Garden pond without algae bloom

Which garden pond do you prefer?

Regular garden pond. Manual algae treatment. Overfertilised. High manual maintenance. High running costs.

AQUASCAPE ECOSYSTEM™ POND. Automatic algae control. Nutrient-poor. Low manual maintenance. Low running costs.

The garden pond for those who want to relax

In ordinary garden ponds, nutrients build up over time like a miniature over-fertilised lake.

AQUASCAPE ECOSYSTEM POND is a complete ecosystem specially adapted for both koi and other fish.

The result is a garden pond where algae never take over.

No overfeeding — Nutrients are bound up before algae can make use of them.

No skimming — The system catches organic debris before it sinks and decomposes into new nutrients.

No stress — The result is that both you and your fish can relax when the sun is out.

The world's most used system for natural water features. On 6 continents. For over 35 years.

The most used garden pond for koi

AQUASCAPE ECOSYSTEM is the most used system for koi in the USA.

Water lilies and fish caves provide natural hiding spots, while the low maintenance requirement means the fish get to be left in peace.

The fish become a natural part of the ecosystem instead of a burden. As they break down organic material into plant nutrients, it's transported directly to the plants' roots.

The result is an even lower-maintenance garden pond.

From the world's largest “garden pond” to your garden

BÄCKAHÄSTEN's project leader Malcolm Grieve is Sweden's most experienced Aquascape Artist, with an award-winning portfolio from Australia.

Lake Gkula

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE AWARD 2020. In 2019, Malcolm took part in building the world's largest “garden pond” Lake Gkula in Woodford, Australia.

Enormous scale

5,700 m², 5.5 metres deep, 12 million litres of naturally filtered water without chemicals.

Living ecosystem

16+ native fish species and crustaceans, 9,000 local aquatic plants.

Award-winning

Won Landscape Queensland's Sustainable Landscape Award 2020.

"We know Lake Gkula will be an attraction; it's that beautiful." — Bill Hauritz, Founder of Woodfordia

The same technology that kept 12 million litres crystal-clear, from a single dream on an Australian hilltop, keeps your garden pond just as clean. Only on a smaller scale.

But then love brought Malcolm to Sweden… and there he met Max.

BÄCKAHÄSTEN — Sweden's Aquascape™ Team

The newly founded BÄCKAHÄSTEN is the merging of two unique and complementary backgrounds.

Malcolm Grieve, award-winning Aquascaper. Sweden's most experienced Aquascaper with an award-winning portfolio from Australia.

Max Johnsson, experienced water contractor. 6 years of experience strengthening stormwater systems in the world's first climate-neutral area.

Bäckahästen is the rest of that adventure. Together we give you something no one else can: a natural garden pond that both looks and works like nature.

How the garden pond stops algae bloom

Algae in garden ponds are caused by over-fertilisation.

The secret is that AQUASCAPE ECOSYSTEM complements the nitrogen cycle by locking excess nutrients into plants.

Through 6 mechanisms, the water is kept so nutrient-poor that algae can never gain the upper hand. So that both you and your future koi can relax:

• Signature Skimmer — keeps the water surface clear by capturing leaves, grass and pollen in the shallow bay.
• IonGen — On the way to the filter, the water is treated with copper ions. These attach to algae cell membranes and prevent cell division.
• BioFalls — captures heavier particles while bacteria convert the rest into plant nutrition for the roots.
• Streams, waterfalls & air system — oxygenate the water for the cycle's essential bacteria and fish.
• Natural movement — optimised flow counteracts dead zones where algae could otherwise take hold.
• Autodoser — automatically adds the right amount of essential bacteria to complement the living cycle.

The entire water volume passes through all 6 steps roughly once an hour, around the clock.

The result: Even easier to maintain over time

The garden pond becomes more self-sufficient over time, instead of the other way around. Within 3 years, the ecosystem finds its balance. Everything is handled automatically.

Year 1: Before the ecosystem establishes itself, some algae bloom may occur, especially near streams and waterfalls. This is completely normal and harmless.

Year 3: The young ecosystem has established itself and has started taking care of itself. Occasional algae are part of a natural ecosystem.

Your role in the ecosystem

Unlike a traditional garden pond, an AQUASCAPE ECOSYSTEM POND maintains the balance itself. This is the only thing you need to do:

• Empty the skimmer when you feed the fish
• Pick up wilted leaves as you walk by
• Prune when you feel like it
• Clean the BioFalls filter (early spring)
• Clear plants (late autumn)

Always Winterised

We adapt your garden pond to Nordic conditions so the water keeps flowing throughout winter.

6 reasons for the world's most chosen garden pond

• The beauty — Looks like a natural spring
• The sound — The murmur keeps the outside world out
• The peace of mind — Nature takes care of the balance
• The use — The fish can stay in it all year round
• The fish health — The fish are spared harsh algae treatments and netting
• The nature — A new sanctuary for wild amphibians, insects and birds

Aquascape Garden Pond Pricing

The Aquascape Ecosystem™ Pond is as close to a natural ecosystem as you'll get. The ponds can be made both larger and smaller.

Well (S)

3 × 2.5 m (7.5 m²). 90 cm max depth. Stream & waterfall approx. 1 m. Stone: 4 t · Gravel: 0.5 t. Approx. €15,000 incl. VAT.

Spring (M)

4.5 × 3 m (13.5 m²). 90 cm max depth. Stream & waterfall approx. 1.25 m. Stone: 6.5 t · Gravel: 1 t. Approx. €21,000 incl. VAT.

Oasis (L)

6 × 4.5 m (27 m²). 90 cm max depth. Stream & waterfall approx. 1.75 m. Stone: 12 t · Gravel: 2.5 t. Approx. €30,000 incl. VAT.

An Aquascape Ecosystem™ Pond costs approx. 30% more than a regular pond, but is an investment in quality time for both you and your koi.

See all pond packages and pricing

Want to be able to swim in your garden pond?

AQUASCAPE ECOSYSTEM POOL is like a larger, deeper garden pond with extended filtration that lets you swim with your fish. Explore Aquascape Ecosystem Pool

From dream to garden pond in 3–6 weeks*

As Sweden's Aquascape Team, we take on projects across Europe. All you need is a plot, a dream and a budget.

Video call

We talk about your dream and go through photos of your property. You then receive an individual price estimate.

Consultation

We assess your conditions on site and gather everything needed to plan the construction. You then receive a quote.

Construction

We schedule your project and coordinate everything from ordering, excavation, aquascaping, landscaping and electricians.

Handover

Once everything is complete, we walk you through everything you need to know and give you our special direct number.

Follow-up

After a couple of months, we come back and make sure everything is working as it should. Any necessary adjustments are covered by our quality guarantee.

*Subject to availability and depending on size.

Ready for a summer without algae bloom?

Now you can be one of the first in Sweden with a garden pond purified by Aquascape Ecosystem™.

Aquascape Ecosystem™ Pond

5 reasons to choose BÄCKAHÄSTEN:

• Sweden's most experienced contractor of the world's most proven system
• Self-cleansing without chemicals, salt or additives
• Year-round enjoyment — no shutdowns, no algae blooms
• Industry-leading warranties on all components
• Award-winning design from Australia

Start your application

The pond is built to last

We build every garden pond with great care and attention to detail. So it becomes both more beautiful and easier to maintain with each passing summer. Components are backed by Aquascape's industry-leading warranties. Workmanship is covered by our own quality guarantee.

Equipment

Pumps and technology from the world's largest ecosystem manufacturer.

Watertightness

Premium fish-safe rubber liner with a documented lifespan of 30–50 years.

Lifelong protection

Protects your EPDM liner from puncture and wear, top and bottom.

Necessary adjustments

Our craftsmanship and installation are backed by our own workmanship warranty.

Questions & Answers

Can you keep koi in a garden pond?

Absolutely. Aquascape ponds are designed to keep fish like koi and goldfish healthy and happy year-round — the clean, oxygen-rich water is exactly what a koi pond needs.

How do you prevent algae bloom?

Aquascape Ecosystem creates a constant nutrient deficit through biological filtration, strategic planting and oxygenation. Algae are starved out without chemicals.

Do I need a building permit?

A garden pond normally requires neither a building permit nor a notification. (If the ground level changes by more than 50 cm, a grading permit may be required for the earthworks.) Check with your municipality if unsure.

How much maintenance is required?

Minimal. The ecosystem handles most of it. Pick up leaves, thin out plants and backflush the filter at each change of season.

Will there be problems with mosquitoes?

No. Moving water and fish that eat mosquito larvae mean mosquitoes don't thrive.

How large does the plot need to be?

Our smallest package requires about 7.5 m², but the shape can be freely adapted to your garden.

Does the pond work in winter?

Yes. The system is adapted for Nordic conditions and runs year-round.

Can I claim a tax deduction?

The components of an Aquascape Ecosystem pond may qualify as LOD (local stormwater management). We are currently investigating this in practice.

Which companies build garden ponds in Sweden?

Rooted in Australia, Bäckahästen is Sweden's most experienced and award-winning garden pond builder.

Have any other questions? Contact us.