HD Marsh

I have turned my 22,000 gallon formal pool and spa into a pond complete with fish, plants and all the peace and wildlife that comes with it. I have lowered my electric consumption by 80% in the 8 years of "going organic" on my small one acre yard. I turned off the automatic sprinkler system and let the grass die where it couldn't grow naturally. I only water when establishing a new transplant. I don't use clay pots anymore unless the plant is indoors or a cactus, (in Florida they require too much water). I compost, lowering my landfill garbage by more than half. I mulch, use compost and only natural methods of keeping plants healthy & thereby keeping most pests away. I have no mosquitoes in my yard. The natural predators take care of them, frogs, fish, birds, and dragonflies as well as the larva of many predaceous insects in the ponds eat mosquitoes and their larva.
My five year experiment, in its 8th year, is a resounding success. The numbers of bird species on my property increased from only 4 to at least a dozen that I know of. Previously this property was maintained formally, w/ pesticides, lawn services & all the usual sterilizing processes. Within the first year of going organic, the bird varieties increased 4 fold. They now have a habitat with good (pesticide free) food.
I am also using mostly native Florida plants that are right for the conditions. I plant w/pollinators & birds in mind.
My website, www.pool2pond.com, will be launched and I hope to write a book about this journey. In the meantime follow my blog: http://www.pool2pond.blogspot.com
My yard is certified as a Backyard Habitat by the National Wilderness Federation. As for the issue of sustainability, for an older person on a fixed income, this is ideal. The pond uses much less in the way of maintenance & chemicals & costs than a pool did. There is less evaporation. My home uses far less water and electricity. The pond makes it cooler in the backyard in the summer. And watching the wildlife is just plain fun!