How To Choose Pond Pebble Pools
The last few years have seen a dramatic rise in the popularity of water in the garden. A water feature is a way of introducing water to the garden scheme where a pond is neither possible nor desirable for example where space is an issue or safety considerations are paramount if the household contains particularly young children. Water features can also be used alongside ponds and in other areas of the garden to complement and enhance existing design elements. The Pebble Pool is a quick and easy way to install a water feature with endless possibilities to create a totally unique design.

What is a Pebble Pool A Pebble Pool is circular, rectangular or square with a central reservoir area and a wide flange or collar. The reservoir holds water that is circulated by a submersible pump placed within it and the flange ensures this water is directed back into the reservoir. A cover fits over the reservoir and level with the flange. A small depression on the flange allows electric cable egress. They are available in a range of sizes and whilst the most common types are a lightweight moulded plastic, heavier duty GRP (glass Fibre) versions are available to hold features up to a metric tonne in weight. Choose a Pebble Pool that fits the available area and is adequate to support the type of central feature (if any) that will be fitted.

Installing a Pebble Pool In the chosen area, mark out the reservoir profile and excavate to 1.5” to 2” (3.75 to 5cm) greater than the actual size all round. Excavate to allow the flange to sit appropriate to the type of surrounding landscape less 1” (2.5cm). Back fill with sifted soil or sand ensuring the flange is level. Always fill the reservoir with water so that the weight of it will ensure the pebble pond is seated before adding a surround finish such as paving.

Creating a feature from a Pebble Pool The flange and reservoir lid are usually covered with cobbles of various sizes so as to completely hide the black plastic underneath. A fountain spray or geyser effect can be generated directly from the submersible pump in the reservoir and submersed lighting attached to the pump riser can add an extra dimension for the evening hours.

Alternatively a hose can be fed from the pump and attached to any number of items such as drilled boulders or pots, ornamental fountains or spitters or slate or granite columns. This is the point when it is time to be creative and give your water feature that totally unique, personal touch. If it is not possible to use submersed lighting illuminate the whole thing with a small 20-watt halogen lamp positioned just beyond the perimeter of the feature for great nighttime effect.

Maintaining a Pebble Pool As there is not an open body of water or fish to produce waste, maintaining a Pebble Pool should be easy with minimal attention. A mild, environmentally safe algaecide will help to prevent algae build up over the cobbles but it may still, on occasion, be necessary to remove them for a scrub in a bucket of water. One of the best ways to ensure minimum maintenance is to choose a pump for the feature that is capable of handling small solids and does not have a sponge foam intake. This is especially important with Pebble Pools that have a heavy fountain feature. Check the water level regularly as splashing and evaporation, especially in hot weather, can quickly deplete the contents of the relatively small reservoirs. If the water level drops so as to expose the pump then there is a risk of the