Questions are normal, and we're here to help! Here are some of our most commonly asked questions.


What do I do with my water feature in the Winter?

While some like to enjoy their water feature year round, most decide to have theirs winterized. It is recommended that you remove and store any and all pumps in a warm location like a heated garage or basement. It is also wise to store pumps in a bin or bucket full of water as this aids in the longevity of the pump. All plumbing should be either sucked out with a shop vac or blown out with an air compressor. Although winterizing your pond can be done by the customer, most clients have us complete this process for them.

What should I do with my fish for the winter? Do they stay in the pond during the winter months?

Some believe that fish need to be taken indoors during the winter but that is absolutely not true at all. Fish begin going into a dormant state once the water temperature gets below 55 degrees and their metabolism slows, which means they do not need food. All they need is proper aeration and a heater to maintain a hole in the ice to prevent debris, such as sticks and leaves, from breaking down and producing toxic gases which can kill the fish if it is not properly dissipated from the water.

How often do I need to clean or perform maintenance on my pond?

It is wise to start with a clean slate every spring, meaning pumping the water out, removing all debris and power washing scum off the rocks and gravel, and refilling with new clean water. Maintenance throughout the season is an as-needed basis as everyone’s water feature is different. However it is recommended that you start a consistent schedule of cleaning filters and adding chemicals every 2 weeks to avoid any algae growth or muck development. Scenic waters offers many different maintenance packages to save you time and energy throughout the year.

Will I need to refill the water in my pond?

It is completely normal for a water feature to need refilling regularly. Generally, you can expect to lose 1”-3” of water depth in one week from evaporation and splash out. However, an we will typically install an Autofiller system which helps eliminate this inconvenience by keeping the water level precisely where it needs to be.

Will a water feature significantly increase my energy bill?

In short, not nearly as much as you would think. Pumps, lighting systems, and water feature accessories are becoming more and more energy efficient. You can expect roughly a $35-$45 per month increase during operation after having your water feature installed.

How much space do I need in my yard for a water feature?

Many believe that ponds and waterfalls have to be huge, extravagant pieces of their landscape, but this is not the case! There are hundreds of options for those who have little space to work with. Even some with as little as a 3 ft x 3 ft space.

I live in a condo and can’t dig a hole. Can I still get a water feature?

Absolutely! Again, it is easy to build in small spaces and just as easy to build above ground giving even more options for beautifying these small yet elegant features.

How long will my project take?

Each water feature is different, however many of these can be built in well under a week with little to no major damage to your yard or surrounding landscaping.

How deep does the pond need to be?

The pond should be a minimum of 2ft deep if you plan to have fish. Many believe it should be deeper however 2ft will suffice as long as they have proper aeration and a heater in the winter months. Making the pond deeper may make it safer for the fish although you might not have as much visibility of your fish if they decide to spend the majority of their time at the bottom.

Can I go in my pond?

All ponds built by Scenic Waters are absolutely safe for people and animals alike to enter and cool off a bit in the warmer months as there are no harmful chemicals added at any point. All chemicals added are natural and safe for all forms of life.

How does a pond affect the value of my home?

Ponds and water features in general are a lot like pools in terms of increasing or decreasing home and property value. What this may do is narrow the market for your home as some potential home buyers may see a pond or pool as an unnecessary home feature. That being said, those wanting to have something like a pond or waterfall in their yard will be willing to pay more for a home that already has one. It may be worth being patient to find your target market to get the highest value for your investment.

I have safety concerns.

Just like with a pool, any water source in the yard can be a danger for young children, handicapped, or elderly persons. Ponds are no different, so it is recommended that there always be proper supervision if you’ve decided to add a water feature to your landscaping. That being said, the majority of our ponds are no deeper than a few feet, so the risk of drowning is extremely minimal. Additionally, we offer many ‘pondless’ options that still provide you with moving water and a beautiful showpiece for your property.