Our pool has become a bustling micro-wetland in our backyard. The results have far surpassed our expectations when we started out in the summer of 2004.
Plants have been suspended in crates around the perimeter of the pool and placed on the steps and at the bottom of the shallow end.
The water has remained clear for two years and we no longer use the filter. The plant you see submerged in the centre of the pond (below), a Valisneria, is planted in a pot placed on the floor at the deep end - 1.8m deep.
We have landscaped two thirds of the backyard to merge with the pond and left the remainder for the kids to play in and the vege garden.
We top up the pond's water levels when it rains using a rainwater diverter fitted to the down pipe of our deck (top left). A hidden hose runs from the downpipe through the garden and into the pool.
Follow the menu links to see the amazing creatures that visit us.
We will continue to add details and photos.