The cutting pond edge
For NSPs it is extremely important to avoid surface water from seeping into the pond due to the external uncontrolled addition of nutrients to the existing closed system. To reach this goal, a closed-drainage system was installed around the entire pond edge. The specially designed pond edge is able to carry a 102-mm (4-in.) drainage pipe to prevent any unwanted water from trickling into the closed system, which is completely disguised with washed river rock gravel. This further lends itself to an unsullied finish combined with the assurance that surface water will not drain into the pond.
All of the aforementioned components and features would not be complete without the use of some technology to keep it all running smoothly. For this reason, a pump compartment was included to house this technology in an area hidden by trees to make it look less invasive, while maintaining the mountain-lake atmosphere. This waterway is powered by two eco-boost external pumps; a three-quarter hp for filtration and a two-hp for skimming and powering the water features (e.g. the bubble rock and creek bed).
A bio filter equipped with ultraviolet (UV)-lamps to treat the water is an efficient ecological method to avoid algae growth and first-grade infection risks. These systems have been tested and proven in residential and commercial applications for many years in Europe, a market which is regulated and governed by some of the strongest laws with regards to water quality and health.
One last-minute design change
As an aside to this project (and a true story), the owner’s Golden Retriever, Harley, watched the entire installation process. The whole crew could tell he was intrigued by the goings on as he loved water and looked longingly at the crew daily. Everyone knew what Harley wanted; therefore, before the construction of the bridge took place, boards were installed over the creek area so he could walk to the island, onto the wooden patio, to start enjoying the pond long before the finishing touches were complete.
A couple of weeks later, while the team was building the dock at the sand bunker location, the crew saw again how forlorn Harley seemed, just watching and waiting ever so patiently. The team leader called him on and Harley jumped at the invitation and immediately sprung into the pond, swam a lap and then began to look for a spot to get out, shake off and enjoy the sunshine.
At this point, it was determined a slight design change was required as Harley needed an easy way to get out of the pond once he had finished his lap, thus the ‘Harley Path’ was born. This allowed Harley to swim his round and exit safely via a gravel path by the second waterfall.
From that moment and on a daily basis, Harley would jump in, swim his lap and exit using his own personal path to play and lounge the afternoon away on the artificial turf.
Markus Winkler is the master designer and lead strategist for PoolsByNature, a designer/builder of natural swimming pools (NSPs) in Kelowna, B.C. He has more than 12 years of experience in the field of NSPs. Winkler has an engineering background in electronics and has received extensive education with respect to environmental and aquatic applications. He can be reached via e-mail at poolbynature@gmail.com.
Karen J. Williams is the design analyst for PoolsByNature. She has more than 20 years of experience in environmentally sustainable product strategies and is a member of the design team responsible for the connection between licensee partnerships and end-users while working with the company’s master designer.
