Hi, I would like to try the friendly discussion approach. I already spoke with them about a pile of debris, leaves etc, that was piled against one of the posts of our fence and I was afraid it was going to rot it out. I was very friendly and polite but they basically indicated that they are not very interested in yard work, and they would move it although so far they haven't. They also took the opportunity to complain about all the leaves they end up raking that are from neighbors trees, even though they have two trees in their yard. Left me scratching my head. [g] In the past, they have also acted in other ways that haven't really indicated a high degree of awareness and responsibility. They have a pool and I know the zoning laws are for a 6ft fence surrounding the pool, but on our side of the yard, we have a 4ft high post and rail fence, backed with metal wire fencing to keep a dog in we used to have, and they left it at that when they put a pool in. I had small children and had to constantly watch them. I think I should have complained at the time, but I didn't. So some of my resentment from that is under the surface this time around. They also had a Red Setter dog that was totally hyper and every time they let him out in the yard, he would bark his head off. They would come to the door and yell at him and then leave him out there barking before they would bring him in. Sometimes someone would leave him in the yard and go out for hours. He also barked late at night and early in the morning. The dog's barking was a problem for us for I would say a good 8 years and we tolerated it. Mainly because we didn't want to be a complaining neighbor and create conflict, and because we knew they were crazy about their dog and are basically not good at disciplining him. That dog died and they got a new dog, same breed, and he started doing the same thing, and we thought well here we go again. But finally they got a second dog to keep him company and he is much better. A sweet dog, very friendly. They did ask us to move a leaf pile last year, that was within about 10ft of the lot line. It was just bags of leaves breaking down in a wire bin, but they objected to the smell. To me, I like the smell of leaves breaking down, it smells like the forest floor, but obviously everyone doesn't. We did use some of the bags which eliminated half of them but couldn't move the whole bin until this spring. So it has been relocated and won't be near their yard anymore. But there is no other problem past or present that they could perceive as a problem with us as neighbors. No, I wouldn't go on anyone's property to "fix" a problem. I wouldn't think I legally have the right to do that and could be sued. I also wouldn't want to do something to their pool without their knowing about it and it causes a problem for them with their dogs or something. I would also be furious if someone did that to me. Well, I could think of them taking a simple suggestion about putting a mosquito dunk in their pool or barley, but if there is more that they would have to do, I suspect they will let it go. I guess the first step is to talk to them and see what their response is going to be. If that doesn't go well, will there be a point that I should get the board of health involved? I guess I feel we have bent over backwards to be good neighbors and are tired of being so tolerant and reasonable, but we have managed to stay on good terms with all our neighbors in the 20 years we have lived here and don't want that to change. Adam

Hello Larry, I'll probably be crucified for suggesting it, but with a 45' long piece I'd go with EPDM (rubber) roofing from one of your local roofing wholesalers... just look up building supplies in the phone book, that should get you started. Some on here will say it isn't "approved" for pond use but before there were "approved-pond liners" this is something folks would use. I have it as my liner. Can't remember if it is Carlisle or Firestone's brand. No problems to report though, it's been trouble free. I believe the roll I purchased was a full-size sheet, 25' x 50'. Cost less than $300 US. They delivered because most building supply houses are used to doing so; delivered right to the hole I had excavated using their special forklift/spider-lift. If you're getting something as narrow as 10' (x 45'), that sounds like a deep stream, maybe? Good luck.

Exactly how high is your pH? As long as the pH is stable, fish can get used to almost any pH. Dropping the pH with pool acid can be VERY dangerous to fish. It's knows as "crashing the pH" and is one of the most common causes of fish deaths....although it is usually related to heavy rain. Also...how many gallons is your pond? It does sound like you need something much better than a cartridge filter.

If you're looking for smaller lilies, the auroa is a nice changeable lily that is 'medium' sized and is around those shades. Helvola is a great small lily, but has bright yellow small blooms. If you're okay with a larger tropical the Albert Greenburg is a beautiful lily, I've heard 'autumn' colored as the best description. It may need trimming to fit well, at least a nice color option. Clyde Ikins and Peach Glow are also a possibility, but are medium to large sized lilies.