Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard ecosystem pond installations take 3 to 5 days. Larger custom projects with extensive stonework, streams, or multiple waterfalls may take 7 to 10 days. We work efficiently and coordinate the schedule around your availability.

Permit requirements vary by township and pond size. Many residential ponds under a certain depth and surface area do not require permits, but it depends on your specific town or village. Scott Anderson Design researches and handles all permitting on your behalf as part of our full-service approach.

Koi and goldfish are the most popular choices and thrive in Long Island's climate. Both tolerate our cold winters well when the pond is at least 18 to 24 inches deep, deep enough for fish to overwinter safely beneath ice. Koi can live 20 to 30 years in a healthy ecosystem pond.

Custom ecosystem koi ponds start at $9,000 for a small pond (approximately 7' x 9') and go up to $25,000 and above for a large pond (approximately 14' x 16').

A koi pond holds standing water and supports fish and aquatic plants. A pondless waterfall recirculates water through a hidden underground basin, giving you all the sound and beauty of a waterfall with no exposed standing water. Pondless designs are ideal for families with young children, smaller yards, or homeowners who want lower maintenance. Prices start at $6,000.

Yes. Scott Anderson is a Certified Aquascape Contractor, the water gardening industry's highest credential. CACs must attend continuous training seminars and maintain a proven record of quality work and customer service.

An ecosystem pond is a self-balancing water feature where biological filtration, aquatic plants, fish, and bacteria work together to maintain water quality naturally, and it can house both koi and goldfish. A dedicated koi pond is engineered specifically for high-value koi, with larger water volume, more aggressive filtration, and fewer plants, since koi eat most aquatic vegetation. For most Long Island homeowners, an ecosystem pond with koi is the better value and the lower-maintenance choice.

Yes. Koi are cold-hardy and can overwinter outdoors in Long Island's Zone 7 climate as long as the pond is at least 18 to 24 inches deep. At this depth the water near the bottom stays above freezing even when the surface ices over. You will need a winter aerator running near the surface and a floating de-icer to maintain an opening in the ice for gas exchange. Stop feeding when water temperatures drop below 40°F. See our pond maintenance service.

Yes. This is a specialty service we offer throughout Nassau County. A pool-to-pond conversion repurposes your existing pool shell as the foundation for a naturalized ecosystem pond, adding a liner, Aquascape biological filtration, natural Long Island boulders, aquatic plants, and optionally koi or goldfish. The result looks nothing like a pool, and it costs a fraction of the annual upkeep.

A pondless waterfall recirculates water from a hidden underground basin up through the waterfall and back down continuously, with no exposed standing water. It is the lowest-maintenance water feature we install. There are no fish to feed and no pond chemistry to balance, and most systems can simply be shut off for winter.

We primarily serve Nassau County, including Bellmore, Merrick, Massapequa, Wantagh, Seaford, Oceanside, Garden City, Great Neck, Oyster Bay, Syosset, Manhasset, Roslyn, and surrounding communities. We also take select projects in western Suffolk County. Call us at (516) 729-5668 to discuss your location.

Yes. We stand behind our work, and all Aquascape equipment we install carries manufacturer warranty coverage. The specifics are discussed and outlined as part of your project contract. Scott Anderson Design has been operating in Nassau County since 2003.

Spring is the most critical time. We recommend a professional cleaning once water temperatures rise above 50°F, typically March through May on Long Island. This removes the buildup of debris, sediment, and algae that accumulates over winter and prepares the ecosystem for the active season.

Our basic cleaning service starts at $500 for a small pond (7' x 10') and $900 for a large pond (12' x 14'). The deluxe deep clean, which includes draining, power-washing rocks and gravel, and re-acclimating fish, starts at $750 for a small pond and $1,800 for a large pond.

At minimum, once per year in spring. Ponds with heavy fish loads, lots of surrounding trees, or aging filtration systems often benefit from two visits per year, spring and fall. We can assess your pond and recommend the right schedule for its size and conditions.

Some algae is natural and expected in any pond. Excessive algae blooms, however, can deplete oxygen levels and harm fish. During a professional cleaning we remove excess algae buildup and verify that your filtration system is properly balanced to prevent future problems.

Yes. We clean and maintain ponds installed by any contractor. If you have an existing pond that needs attention, call us at (516) 729-5668 to schedule an assessment.

Pondless waterfall installations start at $6,000 for a compact patio-size unit with a 3' to 4' stream length and go up to $18,500 for a large installation with a 15' to 18' stream. All prices are turnkey: labor, stone, liner, and pump included.

Every installation includes labor, the complete filtration and pump system, Long Island boulders and moss rock, liner, and gravel as specified. We provide a full turnkey build. You do not source any materials separately.

Yes. Scott creates multiple custom design options after a site visit, then prepares production drawings ready for approval and installation. These can also be used for competitive bidding if you choose to get multiple quotes.

Yes. Scott Anderson has represented homeowners and contractors before numerous Nassau County town and village boards for projects requiring approvals. This is part of our full-service offering.

Call us at (516) 729-5668, email info@scottadesign.com, or use our contact form. We will schedule a free site visit to discuss your vision and assess your property.