You can build a water feauture in your yard that does not require much maintenance.  You will be able to enjoy the tranquil beauty of water right in you own backyard.

For the person that would like more than the natural elements of the pond alone, perhaps some aquatic life, then turtle ponds should be considered .  Turtle ponds can be delightful spaces that can enchant the whole family and the entire neighborhood.
An excellent starting point would be to begin researching what species of turtles will thrive in the area that you live in. It is possible to create a pond for nearly every type of turtle.  Even a tortoise, that is considered a “land” turtle will enjoy a shallow pond.  The tortoise would most likely not spend the majority of its time swimming in the pond so an adequate amount of land would need to provided for the tortoise.  A water turtle like a Red-eared slider will spend the majority of their time swimming in the water, so they would need less land.   It would be wise to speak with an associate at a neighborhood pet store or possibly do some research on the internet to determine the right chocies for the species of turtle that will inhabit the mini paradise.
After the selection of the turtle breed is done, the next step would like be the selection of the space or area that you will install the turtle ponds.   When creating the pool be sure to make some gradually sloping edges so that the turtles can get in and out of the turtle pond with ease. Rocks or sticks can be used to construct natural looking ramps.  Spend some time planning the area for the turtle pond.  A well thought out  design will insure that your turtle ponds are the home of happy, healthy turtles.  Give thought to the type of liner that will be used.  Many breeds of turtles have sharp claws so be sure to select a liner that is thick.  The drawback on some of the pre-formed liners is the fact that they have pre-formed shelves or levels which are usually not best suited to turtles.  The thinner, more flexible liners can be shaped more easily but are much easier to tear.  Look at all the options and make any modifications that will be necessary to make the turtle ponds into a safe environment so that the turtles will thrive in their home.
It will be important to install fencing around the new turtle ponds.  This will prevent any turtles from wandering away, and it will keep any pond predators out.  Remember that turtles are usually small.  It is possible that their legs or even their heads could become entangled in the mesh fence.  They also dig very well, so frequently check the fencing.  Depending on the area, a mesh covering may be needed over the top of the turtle ponds to keeps birds away.
A really fun part of making turtle ponds is the ability to create a tropical feel.  Be careful to select plants that are not toxic.  The turtles will likely enjoy a little  snacking on the pond plants that are in their new environment.  Place some  rocks around the edges of turtle ponds to provide the turtles with plenty of opportunity to enjoy a sunny day. 

How cool is this?!? A floating alligator pond decoy that uses solar power to light his eyes.  Amaze your friend and scare off predators.  This fake alligator for ponds will be sure to please everyone.

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Imagine sitting in your yard on a balmy summer night with the stars blinking overhead.  Hearing the soothing sound of water rustling nearby can increase the serenity of the moment.  One way to bring that sound closer to home is by installing waterfall ponds near your favorite spot in the yard. A water feature can be installed near a deck, close to the house or just about anywhere on your property where space allows.

Once you have decided where you would like it located, contact your local utility department to make sure there are no buried utility lines in the area where you will be digging the hole for the waterfall pond’s location. While you will need to make sure you have a grounded power outlet available, you do not want to connect it by accidentally cutting  a line with your shovel. 

Early in the project have an electrician install the appropriate outlet that you will need to plug in the water pump for your waterfall pond. Also, be conscious of its position when put in the ground to insure that any overflow from the pond with not reach it. 

Level And Protect Liner with Sand 

Placing several inches of sand in the bottom of the hole that you prepared prior to placing the plastic lining inside can serve two purposes. One, it can help protect the waterfall ponds liner from possible damage from any rocks in the bottom of the hole. Second, when the liner is in place, check that it is level from all sides. If any adjustments are needed, remove the liner and adjust the level of the sand. 

Since the use of waterfall ponds is typically for decoration as opposed to a fish pond, it will most likely only be operated while you are enjoying the sights and sounds of a working waterfall. The route designed for the water to flow must be carefully thought through and a means to recapture the water will help keep water bills down and the area surrounding the waterfall ponds dry. 

To prevent the water pump from burning up, you will want to keep a close watch on the water level, don’t let it get too low.  Remember, it is mostly for decoration and turning it off when not in use is prudent, and it should also be turned off when you are not going to be home or if on vacation. In general, listening to the sounds stemming from waterfall ponds can be soothing experience that you may want to share with friends.

Do you need to install ultra violet lights in your pond?  The task of controlling algae in a backyard pond is often difficult to accomplish.  Many people become discouraged after they create their patio and backyard ponds when their pond becomes green with algae.  Since the main reason for including a backyard or patio pond into an outdoor décor is for the purposes of adding beauty and creating an environment of relaxation and serenity, part of the plan should not include fighting green algae.  Don’t lose hope, ultra violet lights for ponds provide a solution to this seemingly endless battle.  The use of ultra violet lights in your backyard pond to keep your pond free of algae is a surefire way to win the battle and enjoy the beauty of your pond once again. 

It is important to learn all that you can about using this type of system in your pond if you have decided to use the ultra violet lights designed for ponds.  There are four necessary components required to work together, to successfully kill the algae in your pond.  

1. You will need to purchase the initial ultra violet light that is designed especially for a pond.
2. You will need a protective sleeve designed to protect the ultra violet lamp from the water.
3. Install the proper electrical equipment to insure that the ultra violet light designed for your pond functions properly.
4. Provide the housing that will actually hold the light itself and allow the water to pass through.  The ultraviolet rays will only kill the algae in water that passes through the housing unit. 

Following Guidelines Will Bring Results 

When selecting an ultra violet light for your pond, it is very important to make sure that the unit you are using in your pond is properly sized for the volume of water that is in your pond.  Insure that the unit is properly installed within your pond.  It is imperative that the water pass through your ultra violet light very slowly in order to receive the most beneficial results.

Take the time to learn as much as you can about the use of ultra violet lights for your pond.  Insure that the system you purchase is the proper size for your pond and follow all rules and guidelines provided by the manufacturer so that you receive the best possible results from your system.   When used properly, the ultra violets lights designed for ponds will quickly kill the algae and disease that damage the water quality of your garden oasis.