Backyard Ponds Add Value, Lift Spirits

(HIT) - Backyard water features, like ponds and waterfalls, go a long way toward adding monetary value to your home. However, homeowners who spend time enjoying these man-made pieces of nature can boost their mental health, too.

According to a recent study on “green exercise,” spending as little as five minutes in the presence of nature, can improve self-esteem and mood. Destinations with water offer even greater benefits. The study by Jo Barton and Jules Pretty analyzed data on 1,252 people from 10 prior British studies.

Green exercise is the combination of physical activity and nature. Taking a walk, practicing yoga, or gardening near a fish or wildlife pond are among the activities that can influence feelings of happiness, appreciating the moment and coping with stressful situations, researchers noted.

“The calmness of a backyard pond accompanied by the soothing sounds of waterfalls and streams create a pleasant background to help you relax and reduces stress,” said Bill Johnson, technical field engineer for Firestone Specialty Products. “When you factor in the health benefits of green exercise, water features can make a big impact on your quality of life.”

Water Adds Value

With sales of existing homes remaining stagnant, many homeowners are seeking improvements that will make their homes more enjoyable and, hopefully, increase its value when it comes time to sell. Among the best ways to add visual appeal and financial value to your home is to install a pond, waterfall or other water feature. Ponds create instant beauty and provide a relaxing, eco-friendly environment for everyone to enjoy.

“Whether you are planning to stay in your home for several more years or are thinking of selling soon, adding a water feature is a great way to make your home stand out from others,” added Johnson. 

Garden ponds that hold exotic fish, such as koi, are very popular, and there is a growing trend with ponds that attract and help cultivate native wildlife. Like any other home project, building a pond can be as simple or complex as you want. There are options for nearly and budget.

The size, location and lining material used to build your pond are among the most important considerations you need to make. Choose a size that complements the rest of your landscape and fits well within the boundaries of your property.

Find a spot away from large shade trees to avoid dropping a lot of leaves into the pond during the fall. Look for a relatively flat site where you can add different depth levels and gentle slopes.  Pick a site that is easily viewed from as much of your home as possible, whether it is in the backyard, near the front porch or on the side of the house where you have a lot of windows.  Having windows nearby will allow for the tranquil sounds of the water to be heard from the inside of the home when the weather is comfortable enough to have the windows open.

Choosing and Installing the Liner

There are many liner options available, but the most popular and trusted choice for water feature installations is EPDM rubber liners.

“PondGard™ Rubber Liners, which are one of the lining products made by Firestone Specialty Products, provide outstanding flexibility allowing them to be shaped to fit the contours of nearly any pond design you choose,” said Johnson. “They are eco-friendly, require minimal maintenance, and maintain the integrity and quality of the product, even when exposed to environmental elements. They are the ideal solution to creating a unique and tranquil water feature to suit the needs of your space.”

If you are planning to install your own pond, call 811 or your local utility company before you start digging to get information on how to avoid hitting any underground cables or pipes. Also check if any permits are required by your local building ordinances.

Place a layer of fine sand or use a synthetic underlayment fabric throughout the excavated area. Then, place the rubber liner in the hole and fill with water, using rocks and stones around the edges to secure it in place.

Plant life is an important element, too. Aquatic plants come in four general categories: submerged, marginal (grow on pond edges), emergent (root to the pond bottom) and floating. The best plant options are native species of aquatic plants, rather than tropical plants. Be sure all chlorine is removed from the water before adding plant life. Your local nursery is a good resource for plant information.

Most of all, take time to enjoy your new creation. For more information about Firestone PondGard and to find your local distributor, visit www.firestonesp.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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