In my last few articles, we have discussed the new, revolutionary pond system that developed within the last decade. Previously, all backyard ponds were lined with cement, got very dirty and mucky on a regular basis, and had to be emptied and cleaned at least several times a year. Since the water got dirty quickly, it was generally not a very good habitat for fish or other animals.

The revolutionary pond system has changed all that, utilizing new technology to create an ecologically balanced habitat that keeps itself remarkably clean. As a result, the backyard pond utilizing this new system has become:

* A pleasant, sparkling clean asset to the homeowner, * Low maintenance, * A healthy habitat for fish, turtles and other animals. * A place for you to relax, an antidote for stress * A new hobby for the whole family * A place to entertain guests * A place where the sound of running water masks street noise

The revolutionary pond system consists of these four very important elements: * A Skimmer, * A biological filter, * Rocks and gravel, * Plants and fish.

If done right you will create a natural, beautiful pond that is a balanced ecosystem and will essentially filter itself.

An ecosystem is a physical environment with a community of various organisms that inhabit it, considered as an ecological unit. In an ecosystem all the parts; in this case - plants, fish, water, sun, and the many microscopic organisms, all work together to aid the survival of the other parts.

In a backyard pond the principle element is the water. All the other parts of the ecosystem are dependent either directly or indirectly on the water. The other parts are bacteria, aquatic plants, snails, frogs, fish, turtles, birds, etc. You don't need to have all the parts, but the more you have the better it works. And why not have them all? The more you know about your pond and how it works within his environment, and how it contributes to that environment, the better it will work. Your backyard and you are in fact part of the newly created ecosystem.

Traditional Water Gardens

There are other types of ponds than the natural ecosystem rock pond or water garden. They are formal ponds, koi ponds and lily ponds.

The Company

Pacific Outdoor Living consists of three divisions: California Waterscapes, Pacific Pavingstone and Pacific Outdoor Living Pro Division, which deals directly with contractors. We are a family owned business; owned by me and my two sons Trent and Chad. Both Terry and Trent have their General Contractor's license and now are specializing in landscaping. Terry has a degree in Architecture and works with many of the designs. Chad is an expert pond builder with over 400 ponds to his credit. We pride ourselves in our work and love to build ponds and beautify our customer's backyards.

We have a newly renovated Design Center store located in La Crescenta at 2729 Foothill Blvd. We sell pond kits, pond accessories, pumps, filtration systems, koi, goldfish, aquatic plants, fountains, pottery and other miscellaneous items for your backyard. Our gardens in back of the store are fully landscaped and the patios and walkways are done in various types of paving stones. There are several water garden ponds to view and to help you get ideas for your own pond. Pond building is our specialty and we will be more than happy to design and create a beautiful pond for your backyard.