What are the cons of river rocks?

• <div><p>While they’re popular and have a lot of pros, the cons of river rocks include the following:</p><ul><li><p>River rocks don’t break down or provide nutrients to plants. </p></li><li><p>These stones can get hot and scorch nearby plants. </p></li><li><p>River stones may heat the surrounding soil to inhospitable temperatures. </p></li><li><p>Rocks can block rainwater from seeping into the ground if installations are too thick or tightly packed.</p></li></ul><p>Most downsides occur when using river rock as mulch in gardens and flower beds. However, you can still incorporate river rocks into your landscape as long as you use them in the correct ways.</p></div>

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Q: How do I maintain a water feature?

• <div><p>Regularly clean pumps, remove debris, and monitor water levels to prevent algae growth and clogging.</p></div>

Q: How much is pond maintenance?

• <div><p>One reason you may want to fill in your pond is the cost of maintenance. Pond cleaning may cost about $1,000 for an annual cleanup, or monthly visits may cost $75 to $100 per visit. If you don&rsquo;t want to spend that much per year on pond upkeep, you may consider filling in your pond.</p></div>

Q: Do natural pools get algae?

• <div><p>Yes, natural pools can get algae since they use the same filtration processes as lakes or streams. However, you can reduce the risk of algae by adding more algae-fighting plants and not installing your natural swimming pool in direct sunlight, as it promotes algae growth.</p></div>

Q: What are the cons of river rocks?

• <div><p>While they&rsquo;re popular and have a lot of pros, the cons of river rocks include the following:</p><ul><li><p>River rocks don&rsquo;t break down or provide nutrients to plants. </p></li><li><p>These stones can get hot and scorch nearby plants. </p></li><li><p>River stones may heat the surrounding soil to inhospitable temperatures. </p></li><li><p>Rocks can block rainwater from seeping into the ground if installations are too thick or tightly packed.</p></li></ul><p>Most downsides occur when using river rock as mulch in gardens and flower beds. However, you can still incorporate river rocks into your landscape as long as you use them in the correct ways.</p></div>

Q: I don’t want to dig. Can I build an above-ground pond?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering how to build a pond above ground, it&rsquo;s similar to building a pond below ground. Instead of digging, choose a plastic tub and install the same type of pond kit. Many homeowners find above-ground ponds a bit easier to install and maintain. Before getting started, learn <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-develop-landscaping-plan-your-yard.htm">how to design the landscape</a> of your dreams,</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fountain Service pros in Paradise, CA

*The Angi rating for Fountain Service companies in Paradise, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fountain Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fountain Service companies in Paradise, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fountain Service needs.

Last update on February 25, 2026

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Serving Paradise, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

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"Ron met with me to review my landscaping project and we agreed upon the fee to move ahead with a design. His design and ideas for trees and plants were very good and the finished product was great."

+167

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Recommended by87%of homeowners

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Babylon Builders - Home & Landscape Contractor

4.2(

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Serving Paradise, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

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"We we’re very satisfied from start to the end of project on time and on budget and well set up crew and worksite we had two bathrooms remodeled completely plumbing electrical drywall stonework and shower doors on both bathrooms also we had a kitchen remodel with new cabinetry new granite counters new appliances new can lighting new flooring excellent work we were very excited will recommend the company and also they are working now on my brother-in-law‘s house well recommended thanks a lot Ron ?"

+27

Recommended by86%of homeowners

Serving Paradise, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

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"Very pleased with Horizon. Answered promptly when contacted. Listened to my wishes and created and executed a plan that is beyond my expectations. Very pleasant to work with- would recommend them highly."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Paradise, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

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Sunset Landscapes is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

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Fountains questions, answered by experts

Regularly clean pumps, remove debris, and monitor water levels to prevent algae growth and clogging.

One reason you may want to fill in your pond is the cost of maintenance. Pond cleaning may cost about $1,000 for an annual cleanup, or monthly visits may cost $75 to $100 per visit. If you don’t want to spend that much per year on pond upkeep, you may consider filling in your pond.

Yes, natural pools can get algae since they use the same filtration processes as lakes or streams. However, you can reduce the risk of algae by adding more algae-fighting plants and not installing your natural swimming pool in direct sunlight, as it promotes algae growth.

While they’re popular and have a lot of pros, the cons of river rocks include the following:

River rocks don’t break down or provide nutrients to plants.
These stones can get hot and scorch nearby plants.
River stones may heat the surrounding soil to inhospitable temperatures.
Rocks can block rainwater from seeping into the ground if installations are too thick or tightly packed.

Most downsides occur when using river rock as mulch in gardens and flower beds. However, you can still incorporate river rocks into your landscape as long as you use them in the correct ways.

If you’re wondering how to build a pond above ground, it’s similar to building a pond below ground. Instead of digging, choose a plastic tub and install the same type of pond kit. Many homeowners find above-ground ponds a bit easier to install and maintain. Before getting started, learn how to design the landscape of your dreams,

The Paradise, CA homeowners’ guide to fountain services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

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May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
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