Artificial Pools

When talking about artificial pools, we don't mean the chlorinated kind you swim in. We are talking about the kind you put fish and plants in. There is an emerging school of thought on the matter that believes nature should be your guide when constructing artificial ponds.

Artificial Pools: Two Schools of Thought

When it comes to constructing artificial pools, some recommend using filters that pump and circulate the water to eliminate impurities, as if it were a big aquarium. The only trouble with that idea is that aquariums are much smaller than a pond you're going to install in your backyard.

The school of thought that believes you should let nature act as your pond building blueprint doesn't believe in filters. Filters can also get rid of things you DO want in your pond, like essential bacteria, algae, and nutrients. The right kinds of plants act as natural filters, and have roots where fish can feed. Such plants also need certain waste products to survive. Healthy plants help oxygenate the water and promote the overall health of a backyard pond.

To Filter or Not to Filter

So do you use a filter, or don't you? It depends on what you want. If you are interested in creating a miniature eco system in your backyard complete with fish and plants, then it's probably best to let nature take its course. If you just want a nice looking rock pond with a waterfall that sounds and looks tranquil, and don't care for adding fish or plants, then you will need a filter. It's not that a filter will necessarily be harmful to fish and plants. It just may be better to follow nature's blueprint.