The pond/pool is progressing quite nicely and Hay is fast becoming an expert in large pond construction and maintenance.
The plan is to have a very shallow area around the edge, with marginal plants to facilitate filtration of the algae. She's currently creating the edging using gabion baskets, sandbags and gravel, such that the pond can be filled to the top. Filling sandbags is backbreaking work - so she says. I wouldn't know...
She's also working on an air-lift system, using air stones, piping and a compressor, to stimulate some movement of water between the planted and swimming areas.
It's taking a long time, but the planting is crucial and suppliers have run out of stocks of pond plants due to the lockdown. The lack of sun this week has given the few plants we have the chance to do some work and the algae is already starting to clear, but we need at least 3 or 4 times the number of plants we already have to reach homeostasis.
On sunny days, pond skimmers take over the surface of the pond. We need to introduce some daphnia and other zooplankton that feed on algae.
Next on the list is a bathing machine.
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