We understand that when you’ve decided to build a pond, it’s natural to want to get cracking.  However, before you start it’s important to contact your local Town or Shire Council to find out if they have an approvals process.  There are different regulations in each State or Territory and can even change from Shire to Shire

It’s important to know upfront what (if any) restrictions your local authority has in place for above or below ground ponds and if your pond requires any type of fencing or child safely grids.  Once you have established your obligations it’s time to start planning.

Ponds may be constructed from a variety of different materials, the most common being:

PVC or EPDM liner; concrete, fibre-glass or pre-formed plastic ponds.

Advantages and disadvantages to all options include the initial outlay, installation cost, availability and suitability for the pond you’re planning.

Because there are so many variables, it makes sense to talk to the pond expert at your local PondMAX dealer to see which product is best suited to your own specific requirements.

What should I consider when buying a pool liner?
Buying a cheap liner is false economy, the last thing you want when you have spent weeks building, establishing and populating your pool is for it to develop a leak.  A good quality liner that is made for Australian conditions is essential for your pond to look great and for longer lasting performance.

PondMAX top tip – Never buy a liner before your pond base is dug out or built.  This will ensure you don’t have either a costly shortfall or wasteful excess).

Can I join my pond liner?
Yes, it’s possible to make a strong, watertight joint using special PVC liner glue.  EPDM liners can be joined using primer and double sided tape. It’s easiest to do this on a flat surface like a drive way or paved area.

Filtration is essential for a crystal clear pond with happy fish. Creating the right balance for biological filtration is easy with the right equipment and know-how. Your local PondMAX dealer will have a range of pumps, filters, equipment and treatments to make sure your pond is in good health and looks great.

Can I make a filter myself?
It’s possible to make your own biological filter and your PondMAX dealer will have a range of media such as bio balls, filter matting, ceramic noodles and natural zeolite chips to help you do it.

Unless you’re an expert, making your own filter can actually be more expensive in the long run, if you factor in the overall cost and extra time it will take to clean and maintain a home-made filter.  If your time is valuable, then buying a filter that’s had all the design work and low maintenance features built in could be a better investment.

How many hours a day does my filter have to run?
A biological filter must run 24/7 to sustain the bacteria and oxygenate the water. This is why pond pumps with low power consumption such as the PondMAX EVO range of energy efficient pumps are recommended for filtration systems.

How long will my filter pads last?
Every pond is different and the life of your filter pads will depend on where your pond is located and your specific circumstances.  A good rule of thumb is that you should get at least two years out of your filter sponges and replacements are available.

Why isn’t the filter on my pump keeping my water clear?
The small sponge filters found on the front of some pumps are only designed to stop particles damaging the moving parts (impellor) of the pump. They are not designed, nor capable of cleaning water.

When should I think about a filter?
When you’re planning your pond you should be planning your filtration because you will you have more choices.  Even if you can’t afford to buy a filtration system right away, at least plan for it in your construction, then you can install one when your pond becomes established.

How does a pond filter work?
Biological filtration performs a process known as the nitrogen cycle. In this cycle organic pollutants that enter the pond via fish waste, decomposed plant matter or excess fish food and are converted from toxic to non-toxic substances using oxygen and bacteria.

If the harmful substances are not broken down by oxygen and bacteria then algae will grow and fish kills can occur. It’s the same process that occurs in aquariums, it’s just on a larger scale.

Are the bacteria in my filter harmful?
Not at all, the bacteria naturally occurs in all natural water systems.

Why does my filter smell when I open the lid?
It smells because the bacteria is doing its job. A good working filter will produce nitrogen gas as one of its by-products which means it’s working well.

It’s important to know upfront what (if any) restrictions your local authority has in place for above or below ground ponds and if your pond requires any type of fencing or child safely grids. Once you have established your obligations, it’s time to start planning.