Business Details
35 Years
experience
Natural Swim Ponds & Custom Water Features
Established in 1991, DJ Harvey has become Canada's premier specialist in natural water environments. Our expertise lies in designing and constructing custom water features that harmonize with nature, including natural swim ponds, waterfalls, streams, and rainwater harvesting systems. With over 2,000 completed projects, we combine 30+ years of collective experience with innovative ecological solutions to create sustainable outdoor sanctuaries. Our team of certified professionals delivers comprehensive services from initial design to ongoing maintenance, serving residential and commercial clients across Ontario, Quebec, and beyond. We prioritize natural balance in every ecosystem we create, minimizing chemical use while maximizing aesthetic and environmental value.Our commitment to quality is reflected in our meticulous attention to detail, use of premium materials, and personalized approach to each project. We maintain industry leadership through continuous education, having trained over 1,000 contractors in water feature construction techniques. Our work has been recognized through multiple awards and featured in prominent landscaping publications. We guarantee client satisfaction through transparent communication, fixed-price contracts, and post-installation support. Our team includes certified designers, master pond builders, and environmental specialists who ensure every project meets both client expectations and ecological standards.
Services
Natural Swimming Ponds
Waterfalls & Streams
Pond Maintenance
Rainwater Harvesting
Pond Restoration
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of combined experience in natural water feature design
- Our team includes certified pond specialists and environmental experts
- We guarantee chemical-free, self-sustaining aquatic ecosystems
- We offer complete lifecycle support from design to winterization
- We've trained over 1,000 contractors in water feature construction techniques
Services
Natural Swimming Ponds
Custom-designed chemical-free swimming areas that mimic natural water bodies. These ponds use biological filtration systems with aquatic plants and gravel to maintain water quality. Ideal for homeowners seeking a sustainable alternative to traditional pools, they provide safe swimming environments while supporting local ecosystems. Our designs incorporate safety shelves, gradual slopes, and natural aesthetics that blend with surrounding landscapes.
Waterfalls & Streams
Custom water flow systems that add movement and sound to outdoor spaces. Our designs range from small backyard cascades to large commercial water features. We use natural stone and vegetation to create realistic rock formations that enhance property aesthetics. These features improve water oxygenation while creating habitats for aquatic life and attracting wildlife to your property.
Pond Maintenance
Year-round service programs covering seasonal startup, cleaning, and winterization. Our technicians perform filter maintenance, algae control, and water quality testing using eco-friendly methods. We offer scheduled visits for debris removal, equipment checks, and ecosystem balancing. Services ensure long-term functionality while maintaining the natural balance of aquatic environments through biological filtration and plant management.
Rainwater Harvesting
Sustainable water management systems that collect and store rainwater for landscape irrigation. Our installations include underground reservoirs with filtration systems that provide clean water during drought periods. These systems reduce municipal water usage while preventing stormwater runoff issues. We integrate storage solutions with existing irrigation systems for efficient water reuse in residential and commercial properties.
Pond Restoration
Comprehensive rehabilitation of existing water features to restore functionality and appearance. Services include leak detection, liner replacement, filtration system upgrades, and ecosystem rebalancing. Our team addresses common issues like water clarity problems, structural damage, and equipment failures. We implement modern techniques to improve water quality while maintaining the original design intent of the feature.
People
Judy Harvey
Design Director
Visionary leader with 30+ years in water feature design. Transforms outdoor spaces into tranquil environments using natural elements. Holds multiple landscaping certifications and has won industry design awards. Specializes in creating functional ecosystems that enhance property value and wellbeing.
Doug Harvey
Project Manager
Industry expert with 25+ years in pond construction. Former NHL player turned water feature specialist. Trains contractors nationwide on proper installation techniques. Holds certifications in aquatic ecosystem management and has lectured at international landscaping conferences.
Dustin Harvey
Construction Lead
Master builder with 15 years of field experience. Specializes in complex water feature installations using heavy equipment. Combines technical expertise with artistic vision to create unique natural designs. Certified in sustainable construction practices and water conservation methods.
Questions
What makes natural swimming ponds different from traditional pools?
Natural swimming ponds use biological filtration with plants and gravel instead of chemicals. They maintain water quality through balanced ecosystems while providing a more natural aesthetic and supporting local wildlife.
How do water features affect property value?
Well-designed water features typically increase property value by enhancing curb appeal and creating usable outdoor spaces. Our projects add unique focal points that distinguish properties in the real estate market.
Are ponds high-maintenance?
Our natural systems require less maintenance than traditional pools. Regular seasonal care and occasional professional servicing maintain ecosystem balance, with most maintenance tasks handled through scheduled service programs.
Can water features work in shaded areas?
Yes, we design features suitable for various light conditions. Shaded ponds actually benefit from reduced algae growth. We select appropriate plant species and water circulation methods to ensure ecosystem health in low-light environments.
How are ponds maintained during winter?
We install aeration systems to maintain water oxygenation and prevent complete ice coverage. Fish hibernate at the pond bottom while biological filters become dormant. Winter covers protect against debris accumulation until spring startup procedures resume normal operation.
Do water features attract mosquitoes?
Moving water discourages mosquito breeding. Fish consume larvae while skimmers remove surface debris. We recommend Mosquito Dunks as a natural prevention method for stagnant water areas, ensuring pest-free outdoor environments.
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