Larry Carnes is founder, owner and president of Reflections Water Gardens. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Larry has transitioned from hands-on contractor to visionary leader focused on the intersection of natural artistry and company culture. Known for his “nature first” design philosophy, he crafts high-end, ecologically balanced water features that appear as though they have existed for centuries. Through his award-winning work, Larry is an advocate for elevating the pond build trade by prioritizing core values, structured leadership and team empowerment. Learn more about Reflections Water Gardens at www.reflectionswatergardens.com.

Engineering the World’s Largest Naturally Filtered Waterpark

By Larry Carnes / April 30, 2026 / 0 Comments

Land of Natura is anchored by a five-acre 20-foot-deep natural swimming pond Located in the south-central part of the state, the Wisconsin Dells has long carried the title of Waterpark Capital of the World, earned through its numerous aquatic attractions that offer similar experiences in style and design. But a different vision, called Land of […]

Your Team: The Bedrock of the Build

By Larry Carnes / March 4, 2026 / 0 Comments

Why Your Team is the Most Important Project You’ll Ever Design Professional pond builders spend a lot of time talking about flow rates, liner durability and the artistry of rock placement. But the most complex ecosystem we will ever build is not made of water and stone. It’s made of people. Many contractors and business […]

Building a Waterfall Grotto in Winter

By Larry Carnes / October 27, 2025 / 0 Comments

Last year at this time, we were beginning construction on a massive grotto, waterfall and rain curtain in Palos Park, Illinois. While the winter started out mild, we work in the Chicago area. We knew what was coming. Some might shake their heads at starting such an ambitious build late in the season but at […]

The Super Powers of Microbubble and Nanobubble Technology

By Larry Carnes / June 24, 2025 / 3 Comments

Imagine, if you will, that the water pumping through your client’s natural pool or pond is so crystal clear you can see the sand-bottom shimmer. I can see you rolling your eyes. I don’t know about you, but as a professional pond designer and builder, algae is the bane of my existence. Like you, I […]

A Swim Pond with Spa Benefits

By Larry Carnes / October 31, 2024 / 0 Comments

When polled, 10 out of 10 mermaids will tell you that this natural swimming pool in Barrington, Illinois is a breath of fresh air — and that’s because it literally is. This Reflections Water Gardens swim pond project features the latest filtration technology, using microbubble aeration in conjunction with ozone to keep water quality at […]

How to Build a Sustainable Sand-Bottom Pond

By Larry Carnes / December 30, 2020 / 48 Comments

I was taught early on as a pond professional not to put sand on the bottom of a pond, and I’ve always just accepted it as best practice in the pond-construction industry. After all, I have heard quite a few objections over the years. “Sand can’t be brushed or vacuumed effectively, so it will be […]

Improving Pond Water Quality with Ozone Systems

By Larry Carnes / August 28, 2020 / 14 Comments

If you’re a pond builder, you’ve undoubtedly already heard of (and possibly already installed) an ozone system to help keep a pond clean. If not, don’t panic! The science behind ozone, hydroxyl radicals and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is complicated, and not too many of us hold an advanced degree in chemistry or molecular physics. The […]

Submersible Water Pumps: Electrical Safety Tips

By Larry Carnes / April 29, 2020 / 0 Comments

Pond professionals come from a wide range of backgrounds and interests and often wear many different creative and technical hats. With an artistic background in design and a team of landscape architects to put the vision together, a pond professional can easily overlook some of the electrical issues or assume that the electrician will take […]

Plants to Keep Your Pond Radiant This Fall

By Larry Carnes / August 29, 2016 / 0 Comments

It won’t be long before the trees turn and you pull out your favorite sweater to enjoy the crisp air and calming hues of autumn. Once the marginals and deep-water plants begin to die back, it is time to prune them and send them to deeper waters before winter. >> Related Content | View these […]

The Vital Basics of Rock Watershaping

By Larry Carnes / August 27, 2015 / 1 Comment

There is an art to rock watershaping, and each individual brings to a project what he puts into it. Without a discerning eye for nature and a talent for this artistry, many man-made structures don’t achieve the balance and appearance of nature. I am a strong believer in studying not only the masters of watershaping, […]

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