July / August, 2010

Publishers’ Perspective

You Have Choices, We Have Info

Pond contractors and retailers have choices to make. A big one is what brands and classes of products to sell and use. The decisions you make can have a profound impact on your day-to-day business.

POND Sources is our answer. When you are selecting what products to sell, are you considering all that is available? Take Filtration. How do you decide what kind of filtration to recommend and install for your clients? Do you have a variety of solutions for the different needs and wants of your different prospects, or do you decline the sale for clients whose desires don't fit the product lines you provide? (There is no right or wrong answer here.)

The point is, do you know your options, and are you ok with your limitations?

In this issue, we are Launching POND Sources, a section that focuses on pond equipment and supplies, one category at a time. Included are articles about the products, and contact information for leading manufacturers and distributors that sell those products. This way you know your options. Will this help you bid more jobs, or expand your store inventory? We hope so.

While walking the Hardware Show in Las Vegas recently, we met up with some of the leading manufacturers in our business, so we had to take a moment for a quick snapshot.

Happy selling.

Download the July / August, 2010 PDF

Article List

Pond Leaks: Part One – Initial Investigation Techniques
Jamie Beyer
Leaks can be tough to figure out, not only identifying whether there is a leak, but also, finding it. Our pond expert will start with the easily examined causes with a step-by-step locating process. Includes techniques for avoiding leaks from in the first place.

Be Careful of the Plants You Plant Near Your Pond
Chuck Baldwin
Be careful what you plant, especially near liner ponds. Roots can do damage to even thick liner. In this case, see what variegated water reed grass that has with sharp pencil sized spikes, poked holes through a liner causing the pond to leak.

Want More Web Traffic? Content is King – Still!
Pam Greiner
An in-depth review of how important your website content is from marketing expert Pam Greiner. Includes a summary of dos and don'ts for e-mail campaigns, social media and websites. What is an SEO? Update, update, update your site with quality content correctly.

Language of Koi – Kumonryu Change is Good!
Joe Pawlak and Cindi Streb
"Seeing is believing," as they say and the Kumonryu variety of koi is probably the most fascinating of them all. See and learn how Kumonryu (translated means "Nine Crested Dragon") are different from other koi varieties.

Six Tips for Forcing Yourself to Tackle a Dreaded Task
Gretchen Rubin
Here are 6 helpful techniques to tackle those hard to do tasks. Don't let those tasks hang over your head; they will make you feel drained & uneasy. Learn to get them done and be much happier.

MONSTER Pond
Vicki Vaughan
Learn about the elements that went into building this 45,000-gal. behemoth pond in a natural setting with a large waterfall. Hiding the filter system was paramount. Take a look at how this was accomplished & how they overcame obstacles along the way.

Selecting the Right Filter Media
Sean Roocroft
A quick overview of 24 different pond filter medias; the media being used today may amaze you. What are the important elements to consider in choosing filter media and why. Do you know what Specific Surface Area is?

The Key to Any Good Pond is its Filter System
Erik Tate
Great review of your pond filter choices. A road map to help you decide what kind of system to consider, depending on your customer's circumstances and preferences. Is 1 type enough or do you need more than 1 to do the job?