Introduction
So you’ve decided to build your very own backyard
water garden. You are in the process of actively planning out
your design, and you’re visualizing the end-result. But have
you paused to consider what kind of pond construction you will be
using? Do you know what kind of pond constructions
exist? The majority of
garden ponds utilize one of two types
of constructions: a preformed shell, or a pond liner.
Preformed Pond vs. Liner Pond
Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells,
which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. For
example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is
60” x 48” x 24”, which is too large for many car trunk sizes.
Liner kits, on the other hand, present many difficulties for the
beginner pond gardener. Since every liner pond shape is
different, pond gardeners must customize their own pond and ensure
that it is level, and that it does not have excessive
wrinkling.
Introducing Folding Preformed Pond
Shells
Algreen Products Inc.*
has helped leverage both these problems by introducing a
flexible preformed pond, as part of their 2005 catalog.
According to Melissa Mulligan, a sales coordinator with Algreen
Products Inc.,
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“We recommend the flexible
folding pond for any pond gardener who wants to build a
top-notch pond. The folding preformed/liner hybrid is
created with a proprietary blend of materials, which allows it
to hold a customized shape. Yet it is easily transportable,
since a typical folding kit comes in a box one-sixth the size
of a regular preformed kit.” |
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Algreen advertises that its folding pond includes
built-in plant shelves, is weather-resistant, and is able to
withstand extreme temperatures from 0 F to 105 F. Algreen
guarantees that the pond will not chip, fade, or crack, and backs up
this claim with a 20-year warranty.
Upon closer examination of the pond, one of its
greatest features is its textured ridges. These ridges are
strategically placed to allow beneficial bacteria to form growth
colonies, which significantly reduces algae-buildup in the
pond. When compared to its closest competitor, the Algreen
folding pond seems to be significantly more flexible, and less
brittle. Price-wise, the flexible pond kits cannot be
beaten. Whereas their competition has a tendency to offer
low-grade statuary pumps with their kits, Algreen kits include a
heavy-duty Super Flo pump, and a flexible streamlet. The
complete Algreen kit includes:
- A flexible preformed pond shell
- An energy-efficient, heavy-duty Super Flo pump
(500 or 306 gph, depending on shell size**)
- Four fountain heads
- A telescopic riser and diverter for the Super
Flo pump
- A flexible streamlet
- Two 6” silk water lilies
- Tubing and clamps.
As if that’s not a great deal, a quick web search
will reveal that this kit can be purchased from GardenSuperMart.COM*** with the
following FREE accessories:
- FREE 7-color floating solar-powered light
- FREE floating solar-powered frog light
- FREE New Pond, Ammonia Remover, Natural Clear,
and Pond Shade water treatments.
As of this article’s publication date, GardenSuperMart.com lists the
pricing for the 144 gallon granite folding pond (with streamlet) kit
at $207.99 USD. The 72 gallon and the 105 gallon kit can be
purchased for $157.99 USD.
Gerry Fung is a Sales and Marketing representative
for Northbridge Products Inc.
* Algreen
Products Inc. has a website at http://www.algreenproducts.com/.
** The 144 gallon kits comes with a 500 gph pump, while the 72
and 105 gallon kits both come with a 306 gph pump.
***
GardenSuperMart.com has an online store at http://www.buypond.com/.
Further tips and advice can be obtained from their online
garden
pond forum at http://www.gardensupermart.com/tips.asp.
