– by Mike James, Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre –
Whether you like to cannonball, swim laps or just lounge on an inner tube, swimming is one of summer’s perfect pleasures. Traditionally, when thinking of a water garden, people think of small ponds with plants and fish. However, with the growing popularity of “staycations,” more and more people are looking at enhancing their property.
The swim pond is a great way to have a beautiful water feature that also offers the functionality of your own place to cool off on hot summer days.
Originating in Europe, natural swimming pools are growing in popularity in North America. Swim ponds use far fewer materials to build and no chemical additives, and can be designed to blend into the natural landscape.
Depending on design, swimming zones typically comprise 50 percent of the total water surface area; the rest is dedicated to filtration. Water is pumped to shallow areas with abundant plant life and aggregate that act as natural filters, keeping water pure and clear.
Plant life is essential in swim ponds. They help to enrich the water with oxygen, support beneficial bacteria and give habitat to frogs, birds, dragonflies and other wildlife. Creating a habitat for these creatures can actually help to reduce the population of pests such as mosquitos.
Swim ponds can be comprised of many different plants that help regulate the water. Floating plants provide shade and protect micro-organisms and fish from UV rays. Oxygenating plants absorb nitrates and phosphates and help slow the growth of algae. Biological filters remove contaminants and excess nutrients from the water.
Plants range from decorative to functional and can be used in regular ponds and water features as well. Some decorative plant options include Tropical waterlillies, and ‘Nymphaea’ waterlillies. While they don’t provide much oxygenating, they shelter fish and other wildlife. Other decorative plants such as ‘Iris versicolor’ are excellent border plants providing height, texture and visual interest. Another great decorative option is the ‘Zantedeschia aethiopica’ or Crowborough which is a hardy lily that is striking when planted in groups.
Some great functional plants for swim ponds and other water features are the ‘Myriophyllum aquaticum’ commonly known as Parrot’s feather. This plant is a great oxygenator and also provides a protective place for fish eggs. It has a lush, textured foliage and helps create a transition along the pond edges. Other great oxygenators include the Water Plantain, or ‘Alisna plantago-aquatica,’ as well as Marsh Marigold, or ‘Caltha palustris,’ which has beautiful buttercup-like flowers.
A swim pond is a great landscape centrepiece for any home and can be a great investment in family fun time right at home in a much more environmentally friendly way than a traditional pool.
For more information visit www.wildwoodoutdoorliving.com.
