Community Insider Fall 2019 | Page 31

On occasion, even the most beautiful water feature is going to have one or more of these problems. Even when properly and regularly serviced, equipment can break. Unpredictable weather, power outages and unusual runoff contaminants will affect water features. However, if regularly scheduled maintenance had been performed, Pretty Pond HOA wouldn’t find themselves spending a small fortune on new pumps, compressors, liners, shoreline borders and aerators. These devices have much better odds of properly functioning for their full estimated useful life as intended if regular maintenance is performed. Properties will often “defer maintenance” for long periods of time, and the results tell a familiar story: vast portions of aquatic equipment in disrepair. Associations may have to face passing a dreaded special assessment and/or take out a loan to buy brand-new sump pumps, pump vault covers, electric wiring, junction boxes… the list goes on, and very quickly adds up to prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. All of these headaches can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance and proper budgeting practices. Call Us Today: 888-211-5332 Complete Election Administration for Community Associations Our long-standing expertise, in-house printing and mailing solutions, trained staff and experienced inspectors, can provide associations with a more efficient and professional election service than can be conducted by any other independent resource. Request a Quote Today: www.theinspectorsofelection.com The moral of the story that Pretty Pond HOA learned? Perform regular maintenance on waterscapes, and on the equipment that works together to keep it up and running. Do this, using an experienced and well-qualified business partner, and the water feature won’t be a source of stress and pain; instead, it can bring joy and beauty to the entire community for generations. Patrick Simmsgeiger is President of Diversified Waterscapes Inc., and a Certified Lake Manager through the North American Lake Management Society. /cai.sd /in/caisandiego WWW.CAI-SD.ORG | 31