Natural pools: new generation swimming ponds. Pond filters Gravity sand filter for stream pond

About the purity of water in the pond

The water in a decorative pond may not be absolutely transparent, like in a swimming pool, but a decorative pond should please with its appearance and be suitable for the life of its inhabitants. It would seem that there is a simple way to keep the water in the pond clean - to replace the water as it becomes dirty. But this method is applicable only for small ponds when the volume of water is small. Frequent water changes will destroy the biological balance that is established over time in any body of water.

Changes in air temperature, increased solar radiation, ingress of sewage and rainwater into the reservoir - all this interferes with the establishment of a biological balance in the water and negates the ability of water to self-purify. Special filtration systems, which necessarily include a pond pump that supplies water from the pond, a filter and an ultraviolet unit, will help prevent the formation of harmful nitrates and nitrites in water and get rid of algae.

Any water filtration systems must provide:
- Mechanical filtration (removal of suspended matter, leaves, silt, etc.)
- Biological filtration (the development of beneficial microorganisms in water that decompose harmful substances and convert nitrites into nitrates)
- Chemical filtration (binding and neutralization of toxic substances)
- UV irradiation to prevent the effect of “water blooming”

Important:
To establish the biological balance of water in a pond, it is necessary to plant at least 1/3 of the surface of the pond with aquatic plants, and also monitor the number of fish in the pond. The maximum quantity is 20 cm of the total length of all fish per 1000 liters of water.

To keep your pond clean, reduce the amount of organic material entering your pond and reduce the amount of fish food. Keep leaves out of the pond and remove dead plants. If the fish gasps for air at the surface of the water, then there is not enough oxygen in the water. Increase the oxygen content of the water by installing a fountain or pond aerator (air pump).
Max. 20 cm
Max. 40 cm
If the reservoir does “bloom”, the first and reliable way to eliminate the “emergency situation” is to partially replace (at least 20-30%) the water in the reservoir, saturate it with active bacteria, increase aeration and connect a filtration system.

Water filtration systems, their location diagrams:

Already when laying the foundation pit for a reservoir, it is necessary to think about the place for placing water filtration systems and sockets for connecting pumps and ultraviolet lamps.

When choosing water filtration systems it is necessary to take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations on the volume of the reservoir for which each filtration system is applicable, the features of its installation and operation, and the ability to camouflage technological components.

In traditional decorative ponds of small (up to 5 m2) and medium (5-15 m?) size, where people are not expected to bathe or keep a large number of fish, household filtration equipment is used, easily installed using hoses and removable adapters. Read about the placement diagrams of pressure filters, ready-made filtration kits based on pressure and flow filters, the so-called American-style filtration systems in this section. The listed systems are located in close proximity to the reservoir, decorated with natural or artificial stone and plants.

Multi-chamber filters can be placed according to the following schemes: with pumping water supply (pressure schemes) and with water supply by gravity (gravity schemes).

1. Pressure water filtration systems
In injection systems, water is supplied to the filter through the UV block using a pump located in the water (if a submersible type of pump is used) or on the side of the reservoir (when using a dry type pump). In this case, the filters are installed above the water level, because the water flows back into the pond by gravity.

With this method of installing the system, all connections between the component parts can be mounted using hoses and adapters, this greatly simplifies the installation and dismantling of the system. The pond owner can do this work independently, following the instructions for the equipment.

Advantages pumping circuit filter settings:

Quick installation and dismantling of the system. Possibility of quick access to the system.

2. Gravity or gravity water filtration systems
In gravity or gravity systems, filters are connected to the reservoir using a bottom intake through a pipe connection. Water enters the filter according to the principle of connected vessels. The pump, which is connected to the last chamber of the filter, supplies water through the UV block back into the reservoir. Filters of this type can only be placed taking into account the actual level of the reservoir.

The key point in installing a filtration system according to this principle is the installation of a bottom intake (drain) and the need to organize a tract for dirty water. In addition, due to the need to ensure special reliability of the entire water path, it must be installed from rigid polymer pipes. A chamber must be equipped to accommodate filters below the water level.

Advantages of the gravity filter installation scheme:
Possibility of using a pump with a lower capacity than the pump version, which reduces energy requirements and costs

Possibility to hide the filtration system in the ground, under a wooden platform near a pond, etc.

Effective cleaning of the bottom of a reservoir from sediments through a bottom fence

Filtration kits for small and medium ponds

Pond pump with filter FA 2000UV-00 HEISSNER
The FA 2000UV-00 pump with built-in UV clarifier (9 W), filter surface and fountain nozzles is ideal for creating a fountain and cleaning ponds up to 5000 l. The pump housing with filter components is placed at the bottom of the pond almost invisible to the eye, and at the same time creates an attractive fountain composition. The pump and UV clarifier are connected to different water flows so that you can turn the UV clarifier on and off as needed.

The pump is additionally equipped with an adjustable inlet for pond figures with the ability to regulate the incoming water flow.

Pond pressure filter Easy Clean Vario HEISSNER

Easy Clean Vario is the first filter with performance adjustment depending on the size of the pond.

Features of the Easy Clean Vario filter:

The combination of a built-in UV water clarifier with high-quality biological and mechanical filter media provides extremely effective filtration

Thanks to the small size of the Easy Clean Vario pressure filter, it is not difficult to find a place for it near the pond. The filter is easily masked, thanks to its deepening into the ground on the shore of the pond, and even below the water level in the pond

The filter is sealed, water comes out of the filter under pressure, etc. after cleaning it can be used to organize streams and cascades

Depending on the pump used, the capacity is adjustable for ponds from 3000 to 9000 liters

Ease and simplicity of maintenance. The filter is equipped with an indicator indicating the degree of contamination and washing intervals

Equipped with built-in UV clarifier with control LED and timer

Easy to clean by backwashing. Heissner's unique Easy Clean technology allows you to rinse the filter with just one hand movement. By directing the water flow in the opposite direction, the dirt that has accumulated in the filter is washed out and removed through the dirt drain. This means not only the ease of cleaning the filter, but also the preservation of beneficial bacteria in the filter during the washing process, the filter remains biologically active

Made from durable parts with metal elements

Operating principle of the Easy Clean Vario pond filter:

1. Water from the pump enters the filter

2. Dirt particles and algae clumps are retained by filter sponges

3. Built-in UV water clarifier kills bacteria and causes algae to clump into clumps, which are retained by downstream filter media

4. Bio-granules located inside the filter have a large surface area on which nitrifying bacteria settle

5. Purified water comes out of the filter under pressure

6. HEISSNER kit with pressure filter FPU 10000-00 - a ready-made solution for reservoirs V up to 10 m3

Pressure filter with built-in UV clarifier; Aqua Craft series pond pump; 5 meter 3/4 hose

Kit features:

The pump passes dirt particles up to 4 mm

Heissner water purification systems with flow filter for pond HEISSNER FPU 7000-00, FPU 16000-00

Cleaning system kits include:

Multi-chamber filter with accessories

Built-in UV brightener

Pond pump Aqua Craft ECO series

5-meter underwater hose and all additional materials necessary for connection

Features of FPU cleaning system:

The pump passes dirt particles up to 8 mm

The kit provides energy savings and a high level of safety due to the low operating voltage of the UV lamp (12 V)

Pond filter operation diagram:
- Water is supplied through the top inlet to the UV unit

Dirt particles linger on the sponges

In bioblocks, beneficial bacteria develop and undergo biological treatment

Purified water, having passed through all filtration chambers, is supplied back to the pond

FIAP BIO ACTIVE filtration systems

FIAP offers the new FIAP Bio Active pond filtration systems with built-in ultraviolet unit of the household series of pond equipment. This new development uses a combination of mechanical and biological filtration combined with UV brightening technology. The new series of filters are easy to install, maintain and clean. When used with pumps of different capacities, filters purify water in ponds of different sizes.

Features of FIAP Bio Active:

Provide clean and healthy pond water

Combine mechanical and biological treatment

There is a built-in UV water clarification technology

It is possible to bury the filter into the ground at 1/3 of the height

It is possible to bury the filter into the ground at 1/3 of the height. Easy maintenance and cleaning available

Affordable, simple maintenance and cleaning

Table for calculating the compliance of the filtration system with the volume of the pond

Multi-chamber flow filters HEISSNER AQUA CLEAR PRO

Aqua Clear Pro flow filters are used to clean large bodies of water or bodies of water with a large number of fish. They can be installed on the surface of the ground or buried in the ground, connecting into a single system with the Aqua Craft pump and the Aqua Clear UV Pro UV block. With a gravity placement scheme, the filter is connected to the reservoir using a bottom intake through a pipe system.

Filter operation diagram:
The first stage is mechanical filtration using filter brushes. Through the inlet, water enters the first chamber, where brushes are installed for mechanical purification of water from large suspended particles. Here, heavy dirt settles to the bottom, from where it can be easily removed by opening the bottom drain

Water enters the second chamber. Mechanical filtration is carried out there using special filter sponges - the so-called Japanese mats. Here, smaller dirt particles settle on the filter material and gradually roll down to the bottom of the filter

The last chamber is a place of biological filtration using bacteria developing in a natural filtering substrate - Aquarok meshes. This compartment should contain as little dirt as possible. It is advisable to organize aeration of water in this chamber, because... active bacteria require significant amounts of oxygen to function effectively

Keeping the Aqua Clear Pro filter working is not difficult. Filter brushes and mats must be washed as they become dirty in pond water so as not to disturb the developed colony of beneficial bacteria. Natural adsorbents Aquarok (zeobacterlite and lava granulate) must be replaced every two years. It is also necessary to monitor the performance and cleanliness of the UV lamp: its working life is designed for two seasons.

Water illuminators

Using UV clarifiers in combination with a filtration system will keep your pond water clean. As water passes through the UV clarifier, it is irradiated with UV light. This leads to the death of harmful bacteria and the clumping of algae into clumps, which are then filtered out on the sponges and brushes of mechanical cleaning filters. Thus, ultraviolet irradiation of small algae prevents the effect of “water blooming”.

HEISSNER Aqua Clear UV water clarifiers
- Disinfect water and reduce the amount of algae

Optimally combined with HEISSNER Aqua Clear Pro pond filters

The Aqua Clear UV design includes a window for monitoring operation

Have a built-in fuse for emergency shutdown

5 year warranty

Purifiers can be used without a filtration system, but only when the amount of organic matter in the reservoirs is very small. If there are fish in the reservoir, UV must be installed together with biological filters. The table below shows the average values ​​for using UV blocks:

American filtration systems

Effective filtration systems for small and medium-sized businesses have become widespread in North America. Ready! reservoirs (from 10 to 80 m3), which include:
1. Shore skimmer

3. UV block

Filter with artificial waterfall
Water through the side skimmer is supplied by a suction pump to the UV block and then to the drain of the artificial waterfall, from where it falls back into the reservoir from a height. This system thoroughly and quickly cleans the upper layers of water. Ready Leaves and small particles of dirt are collected in the filter before they sink to the bottom of the pond, turn into sludge and cause wasps to cause trouble. The UV block cleans the upper layers of water (up to 50 cm from the surface), in which blue-green algae develop. for e

Another important advantage of such systems is that, thanks to a spectacular element - an artificial waterfall - the water is significantly saturated with oxygen, which also has a beneficial effect on its condition.

These systems are easily camouflaged near a reservoir; in the coastal zone they can be hidden in such a way that the technological components of the system - filter chambers and UV blocks - remain completely invisible to prying eyes, but at the same time the noise and beauty of the water falling like a natural waterfall will remain attractive.

To correctly select the elements of an American-style filtration system, it is necessary to determine the volume of the pond and its surface area. The following table will help you choose a suitable side skimmer, filter with waterfall, UV and pump characteristics for your pond:

Ready-made forms for FILTERFALLS waterfalls

Ready-made forms for waterfalls are one of the elements of American-style filtration systems, but can also be installed separately. Each model includes a threaded adapter, a bag for filter elements, a filter pad, a removable bottom grid (except for the Bogfilter model) and a flange for connecting to the pond film.

Pond filters FILTERFALLS PRO with waterfall

Ready-made filter forms for FILTERFALLS PRO waterfalls are designs created on the basis of the latest technologies and have high quality- exactly what professionals who build garden ponds require. The use of ready-made form filters for FILTERFALLS PRO waterfalls allows you to build large waterfalls and ledges with an even, distributed flow of water, and the work on their installation and installation is not too burdensome.

Advantages of FILTERFALLS form filters:

Removable top grill can be camouflaged natural stone or other natural materials

Inlet big size(threaded adapter 2" or 3") allows you to supply significant flows of water to the waterfall

From the adapter, water flows into the lower chamber, where it is distributed in all directions and purified

Bio-based filter elements create optimal conditions for the development of beneficial bacteria (filter elements sold separately) and provide reliable mechanical and biological filtration for ponds up to 100 m3

The flange allows the filter waterfall to be easily attached to the pond liner, ensuring no water leakage

Shore skimmers

The skimmer is an essential and important element of the pond filtration system. AquaForte skimmers perform several functions: they serve to clean the surface of the reservoir from floating debris, leaves and perform mechanical filtration, ensuring high water transparency. The pump is located inside the skimmer chamber.

Advantages of AquaForte skimmers:
- Large overflow skimmer window, which provides greater throughput and therefore a larger cleaning surface

The skimmer can be easily decorated with plants and natural materials

The skimmer body is made of high-density PE, which ensures a long service life

The skimmer kit includes a removable lid and a waste collection basket.

Skimmers AquaForte Pro
AquaForte skimmers are characterized by very durable components, which allows them to be used for many years.

The presence of a large overflow window, a metal mesh and a brush panel reduces maintenance work. The special Satellite auxiliary skimmer is used in combination with the main pond skimmer and purifies water in hard-to-reach areas of the pond.

Advantages of AquaForte Pro skimmers:
Durable top cover
Large overflow windows and durable brush panels ensure satisfactory cleaning of large water surfaces
Brush panels (sold separately) allow leaves and debris to pass through, but keep fish and frogs out of the skimmer.
High-density PE housing ensures skimmer durability

Skimmer FIAP WALLSKIM ACTIVE

The FIAP WallSkim Active skimmer is designed for ponds with volumes from 10 to 80 m3

Advantages of the FIAP WallSkim Active skimmer:

Ideally combined with FIAP Aqua Active Profi pumps with capacities from 4500 to 15000 l/h

Ideal for pump or gravity fed filtration systems

If the bottom of the pond is covered with film, it can be easily installed through the flange

Can be installed in brickwork (wall thickness up to 260 mm)
Made from stainless steel

Skimmers FIAP SpaltSkim Active

FIAP SpaltSkim Active skimmers are a new development from FIAP. Designed for high-quality cleaning of the water surface of any pond - garden, with Koi carp, swimming pond from 5 to 100 m3.

An important element of the FIAP SpaltSkim Active skimmer is a self-cleaning sieve in a large inner basket. Collected debris can be easily removed by removing and releasing the inner basket. Debris particles larger than 0.3 mm are retained by the sieve. The delivery set includes a flange made of stainless steel.

Advantages of FIAP SpaltSkim Active skimmers:
- Two devices (skimmer and filter) in one system

Can be installed in brickwork (wall up to 260 mm thick)

Suitable for inclusion in pump and gravity fed filtration systems

For inclusion in filtration systems with water supply by pump and gravity. Connection dimensions: DN 150 (water supply by gravity) or 1.5" (water supply by pump

In nature, lakes with crystal clear water usually have a large area, while small ones often turn into swamps. Therefore, in order for artificial ponds to be pleasing to the eye, they need care. The transparency of water in an artificial reservoir is ensured not only by performing regular procedures for its mechanical cleaning, but also, first of all, by a competent design for the arrangement of the pond itself, as well as by the operation of a water filtration and aeration system. The sum of the mentioned factors should provide establishing a biological balance in a reservoir lower and higher flora and fauna, the existence of which is evidenced by clean water without an unpleasant odor.

When arranging an artificial pond, its main parameters play a key role - location, volume and purpose. Choosing place, take into account that the reservoir should be illuminated by the sun for 4-6 hours during the day, and at summer noon, shading of at least 40% of the water surface is necessary. At the same time, the pond is not located directly under the trees: falling leaves or needles have a bad effect on its biobalance.

Typology of reservoir arrangement

The water in any artificial pond must be continuously enriched with oxygen and regularly pumped through a filtration system, the type of which depends on the purpose of the reservoir.

Decorative pond with an area of ​​8-12 m2 with a maximum depth of about 60-80 cm, it is aimed exclusively at growing ornamental plants. In this case, the problem of enriching water with oxygen is often solved using an external compressor (aerator), which pumps air into the water column. The compressor, along with a cleaning filter and a pump, the parameters of which are selected based on the size of the reservoir, are installed in a secluded place on the shore of the pond. Filtration is ensured by taking water from a pit in the deepest part of the reservoir and returning it to the pond on the side opposite from the point of intake.

Pond for fish must have a deep-water zone (80 cm or more) for the wintering of living organisms, the area of ​​which should be a significant part of the pond. There, the water will not warm up much during the summer heat and freeze in winter. The area of ​​a fish pond usually exceeds the minimum size of a decorative pond and can reach 50 m2. The number of individuals is selected based on the fact that per 1 m2 of pond area there should be no more than 0.25 m of the total body length of the fish. To purify and saturate the water with oxygen, you will have to install an aerator complete with a multi-stage filter.

Bathing pond, the area of ​​which exceeds 70 m2, and the depth can reach 1.5 m, must be equipped not only with an automatic filtration and aeration system, but also with a special zone for natural purification and biological regeneration of water. The swimming and regeneration zones of the pond can be combined or separated into different areas. When organized jointly, the regeneration zone should be separated from the bathing area. It is necessary to build dividing walls 20-30 cm below the water level. The role of a dividing wall can also be played by a tightly stretched fine-mesh mesh, which needs to be changed every few years. The volume of the bathing and regeneration zones is usually 1:1 or 1:2.

Beneficial flora and fauna

In any artificial pond, regardless of its size and purpose, protozoa and higher plants, as well as insects and microorganisms, coexist. Most lower plants and microorganisms grow on their own, but the owner of the reservoir must take care of breeding higher ornamental plants and fish.

To maintain a healthy biological balance in the pond, it is necessary to grow oxygenating algae floating in the water column- swampweed, pondweed, hornwort, turcha, urut and elodea. These plants process organic matter in the water into green mass and saturate the reservoir with oxygen, thereby maintaining the normal functioning of other organisms. When oxygenators grow too large, the excess is removed manually.

In addition, the pond should grow free floating plants(watercolor, hornwort, telores) and deep-water perennials with floating leaves(marsh flower, water lily, water lily). They are not only decorative, but also useful, as they shade the water during hot weather. In reservoirs with fish, ⅓ of the water surface should be covered with surface greenery, but it should not be allowed to grow over more than ½ of the area.

Mechanical cleaning and cleaning

The pond must be periodically cleared of debris floating on the surface and excess aquatic plants. If the water becomes cloudy, measures should be taken to establish biobalance. Leaves and other organic debris that fall on the surface of the water quickly become wet, settle to the bottom and after some time begin to decompose. To remove leaves and debris that fall into the water, you can use skimmers. These floating devices are a basket into which dirt from the water surface is automatically collected.

In autumn, during leaf fall, you can even stretch a special mesh. As a last resort, use a net, but then you will have to collect leaves every day. In the spring, the reservoir is pumped out (leaving the liquid in the regeneration zone of the swimming pond and in the deep-water section of the fish pond) and clean the surface with a suction pump. In addition, in the fall, overgrown aquatic plants should be pruned and, if necessary, replanted.

Pond filtration

Special filter systems that ensure the purity of water in the pond must contain mechanical cleaning elements- containers with porous filter material, which allows you to clarify the water by removing debris and dirt particles. In addition, the filter may include components of light and chemical-biological purification. They are used to disinfect and purify water from toxins using ultraviolet light and filter substances such as carbon or resin. To normalize the microflora of water, a separate compartment of a multi-stage filter may contain capsules with beneficial microorganisms. The main goal of such multi-stage filtration is not so much mechanical cleaning as the normalization of the biological balance of the reservoir, when the development of unnecessary algae and harmful bacteria in the pond is naturally suppressed. Filter elements need to be changed every 3-6 months, while the condition of mechanical filters should be checked at least once every 2 months.

Filter types

In most cases, to purify water in garden ponds, they use flow or pressure cleaning systems, which are driven by pumps included in the kit or supplied separately. Water is sucked from the pond and sent to a filter, where it is purified and then returned to the pond. Water flows into cheaper and less efficient flow filters by gravity, while into more expensive and efficient pressure filters it is pumped under pressure.

Powerful pond filters consist of several blocks located in a common casing. One of them - sterilizer(an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates water, killing microorganisms and blue-green algae in it). The main part of the system is three-stage filter. In its first compartment, the water is preliminary purified from leaves and other large contaminants. As a result of this process, the water is enriched with oxygen. The second stage of purification involves the biological decomposition of ammonia - a product of the breakdown of organic bacteria into harmless nitrogen compounds. At the third stage, the remaining ammonia is absorbed by a special substance, after which the water flows back into the reservoir.

Filter selection

You can determine which filter is needed based on its maximum performance or the performance of the pump that is included with the filter. A pond without fish should be completely pumped in 2 hours, and with fish - in 1 hour. Thus, by calculating the approximate volume of the pond in liters, it is easy to determine the models that suit you. For effective water purification in a swimming or stocked pond the filtration system must operate continuously for 24 hours(only in a decorative pond is filtering allowed for 6 hours a day).

Preparations for pond cleaning

Can be used to purify water from organic and biogenic elements, as well as to control the proliferation of protozoan algae. chemical and biological preparations. The use of the latter does not affect the established biological balance in the pond and in most cases they do not pose a threat to plants and living organisms. With the help of biological products, you can suppress the growth of microalgae and stop water blooms (for example, liquid extract of barley straw is used). There are also all kinds of drugs to support the immune system of fish in cold water, increase the activity of processes in the pond in winter and early spring, etc.

Chemicals are used to restore the acidity level of a reservoir, saturate the water with oxygen, and dissolve algae. When using them, you must strictly adhere to the dosage, since in excessive doses they are harmful to fish, plants and humans. Their use can lead to disruption of the biobalance of the pond.

Filter Fountain Pump

If you install a fountain pump with a mechanical filter and an ultraviolet lamp at the bottom of a decorative pond to suppress harmful bacteria and algae, then in this case you can do without using an external filter for water purification. Available models of filter fountain pumps can be used for reservoirs with a volume of up to 5000 liters. To protect against clogging, pumps are installed on a concrete or metal base at the bottom of the reservoir. They are connected directly to the electrical network, so when choosing, pay attention to the length of the cable and provide a residual current device in the network. Naturally, such a pump must be turned off when servicing the pond.

Pond aeration

Enriching water with oxygen is extremely important for the flora and fauna of an artificial reservoir. The air supply helps keep the water clean and clear, allows fish to develop normally, prevents the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, regulates the growth of algae, ensures water circulation from the bottom to the surface, eliminating unpleasant odors. In winter, aerators work as deicers and contribute to the formation of an unfreezing water surface.

Two types of devices are used. Diffuser bottom aerators consist of a compressor installed on the shore and diffusers connected to it by flexible hoses at the bottom. This technique is very effective, but it does not create a water pattern on the surface. And here floating aerator fountains In addition to clean water, they bring aesthetic pleasure. Moreover, you can order several replaceable fountain heads. Such aerators do not need to be installed; they float on their own.

Wintering a stocked pond

In autumn, fish begin to prepare for winter and store fat. When the temperature drops, it sinks to the bottom of the reservoir and stops eating. During this period, you should not feed the fish, since the abundance of uneaten food leads to water pollution. From mid-autumn to mid-spring, the water in a stocked pond may not be filtered, so it is necessary to provide for the possibility of turning off the filtration equipment.

An important question remains aeration of water. The main danger for fish in winter is the lack of oxygen and the accumulation of carbon dioxide under the ice. To winterize such a pond, the water aeration system is not turned off for the winter. With its help, the water is enriched with oxygen, and carbon dioxide, formed during the rotting of leaves, algae and other organic matter, freely comes to the surface. As an alternative, stocked ponds can be equipped with a de-icer that prevents ice from forming on the surface. A submersible pump can also be used. It is placed 20-60 cm below the water surface. It works for itself, as a result, moving water does not freeze. The main disadvantage of all these methods is a sudden power outage, which is why the reservoir needs attention in winter.

Progressive natural pools becoming more popular every year. Known to many as swimming ponds, they differ from conventional swimming pools in the absence of chemical disinfection processes. Today, technologies for the construction of artificial reservoirs with natural bio-treatment are widely used not only in the implementation of private orders, but also in the design of large public swimming pools.

Our article presents the work of the English company Clear Water Revival, which has been building natural pools in the UK since 2006. Our completed projects demonstrate the incredibly wide range of styles, shapes and sizes of artificial swimming ponds that can be built in any backyard. Moreover, in July 2011, the company for the first time implemented a project of a built-in natural pool with a full cycle of natural water purification. This pool in Kronwell can accommodate up to 22 people at a time.

Principle of water treatment in swimming ponds

The process of water purification in natural pools completely reproduces the principle of biopurification in natural ponds. The design of the pool consists of several zones: a deep zone for swimming and shallow water regeneration zones with planted coastal plants, which have proven themselves to be excellent bio-purifiers. Plants can be both regional and exotic. The most commonly used are reeds, reeds, cattails, pondweed, water lilies, and susak.

Shallow water zones, where natural water regeneration occurs, are called bioplateaus. They can be separated from the swimming area of ​​the pool by a permeable partition or connected at the top. The pool bowl is carefully waterproofed from groundwater. Thanks to water recycling, natural purification occurs: plants absorb harmful substances that serve as food for them, thereby making the water healthier. Natural microorganisms living in water also contribute to natural biopurification.

The effectiveness of natural filtration has been scientifically proven. The water in swimming ponds remains clear and clean throughout the year, without requiring additional chlorination or treatment. copper sulfate or other cleaning methods. At the same time, the design of natural pools allows the use of all modern means of decoration, including deep lighting, installation of fountains, and combination with artificial waterfalls.

Benefits of natural pools

Recently, an increasing number of homeowners are actively converting traditional pools into natural ones. Many public swimming pools in Europe have also been converted into swimming ponds. Let's take a closer look at the advantages of reservoirs with natural biological treatment:

• No exposure to chemicals: The ability to avoid chlorination completely eliminates health risks such as the possibility of developing eczema, asthma or cancer.
• High degree of water heating: natural pools warm up to 28 o C, which is practically unattainable in ordinary swimming pools;
• Ease of use: no need to replace water or wash the pool;
• Affordable price: the initial cost is comparable to the construction of a traditional pool, but operating costs are incomparably lower;
• Beautiful view all year round: even in winter, swimming ponds look natural in;
• Psychotherapeutic effect: natural design creates a unique sensation of swimming in a natural body of water;
• Possibility of using rare species of flora and fauna: if desired, in a natural pool you can create conditions for the life of exotic plants and aquatic inhabitants;
• Winter use: The swimming pond can be used as an excellent skating rink in winter;
• Variety of shapes and sizes: private natural pools can have a surface area from 15 to 100 m2, easily adapting to the size of the house and area of ​​the territory;
• Any style solutions: the design of pools can range from a complete imitation of a natural reservoir in a rustic or oriental landscape, to a strict geometric shape consistent with the laconic and areas in modern style courtyards.

Popular options for natural pools

Clear Water Revival offers five natural pool options including original projects without the use of aquatic plants. The company’s specialists conditionally divide all types of swimming ponds with live aquatic plants into four groups:

1. The share of bioplato is 5-15% of the total area

Projects like this are well suited for a large garden. The total surface area of ​​natural pools can be 50-100 m2, of which 85-95% is occupied by the swimming area. Due to the reduction in the natural biotreatment zone, such pools require the installation of additional filters and higher operating costs.

2. The share of bioplato is 15-25% of the total area

This classic option is suitable for constructing swimming ponds with an area of ​​25-70 m2, of which the swimming area occupies 75-85% of the surface. Here you will also need a few additional filters. This type of natural pool is often obtained by remodeling traditional pools.

Recently, more and more often, when designing the overall design of a personal garden, plot owners have resorted to organizing different types of reservoirs. This, of course, gives the area around the house some naturalness and originality, but the most important thing is the enchanting beauty that attracts not only the owner himself, but also any guest. However, it is no secret that any “beauty requires sacrifice,” although in this case it would be more accurate to say not “sacrifice,” but effort. Any body of water requires regular filtration to maintain its original attractiveness, and this is regardless of whether it is inhabited by living organisms or not. It is important for every pond owner to monitor its condition, because the order throughout the entire garden area will essentially depend on this.

In view of this, there are two ways to maintain the cleanliness of a backyard pond: regularly purifying the water in the pond or installing a special filter. The first option is relatively unprofitable, because it requires large costs, both physical and material, and this is not very convenient when the area of ​​the reservoir is large enough. But the second one is just what you need, it is the most effective, and also the most widespread. And its great advantage is that you don’t need to drop everything and run to the store to purchase such a necessary device; almost any amateur gardener with “skillful hands” can successfully create a homemade filter for a pond.

Methods for cleaning a reservoir

Many owners of such a wonderful element landscape design, such as a pond, have completely different points of view regarding its care. For example, some people prefer not to resort to cleaning at all, because they are confident that nature will take care of itself, especially when it comes to a natural body of water. Most often, plants that bring great benefits grow at the bottom of such ponds:

• they are able to supply water with oxygen;
• prevent the appearance of harmful algae;
• maintain the necessary balance of chemical elements;
• purify water, making it transparent;
• They perfectly decorate a pond, while being a successful decorative element.

Plants can serve as a good water purifier

However, not only representatives of flora can act as excellent sources of filtration; underwater inhabitants, such as crayfish or cupids, are often bred to perform this function.

As for artificial reservoirs, the base of which is polyethylene, biological substances with various cleaning bacteria are used to clean them. In addition, there is also a chemical cleaning method, which, according to many, is absolutely safe for the inhabitants of the pond and for its owner. Its essence lies in the fact that reagents, when they enter water, trigger a chemical reaction and subsequently break down into water and carbon dioxide, which facilitates purification of various substances.

Filtration of a reservoir can also be carried out using ultraviolet radiation. This is the best option in cases where mechanical cleaning does not bring the desired results.

One thing is for sure that any body of water requires maintenance and mandatory filtration, and without the efforts of its owner it is unlikely that good results will be achieved. There will always be some debris on the surface of the water in the form of dry grass, twigs, leaves, etc. And the water itself may become cloudy or contaminated over time. In any case, you will have to resort to the cleaning process - either install a pump, or build a filter for the pond yourself, which will be more profitable from an economic point of view.

Expert recommendations: how to clean a pond in your dacha (video)

Target orientation of filters

One of the successful mechanical methods of cleaning a pond is to install a filter. They are essentially indispensable devices for maintaining the purity of the reservoir. First of all, such treatment facilities are created to prevent blooming of the water surface; they are aimed at destroying microorganisms that provoke this phenomenon. In addition, the operation of the filters does not allow small particles to enter the reservoir, and if there are any, the process of purification from them occurs. The filtration process also includes freeing the pond from dirt and various types of impurities.

How the filter works

How to make such a filter device? Of course, you can take the path of least resistance and simply buy it in specialized stores. Or you can create such a filter for a pond with your own hands. In this case, you will have to purchase some important parts and accessories, and, accordingly, make some efforts. In view of this, it is very important to know what filters are and what types they are divided into.

Types of cleaning devices

As you know, all filters can be divided into two categories - pressure and non-pressure. They differ in their operating principle.

Pressure

The advantage of the former lies in their relative cheapness and practicality. Most often, structures of this working principle are used in cases where there is a fountain on the site, that is, a device in which a water flow moves under some pressure. Its essence is that, thanks to the operation of the pump, water moves to the cleaning element, passes through several stages of filtration and returns to the pond in a purified form. Positive qualities include the small dimensions of the pressure cleaning device, which allows you not to allocate a lot of space for it and makes it possible to preserve the natural appearance of the pond. Few of them contain an ultraviolet sterilizer, which not only cleans the pond, but also perfectly disinfects it.

Pressure filter

Gravity

The second category of filters is non-pressure, or they are also called gravity filters, and some cleaning specialists call them modular or multi-chamber. Any of these names clearly reflects the operating principle of the device. In fact, filters of this type are a specific reservoir, which consists of several separate cells or chambers, each of them filled with a certain material, through which the water is purified from various contaminants or debris. Water is supplied through the operation of a pump, goes through several stages of purification, and then freely returns (by gravity) to the pond.

Non-pressure cleaning structures are always installed above the water level, because otherwise the device will not work. Filters of this type are most often classified as multifunctional and therefore the demand for them is much higher than for other models. Although they are significantly larger in size than pressure structures and their design is much simpler, the results obtained always meet all expectations. When purchasing such a filter, it is important not to forget to buy a pump, thanks to which water is supplied to the device.

Gravity filter

By the way, making a gravity filter is quite easy. To do this, you need to have in your “arsenal”:

• special brushes that will trap large debris, such as dry leaves or algae;
• coke braid, the presence of which in the filter will rid the water of small debris;
• a small piece of foam rubber that protects against harmful microbes and supplies the reservoir with beneficial bacteria;
• capsules with a special solution.

Before inventing this device, it is important to consider several factors:

• the best option for a medium-sized reservoir;
• can be used for a fish pond;
• The best time for operation is the end of spring and before the beginning of autumn.

Sand filters

Sand filters deserve special attention. By the way, they are also in considerable demand because they have enormous advantages. Firstly, this is the pricing policy. Sand cleaning devices can be classified as budget option, since its cost is relatively low, but the quality of work does not suffer from this. They cope with the task perfectly. Secondly, these filters are quite simple and affordable to maintain. Thirdly, these devices can boast of reliability and unpretentiousness, which is also important.

The internal composition of the filter includes two main elements - sifted quartz sand and gravel. The cleaning process of this device occurs by backwashing. Nothing complicated, simple and high quality! It is for this reason that these cleaning structures are very popular.

DIY sand filter (video)

Making your own filter

As noted above, for pond owners with “skillful hands” making a filtration device on their own will not be difficult. To do this, you just need to purchase all the necessary parts and elements for construction.

Filter from improvised means. Photo 1

Since the most important component of any filter is the filler, the total costs of its creation will directly depend on this. However, before going to the store, it is important to take into account one of the main conditions - in which particular reservoir this filter will work: in a simple one or in one where fish live. Why is it important? It's no secret that aquatic life can pollute a pond with much more than just algae. In view of this, there is a need to create not just a primitive filter, but a fairly powerful cleaning device.

Filter from improvised means. Photo 2

The Importance of Filtering

All living things that surround us need constant care. If we talk about a reservoir, then one of the best options for such care would be regular filtration. Installing a filter, purchased in a store or made independently, will always justify the efforts of its owner.

Water purification system

Any body of water is a closed space filled with liquid. The garbage that ends up in the pond ultimately undergoes a process of decomposition, since microorganisms that contribute to this and an insufficient amount of oxygen live at the bottom. All this will lead to water blooming, which will negatively affect the life of the fish. If you still do not resort to the filtration process, then a rather beautiful pond will very quickly turn into a not very beautiful mini-swamp that emits a fetid odor. This will be the final stage in the life of your reservoir.

Therefore, in order to avoid such a nuisance, before designing a reservoir on your site, it is worth thinking in advance which filter to install and where exactly. The brand of the purchased device does not play a special role or it will be the result of your efforts, the most important thing is the result of the work of the cleaning structure. And it depends on it whether the pond will be the main decorative element of your site and a source of admiration for your neighbors and friends!

To organize a pond at your dacha, it is important to wisely use the main resource – space. There is always not enough of it and sometimes you have to sacrifice plantings in order to place a body of water suitable for swimming. Usually, nearby natural reservoirs are used for this, but why not set up a small swimming place on your property? Moreover, it will not take much time and effort.

Differences between a swimming pond and a swimming pool

Often the creation of a reservoir on a site comes down to two types: a decorative pond (, and) or swimming pool. However, the pond can also be made suitable for swimming. In addition, it compares favorably with a swimming pool in several ways:

• the bath looks more natural and beautiful at any time of the year;
• from June to September you can swim in the pond, and in winter it can be used as an ice skating rink;
• filtration allows you to do without chemical cleaning, which is required for the pool;
• constructing a pool will require greater capital investment than creating a pond.

Types of Bathing Ponds

There are several types of swimming ponds, depending on the structure and division into zones:

• single-volume, without technical devices and division into zones. The role of filters is performed aquatic plants, microorganisms and zooplankton. The water recovery zone occupies about 60% of the total pond area. To create it you need a wide area;
• single-volume, surface flow. There is also no division into zones in ponds of this type. The debris is collected by a skimmer (floating filter), and the water is pumped by a pump;
• single-volume, with flow-through regeneration zone. The bathing bowl is divided by partitions (not rising above the water level). The cleaning system is two-level - using a skimmer filter and plants. The bathing area is always larger than the two previous types;

• two-volume, the bathing area is separated from the filtration and water treatment area. There is a gravel filter and plants for cleaning, as well as a water supply and pumping system with control and automation devices;
• two-volume, with a comprehensive water treatment system. The bathing and filtration areas are completely separated from each other. Water purification is carried out both mechanically and by “plant” methods. There are biofilters, a water control and supply system, metering and control devices.

Choosing a place and shape for a bath

The location of the pond depends on the size and shape of the site, as well as the position of the house. In addition, it should not be too sunny or shaded. The pond should look harmonious on the site and be located in a place where the whole family can admire it. Places that are too sunny should be avoided to prevent the water from blooming. Places under trees are also not suitable, because... Fallen leaves can clog the pump or water supply system.

The choice of location for a bath is also influenced by the topography of the site, soil composition and groundwater level. If there is a slope on the site, this is even better, since you can create a water system from two connected reservoirs. A flat surface will allow you to give the reservoir any shape or dig it to a depth sufficient for swimming. True, with restrictions on soil type and groundwater level.

If the site is dominated by light soils (sandy or sandy loam), the bank needs to be further strengthened: either with rigid waterproofing or by creating gentle slopes using film. Rigid waterproofing usually involves installing a pond from a ready-made mold, and to create a pond with gentle slopes you need to dig a pit. Each of these methods has its pros and cons.

1. Advantages of construction from ready-made molds:

• durable design that is easy to install;
• durability;
• it is easy to operate and clean.

Disadvantages of a ready-made bath:

• ready-made forms of large sizes (suitable for swimming) are expensive;
• the shape of the reservoir cannot be changed;
• This design is sensitive to natural factors.

2. Benefits of the bath, dug yourself:

• such a pond can be given any shape and depth;
• it looks more natural;
• resistance to temperature changes.

Disadvantages of a bathhouse dug yourself:

• arrangement of a gentle slope will require an increase in the area of ​​the pond by 1.5 times;
• film insulation is easier to damage;
• All work on strengthening the banks is carried out “from scratch”.

If the site is dominated by clay and loamy soils, waterproofing can be made from clay. Three layers of wet clay, softened to the state of soft plasticine, each 15 cm long, are gradually laid into the prepared pit. The first 15 cm are carefully compacted, then allowed to dry, then the second and third layers are laid in the same way. It is worth considering that after drying, each layer will decrease by an average of 3-5 cm, so that as a result, the thickness of the clay pool bowl will reach 30-35 cm. Coarse gravel (pebbles with a diameter of approximately 3 cm) is used as the top layer. They are compacted, and then fine gravel and a layer of sand of 5-7 cm are covered.

If the bottom and sides of the pit are sprinkled with soot (before compacting the clay layers), this will repel earthworms so that they do not violate the tightness of the clay bowl.

Now about groundwater. If they lie within 1 m from the surface of the earth, then you can create a natural lake (although swimming in such water is not very pleasant). At a high level of occurrence (2-3 m from ground level), the banks need to be additionally strengthened. It is best when groundwater is located at a level of 5 m from the ground surface. In this case, you can safely dig a pit 2-2.5 m deep.

An example of the construction of a bathhouse on the site

Let's look at an example of creating the simplest swimming pond, using film as waterproofing. Before starting work, you need to mark the contours of the pit for the future pond and treatment area on the site. Also check the depth of the pit taking into account groundwater. After this, you can start digging it out with the simultaneous formation of terraces and ledges. The width of the terrace is 30-40 cm, the slope is 45-50 degrees. The further progress of work looks like this:

• fill the bottom of the pit with sand, pumping out groundwater if necessary using a pump, and lay durable material (geotextile, felt) on it;
• for comfortable entry into the water, make concrete or wooden steps using terraces;
• unwind and lay the film, carefully adjusting it to all the unevenness and protrusions of the terrain;
• fill the pond by a third with water, after 2-3 hours – another third, and after another 3 hours, finally fill the pond with water. This is necessary so that the film gradually stretches under the weight of water;
• cut off the excess pieces of film around the edges and start decorating - lay stones along the coastline, pressing the film with them. If desired, you can place stones on the bottom;
• There should be no vegetation near the pond other than that used for cleaning. To do this, choose yellow iris or arrowhead; they must be located in the cleaning zone and along the contour of the reservoir.

The construction of a pond based on a finished form does not differ from that described in the article. And we will dwell on the filtration and water supply system in more detail.

Filtration systems and treatment zones

A swimming pond is advantageous because you don’t need to plant plants in it or add fish “for beauty.” At the same time, the water in it must be purified and circulated so as not to “bloom.”

1. Filtration of an artificial swimming pond.

Various systems are used to purify pond water. The most effective, but expensive is installation with water disinfection with silver. A more common system is a filter, UV lamp, ionizer, skimmer and pump.

• Filters There are flow (gravity), belt and pressure. Flow filters perform mainly mechanical cleaning, although they contain sponges for removing debris, capsules and additives that purify the water. Pressure and belt filters usually contain UV lamps to disinfect the water.
• Ultraviolet lamp, mounted in the filter housing, kills all bacteria and disinfects the water that passes through it.
• Ionizer- a relatively new device that saturates water with copper ions. A special core containing a copper anode and a steel cathode releases positively charged copper ions into the water, which are harmful to blue-green, filamentous and other algae. It is because of them that the water “blooms”, turning the bathhouse into a swamp.
• Skimmer is a floating, built-in or stationary device that collects fallen leaves, branches or other debris from the surface of the water, preventing it from sinking to the bottom. Belongs to the category of so-called “coarse” filters.
• Pumps There are two types - submersible and centrifugal. The submersible one is installed at the bottom of the bath, and the centrifugal one is installed outside, below the water level.

In large swimming ponds, it is advisable to install all the described filtration and purification systems. In small ones you can get by with just one.

2. Water circulation diagram in the bathhouse

As an example of organizing a circulation system, we chose the most complex type of bathhouse: a two-volume one, with a comprehensive water treatment system. The entire pond is divided into 3 zones: for swimming, shallow-water regeneration and deep-water regeneration. Cleaning areas are located at both edges of the reservoir. The suction nozzles connected to the pump are covered with crushed stone. Water from these zones enters the filtration system. There it is cleaned and returned to the pond through water supply nozzles located at the bottom of the pond. The area of ​​the regeneration zone should occupy at least 1/3 of the entire area of ​​the bath. Below is an approximate diagram of water circulation in a reservoir:

Swimming pond care

With a properly installed filtration and water circulation system, there is practically no need to maintain such a pond. The pumps pump water in a closed circuit during the spring and summer, filtering it and preventing it from stagnating. The only thing you need to monitor is the water level, adding it exactly as much as evaporated during the heat. In case of intense precipitation, excess water should be pumped out using an external pump, unless a drainage well has been provided in advance.

Once a month during the swimming season, the reservoir should be inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. In April, the remains of algae and last year's vegetation are removed from the water. Small debris and algae should be periodically removed from the filters. Also monitor the activity of oxygenating plants - they must not displace other species. Closer to autumn, you can stretch a fine mesh over the bathhouse to prevent debris and leaves from getting into it.

Closer to winter, place sheaves of straw in the pond so that the wormwood, which serves as a source of oxygen, does not freeze.

It’s not difficult to create a beautiful alternative to a swimming pool on your property. The main thing is to choose a favorable location for the pond and provide it with a water purification and circulation system. Then you will always have a pond with clean and cool water at your disposal.