Well I am making my in ground pool a pond. I have always thought about it and now it is going to happen. It is about 5ft deep, 20ft long and 10ft wide. Can I use the pool filter if I change some things? Also, heating? I live in north central Florida, which isnt too cold. I want to keep Africans and S/C cichlids. Has any one done this? Ideas? Feedback? What not to do'sss? I will try to get some pictures tomorrow and post more information.
In-ground Pool soon to be a POND!!!
- Thread starter fote03
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Wow, Same idea I've been having. Does the pool have a fiberglass lining or is it a marcite finish? Mine has the fiberglass coating. I also am thinking sand filter instead of the paper cartridge that's on it now?
Definitly sand filter the paper elements are expensive and much harder to clean a total ripoff imo
maybe a bunch of large lava rocks sunk in the pool to aid in biofiltration
maybe a bunch of large lava rocks sunk in the pool to aid in biofiltration
wow I had the same idea, but my mom wont let me touch the pool, she says its for swimming only pshh. Anyways that is an awesome Idea. I have seen something like that before w/Africans. I dont know anything about how it runs but seeing that and living here long enough I wouldnt worry much about heating but make sure you do have something that can heat it nov-janish cuse it will drop down 30-50's and the water does get cold. The deepness is also good cuse with Africans esp. the cooler water the further down you go is nice for them and it helps maintain a steady temp. That is awesome! Def. post some pics of the process.
Where in fl do you live?
Where in fl do you live?
I seen an article on turning pools into ponds in a koi magazine. I can't remember the name of the mag but it was a really cool idea. I'll try to find out what mag and month for ya.
My uncle did the same thing with his pool after his kids moved out. He discovered quickly that you can't use the floor drain as is or it'll clog up the drain and inlet pipe constantly. He had to install an offset U pipe to bring the drain about a foot off the pool bottom. The large junk that collects at the bottom can then be vacuumed off with a standard pool vac and pass through a separator before entering the pump.
Awesome idea. Post pics as the pond evolves.
You might want to look into the many Passive-Solar Heating models available all over Florida. They don't cost a cent to run and will keep your pool warm through any winter snaps that the cichlids will not be able to tolerate.
Awesome idea. Post pics as the pond evolves.
You might want to look into the many Passive-Solar Heating models available all over Florida. They don't cost a cent to run and will keep your pool warm through any winter snaps that the cichlids will not be able to tolerate.