Learn

Backyards are getting a serious upgrade in 2025, and water features are at the heart of it all. From sleek, minimalist fountains to naturalistic water gardens, homeowners are finding creative ways to bring tranquility and style to their outdoor spaces. These features don’t just add visual appeal — they create peaceful retreats and increase property value.

Lighting is also taking center stage, with LED options enhancing nighttime ambiance and safety. Smart technology is making it easier than ever to control pumps, lights, and filtration systems right from your phone. Plus, sustainable practices like solar-powered pumps and rainwater collection systems are helping homeowners reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing beauty.

Whether you’re dreaming of a contemporary fountain, a serene pond, or a tech-savvy setup, there’s a trend to fit every backyard. Paragon Ponds offers everything you need to bring these ideas to life, from aerating fountains to smart pond solutions. Ready to make your backyard the ultimate retreat? Let’s get started.

Aeration and lighting are essential for maintaining vibrant, healthy ponds. Aeration ensures oxygen circulation, preventing stagnation, algae overgrowth, and harmful gas buildup. With options like surface aerators for shallow ponds, subsurface systems for deeper waters, and aerating fountains that combine beauty with function, there's a solution for every pond size and type.

Lighting enhances more than just aesthetics; it improves safety and visibility while creating stunning nighttime displays. LED and solar-powered lights offer sustainable choices, while fountain lighting kits add drama to water features. By combining these tools, you can create a balanced, eco-friendly pond.

At Paragon Ponds, we offer aerators, fountains, and customizable lighting kits designed to elevate your water feature. With the right products and proper care, your pond can thrive year-round, providing both beauty and environmental benefits.

Aerated ponds are more than decorative—they’re essential for maintaining water quality and supporting local ecosystems. They’re especially valuable in neighborhoods, where they enhance property values, create beautiful gathering spaces, and promote environmental sustainability. With the right aeration system, ponds remain vibrant, clean, and welcoming year-round.

From aerating fountains that combine beauty with function to surface aerators designed for large-scale performance, there’s an aeration solution for every pond. These systems improve oxygen levels, combat algae growth, and reduce unpleasant odors. They’re also a key tool in stormwater management and fish habitat preservation.

Choosing the right aerator depends on pond size, depth, and purpose. Whether your pond is decorative or functional, aerated ponds transform community spaces, making them healthier and more inviting. Learn how to select and maintain the best system for your needs in this detailed guide.

Landscape lighting can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your outdoor space. It adds depth, highlights focal points, and turns pathways into welcoming guides, enhancing both beauty and safety. This post covers various lighting ideas, including subtle pathway lights, dramatic uplighting for trees, and underwater lights for water features.

Choosing the right lighting depends on the effect you’re aiming for. For example, pathway lights create a soft glow along walkways, while moonlighting mimics natural light from above, ideal for creating a cozy ambiance on patios. Floating or underwater lights add a magical effect to ponds and fountain, bringing water features to life after dark.

Whether you’re looking to make a statement or simply improve nighttime visibility, this guide explores how to pick the right lights for your needs. We also cover energy-efficient and sustainable lighting options, like solar-powered spotlights, that make it easy to achieve an eco-friendly, illuminated landscape.

What are some things you've done to your landscaping that you believe has boosted your curb appeal and possibly even your property value? Did any of them include the addition of outdoor lighting? Please let us know below!

Pond scum is a common issue for pond owners, often caused by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus entering the water. From fertilizer runoff to decaying organic matter, these nutrients promote the growth of algae, creating an unsightly layer of scum on the surface. While pond scum may seem like a cosmetic issue, it can lead to larger problems like oxygen depletion and poor water quality.

There are several treatment options available for tackling pond scum, from manual removal and aeration to more targeted approaches like beneficial bacteria or algaecides. Adding an aeration system or using a UV clarifier can help prevent stagnant conditions that lead to algae blooms. In more severe cases, an algaecide may be necessary to restore balance to the water.

Preventing pond scum from returning is all about maintaining good pond health. Limiting nutrient runoff, regularly removing debris, and installing an aeration system can go a long way in keeping your pond clear. Understanding the root causes and available treatments is the key to managing pond scum effectively and preserving the natural beauty of your pond.

Circulators are essential for maintaining a healthy pond or lake by preventing water stagnation and promoting oxygenation. They work by creating water movement, helping to distribute oxygen evenly and preventing harmful stratification. In this post, we will cover the different types of circulators, including dock-mounted and horizontal float-mounted, each offering unique benefits depending on the size and layout of your waterbody.

Selecting the right circulator isn’t just about the type—horsepower matters too. We discuss the differences between 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, and 1 HP circulators, explaining which size works best for small ponds, medium ponds, and large lakes. Understanding the power you need ensures you invest in a circulator that covers the right amount of surface area and depth, effectively improving water quality.

Whether you're managing a private pond or a large lake, knowing how circulators differ from de-icers is critical. While de-icers keep ice at bay in the winter, circulators offer year-round benefits. From energy efficiency and durability to installation options and maintenance tips, this guide provides all the insights needed to choose the perfect circulator for your pond or lake.

Plastic pollution in our oceans has reached alarming levels, with millions of tons entering marine ecosystems each year. This pollution poses a serious threat to marine life, from fish to seabirds, and even impacts humans through the food chain. The growing problem calls for immediate action to protect our oceans and the planet.

Oceanworks is taking on this challenge by collecting plastic waste from oceans and coastlines, transforming it into recycled materials that businesses can use. Their innovative approach not only helps clean up the oceans but also creates economic opportunities in coastal communities affected by plastic pollution. Through partnerships with businesses, they’re promoting a circular economy that reduces the demand for virgin plastics.

At Paragon Ponds, we're proud to partner with Oceanworks. For every purchase over a specified amount, we donate a portion to support their efforts in removing plastic waste from our oceans. By choosing Paragon Ponds, you’re contributing to cleaner waters, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable future for all.

When winter sets in, keeping large ponds, marinas, and community water features ice-free is crucial for protecting infrastructure and aquatic life. Propeller-driven de-icers are an excellent choice for larger bodies of water, as they circulate warmer water from the bottom to the surface, preventing ice formation. This method is more effective for extensive areas than traditional surface heaters, making it ideal for marinas and community ponds.

Choosing the right de-icer involves considering factors such as the size of the water body, the power of the unit, and its energy efficiency. Propeller de-icers are especially efficient because they offer broader coverage, ensuring ice prevention over large areas. It’s important to select a durable unit that can withstand harsh winter conditions, as well as one that’s easy to install and maintain.

Once you’ve installed your de-icer, regular maintenance is key to ensuring its longevity and performance. Regularly checking for debris, performing seasonal inspections, and proper off-season storage can help extend the life of your de-icer. By selecting and maintaining the right system, you can keep your pond or marina ice-free throughout the winter months.

Aeration is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy pond. Whether you’re trying to prevent algae growth or improve water clarity, choosing the right aerator can make all the difference. Surface aerators, subsurface aerators, and aerating fountains all serve different purposes depending on your pond’s size, depth, and overall ecosystem needs.

Surface aerators are ideal for shallow ponds, providing a fast and effective way to increase oxygen levels near the surface. On the other hand, subsurface aerators work best for deeper ponds, circulating oxygen throughout all layers of the water to ensure a balanced environment. And if aesthetics are important, aerating fountains can add both oxygen and a visual centerpiece to your pond.

By understanding the strengths of each type of aerator and matching it to your pond’s unique requirements, you can ensure your pond remains healthy and vibrant. Proper aeration promotes better water quality, supports fish health, and prevents common issues like algae blooms, keeping your pond in perfect balance.