

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of the right fish pond location. Fish pond location determines whether your pond gets adequate sunlight. When choosing a pond location, we look for spots where the balance of shade and sunlight is perfect. Our team checks to make sure there are no utility lines underground. We choose a location that is easily visible from the house and outdoor areas.

To request a free, no-obligation pond installation quote, call our office at 973-627-0515.

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A recreational pond is a natural pond that can be used for recreational purposes, hence the name. Recreational swim ponds in Randolph are designed to imitate natural water bodies with irregular shapes, waterfalls, boulders and rocks. They are usually divided into two areas – one area is designated for swimming, paddling and other recreational activities and the second area for vegetation.

If you cannot decide whether you should build a recreational pond or a swimming pool, you have come to the right place. Here are some reasons why you should consider a recreational pond over a swimming pool.

Easier to Maintain

Recreational pools require considerably less maintenance than swimming pools. To maintain your recreational pool, trim your plants and remove leaves that end up in the water regularly. That’s pretty much it. The planted water processing bed does the majority of work, keeping the water clean all year round.

Swimming pool maintenance, on the other hand, is tedious, expensive and can be complicated. It involves adding chemicals to pool water and testing it regularly, cleaning the filter, skimming leaves, raking, vacuuming and cleaning pool tiles at the waterline, which is backbreaking work.

Low Ongoing Cost

In most cases, recreational ponds cost less to maintain than swimming pools. Swimming pool owners should add chlorine and other chemicals to pool water to maintain its chemistry and replace filtration materials regularly. Traditional swimming pools also need a constant supply of electricity to run skimmers, heaters and filters.

Maintaining a recreational pond is a less costly affair. According to some estimates, natural pond owners spend $500 less per year on maintenance than swimming pool owners.

Positive Environmental Impact

Adding a recreational pool to your backyard is a great way to attract wildlife to it. Recreational pools support local ecosystems. They provide shelter and drinking water to birds and pollinators such as bees, butterflies and wasps. Watching these cute little creatures go about their business is a great way to lower your stress and blood pressure. Animal sounds are great for relaxation.

In contrast, swimming pools can damage the environment. If released into a nearby water body, chemically treated water can kill fish and other aquatic animals. Regular exposure to chlorinated water can affect your pet’s organ systems. Also, a swimming pool consumes a lot of electricity – around 3,000-5,000kWh per year.

Natural Beauty

A recreational pool can be designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, complementing the property, instead of standing out. The planted water treatment zones and rock covered banks help create a natural look. Though the design of a swimming pool can be tweaked to complement the property, it can never match the natural look of a recreational pool.

Whether you want to add a recreational pond or a pondless waterfall to your backyard in Randolph, Atlantis Water Gardens can help. Our pros have years of experience installing stunning water features. To learn more, call 973.627.0515.

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A backyard pond is a worthy addition to any property. A well-designed and properly installed pond can improve the aesthetic appeal of your property, transforming it into the jewel of the neighborhood. It can increase the value of your home by up to six percent.

You cannot install a pond and forget it. Like all other water features, ponds need to be cleaned periodically. Regular cleaning helps maintain water quality. It controls the growth of algae, helping maintain a healthy pond ecosystem.

Many DIY enthusiasts make pond cleaning mistakes when caring for their ponds. Pond cleaning mistakes can have massive consequences. An important pond component may stop working and you may end up with a huge repair bill.

Here are some pond cleaning mistakes you should watch out for.

Cleaning Your Pond Too Often: Clean your pond once or twice a year – once during spring and then again during fall. Cleaning more than twice a year can put undue pressure on the pond ecosystem. As a result, the population of beneficial bacteria may dwindle

Using Chlorinated Water for Cleaning: Pond filters are home to beneficial bacteria that help maintain crystal-clean water by breaking down organic sludge such as fish droppings, uneaten fish food, and dead plants and algae. They also reduce odors. Never use chlorinated water to clean your bio-filter as it can kill beneficial bacteria living in your filter. Use water from your pond, water treated with a detoxifier, or clean well water to rinse and clean your pond filter.

Power Washing the Pond Liner: Washing your pond liner at a very high pressure can tear it. The higher the pressure, the more dirt, dust and debris will be deflected back toward you. Gently pull out chunks of debris. Before using a pressure washer to remove any tiny dirt and dust particles sticking to the liner, set the wand to a low pressure or no-pressure setting.

Using a Pond Clean-Out Pump Without a Filter: A pond clean-out pump with a filter will keep debris or fish from getting sucked into it.

Leaving the Hose Unattended When Filling Your Pond: An unattended hose can cause damage to your pond’s landscaping and lawn, or worse, pond water temperature can change drastically, negatively affecting your pond’s ecosystem. Your fish may struggle to adapt to this change and may get sick, or even die.

Re-introducing the Fish Back into Your Pond Without Detoxifying the Water: If you plan to use tap water to refill your pond after cleaning, add a detoxifier to it before moving your fish back into the pond. Detoxifier removes heavy metals and other contaminants found in tap water, making it safe for fish.

Atlantis Water Gardens is a leading pond builder serving the Millburn area of New Jersey. We are committed to helping our customers keep their ponds in top shape all year round. To schedule garden pond maintenance in Millburn, call 973-627-0515.

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Is your fish pond losing water faster than usual? If the temperature hasn’t risen, you may be dealing with a leak. Holes and cracks in construction materials are one of the most common causes of pond leaks. Holes and cracks in the pond liner result from shoreline erosion. Pond liner damage can also be associated with aging of the liner.

Many homeowners put off fish pond repair. This could prove to be a grave mistake. The longer you wait to address a leak, the worse the problem gets. If left unaddressed, even minor pond leaks can snowball into major problems leading to costly repairs.

Follow this step-by-step guide to locate and fix a pond leak.

Locate the Leak

First and foremost, try to locate the source of the leak. Fill your pond and visually inspect the edges for overspill. Check the outer perimeter of the pond for dampness. If you do not notice any water spilling over and there are no damp areas around your pond, shut down your pump and turn off the auto-fill valve. Is your pond still losing water? The leak is most likely in the foundation or liner.

If your pond does not lose water with the pump turned off, then the leak is most likely in the plumbing. In this case, inspect your pond plumbing or external components such as skimmer box, waterfall box and external pond filter. A common place for plumbing leaks is pipe fittings.

Remove Your Fish and Aquatic Plants

Before repairing your pond, remove your fish and plants. To prevent fish stress, use water from your pond in your fish’s new location. This will allow them enough time to adjust their body chemistry.

Repair Your Pond

Once you have drained the rest of the pond, follow these steps to fix a pond liner leak:

➢ Get a pond sealer. Clean the damaged area.

➢ Apply the sealer to the surface of the liner.

➢ Allow it to cure for 24 hours.

If you are using a patch kit:

➢ Thoroughly clean the damaged area with a solvent wipe. After you have got rid of accumulated dirt and dust, wipe the area.

➢ Scrub and dry the area using a dry scrub sponge.

➢ Apply the release paper to the tear.

➢ Use a seam roller to make seams flat and tight.

If the diameter of the tear exceeds 5”, consider replacing the liner.

How to Repair a Concrete Pond Leak

Follow these steps to fix a leaking concrete pond:

➢ Prepare the damaged area by cleaning it

➢ Apply the sealer to the damaged area

➢ Let the sealer dry

At Atlantis Water Gardens, we have years of experience designing, installing, repairing, and maintaining water features. Our ability to turn dull outdoor spaces into oases sets us apart. To schedule a fish pond repair near you in Randolph, call 973.627.0515.

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A recreational pond can be designed to imitate a natural water body. Recreational ponds are usually divided into two areas – one area is reserved for vegetation and the other area can be used for swimming.

The vegetation area is usually more shallow than the swimming area. The depth of the vegetation area usually does not exceed a foot whereas the swimming area can be 6-8 feet deep.

Adding a recreational pond to your backyard is a great way to turn it into an oasis. It can help improve the aesthetic appeal of your property and enhance property value.

The benefits of recreational swim ponds in Summit, NJ go beyond aesthetics. A recreational pond can help improve your quality of life. You can spend some time near it after work every day to unwind and destress. In summer, you and your loved ones can swim in your recreational pond to beat the heat and get your daily dose of physical activity.

Here are some facts about recreational ponds.

Recreational Ponds Are Cleaner Than Many People Think

You need not add chemicals to your recreational pond in order to keep it clean. Like other types of ponds, recreational ponds have the innate ability to keep themselves clean.

Instead of using chemicals, add water plants such as water lilies and flag irises to your pond. Not only do these plants enhance the aesthetic appeal of ponds, but can also help maintain water quality by naturally reducing phosphate levels in pond water and keeping algae at bay.

Another way to keep your recreational pond clean is to install a waterfall or a small pump. A waterfall keeps the water in your pond moving to help ensure that it stays clean and fresh.

They Are Easy to Maintain

A recreational pond costs more than a swimming pool, but is significantly easier to maintain. Due to the low ongoing maintenance costs, you will save money in the long run. Unlike pool liners, recreational pool liners do not need to be replaced periodically.

Because recreational ponds clean themselves, you do not need to periodically add expensive chemicals to your pool in order to keep it clean. Additionally, you don’t need to periodically test your pool water to make sure it is safe for swimming.

Recreational pools aren’t heated and can save their owners money on their electricity bills. Your pool won’t lose water at a rapid pace and you will save money on your water bill as well.

Recreational Pools Are Environmentally Friendly

A recreational pool supports the local ecosystem and can attract pollinators to your garden. Recreational pools are self-cleaning pools, which means you do not need to add harmful chemicals to your pool in order to keep it clean.

At Atlantis Water Gardens, we have years of experience designing and installing recreational pools. No matter how complex your project is, rest assured we have the experience required to transform your vision into reality. To learn more, call us at 973.627.0515.

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