4 Reasons You Should Choose A Water Feature Contractor Over A Pool Contractor For Your Pond Project
You finally have a moment to relax in your backyard, surrounded by nature’s sounds and gentle, with flowing water that feels like it’s always been part of the landscape. For many, a natural water feature is the dream—something peaceful, beautifully integrated with its surroundings. Or maybe it’s not; Maybe you’re wondering if a sparkling pool with tiled sides and smooth bottom might be better. The decision isn’t always easy!
When it’s time to make your dream a reality, understanding the differences between a pond and a pool can help clarify who to hire. A pool contractor might come to mind for both projects, but in reality, a pond or natural water feature requires a specialized approach. Here’s why hiring a water feature contractor is your best choice for creating a natural ecosystem in your backyard, and when a pool contractor is the right choice for spotless swimming spaces.
1. Expertise in Ecosystem Balance vs. Sanitized Recreation
Ponds and pools are two entirely different environments with distinct purposes. Pools are built for swimming and low-bacteria conditions, which is why pool contractors are highly skilled at installing chemical based filtration systems that rely on chlorine or saltwater to keep water sanitized. While this ensures a sterile environment in case of bad bacteria, it doesn’t support anything living or resembling a natural ecosystem.
Ponds, on the other hand, are designed to function as a small living ecosystem where plants, fish, and beneficial bacteria coexist naturally. A water feature contractor understands how to create this balance by selecting the right plants and natural filtration. According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, a well-designed pond ecosystem can naturally reduce algae by up to 60%, reducing the need for any harsh chemical additives. That’s algae alone. Our neighbors in the Wisconsin Dells have many natural recreational swim areas that have undergone intense water testing showing that these natural filtration methods are far superior to clearing harmful bacteria than public swimming pools. This natural balance that water features use is key to keeping a pond clear and healthy, and it’s something pool contractors aren’t trained to manage.
2. Filtration Needs: Chemical vs. Biological Systems
Pools need pumps, skimmers, and filters that are designed to remove dirt, oils, and bacteria efficiently for sterile swimming water. Pool contractors are experts in setting up and maintaining these systems, ensuring water stays sparkling and properly balanced for human-only use.
A pond relies on biological filtration—a process that uses plants, fish, beneficial bacteria, and natural filtration beds, like gravel and wetland filtration systems, to maintain water quality. These natural filters don’t just circulate water; they support a whole living environment, which is essential for keeping fish, plants, and other wildlife healthy. A study by the International Water Garden Society found that ponds using biological filtration systems can reduce harmful ammonia levels by up to 80%, supporting fish and plant health naturally without the use of chemical systems. Pool contractors are simply not trained in these natural systems, which is why a specialized water feature contractor is the best choice if you’re seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly pond.
3. Aesthetics: Recreation vs. Natural Beauty
If your goal is to create a place for swimming laps and team water games needing balanced sides, then a pool is a fantastic choice. Pool contractors design smooth, clean lines and use materials like concrete, tile, and synthetic liners that create a pristine and polished look for straightforward water activities. The focus is on formal recreational aesthetics—perfectly level surfaces, sharp edges, and color options that suit a modern style.
For a pond, the aesthetic is quite different. Pond contractors use rocks, plants, and organic, flowing shapes to blend the water feature into the surrounding landscape. They can create a waterscape that looks like it was carved by nature, not human hands. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, adding a naturalistic water feature can increase property value by as much as 15%, as it enhances the beauty and tranquility of the outdoor space. While recreational swimming ponds are beginning to become a popular trend in outdoor living, these natural swimming ponds are most often not straight-lined and polished in token of their name.
4. Maintenance: Chemicals vs. Living Ecosystem Care
Pools are high-maintenance spaces that require chemical balancing, regular filtration, and cleaning to ensure the water is safe for swimming. Pool contractors are skilled in monitoring chlorine levels, managing chemical pumps, and cleaning the water with specialized equipment.
Pond maintenance, however, is a very different task. It’s about caring for a living ecosystem, which involves managing plants and ensuring fish and plant life are thriving. Instead of balancing chemicals, a water feature contractor nurtures the biological systems that keep the water naturally clear and healthy. This type of maintenance keeps the pond in harmony with nature and is something a pool contractor isn’t trained to do. While the benefit of this is that a properly built pond can take care of many issues on it’s own, it’s not the choice for those wanting that sterilized pool environment.
At Superior Ponds our VIP maintenance membership includes our Clean Water Guarantee where we offer our clients a low-maintenance, reliable plan tailored to each season. Our services are designed to keep your pond’s ecosystem healthy and naturally balanced, so you can enjoy a pristine pond without spending your weekends managing water quality. We share this example to show that having a clear pond isn’t out of reach for anyone wanting a clean body of relaxing water as part of their home landscape. However, the approach is different from that of regular pool maintenance
When a Pool Contractor is the Better Choice
If you’re dreaming of a swimming pool for sport exercise, organized water sports, and those smooth surfaces, a pool contractor is absolutely the right choice. Their expertise in creating chlorinated water and sealed surfaces is ideal for a pool environment. A pool contractor will ensure that your swimming pool is built to the highest safety and cleanliness standards, offering you peace of mind for all your recreational needs.
Conclusion
Deciding between a pond and a pool ultimately depends on how you envision enjoying your outdoor space. If your vision is to bring a piece of nature into your yard, with a serene, self-sustaining water feature without chemicals to swim in that feels like a natural extension of your landscape, a specialized water feature contractor is the best fit.
Are you ready to bring that natural vision to life, creating a pond that offers both beauty and balance?
How Superior Ponds Can Help
If you decide a natural water feature in your yard is in fact your dream, we can help. At Superior Ponds, our designs emphasize the natural look, using organic shapes and living textures that make your pond feel like it’s always belonged. We know how to create natural settings that look timeless and integrate with the landscape, ensuring the pond feels effortlessly serene. Our focus on maintenance ensures that your pond is an enjoyable addition to your lifestyle so you can spend more time enjoying, not cleaning. We want more people to be connected to water the way nature intended and would love to help you make that happen!