Renovations and Conversion
Pond and Pool Renovations
Rather than brand new construction, some projects call for an overhaul of existing water features.
Poorly built, equipped, or maintained natural ponds are susceptible to a number of maladies. This includes low water quality, leaks, persistent algae, excessive debris, unpleasant smells, and poor pond conditions for plants and fish.
In these situations, it may be best to request an estimate on a complete renovation rather than a simple pond repair. Reflections will identify issues and recommend the best-suited remedies while changing your backyard pond into an elegant work of art.
Contact us to schedule an estimate for a pond renovation.
Most existing, chemically-treated pools can be converted into natural swimming pools. At Reflections, rely on a proprietary biological filtration technology system when building a natural pool. This technology allows us to create a natural swimming pool that relies on plants to filter the water rather than chemicals.
To do so, we first construct a regeneration zone. This zone is a water garden that consists of a gravel bed filter. In this bed, aquatic plants are rooted hydroponically and specified by hardiness for your locale. The size, appearance, and location of this zone is customized for each project.
After the regeneration zone is complete, the existing pool plumbing is modified to move water into a biological filter. To reach the regeneration zone, the water will now move through a series of low flow pipes and high-efficiency pumps.
What Is a Regeneration Zone?
The heart of the natural swimming pool is the regeneration zone. This zone consists of a lined water garden filled with a combination of special filtration substrate and aquatic plants.
Water plants are crucial to the regeneration zone and help to create a lush, colorful aquascape. These plants can be supplemented with decorative flowering species as well. This natural filtration system, along with microbes and beneficial microorganisms, ensures effective, continuous cleaning.
In addition, this filtration technology employs a combination of hydraulic design techniques and a biological filter to deliver superb water quality.
For More Information:
Contact us to schedule an estimate for a pond renovation, pool conversion, or regeneration zone.
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
