We are building a new home in West Richland, Wa. New city code requires a fire pond that is apx 12,000 gallons. I would love to have a nice pond with a waterfall and plants. New to ponds alltogether.....where do I start decorating? The fire hydrant attachment has two strainers on it to prevent fish and debris getting pulled. We have a 2 and a 3 year old, boys, so a little fishing pond maybe? I think it's going to be a sq, apx 32 x 32, with a 1.5ft slop down to 3 ft deep to the bottom. Frost line in that area is 24". Any ideas out there?

Sounds like a really fun project. I had never heard of fire ponds before. I had to look it up. It is a smart idea and you get to have a beautiful pond! Can you take a picture of the area your working with? What style do want in your garden? I look forward to seeing your pond.
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You might want to consider making the pond 4' deep at some part to give the fish somewhere to go when it freezes on top. Assuming you freeze some time during the winter.

I can't imagine being 'required' to have a fire pond. Not that it isn't a good idea, but still.

I could understand county codes requiring a pond if you were not w/in a reasonable range of water, but for city limits, I have to say it is my idea that someone has been duped. Sounds ridiculous. EVERY new house in city limits is required to have a large reservoir of water in their back yard ?!

I am so much excited when i read your new Pond idea and loosing my patience to see pics of your fire pond. Please when it be done, share us some pics of it. Thanks

Melissa, I'd advise you to get a book on water gardens, before you start this project (if you haven't already). When we moved into this house that already has a water garden, I bought a book called "Water Gardening for the South" by Teri Dunn. It was a huge help to me, getting started with water gardening and I still use it after 8 years.

I believe Teri Dunn has a whole series of these "Can't miss" books for all areas of the country.

Here's a link to the one for the Northwest, used on Amazon for under $2!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591861527/