Hiding your pond filter is an integral part of achieving that overall natural effect. And let’s face it, that’s what we all want from our garden ponds, to make it look as far from man-made as possible.

However, while hiding the filter out of plain sight is important from an aesthetic perspective, there is the issue of practicality to think about.

It’s no good hiding the filter beneath a heavy rock bed with the intention of having foliage sprouting around it. Yes, it may out of sight, but what happens when there’s periodic maintenance to deal with?

In short, not only do we want the filter hidden, we want easy access to it too.

On larger filters, with separate external boxes, the problem of hiding all the components is even more difficult.

But fret not, in this short guide we have some excellent ways you can hide your pond filter, no matter the size of unit you have.

So if you are ready, let’s jump to it.

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How to hide your pond filter – 3 Popular Methods

Method 1 – Rock Covers

Artificial rock covers are one of the most popular ways for pond owners to hide their filters.

Not only are they easy to implement, they work really well and look great too.

Even large filter boxes can be hidden with a natural-looking rock formation. The fiberglass rocks come in a range of sizes, meaning you can quickly build up the terrain to match the size of your filter.

The rocks are finished in a collection of shades and textures to provide that natural effect no matter the setting of the pond.

Furthermore, you may find that the manufacturer of your filter has produced a collection of rock covers specifically designed for your filter or pump.

The rock cover allows for easy access to your filter when it comes time for some general maintenance.

Pros of using artificial rocks to hide your filter:

• Easy to implement
• Looks natural;
• Provides adequate coverage;
• Provides easy access to the filter.
• Affordable

The cons

• Some pond owners do not want to add such a rock effect to the landscaping
• Not cheap should you wish to add rocks around large parts of your pond

Method 2 – Relocate the filter

There is of course the option of relocating the filter.

The downside to this option is that your ability to move the filter components out of sight is determined by the type of filter you have. Quite simply, not many filters work if positioned to far from the water.

For instance, a box filter relies on gravity to return the water back into the pond.

If you start adding several meters worth of plumping because you’ve hidden the box in the garage, you could lose pressure within the system, (and you still have to hide the pipes anyway).

One way to overcome this is to install a pressure filter kit. These pump water from the pond up to the filter and then back again. The issue of disguising all the plumbing remains however.

Pros of hiding the filter by moving it

• The filter is obviously completely hidden and doesn’t take up real-estate next to the pond

The cons

• Can lose pressure for the filter to work properly (can be overcome with a pressure kit)
• Complicated plumbing required that can be difficult to hide

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Method 3 – Installing Plants

Hiding the filter box with pond-appropriate foliage is another popular method used by enthusiasts.

Not only does this method provide an attractive, natural disguise, using pond foliage allows for the filter to be housed right next to the pond. All plumbing can be easily disguised too.

The problem here however is related to the issue we raised in the introduction to this article.

While it may look great now, if you let those plants run amok, you will be kicking yourself come filter maintenance time.

It does not take long for pond foliage to take hold and completely obstruct any easy access to the vital components of your filtration system.

Not only that, if any debris from decaying leaves and plants get into the system you could be in even more trouble.

If you’re not able to get out into the garden to keep on top of things on a regular basis, using foliage to hide your filter may not be the best option for you.

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Pros of using foliage to hide your filter

• Arguably the most attractive method, (as long as you keep it pruned)
• Very cheap to set up
• Will hide the filter and plumbing very easily

The cons

• If left unchecked the foliage will quickly make access to the filter difficult
• Rotting plant debris is bad for your filter should it make its way in there.

Final words

So there you have it, 3 of the main ways you can go about hiding your pond filter this year. Each has its pros and cons. The important issue is to consider which way will be most practical for your garden, balanced against what you would find most aesthetically pleasing.

Work those two variables out and you will have yourself a winner.