The artificial lake, also known as an ornamental lake or a natural pool, is an incredible way to incorporate nature into your residence, whether in the garden or even on the balcony. In addition to decorating the environment and bringing a certain refinement to the landscaping of architectural projects, they also provide a feeling of tranquility, relaxation, peace and well-being.
For fans of Feng Shui, ancient Chinese art, whose main elements are water to attract positive energies and ward off negative ones, the artificial lake is one of the most traditional ways of incorporating this element into their projects. Water also represents prosperity, so it is essential to have the element close at hand.
So, for these, among many other reasons, the presence of water on your property cannot be missing, and the best way to obtain all these effects is to create your own artificial lake at home. If you liked the idea, but find it extremely difficult to build, know that creating an artificial lake is much simpler than you think.
Thinking about its benefits and the enormous popularity and prominence that artificial lakes have been gaining, we have gathered a lot of information and excellent tips to follow for you to see how it is possible to include an artificial lake in your project. Remembering that the ideal is to consult a landscaper or architect beforehand to assess the conditions in your residence for your installation.
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Artificial lake: What is it and what is it for?
An artificial lake is able to integrate environments with nature.
Normally, an artificial lake is designed to store water in dry regions, to create fish under extensive aquaculture or for fishing purposes, to build dams or hydroelectric plants, where the supply is precarious.
But from the architectural and landscape point of view of residences or commercial places, the artificial lake is incorporated into the projects to give more life to the environment. In general, it is a landscape resource widely used in the decoration of gardens or even indoor spaces to create environments incorporated into nature.
Today it is possible to create the most varied styles and different sizes, harmonizing with the architecture and landscaping of the place. Be it a small traditional artificial pond with stones, plants and fountain, a Japanese-inspired pond with carp or just a mirror of water in modern forms, all of them will create a natural and peaceful atmosphere capable of providing the well-being you are looking for.
In any case, artificial lakes require careful planning through a specialized professional, who must analyze all the existing conditions to propose the most suitable type of artificial lake, with the correct shapes, materials and measures for its structural installation.
Read more: Residential Garden: Small, Large, Simple and Modern!
The artificial lake in Feng Shui
Feng Shui – in the literal translation from Chinese, wind and water – is an ancient Chinese technique that harmonizes the energies of internal and external environments, such as gardens. The concept, which brings together science, technique and art, has been applied for more than 5,000 years to harmonize the environments in which people live and work, with the aim of providing well-being to achieve a simpler and happier life, through harmony with nature.
In external environments, the technique directly influences the landscaping, when applying the studies of existing conditions and alternatives, such as the formation of the terrain, the mountains, the sun, watercourses, wind direction, local vegetation, climate, and then decide how to conduct the architectural project with the surrounding elements.
Through Ba-Gua, the compass of Feng Shui, the harmonious distribution of energies within an environment is oriented in order to balance the entire environment. It is a diagram in the form of a regular octagon, divided into 8 areas, which map the energy flows in the environments (work, spirituality, family, prosperity, success, relationships, creativity and friends).
It is also through landscaping, that man has the opportunity to establish a direct connection with nature and its vital energies. Gardens and plants contribute to feelings of well-being.
Thus, Feng Shui and landscaping can benefit us by providing these means of intensely experiencing these simple vital sensations, such as feeling the pleasant aroma of flowers, contemplating beautiful plants, attracting the presence of birds in front of the fruits of a tree and enjoying the calm. of an artificial lake.
Read more: Garden models: Simple and Residential. + Photos!
The water in Ba-Gua
The Ba-Gua area linked to water is related to prosperity and can be incorporated in different ways in environments, such as the artificial lake. Other associated elements are aquariums, pools, waterfalls, vines, bamboo, ivy of fortune, sunflower and pomegranate, plants that grow quickly and vertically.
When creating the artificial lake in the gardens, the shape must be sinuous, with healthy plants, stones surrounding the beds, flowers and, if possible, fruit trees in the garden that will help to neutralize the negative forces of busy streets and external problems.
Next to the artificial lake, incorporate plants that awaken good vibrations, energize and clean environments, bringing joy, love and tranquility. Water is used to attract positive energies and ward off negative ones, so the artificial lake is a widely used element in landscaping for those who believe in this concept.
You can also use other objects and elements related to water in these places, such as water fountains, wavy objects, objects in blue colors, fish, among other examples. Thus, this presence of water in one place can be worked on in different ways in search of a greater attraction of positive energies.
As it attracts wealth and prosperity, it is nice to incorporate the presence of water close to the entrance doors of the residence. It also attracts light to the place, illuminating thoughts and also attracts work, energizing the careers of the people present in that place. However, dirty water attracts bad business and standing water (in large quantities) attracts inactivity from people nearby. Likewise, it is not interesting that water is located in the back of houses and buildings, as it attracts losses.
How to Attract Prosperity with Artificial Lake
We have already seen that water attracts prosperity and wealth, and can even stimulate careers at work. Thus, we can harness the energy of our residence in conjunction with Feng Shui practices to attract more opportunities to enrich, in every way.
For Feng Shui, the ideal is that every home should have a serene river passing right at its door, so that it can bring health, prosperity, abundance and food to its residents. But as this is not always possible, an artificial lake would be enough to attract all of this. If you can incorporate a fountain or small waterfall into the artificial lake, even better, as you guarantee the flow of this positive energy.
In Feng Shui, green is also related to wealth. Therefore, flowers and plants will always bring good energy and vitality. So, to attract prosperity, enjoy yellow or red flowers around the artificial lake. Another important tip: as water is prosperity, care for leaks, which totally symbolize the opposite, that is, a sign that prosperity is going away.
Read more: Bamboo pergola: Durability, price, garden. +51 Photos!
How to choose the ideal location for the artificial lake
The artificial lake must be well planned taking into account several important factors.
Contrary to what many people imagine, artificial lakes need not be a very sophisticated decoration and landscaping resource. Today there are countless possibilities for different shapes and sizes, from the simplest to the most elaborate. As well as a wide variety of materials such as stones, fish and plants that can be used in decoration and to give life to the artificial lake.
In the case of the simplest artificial lakes, their construction can take 3 to 7 days, in the case of a small project. But first of all, the place needs to be studied carefully.
We have already seen that, according to Feng Shui, the ideal place for the presence of water is near the entrance to the place. However, the artificial lake should not be built close to large trees or fruit species, as the accumulation of flowers and fruits in the lake can interfere with its ecosystem, making cleaning difficult. Likewise, root growth can interfere with soil planing and pipe equipment, etc.
Following Feng Shui or not, the ideal place is one that will give visibility and prominence to your artificial lake, as a focal point to attract attention. But, avoid the lowest places on the ground, to prevent rainwater from flowing into the lake and overflowing. If you have children at home, make sure that the artificial lake is protected and that it is shallow.
Building an artificial lake
Currently, there are structures that can be purchased ready to be installed in the chosen location, with just the excavation according to the drawing provided by the manufacturers. However, some experts do not recommend these structures as they are not 1 m deep, the minimum necessary to maintain an area of fresh water at the bottom, especially if there will be fish.
Therefore, the built structures are the most suitable and, for safety reasons, they must be installed on land with enough space to shelter the artificial lake loosely around it or in a corner where there is no passage around.
The shapes of artificial lakes can be varied, but the most common are non-geometric and geometric, in which the artificial walls are vertical and generally made of masonry.
When the lake is non-geometric, the drawings can be elaborated in a more creative way, harmonizing with the place in a more natural way. However, both can be protruding or excavated.
The protruding artificial lake has high walls, making it the best option for places with young children. Already excavated, it has edges at the same level as the ground and has a more natural appearance.
In addition, there are other factors that should be noted when building an artificial lake, see below:
Materials
As for the material, the most used are the masonry, of greater resistance and longevity and the canvas or canvas (PVC canvas), which is easy to handle, gives more creative freedom and adapts better to the needs of each one, however it must be a millimeter or more thick to avoid tears, be harmless to fish and withstand low temperatures.
The prefabricated material is robust and resistant, but measures are often less than 10 square meters and the depth is usually 80 cm.
But the material will depend a lot on the size of the installation site of the artificial lake and the time that will be dedicated to its maintenance, as it requires monitoring with tests and treatment with chemical products, in addition to a filtration system, therefore, a constant maintenance.
Climate conditions
It is also necessary to observe the climatic conditions of the place to be installed the artificial lake, since the ideal is that it does not receive a strong and direct amount of sunlight. However, if the idea is to make a natural pool, the ideal is that the area receives plenty of sun.
Capacity
It is recommended that the artificial lake hold up to 30 thousand liters of water, or at least a capacity of one thousand liters, due to the capacity of the filters and other cleaning and maintenance systems required.
Excavation
The lake must have a minimum depth of 1 meter, as the fish need a cooler and more oxygenated area for periods of more heat. In addition, it must be at least 10 square meters in order for natural biological regulation to be possible.
To excavate the site, you must remove everything that is found, such as stones, plants, roots, etc. The hole must be dug with walls at 45 degrees, to facilitate the installation of the stones later.
Its depth must be at least 40 cm in the deepest part, and at least 20 cm in the shallow side. Once dug, the hole must be compacted to avoid displacement of the earth.
Waterproofing
An artificial lake can be made of masonry or through systems that involve waterproofing blankets. In the case of masonry constructions, specific waterproofing products are used. When the construction is direct on the land, the ideal is to use a waterproofing mat that does not exceed at least 30 cm outside the lake edges, for more security in the installation.
Decoration
Finally, the artificial lake can be decorated with sand and stones of different types and sizes, natural or artificial. The ideal is to use the largest stones at the edges of the lake and the smaller ones, to fill the spaces.
There is also a special sand for lakes and natural pools that makes the bottom of the lake very clear and beautiful. The same sand can also be used to create mini beaches around the lake or the natural pool.
At the bottom of the lake, place a layer of one or two centimeters of coarse gravel sand, while at the upper levels, you should place five to eight centimeters of gravel.
Equipment
To guarantee the quality of the water and the survival of the fish, if any, it is necessary to invest in biological filters, pumps and UV filters.
The artificial lake pump is a fundamental piece of equipment, which can be installed inside the lake and opposite the outlet of the biological filter, to maintain the flow of water. It can also be directed to waterfalls or rapids, for example. And it must be installed on a flat surface, to work properly.
The biological filter can be installed right after the site is prepared. Usually, it is external and is in one of the corners, always with the water outlet facing the opposite side from where the water is captured.
The ideal models use filter brushes, as they are much more efficient than foams. The UV filter is responsible for the elimination of pathogens and also for the control of algae proliferation. Have an electrical outlet close to the location for installing this equipment.
Vegetation and fish
If you want, the artificial lake can include fish and plants to finish and harmonize the environment with nature. Create different levels and depths. There are many species of plants that can be used, for example, boa, papyrus, water hyacinth and water lettuce. They can even be planted inside the lake itself or in their own pots, dipped, to be more comfortable.
In the case of fish farming, the structure needs to be well planned before construction. For, the artificial lake must have mixed areas of depth and accommodate each species according to their natural needs.
Fish, on the other hand, must be chosen with great care. The most common are carps and kinguios. Because they are cold-water fish, they can better withstand low temperatures, but you still need to pay attention to their living conditions, taking care of the water quality, regular and correct food and avoiding overcrowding of the lake.
Maintenance: How to care for an artificial lake
Maintaining the health of the artificial lake is not as complicated as you might think, but it does require some care. Therefore, its maintenance must be done at least once a month with the application of some specific products and clean the filters. You should also check the flow of the pumps, measure the pH of the water and change part of the water.
It is also necessary to pay attention to superficial cleaning, such as collecting branches, leaves and fallen flowers, removing dirt residues, as is done with a swimming pool, to prevent this from compromising its appearance and clogging the equipment.
Step by step to build an artificial lake
If you want, you can venture to build your own artificial lake by following the step by step below. But remember, you need to consult a specialist before starting the project. At the end, we provide some tutorial videos and some images to serve as inspiration and ideas.
- Plan everything before you start to build the artificial lake, to avoid later problems that are much more difficult to solve.
- Choose an open place with good light, but away from trees that can damage the artificial lake.
- Provide an electrical outlet near the site for the installation of equipment.
- Pay attention to the minimum depth of one meter and the minimum of 10 square meters for good natural biological regulation.
- Choose the most suitable material for the artificial lake.
- Sketch the intended design of the lake and plan the planting of plants at levels and different depths in a gently sinking lake.
- Define the location for installing the equipment and fixing the tarpaulin along all margins, with stones, for example.
- Make the excavation according to the design of the lake at hand.
- Thoroughly clean the area to avoid damage.
- Cover the artificial lake and its margins with canvas, or waterproofing product, starting at the ends, fixing the material on the margins and the bottom with larger stones.
- Make the placement of the gravel following the different procedures.
- Plant the plants directly in the gravel or in pots with sand, which can be transported from side to side without difficulty.
- Fill the artificial pond in three different stages with a low pressure hose: in the first, fill a third of the volume and let it rest for two days, then two thirds of the volume and a new two-day rest and, finally, the entire volume, to that the lake’s content adapts to the water pressure.
- Install a filter suitable for garden ponds, to clean impurities, renew water and allow good circulation.
- Allow the lake a rest period for the plants to take root and the nitrification cycle to be completed.
- Before placing any type of fish in the artificial lake, it is necessary to check the nitrites with a store-bought kit. Levels below 0.1 mg / l, allow the first fish to be introduced, little by little: start with two specimens and increase the number over the weeks to allow time for the creatures to adapt to the microsystem.
Tutorials and videos to build artificial lake
Images of artificial lake to inspire
Large artificial lake
How to make artificial lake with canvas
How to make artificial cement lake
How to make an artificial lake with tire
Artificial lake with waterfall
As you can see, building an artificial lake is not as complicated as people think. In addition, there are companies specialized in this task that can help you with the design and execution, as well as maintenance. Good luck!
