Dock it here
There's no need to enjoy your pond from a distance. Get a front-row view from a dock made for your needs.
The chores that come with owning a pond are all worth it when it's time to kick back and relax. When you step out over the water on your own dock, outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and simply taking in the scenery are even better.
"A lot of times, the customers have a place to go with their families and to get away and just enjoy nature," says Chris Girard of The Dock Doctors (www.thedockdoctors.com) in Ferrisburg, Vermont. "The dock is really the final piece to their puzzle."
Multiple choices
There are many types of docks available, and the type and length you choose depends on your pond and how you intend to use it. For example, a dock used for a small boat or as a jumping-off point for swimming will need to be longer than a dock used to hold a lounge chair, Girard says.
When most people think of a dock, they think of a stationary structure that rests on posts. This type can be built from wood, metal, or a combination of both. Some companies will build your dock for you or will sell premade kits you can install in the pond yourself.
Once a dock is in place, it usually requires little maintenance. Some factors, however, can take a toll on your dock. Cold weather is the biggest culprit in decreasing a dock's life, Girard says.
Some docks are designed to be removed from the pond in the late fall or early winter to keep them from being damaged when the water freezes. A rolling dock, which rests on wheels on the pond floor, is a good option if you decide to pull your dock out of the water when the weather gets cold.
A floating dock is another option, and as the name suggests, it floats on top of the pond. Since this type rises with the water, it is ideal if your pond level fluctuates.
A floating dock is also perfect as an island in the center of your pond. Mark Gabriel, innkeeper at The Inn at Woodchuck Hill Farm (www.woodchuckhill.com) in Grafton, Vermont, built one out of wood planks and empty 55-gallon plastic drums. He anchored the dock to the pond bottom with cement blocks and nylon rope.
"My daughter and her friends love it," he says. "It's a great thing to have, and it gives you a reason to swim out in the pond."
Safety first
When you're spending time near standing water, safety should be a priority. People often make the mistake of installing a dock that is too narrow.
"The wider you go the more stable it is and the more safety you have," Girard says. He recommends a minimum width of 4 feet for residential dock use.
Once your dock is safely in place, it's time to gather your friends and family to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, or watching the sunset.
