Water Feature design and Construction

The addition of natural water features greatly enhance the visual aspect of a course, as well as provide another dimension to the game. Water creates a feeling of tranquility, yet at the same time provides a hazard. Making sure each water feature fits harmoniously is at the forefront of our thinking. In our designs, making the ball jump, follow the flow and even skim over water are ways in which we try to integrate the water within holes, so that the players experience is maximised. Floating balls are a must (don’t let normal golf balls enter the pot) as without this, the balls just sink to the bottom, making them difficult to retrieve. We use various enhanced cement renders to finish the containment areas, as can be seen in the above image.The image shows a circular fountain pool, which was trowled into a perfectly flat base, after which we applied the rockwork walling and waterproofing. Into this our artist carved some roman numerals to finish the effect. The central fountain

Is a pre manufactured piece form haddonstone. Of course we make sure the water features fit the theme, with this one being in a roman garden. Over the years we have found that no matter how well they are designed, there is always room for improvement. For instance in London there is so much dirt debris and grime that enters the ponds. With this in mind, maintenance and ease of such, is key. Many owners steer clear of features due to the time consuming aspects, but done right, they add so much overall.

Chlorine Treated Features. Treated water features tend to be located in open areas, such as at the seaside or on themed courses. The location matters as where there is less organic matter/debris liable to enter the feature, then there will be less material to process. You can of course have treated water elsewhere but if you do not keep up with maintenance through filtration and clearance, then the smell of chlorine mixed with decaying organic matter will be unbearable.

Natural water features. Creating natural features with good water quality is our main focus when designing the water features. The set- up design should be made so that as much aeration as possible is created. This can be through waterfalls, fountains, pumps and submerged plants. Plants with various attributes in particular, will help to aerate, use up nitrates and provide shade. Water borne algae feeds off sunlight/nutrients and can reproduce rapidly when conditions allow, so shade will certainly help if you can work into the design. Debris that is allowed to remain in the pond, such as leaves and dust should be removed as quickly possible to prevent a proliferation of nutrients which will start a bloom in algae and overgrowing plants. If left unchecked, anaerobic water conditions, in which harmful bacteria can thrive will increase. There is good bacteria which can be nurtured, by providing more surface area. This can be achieved through shingle, pebbles, bead filtration, lava rock and just through complex rock additions as in one the designs shown on the right. Good bacteria will greatly aid in the battle against the dreaded pond weed. Water features are the most time consuming yet, are also the most satisfying element on the course.

We can also design and build a water feature or pond for commercial or private clients. We work throughout london and the south east. Please contact to arrange for a quotation