Pond Building Workshop Attracts Contractors
By Regina Elling

The finished product of the workshop was a beautiful pond that will bring years of enjoyment. Photo by Victor Saldamando

Exactly what does it take to build a large backyard goldfish or koi pond? Contractors recently found out when they attended "Advanced Build A Pond Day" held at a Ramona residence.

"The workshop was designed as an advanced class in teaching contractors how to build a large pond," says Victor Saldamando, owner of TLC Landscaping and Pools. "In this case, large refers to any pond bigger than about 30 feet by 30 feet."

For the workshop, more than 30 pool contractors, landscape contractors and general contractors joined to build a pond measuring 115 feet by 105 feet.

The pond was built using an aquascape design, which relies on natural filtration methods.

"There is no concrete involved in this type of work," Saldamando says. "The pond is built using a very thick liner. The liner has a 25-year life span, but we've never known one to fail, ever. And they don't need to be coated like concrete does."

The pond incorporates a large creek, two bog pits and a 16-foot waterfall. The pond is managed by the use of water, plants and fish, with very little reliance on chemicals.

The pond is clear, and home to more than 300 koi, six turtles, tons of fry (baby fish), dragonflies, frogs and other wildlife.

More than 6 feet of rock at the pond base help filter the water. And a healthy dose of "good" pond bacteria is added regularly to help combat algae growth.

The pond incorporates several high-tech features. Fiber optic lights make it appear that the water moves with the lights. A multi-speed pump can be used with the waterfall to create a quiet trickle or a loud roar, all with the use of a wireless controller.

Care of the pond is very low tech. "Other than pulling out dead plants and adding a bit of the beneficial bacteria once a month, this pond is virtually no-maintenance," Saldamando says. "This pond takes about an hour once a month."

The workshop was sponsored by Hydroscape and several other companies. KRC donated the rocks for the pond, Walt's Electric donated electrical work and Pentair, a distributor of pond supplies, donated more than $10,000 of equipment. Koi City donated the fish and water plants.

For more information on pond construction, call TLC Landscaping and Pools at 760-787-9887 or visit www.tlclandscapingandpools.com.