Stocking/Planting the Pool

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Stocking the pool includes stocking of plants, as well as other aquatic life, such as fish, snails, etc. Pools can be balanced through proper selection of plants and aquatic life. An environmentally balanced pool is one in which the interaction of life in the pond creates a clear and attractive pool. Remember, however, that crystal clear pools are not necessarily healthy. Plants absorb carbon dioxide during the day and produce oxygen. Fish use the oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. All pools should be sited in sunlight. The plants require sunlight for best performance. Algae growth is also promoted by sunlight. Shade must be provided directly on the water's surface to discourage the growth of algae. Floating foliage plants, such as water lilies, water hyacinth, and lily-like aquatics will accomplish this. Submerged aquatics provide oxygen, a food source and a place for fish to hide. Additionally, they provide a place for fish to lay their eggs. Marginal plants take up excess nutrients in the water, inhibiting the growth of algae. Marginal plants also assist the pool by absorbing heavy metals and other common pollutants. Fish control mosquitos by eating larvae. Snails and tadpoles are the scavengers of the pool, eating algae and decaying vegetation. All combine to create the naturally balanced environment of a good garden pool.

Water Lilies
Water lilies are planted in containers of heavy garden soil. Do not use commercial potting mixes, they are too light. The containers are placed in the pool with 3 inches to 3 feet of water over the top of the pot. Forty to sixty percent of the water surface should be covered with floating foliage plants. The smaller the pool, the more coverage required.

Marginal Plants
Marginal Plants are containerized and planted at a depth of 10" to 12". See the individual plant descriptions for specific depths. Selections of marginals is similar to selection perennials for the garden. Flower time, height, and texture are important considerations.

Lily-like Aquatics
Lily-like aquatics are floating leaf plants that are planted from 3" to 18" deep. They also serve as shade producing plants for the pool.

Floating Plants
As the name implies, floating plants are not potted, but merely float on the surface of the water.

Submerged Plants
Submerged aquatics are also known as oxygenating plants. They are planted in pots and placed on the bottom of the pool. The plants generate oxygen, which is important for the fish.

Fish
Normally, pools are stocked with goldfish or koi. Fish add to the excitement of the pool. Selection of goldfish or koi is a matter of personal taste. Koi sometimes are aggressive, and bother plants. Plants can be protected with a screen to keep koi from new growth, while allowing the plant to grow to the surface.

Snails and Tadpoles
Scavengers perform a very useful function in the water garden. Snails eat decaying vegetation and algae. Tadpoles eat algae, and also turn into frogs.

Pond Stocking Guide

• Floating Foliage: Cover 60% of the pool surface. Water lilies, and floating and lily-like aquatics.
• Oxygenating Plants: One bunch per two square feet of surface area.
• Fish: One inch of fish per 1 gallon to two gallons of water.
• Snails: One per square foot of bottom surface area.
• Tadpoles: Same as snails

Note: These stocking factors are suggested. The larger the pool, the less applicable they are. Large pools are easier to balance because in small pools the water temperature does not vary as much over a 24 hour period.