When the round steps were being built in '91, I ran a pvc pipe underneath, in hopes of one day making a small lily pad / goldfish pool in the middle. I knew exactly what frame to use, but could never find the traditional pieces locally or at a decent price. Finally came across these marked-down remnants this winter and am now thinking the pool may actually happen sometime this year.
The existing birdbath could be plumbed to drip water back into the pool, but I think it would be out of proportion to everything else and that the water falling from that height would evaporate too quickly in summer. Think I need to use a shorter spigot centerpiece and once again, it will require locating the exact item that I have envisioned. Or what do you guys think about using the birdbath in the middle?
(It would have been nice if I had tidied the winter-finished foliage for this pic ;-) 
Just remember, Maggie, that Waterlily leaves don't like to be splashed with water. I like the left over clippings in the shot, makes me feel not so bad about mine. J Looks like a great feature, how are you intending to waterproof it?
That will look really nice Maggie. I think you asked a question about would it look better with or without the birdbath? It would look nice either way, I think. Just depends on what you want to do. And, good question, Terry. I hadn't thought of that. Will you put a liner in it Maggie?
Should I mention here that I have dead canna tops all over the place? They need to be tidied as well, but, in case I want to move them, if I take off the dead tops, I won't know where they are. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! J
About your canna leaves Caro - here's my handy excuse ... they make a labor-free mulch to protect the roots in winter ;-)
This little pool would require some big work, so I'm still not sure it will even happen. A level cement pad is needed for the base, since the rock landing is bumpy. Then the wall pieces will be cemented onto the pad and at the seams. When dry, the interior will be sealed with a concrete sealer product.
At that point, there are so many ways to go with this. If I want it to be just a fountain pool (no plants or fish), it would be great fun to tile the inside. I would use the 1" pieces on a net backing for the interior walls and do the ground in a mosaic. There is a multi-year collection of tile and china bits in my garage stash, waiting for a reason for being collected, but there are plenty of other places I could use too.
The piece I referred to above, for replacing the bird bath with, is a large spherical fountainhead - so that the water just rolls down it from a hole in the top. I think the sphere centerpiece would be an interesting contrast to the otherwise classical setting, and would provide the lilies quiet water. If I do the plant/fish thing, there wouldn't be much point in making a purtty floor that would become murky. It would only be done if I decide to make it just a fountain pool, in which case, either the sphere or a bird bath would work. See Terry, what I meant about flapping on this !?!
The underground pvc pipe was laid for the sake of wiring a pump in the center of the landing. But when I had the sprinkler system installed last year, I had them pumb into this area with a control valve, so that everytime the terr beds are watered, the pool would be automatically topped up. Cool huh!
If I do decide to go through will all this, I probably would opt to go with a sphere. Let's hope it doesn't take 10 years to find, like the wall pieces did!
Latest update on the above scheme - its nixed.
I decided that a plant and critter pool would be much more enjoyable than a shallow ornamental pool. Since I didn't want to build the landing pool up very tall, it really wouldn't be deep enough to host the live stuff. So, now I've decided on going with plan B - the one I've always preferred, 'cept the family has always discouraged it - since it will take up some of the lawn that we play croquet on. I'm going to convince them that a water hazard will make the game all the more fun ;-)
In keeping with the formal design of the garden, it will be sort of in the middle of the lawn between the gazebo and the round steps. It will be circular and sit flat on the grass, framed by a white-ish coping. (Lutyens would have loved it!) I can make it as deep as I like, with sunken shelf for plants around the walls and a deeper center for the fish. Maybe one day I'll tackle a naturalized one under a big tree somewhere. Till then, there's no way around it - I need water lilies in my life! 
What do you think of plan B, James?
I wonder if Maggie watched the same garden show on tv this week about water gardens that I did Our returning cold winter temperatures cut short any dreams and ideas I had budding. Good luck on your new plans Maggie. I think a water hazard in the croquet field is a great idea.
I love the water hazard idea too! I also think it will break up the croquet court which is seen so prominantly from the driveway. I love the sphere fountains. I've seen some great ones on TV and Into the Garden used to a beautiful one that was WAYYYYYYY pricey! Let me know when it's done so I can come enjoy it, Maggie! My lawn chair is all cleaned up and ready to sit and enjoy a beautiful view!
Now let's see, a door on the house needs replacing,,, which should I make the priority and get done first - the pool or the door?
No contest
Awwww I LOVE being in the company of gardeners
Hey you !!! Don't be gone so long - missed you oxox
I'm still here Maggie - you can't get rid of me that easy. Will be back with you all properly soon I hope.
Plan B sounds good if you make the center area deep enough. If you plan to have japanese koi, it should be a minimum of 3 feet deep. Provide at least 2 levels shallower for plants which grow at different depths. Water Lilies need about 18 to 20 inch depth. Marginals need very shallow water. You will find that you need lots of 'shelf' area since you are already a gardener. There is no end to the variety of plants for water gardening. Also be prepared to enlarge the pond later as it is a never ending hobby. Think about a 2 or 3 level pond with streams between them or maybe a small waterfall. You also need to plan for a biological filter and a place to 'hide' it from view. It will need to be about 50 gallons in size for a larger pond. The plans for building one are linked to our Ogalalla Water Gardener's site here
I will send a couple of pictures of ponds which I took last July on the Pond Tour 2001 here in Amarillo.
PS. Greatly oversize all your piping to avoid pressure drop. Plastic pipe in larger sizes doesn't cost much more and will pay for itself in larger flow with smaller pumps. Build in a 'skimmer' for your circulation pump suction.
Hi James,
Gosh, talking to you about ponds is like me talking to someone who wants only one little flowerbed ;-)
You might not be very popular with the croquet crew around here - what with all those suggestions that lure me into even more pond that what I'm threatening.
The pond pics you sent are what I dream about doing in the front yard - which would start under the oaks and babble down the slope, replacing the entire lawn. I often think of that fantasy, and have long ago decided that I may never live long enough to accomplish it!
As for my plan B in the back, you remind that its simple formality might be hard to pull off in light of the machinery and filter needs.
Here's a real fantasy - I'll call it 'Dream 3'
There would be a small circular pool on the landing steps, that flowed underground to the lower large round pool, which would take care of the circulation/filter needs, and the mechanics could be housed behind the gazebo area, if that wasn't too far away for it. No fear - that's all way outta my pool budget and body energy anyway ;-) At this rate, I may just end up with a round kiddie pool in the lawn
I would adore to have koi. Ever since Alex daughter was tiny, she has loved feeding them by hand at our Botanic Gardens. And she continues to make a couple a trips a year there, to commune with the sweet whoppers.
Here's the page on the Ft. Worth Japanese Gardens Koi
I went to Sam's Club today and found they are stocking a good starter kit for a pond. Black molded plastic bog pond which has a spout to let water into a lower black molded plastic pond with 5 shelves (about 4 x 6 feet overall, irregular shaped x 18 inches deep, 125 gallons), 600 gph pump, fountain head and tubing. Only $102. Could be used in conjunction with all sorts of additional ponds, etc. Would be a good starter for water plants.
That is a very intriguing idea James - starting with the plants first. You know how hooked I would be for sure,, after just one season of lily blooms!
I think Sam's must have had the same or sim kit last year. Gail, David and I were disappointed when our outlet was sold out by the time we heard about it. Here's another chance to get that irresistible deal guys.
James, you're going to get me hooked yet ;-)
I'm trying to get you hooked. The pond kit is different than the one I bought last year. Clara and I were talking about it and might put one in in conjumction with the one we have now. May tear out the old one and rework the area to make room for more pond and stream. Like Terry said the marginal plants make you want more room.
Wonder how my upstairs patio would like to hold that many gallons of water?? Y'all are definitely making me think of taking the chance. Would I have to remove the 1,000 pounds of weight from pots and birdbath that are already on it? Would I be sued by the complex for too much weight on the balcony? Anyone know a good lawyer? :o)
Aw, go ahead and try it Gail. You could always use your hair color as a defense
Could it be used even if it's not all MY color?
Maybe only in the days of that old commercial
"Only her hairdresser knows for sure"
but then, that was before DNA evidence
oops, forgot about modern technology!
What a kick to "listen" to you guys toss around ideas for a pond, my newest hearts desire. I'll just enjoy and hopefully learn from y'all right now tho and when you pefect the plans, I'll jump right in..Not the pond!
You can come help me clean it out while you're jumping in Barbara