Learn more about our incredible water features and services!
At Florida Water Gardens by FWG Designs, LLC, we create thoughtfully designed water features for clients, helping transform an ordinary outdoor space into something truly special. If you’re considering adding one to your property or need maintenance or repair assistance, our frequently asked questions provide insights into the processes, possibilities, and other helpful information.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured for your protection and peace of mind. We take great care to maintain the highest professional standards and follow industry best practices to ensure the quality of all our installations and services.
How do I get an estimate?
Start by filling out the contact form on our website or giving us a call. We start with a consultation that helps us understand your vision, yard topography, and budget, all of which help us create an accurate proposal for you to review.
Can you help me with a pond or water feature that was built/installed by someone else?
Yes! Although we specialize in custom builds, our team is more than qualified and happy to assist with existing water features. We offer “pond makeovers,” leak detection, and equipment upgrade services for existing water features to help get them back to peak performance.
Do you work with commercial clients as well as residential ones?
Yes, our team is happy to provide water feature design and maintenance services for both residential and commercial properties, including HOAs, office parks, and retail centers.
Why should I choose your team for my water feature project?
We are different from general landscapers and focus specifically on water features. We have a deep understanding of the complex biological filtration and hydraulic requirements for a thriving aquatic environment, particularly here in the unique Florida climate.
Are your ponds safe for Koi and other fish or aquatic creatures?
Absolutely – our ponds are designed to be fish-friendly, and we take great care to ensure proper depth, oxygenation, and filtration to create a thriving habitat for fish and other aquatic animals.
How often should I schedule pond cleaning?
We typically recommend annual spring cleaning, which involves draining the pond, pressure washing the rocks, thinning out overgrown plants, and checking all mechanical components.
How do your designs keep water clear in the high humidity and heat of Florida?
Our designs use a combination of high-quality skimmers, bio-falls, and UV clarifiers (when necessary), along with carefully selected aquatic plants that naturally consume the excess nutrients that would otherwise cause algae blooms.
Will installing a pond attract mosquitoes to my yard?
Not with our designs. Mosquitoes are attracted to stagnant water, but our ponds feature constant circulation and fish that eat mosquito larvae. We create dynamic, healthy water features that can actually help reduce the mosquito population on your property.
What is a pondless waterfall?
Pondless waterfalls provide the sight and sound of a waterfall, but without the maintenance of a pond. The water recirculates from an underground reservoir that is hidden beneath rocks and gravel.
How much electricity will a waterfall pump consume?
We use high-efficiency pumps that run 24/7. They typically cost about as much as it would to run a high-efficiency lightbulb or small household appliance.
Am I allowed to turn the waterfall off at night?
For water features that contain fish or other aquatic life, the pump needs to run 24/7 to provide crucial oxygen. However, if you have a pondless waterfall or fountain, you can opt to turn them off when you are not enjoying them.
What do I do if I suspect there is a leak in my pond?
Leak detection is tricky – you can try to check the edges and look for “low” spots, but if you are not able to find a clear indication, our team offers professional leak detection services and can pinpoint the problem and provide a patch.
Can you replace broken or malfunctioning pumps?
Yes, we have a variety of high-quality replacement pumps and can carry out the replacement process for you. We will help you find the right size to ensure your fountain or waterfall has the desired flow, as well as ensure the filtration system is working properly.
Do you have maintenance packages?
Yes, we offer recurring maintenance plans that allow you to enjoy your water feature without the “work” of keeping it up. Our team will handle everything from debris removal to plant trimming and filter cleaning.
What kinds of plants do you recommend for a Florida water garden?
We like to use a mix of marginals, shade, beauty, and floating plants that offer natural filtration. Common additions to our pond designs include pickerel weed, lilies, and water lettuce.
