Business Details
28 Years
experience
Custom Ponds, Waterfalls & Landscaping in Santa Cruz, CA
Since 1998, Pond Magic has specialized in transforming outdoor spaces through custom water features and landscapes. Our team combines traditional Japanese and English garden design principles to create harmonious environments that integrate seamlessly with nature. We focus on eco-friendly solutions, utilizing native plants and drought-resistant techniques to ensure sustainability. Our expertise in koi ponds, wetland systems, and custom stonework allows us to deliver unique installations tailored to residential and commercial needs. With over two decades of experience, we prioritize client collaboration, translating visions into functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.Our process emphasizes site-specific assessments, from drainage and light conditions to architectural integration, ensuring each project aligns with the client's lifestyle. We serve the Bay Area, including Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco, offering full-service design, installation, and maintenance. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and ecological balance has earned us recognition in publications like Pool and Spa News. By blending artistry with technical precision, we create outdoor sanctuaries that enhance biodiversity and provide lasting tranquility for clients and wildlife alike.
Services
Custom Ponds
Waterfall Design
Landscaping Installations
Koi Ponds
Wetland Systems
Pond Maintenance
Pondless Waterfalls
Stream Construction
Hybrid Koi Ponds
Water Gardens
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in custom water feature design and installation.
- Our designs integrate eco-friendly principles and drought-resistant landscaping techniques.
- We provide tailored solutions for both residential and commercial properties.
- Our team specializes in koi ponds with advanced filtration and oxygenation systems.
- We maintain full transparency in project planning and execution.
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Beautiful work
Excellent craftsmanship
Eco-friendly solutions
Artistic designs
Services
Custom Ponds
Custom ponds integrate natural elements like stone, plants, and fish to create serene outdoor focal points. These installations use eco-friendly filtration systems and native vegetation to ensure low-maintenance, sustainable ecosystems. Ideal for residential backyards or commercial properties, they enhance biodiversity while providing aesthetic and auditory benefits through flowing water.
Waterfall Design
Custom-designed waterfalls blend artistic vision with technical precision, using natural rock formations and controlled water flow. Installations range from subtle cascades to dramatic multi-tiered features, tailored to complement existing landscapes. Energy-efficient pumps and strategic placement ensure optimal sound and visual impact while minimizing environmental footprint.
Wetland Systems
Constructed wetlands use aquatic plants and gravel substrates to naturally filter water features. These self-sustaining ecosystems reduce algae growth, improve water clarity, and support beneficial bacteria. Combined with streams or ponds, they create habitats for wildlife while maintaining ecological balance in both small and large-scale installations.
Koi Ponds
Dedicated koi ponds incorporate advanced filtration, UV sterilization, and aeration systems to maintain water quality. Depths exceeding 2 feet ensure fish safety from predators, while integrated plant life provides natural aesthetics. Custom designs accommodate high fish populations while maintaining crystal-clear water year-round through balanced biological processes.
Landscaping Installations
Full-service landscaping combines hardscaping elements like patios and pathways with softscaping using native and drought-resistant plants. Projects include irrigation systems, lighting, and soil preparation to create functional, sustainable outdoor living areas. Designs emphasize seamless integration with water features for cohesive, low-maintenance environments.
People
Hubert Kalinowski
Principal Designer
Hubert Kalinowski founded Pond Magic in 1998, combining Japanese and English garden design principles. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in creating harmonious water features that integrate with natural ecosystems. His expertise ensures each project balances artistic vision with technical precision.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco, providing custom water features and landscaping solutions for residential and commercial properties.
Do you offer maintenance services?
Yes, we provide pond cleanouts, filter maintenance, and seasonal upgrades to ensure long-term functionality and beauty of water features.
Can you install koi ponds?
We specialize in koi ponds with advanced filtration systems, UV sterilization, and predator-resistant designs to maintain water clarity and fish health.
Are your designs eco-friendly?
Our installations use native plants, wetland systems, and water-efficient techniques to create sustainable, low-maintenance ecosystems that support local wildlife.
How long does installation take?
Project timelines vary by complexity but typically range from 2-6 weeks, including design consultation, site preparation, and final installation.
Do you handle repairs?
We offer leak repairs, stone repositioning, and system upgrades for existing ponds and waterfalls to restore functionality and aesthetics.
Reviews (5)
Phillip F.
Nov 03, 2021
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First thing I see in the morning last I see at night. We've had this pond since we installed it 2003. It's been both amazing and devastating. Fir the last two years we've been with Pond Magic. Jakob and Hubert have made it just AMAZING everyday. Once a month service reliable and reasonable. They've made reasonable suggestions that have surpassed expectations and we couldn't be happier. Clear clean always passing my Koi Veterinarians water tests with ease.
Geoff U.
Dec 05, 2020
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Brothers Jakub and Hubert did an outstanding job installing our new pond which replaced an existing one. They arrived when they said they would and both worked very hard during the four days it took to install. Communication with Jacob was great and he got in touch with me when he said he would. Rare among contractors these days! Needless to say, we are very pleased and highly recommend them.
Geoff & Debbie Ullmann
Morgan Hill
Geoff & Debbie Ullmann
Morgan Hill
Victoria T.
Sep 24, 2020
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Poor communication and follow-through with these contractors. I was clear from the beginning that raccoons were an issue in my backyard, and after the raccoons had a field day with the fountain Pond Magic constructed, subsequent visits to my house by the contractors (that took weeks to schedule) failed to solve the problem. Now I am left with an eyesore collecting mosquito larvae, am out $1000, and will have to start all over with a different company.
Scott S.
Aug 14, 2020
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I called and talked to Jacob and we made a time for him to come out and give an estimate for our potential pond and he never showed up! I called and left a message asking him to reschedule as something obviously came up. He never called me back. Pretty unprofessional.
Susan S.
Jun 01, 2020
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Jakub and company have done a terrific job to reinstall our pond and repair our deck. Our pond has been quite a mess when the project started with lots of debris accumulated over the years. It was amazing to us that the team was able to finish everything (including cleaning up the debris, installing a new pump and filter and rearrange all the water lilies, etc. ) in one very productive day. Moreover, they were able to help us adjust the waterfall routing over the rocks to save water without additional charge after 2 months! The deck project was also smooth and pleasant. Jakub and team were
