Commack, New York (PRWEB) December 17, 2013

Blue Ribbon Pools, the premier provider of custom pool installation and service to the Suffolk and Nassau Communities, is advising Long Island residents to learn about all of the local and state regulations that must be followed to install and maintain a residential pool.

Each year more and more laws and regulations go on the books at both local and state level, governing activities in everyday life that our elected officials have deemed necessary. Over the last decade, these have included laws and regulations governing not only the installation of a pool at a private residence but also governing all of the necessary safety precautions that need to be in place to protect people and especially children who might gain access to the pool area.

While companies like Blue Ribbon Pools have to stay up to date on all of the laws and regulations that have direct effect on their businesses, homeowners who are contemplating buying and installing a pool should educate themselves prior to starting work so that they can avoid costly delays and penalties in the event that their pool installation does not meet code. The team at Blue Ribbon Pools is more than happy to answer any questions homeowners have and they will review with homeowners all of the local regulations that govern the area where a new installation will be built.

Additionally, Blue Ribbon Pools encourages homeowners to educate themselves and keep educating themselves after a pool is installed to ensure that while they are enjoying the private luxury of their own pool they are always in compliance with new laws and regulations that may come on the books after the pool is installed. As the Blue Ribbon Pools team likes to remind their clients, ignorance of a law or regulation is no excuse and will not prevent a fine being levied.

Blue Ribbon Pools is the premier customer pool design and installation company on Long Island. Along with new pool installations, Blue Ribbon Pools can also renovate existing pools, replace linings and install covers as well. For customers who want a custom pool for their backyard, Blue Ribbon can not only work to design and install pools but also custom water features to further enhance the overall installation. Among the water features that can be added are water falls, streams, ponds and sheer descents to name a few. Serving all parts of Suffolk and Nassau Counties, please feel free to call 888-FIX-POOL for a free estimate or visit our website at http://www.longislandpoolsltd.com/contact.html.

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Blue Ribbon Pools Advises Homeowners to Educate Themselves before Starting Construction of Their Backyard Escape

BROOKFIELD, CT Acacia Middle School, located in Hemet, Calif., is dedicated to providing a rigorous education program founded upon the concept of Cougar P.R.I.D.E: Positive, Respectful, Individuals and Dedicated to Excellence. In recent years, the 70-year-old school has seen a significant growth in its student population and, to provide students with a safe and comfortable learning environment, the facility chose to undergo extensive improvements to the west side of its campus, including a new driveway and parking lot, classroom modernization and construction of a new gymnasium.

The repairs and improvements would be carried out in three separate phases and would include a redesign of the schools current stormwater management system. Initially, a drainage system was developed to hold most of the runoff in underground systems; however, it was determined that after a storm, some of the runoff might pump back onto the street. Engineers from Tory R. Walker Engineering, Inc. of Vista, Calif., who specialize in hydrology and optimization, realized that the runoff would exceed its peak flow to the street if nothing was done. The engineers suggested revising the design to include hydraulic principles and eliminating the pumping system. They instead proposed to use a system that would drain largely by gravity.

The engineers faced a number of stormwater management challenges. The site is very flat, and there is no onsite drainage system. In addition, the flat terrain would make it difficult for some areas to drain by gravity when the water is directed into an underground system because the site lacks an MS4 underground drainage pipe.

The area just a bit further from the lowest elevation point in the school has enough topographic difference to drain by gravity, but the portion closest to the street did not, said Luis A. Parra, PhD, PE, CPSWQ, D.WRE, ToR, Senior Project Manager at Tory R. Walker Engineering, Inc. In this case, we designed the system so it would drain by gravity up until a certain point and from that point on it would percolate into the soil.

A three-basin system was designed to drain as much water volume by gravity as possible. Water that cannot be drained by gravity is directed to the parking lot next to the street. The first two basins are hydraulically connected and a third long basin was added in lieu of a drainage pipe for drainage considerations and to enhance infiltration. Using this type of system eliminated the need for a pumping system and any associated maintenance. The use of gravity helps to get rid of runoff quickly after treatment and only a small portion of the water will need to infiltrate into the soil to drain. The hydraulic system maximizes the use of the limited space, while providing the school with a significant cost savings.

CULTECs Recharger V8HD plastic subsurface chamber was ultimately selected for the job as it provided a balance of maximizing storage while using a small footprint, and best satisfied the requirements of the schools site. Each chamber measures 32 inches high and 60 inches wide and can hold a minimum of about 100 cubic feet of water, with a bare chamber capacity of 8.68 cubic feet per linear foot.

The system included a total of 586 units of the Recharger V8HD and provided a storage volume of 58,383 cubic feet. The chambers are divided up into three separate beds, one of which is located beneath a grassy area dedicated to a playground and the other two are installed beneath parking lots. A pretreatment system consisting of a vortex pre-filter was installed with the CULTEC chambers to allow for maintenance at a single point. The filter extends the useful life of the underground system by trapping oils, large sediment particles and other debris before they can reach the chambers.

The new stormwater system had to accommodate a large volume of runoff because we can get a lot of rainfall in this area, said Mike Houghton, contractor with Genesis Construction that put the system in. CULTECs chambers provided the storage we needed. Plus, they fit together and install very easily, and you cant beat their integrity.

For more information about CULTEC plastic septic chambers and other products, please call (203) 775-4416 or visit http://www.cultec.com.

About CULTEC

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School's New Stormwater System Drains by Gravity Using CULTEC Chambers

Virginia Water Gardens is a family owned and operated Landscaping and Custom Design Water Garden Construction Company and Aquatic Nursery. We specialize in aquatic plants, pond fish, pond fish food, water filters, pond pumps, garden fountains, decorative garden statues and a variety of products to maintain or build your own backyard water garden, stream, waterfall or pond.

Our retail store and working water garden showroom is easily accessible from exit 133 off Route 95 and located on Cambridge Street (Route 1), just a mile north of Warrenton Road (Route 17) in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

We cordially invite you to stop by to view our beautifully landscaped displays of aquatic ponds complete with pond fish and water plants, cascading waterfalls and rolling streams flowing over colorful rock formations and surrounded by luscious plants, flowers and decorative garden accessories.

Perfectly situated within Stafford County, we are able to offer our expert custom design, landscaping and construction services to residential homes and commercial businesses throughout Virginia.

This includes communities within Fredericksburg, Stafford, Falmouth, Chatham Heights, White Oak, Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Hartwood, Aquia, Garrisonville, Massaponax, Tappahanock, King George and Caroline as well as surrounding communities as far south as Richmond and up into Northern Virginia.

Virginia Water Gardens will create a lush paradise right in your own backyard, featuring ponds, streams, waterfalls, pondless waterfalls and lush landscaping, exotic koi and other exotic colorful fish that you will enjoy for countless soothing and relaxing hours. Imagine the possibilities for your own yard as we guide and assist you through in selecting pond plants, pond flowers, water fountains, water spitters and landscaping to create a special and unique personal environment you will enjoy for many years to come. All of our water gardens are one of a kind... custom designed and expertly installed just for you! Every watergarden or backyard pond we create is unique and custom designed, personalized to enhance and beautify your existing landscape using various sizes and shapes and tailored to meet your location and budget.

Virginia Water Gardens Services:

Elements of an Ecosystem Water Garden:

After dealing with the stress of work and long commutes, you can wind down by sitting next to your very own backyard garden pond and letting the sounds of running water take away the tension of a long day. Whether you choose to have a flowing stream or tranquil water pond with waterlilies, Koi fish, tropical exotic water lilies, or goldfish, that beautiful, peaceful, and personal water garden with pond and waterfall will be a source of enjoyment and relaxation for hours each day for years to come. And right in your own back yard!

You might think it takes time to take care and maintain a water garden or back yard pond, but you should not spend more than 5-10 minutes a week cleaning out your skimmer basket of large debris and adding the "good" bacteria to help clean and maintain your piece of paradise. Our self contained eco-friendly water gardens are meant to enjoy, not labor over all the time keeping them clean and we will make it possible for you to do just that!

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Garden ponds are alluring because they provide a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. There's nothing better than the sight and sound of water in your own backyard. A well designed pond will turn your outdoor space into a vacation-like retreat, where you can get away from the busy world. With a pond, you'll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature including unique plants, running water and possibly even some koi fish.

It's important that the design and construction of a garden pond are done right. Due to lack of knowledge, homeowners often end up with a sloppy eyesore rather than a beautiful and relaxing water feature. This collection of articles will help you get ideas for your own backyard pond and provide design tips. Familiarize yourself with the basics of pond placement and construction so that when you hire a professional you'll be able to work together to create an incredible pond.

Get these tipsIn this section, you'll find tips from landscaping professionals and pond installers on:

Before installing a pond, it's important to remember that no pond will be maintenance free. However, upkeep can be minimized with good design and construction.

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Garden Pond Design Ideas - Landscaping Network

home section Interior Design Housekeeping Entertaining Home Improvement Gardening & Plants Landscaping eHow Home & Garden Garden & Lawn Gardening Basics How to Design Waterfalls on Backyard Ponds

Peter Mitchell

Based near London, U.K., Peter Mitchell has been a journalist and copywriter for over eight years. Credits include stories for "The Guardian" and the BBC. Mitchell is an experienced player and coach for basketball and soccer teams, and has written articles on nutrition, health and fitness. He has a First Class Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) from Bristol University.

The soothing sounds of water trickling over rocks seduces many gardeners into constructing their own backyard waterfalls. Waterfalls can also add valuable oxygen to pond water by bubbling it over rocks. However, if you install an oversize waterfall it might cause too much noise and overwhelm your pond. Too small a waterfall may not give your pond the aeration and water movement it needs to thrive. Careful waterfall design and planning helps ensure that you create a waterfall that suits your pond dimensions.

Work out what style of waterfall you want and how high you want the waterfall. Calculate rough dimensions by working out preferred width and height, then at least doubling that figure to get the length, according to Langston University. Otherwise your waterfall may be too steep. Increase the width required if you want to add plants along the side of the waterfall. Make sure your backyard can accommodate the dimensions.

Calculate your total pond size. Don't create a waterfall that's too big for your pond. If the waterfall is too large and creates too much water turbulence it could disturb plant and fish life, according to the World of Water website. Aim for a waterfall around five to eight feet in length from the edge of the pond for general garden ponds, according to the Aquatic Community site.

Decide if you're going to buy a ready-made waterfall kit or create your own. Buy enough thick pond liner to create a flowing, multi-level waterfall. Measure the length of the waterfall with a measuring tape and add two feet. Measure the widest part of the waterfall and add three feet, then multiply the overall length and width figures to get required liner dimensions, according to the University of California, Davis.

Select an appropriate waterfall pump. Find a pump that will circulate your entire pond water volume plus waterfall "head" height every two hours. For example, if your pond capacity is 2000-gallons, and your waterfall is three feet tall, you need a pump with capacity of 1000-gallons per hour and three-foot head, according to pump engineering specialists Mathews.

Plan your electrical requirements. If you haven't already checked local pond regulations and pipe and cable maps when installing your pond, contact your local government department for more information. Request a utilities mark-out if digging a deep hole. This shows any any pipes and electrical wires. Check with an electrician before installing any wiring near your waterfall.

Choose some waterfall rocks and boulders in a range of sizes. Use a mix of flat and round rocks. Adjust these later when the water is running for best effect. Avoid sharp rocks which could pierce the lining. Select border plants and shrubs from a garden center to line the waterfall.

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How to Design Waterfalls on Backyard Ponds | eHow

Whether youre interested in installing your outdoor pond yourself or having Outdoor Magic complete your entire custom pond project, we offer premium pond design services in NY, NJ and CT so the project is designed to your exact specifications and optimum pond depth, allowing for the proper landscaping and other optional environmental elements, such as accent/night lighting, koi fish, etc.

First, we provide estimates at no cost. Then, we work with you to design the outdoor pond of your dreams for your front yard or backyard. We recommend the right equipment, such as filters and pumps based on the size of your pond and the elements youd like to incorporate like aquatic plants or koi fish.

Pond construction and installation is an area where Outdoor Magic really shines in NY, NJ and CT! Each and every pond we install is done with care, precision and is always a custom job. We never use pond kits because we believe in constructing outdoor ponds the right way for the most natural and seamless fit within your environmental landscape. When it comes to constructing and installing your dream water garden or pond, we are the tri-state areas experts.

Not only do we install ponds and other backyard water features, we also complete all landscaping, hardscaping, and accent lighting, which makes Outdoor Magic a truly full-service pond design and installation company. No detail is overlooked when you choose Outdoor Magic for your outdoor pond construction. Call us to complete your project anywhere in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut.

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Backyard Pond Design & Installation | Serving NY, NJ & CT

Some residential backyard ponds that have been designed and installed in Alberta are truly spectacular during the day as well as the evening. Just take a look at this picture on the left and imagine a pond with water falls and mountain streams like this in your outdoor space. Add night time lighting to it and you have a truly spectacular water feature designed to impress your guests no matter what time of the day! This particular landscape incorporates three water falls and two ponds with lots of Alberta boulders and plants strategically placed. And then the lighting really sets it off during the evening providing a wonderful landscape to admire. Humans love it, birds love it and the animals love it. It can be a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the quiet solitude of your outdoor space listening to the tranquil water falls. It is a perfect conversation piece when guests come for dinner. There will never be a lull in topics to discuss. It does not get much better than that!

How Do You Design One of These

It is really quite easy, however it does take some time to come up with a design that you can truly appreciate. You go to the experts who have designed many backyard ponds for residential customers as well as commercial customers. You may have ideas of your own that you want to incorporate. That is fine with the designers, in fact they prefer that the customer is an integral part of the design process. It really helps to make sure that the customer is truly satisfied with the final result. There is even more pride of ownership, when you can can say I helped to design this beautiful water pond, water falls and mountain stream!

Start with the pictures and pick out a number that you think you may like. Next look at the packages that are available to confirm that they are within the price range you were thinking of spending. Next, call the number at the top of the page to arrange for a consultation at your home or business. Let the designer know over the phone what landscapes you have shortlisted and what your budget is. They can then bring along some more pictures that fit your requirements and be prepared to discuss in detail what kinds of ponds and water features would best fit your outdoor space. They will work with you to narrow down the choices and select something that will look truly spectacular in your yard and within budget.

Maintaining a Pond

Maintaining a pond like the one in the picture does take a bit more work than a smaller one, however with water level monitors and automatic fillers, you will not need to be concerned about the water getting too low. From time to time, someone needs to monitor the chemical makeup of the water to ensure that the PH level is in the correct range for plants and fish if you have them.

Any debris from storms and wind should be removed immediately to maintain the flow of water and of course to keep your water feature looking pristine. Most home owners will look after this part of the maintenance. They can also test the water as well once a month or more often if there is some concern. Often the PH levels will change after a lot of rain. Customers can also arrange for one our contractors to come once a month to ensure that everything is running smoothly, clean up anything that needs to be done and re-arrange plants or thin them out as needed.

During the winter time your water feature will need to be shut down, since freezing water can damage the pipes and the pumps. These will be removed and the water will be lowered if needed. An aerator can be added to the pond if you have fish in the pond. They hibernate, but they do need unfrozen water with oxygen so the aerator will keep the water from freezing and also pump in air into the water as well.

Design and Install in Alberta

There are literally thousands of designs to choose from. Not all of them will make sense or would look very good in your outdoor space. But many of them will. Our customers often like to have something that is unique and customized that fits their space, their sense of spectacular and their budget. A custom designed backyard pond can be designed and installed making use of some of the features you have seen in other ponds with your own customized requirements included.

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Residential Backyard Ponds – Design and Install in Alberta ...

Pond, Waterfall, and Aquatic Habitat Installation

Installation of a water feature requires specialized knowledge, skills, and the right equipment. At Natural Waterscapes, we pride ourselves on providing the complete package from design through construction. Our designs are better, because we know what is required to construct a complex water feature. Our construction is better, because we know the design inside and out. Every water feature incorporates both art and science. Experience tells us when to apply each to reach a natural and beautiful end result.

For garden ponds and commercial applications, Natural Waterscapes, LLC is a Firestone Specialty Products trained designer and installer of Firestone Pondgard EPDM rubber liner products.

Waterfalls can provide a very attractive alternative to aeration fountains for larger pond and lakes. Not only does the waterfall provide aeration, but vegetation and bacteria growing in the margins of the stream act as a biofilter to remove the nutrients that cause algae blooms.

The falls pictured below are under construction with test runs of 500 gallons per minute of flow being completed on a moderate size waterfall and stream with 35 feet of drop over 130 feet of length.

Contact us now to start planning your large pond, garden pond, or waterfall

Many older ponds can gain incredible character and functionality from retrofitting to newer technology. Adding a skimmer box, upgraded pump, or even a gorgeous waterfall can enhance your pond while improving water quality. Click here to read more about retrofit opportunities for older ponds.

Aquatic Habitats, Wetlands, and Rain Gardens

Specialized construction techniques and extensive knowledge of soils, hydrology, and construction techniques allow Natural Waterscapes to install high quality aquatic habitats, wetlands, and rain gardens. Our installations are completed with long-term performance and success in mind. Our team brings the experience necessary to complete these complex projects and the results speak for themselves. We gauge our success by the diversity and types of wildife that utilize the habitat. Our experience ranges from small single home rain gardens to large multi-acre wetland and stream construction projects.

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Pond Construction - Liner Installation - Natural Waterscapes

Specializing in Pond Design and Pond Construction - The Pond Digger is building custom designed, low maintenance, ecologically friendly water gardens for fish and plants, but more importantly people! From small residential Tranquility Ponds to Koi ponds and pondless waterfalls to rock column fountains, water gardens to one acre lakes, we do it all. No project is too small or too large. If you are looking for pond design, pond construction or pondless waterfall suggestions, tips and tricks, in need of your water garden pond rebuilt or if you've always wanted a pond, look no further! Call us for a FREE pond construction informational DVD and a POND CONTRACTOR WARNING REPORT. Schedule an onsite pond design consultation today and move one step closer to your pondless waterfall or pond construction date.

We are based in Yucaipa and service the entire Southern California basin including, San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura and San Diego Counties. We work with a network of qualified Certified Aquascape Contractors, and Certified Professional Pond Contractors across America. So if we can't help you personally we can direct you to several different companies that will accommodate your pond construction and pond design needs.

30% of the pond construction performed by The Pond Digger Construction Team are remodels, rip outs, and teardowns. Ultimately, we spent a great deal of our time fixing broken dreams last year. We want the opportunity to teach you how to design your dream pond, pondless waterfall or watergarden correct the first time or have the opportunity help with your pond design and perform the installation for you.

For over a decade through our, Educational Training Advanced Seminars, pondless waterfall classes, California Pond Tours, Ponds for Schools programs, and speaking engagements, The Pond Digger has been changing the way the world builds and maintains ponds through these educational and inspirational pond installation classes. We teach children, contractors, and homeowners alike, time and money saving techniques of proper disappearing pondless waterfall construction and pond installation.

Pond design is not something that you should just leave up to anyone. Most pond design concepts are done on a whim and what happens is your Koi Pond, Water Garden, Pondless Waterfall, or waterfall system is just hap hazardly thrown into the far corners of your property.

A well-designed pond or pondless waterfall will cost close to the price of a spa or hot tub. So, since you will have a fair investment into your water feature, let's be sure you get the best bang for your buck. A good koi pond design will take these things into consideration:

Whether you are going to build your pond yourself or hire a professional to install, don't leave your watergarden design to chance. Consult with a professional. When it comes to your pond design, get all of your questions answered before you begin. We provide pond design consultations for professional pond installation and for the do-it-yourself homeowner too.

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Pond Construction, Pond Design, Pond Installation, California

317-786-3670 901 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227MAP AND DIRECTIONS

info@coolponds.net

Seasonal Store Hours Nov. 1 Through March 31 : Tuesday - Friday 10am to 5pm Saturday 10am to 3pm Closed Sunday and Monday

Thanksgiving Closed Thurs. Nov 28 through Dec. 2 Christmas Closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 6

Our Indianapolis Store Filled with supplies, surrounded by ponds. People drive for hours to visit us.

Installing a pond at your home or business Our pond designs and installations are elegantly customized to your location.

Classes in Pond Building and Maintenance Classes in water garden maintenance and construction.

Pond How-to Information and Support Got a question? Got a problem? We've got answers.

See the ponds - Video and photos A scrapbook of images and footage full of ideas for your pond.

About Cool Ponds We're a small family-run company, and boy do we love ponds!

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Cool Ponds - Indianapolis Pond Design, Installation and Supplies