Jane Usatin's Pond
The original pond.
The electric fence surrounding the lowest level looked ugly but kept birds,
raccoons, and kids out of the pond.
The original three-level pond was dug out and the large rocks
lining the lower level removed. The lowest level had been only 20" deep.
The fish lived in a large black barrel (not shown) for
more than a month during the rain storms that delayed construction.
Koiland dug out the large rocks and eliminated the mid-level of the pond,
creating a large lower level for the koi and a top level into which the
water from the waterfall tumbles.
Because of the granite directly beneath the pond, a dome
drain/pump/collector leading through the UV light and to the filter barrel
was required. Nothing beneath the eventual pond liner but granite boulders.
As soon as the koi were in their holding barrel and the old pond rocks were
dug out, the month-long rainy period in January began. Between storms
the water was pumped out, the concrete blocks placed around the perimeter,
the sides cemented and made ready for the polyrea liner that was sprayed
on.
Here's the finished product: It holds 1,100 gallons; the water is now 36"
deep because the perimeter was raised with concrete block; the two-level
waterfall aerates the pond; the flagstone around the edge provides a bench
to sit on and relax.
