Ecosystem Pond + Poolside Retreat on John’s Island, SC
At Cardinal Pond Design & Landscapes, we believe water features bring a whole new dimension to outdoor living. On this John’s Island property, we designed and built an 8' x 11' Aquascape ecosystem pond with a 6-foot stream—all right beside the family’s swimming pool. The result: a backyard retreat that blends the formality of a pool with the living, breathing beauty of a pond.
Project Highlights
The best of both worlds – a formal swimming pool paired with a natural ecosystem pond, creating two distinct environments side by side.
Compact design – a tight build space meant every rock and plant was carefully placed by hand, maximizing impact in a small footprint.
Fire & water – a fire spillway bowl adds dramatic ambiance, especially in the evenings.
Planting for tropical flair – custom planting plan by Joanna and the homeowner gave the pond a lush, tropical feel, with labeled plants for easy care.
Wildlife magnet – dragonflies, fish, and moss thrive naturally, helping keep mosquitoes away and adding constant life and movement.
Year-round enjoyment – the pond’s soundscape contrasts with the stillness of the pool, offering daily relaxation indoors and outdoors.
Affordable luxury – a fully featured pond and stream with rockwork, plants, and fire bowl can be built for under $25,000.
This John’s Island backyard shows how ponds and pools can complement each other—turning a simple yard into a multi-dimensional outdoor experience.
👉 Watch the full video below to see this stunning pond-and-pool retreat in action.
