Bring serenity to your backyard with a custom Koi pond.

When creating your pond design we work with top Koi experts in the industry to bring you the best care for your fish as well as utilizing sophisticated technology to promote the health and growth of the Nishikigoi or Japanese Ornamental Carp.

We work with Koi Experts to ensure the health of your fish

Landscape: We use the surrounding landscape to guide the architecture of a great Koi pond. Using the natural environment and weather conditions as a guide we can ensure that your pond will flourish into maturity.
Materials: A koi pond’s shape, edging materials, position, and construction techniques are created in a way to generate a desired scenic effect
Water Quality: Every component is carefully selected and installed. See the Detailed list below.

Talk to an Expert CALL TODAY (815) 955-4911

Components of a Koi Pond

Skimmer: This allows water to be drawn from the surface of the pond, by collecting leaves, pollen, twigs, uneaten food and other types of floating debris.

Bottom Drain: These are particularly useful in a pond that does not have rocks on the bottom, this allows the heavy solids to be carried to the mechanical filter.

Mechanical Filter: The job of this filter is to trap solids, preventing them from clogging the Biological filter.

Biological Filter: Converts the nitrogenous wastes from the fish. This cycle is called the nitrogen cycle. These filtrations are critical to the health of your fish, we help you choose the right one.

Ultraviolet light: This is used to make algae flocculate (form into clumps), so that they can be removed by mechanical filtration.

Water & Air Pumps: Circulate water through a filter system and back into the pond. Proper back pressure and pump sizing is vital for optimal functionality.

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The Definitive Guide: Natural Pools and Water Gardens

Reflections Water Gardens excels in designing and constructing beautiful natural backyard water features that sit in perfect balance with your existing landscape. We take into consideration every feature of your property and its needs while working closely with you to bring your creativity into the design process.

Read our Guide to learn more about all the things that go into dreaming, designing and building the perfect natural pool or water garden.

Larry has great knowledge when it comes to the actual workings of a waterscape. His education and experience make him an expert in design, performance and function. Waterscapes are Larry’s passion and his creations are nothing short of amazing

Philip T. Schleifer, L.A., Owner / Advantage 1, Inc.

Larry Carnes knows more about water features than anyone I have ever met. His drive to continually educate himself on best practices is a benefit to his customers.

Quinten Bull, L.A., Land Shapers, Inc.

Larry Carnes demonstrates a keen understanding of the detail necessary to create credible natural spaces that feature water. The profession needs people with his skill and passion.

Eric Herman, Editor / WaterShapes Magazine

We have had the pleasure to work with Reflections Water Gardens for the past several years at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show at both Navy Pier and within the Lake County Fair. Larry and his team have presented wonderful natural and native water feature exhibits that inspire and educate our attendees. Their craftsmanship and designs are always a show favorite.

Tony Abruscato, director CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

I have worked with Larry for years and have found a rare quality in him that is missing in many others within the trade – he actually does what he says he is going to do! His work is high quality and he backs it up with dependability and passion for what he does. Add in a pleasant demeanor and a great depth of, and you come up with one of the best aquatic landscape specialists in the Chicago land area.

Mike Robinson, Keystone Hatcheries LLC

Larry did an amazing job into transforming our deck & backyard into an amazing little Paradise of our own. The sound & beauty of the waterfalls & stream is extremely relaxing. Larry was very meticulous & diligent with the project. He was present everyday & almost placed each stone by himself! I highly recommend him for any project. He is also very courteous, pleasant & easy to work with.

R. C., South Barrington, IL

My wife and I were new to the pond hobby world, so hiring someone to put in a waterfall on our natural pond was a scary idea, but then we found Larry. He held our hand through the whole process – from inception, to completion. We weren’t exactly sure what we wanted, but Larry took our basic ideas and made them a whole lot better. In the end, I’m certain Larry put way more in than we paid for. The stream and waterfall are the center piece of our backyard. Larry is cut from the mold of “work hard and go the extra mile” – and the results show that. We plan to have him do more work for us.

Klaus and Stephanie, Barrington, IL

We called Larry to fix water leaking from our waterfall. He found the leak, dismantled a large section of the feature, and repositioned the rocks so well that we could not tell he was even here….accept that the water fall worked! He was very nice, obviously knew what he was doing and I felt that we made the right choice by calling him. We will hire him the next time we need a water feature or any work done.

Bill and Penny, Crystal Lake, IL

Larry is very passionate about his work. He will remain on the job until it is done and works correctly. He is honest and has one of the best eyes for creating a natural looking waterfall or pool. He is also meticulous about the materials he uses and makes sure that everything is working properly. I would highly recommend Larry for any waterfall, pond or pool.

Bill

We were impressed with the knowledge and guidance we received from Larry throughout the project. His hands on approach and modifications during the project resulted in a beautiful pond/waterfall. We would recommend Reflections to anyone interested in a quality project at a fair price.

George & Renata, Inverness, IL

Larry Carnes is a creative and capable pond builder. His company, Reflections Water Gardens, is Healthy Pond’s preferred Chicagoland pond contractor. The projects I refer to him are built in budget and on time. Reflections Water Gardens excels at making my clients happy. I rate their customer service as A+.

Rich Heimberger, Owner of Healthy Pond

We were introduced to Larry Carnes and Reflections through The Chalet in Wilmette and are very happy that we were! Responsible for a small municipal garden with a central fountain feature (urn) that had fallen apart due to age, we were looking for a fountain feature that would provide movement and interest and removable in the winter. We met with Larry who proposed a solution that fit our needs, even recommending that we visit a fountain nearby to see something similar to what we would have. After his prompt and efficient installation, our fountain happily bubbled along all summer and is now waiting for the winter thaw to be installed again. We have received many compliments on our garden and its central bubbling feature, thanks to Larry and Reflections. We would recommend his services to anyone.

Susan E. Shabica, Winnetka Garden Club

Larry Carnes and Reflections showed the ability to have vision to maximize the space- even in small areas to make them feel like an oasis. The attention to detail from layout to stone/rock placement was and is artful and beautiful.

Rob & Wendy, Barrington, IL

Thanks for helping us when we didn’t know what to do.

Larry and Marsha, Harvard, IL

Larry is the #1 pond expert in my book. He solved a pond filtration issue I was having in a very professional manner. I highly recommend to anyone considering a pond or water feature installation to contact Larry and have the project done the right way from the start.

Alan, Palatine, Illinois

Beautiful Koi Ponds

Bring serenity to your backyard with a custom Koi pond.

We work with Koi Experts to ensure the health of your fish

Components of a Koi Pond