Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-08-05
This and That
BIZ Charles E. TraceWeU
"TAKOMA PARK, Md.

"Dear Sir:
do you think
"An outdoor pool is worth while?
Goldfish should be used in it?
1.-THE water need be two feet deep?
'"There should be water plants used, includ-
ing lilies?
"There is danger in such pool to small
children?
ct have been thinking of constructing such
fish pool, and the above are some OF the
questions that have occurred to me.
Il also would like to know what to do about
the algae that collects. have some friends
with pools, and there is considerable unsightly
slime. Sincerely, A. de s."
The outdoor pool is an adornment to any
garden, properly placed.
Just stuck out in the middle of yard it is
something else again. rs
In going around, one is likely to see TOO many
pools of the latter type.
They seem to have no relation to anything,
especially the mind of the builder
Even them they can be interesting-but how
much more SO, when properly adjusted to the
size and type of garden!
When one has an idea even of fish pool
it shows up 1t makes the work more interest
ing not only to the owner, but to beholders.
There can be no mistaking the good effect
of prior intelligence, in most cases. Sometimes
one just happens to make hit" without
thought, but not often. =.
In the main, due consideration, in advance,
is good in almost any type of work Even in
all braWl, the. contestant who previous
" has thought of what he would do, in such
an event, is likely to come out on top-maybe.
A garden pool is very much worth while, not
only as a feature, but also as place OF living
things.
In the confines Of pool there is so much
life, insect and plant, that few persons Will
be able to SPOT it all.
Much Of the insect life for instance, will go
unncticed.
The fish life will depend upon the whim of
the owner.
That is where the goldfish comes in.
He is the one best bet for garden pool lhe
latter need not be two feet deep. A foot WILL
do. but IS inches perhaps is best.
In am event, there should be graouai
slope with the water not more than inches
deep near the edge. This so the birds can
drink easily.
Water plants of various kinds are "musts"
in any small garden pool.
The fishes like them, and so will visitors.
Even vigorous growing cattals, II piahIeo
in the center, may be used.
Water lilies come in both day and night
blooming varieties Their handling Is not easy,
so if left out the pool still may be very decora-
tive and interesting
AS for the danger of such a pool, there can
be no question of that, especially to toddlers
So the careful, considerable owner will see to
it that the pool is covered with wire mesh OF
some kind.
AS for algae, the minute plants that make
water green they help feed goldfish and also
make the water more natural looking.
Usually TOO much stress is placed on having
clear" pool. Sometimes chemicals are used
to clear the water. Mostly such efforts are
wasted. The green pool is the natural pool
If too pea-soupy, relief may be secured ny
taking out some of the water and running in
fresh from time to time.
Ordinarily, if the owner is fortunate enough
to hit a proper balance between animal and
vegetable life, and light the open-air pool VIII
take care of itself Trees and shrubbery snouio
not be too close, but so placed that they Will
give the pool some shade in the afternoon.