📌 At a Glance

• Pond Country offers tiered pricing packages and installs at higher volume; Modern Design builds fully custom, artistic features one at a time.
• Modern Design specializes only in water features; Pond Country is part of a regional chain with seasonal retail events.
• Pond Country publishes package pricing and offers financing; Modern Design provides transparent project profiles but no fixed packages.
• Modern Design offers artistic natural swim ponds with extensive filtration and rockwork; Pond Country offers swim ponds, though we couldn’t find detailed project examples or videos from the Knoxville branch to confirm their execution style.

Modern Design produces deep educational content; Pond Country’s Knoxville branch has limited local media or training content available.

Who Are We Comparing?

Are you thinking about adding a custom pond, waterfall, or fountain to your property in East Tennessee? Have you been looking at Modern Design Aquascaping as a potential option… and Pond Country as another? Not sure which one of us is the right fit for your project?

Let’s clear that up.

As the owner of Modern Design Aquascaping, I can tell you—we don’t take on every job that comes our way. Sometimes we’re the right team. Sometimes we’re not. Sometimes a smaller, more localized company is the better choice. This article isn’t here to sell you—we’re here to help you decide who’s the best fit for you.

Below, you’ll get an unbiased breakdown of both companies. I’ll share what we each do, who we’re a good fit for, and even when we might not be the right choice. If you’re still early in the process, check out our video guide:

Choose the Right Water Feature Contractor  —it could save you time, money, and regret.

Modern Design Aquascaping: What You Should Know

Modern Design Aquascaping is a nationally recognized, family-owned company based in Friendsville, TN. We’ve been building ponds, fountains, waterfalls, and custom natural swimming ponds since 1994 — and focused solely on water features since 2000.

We build one project at a time, with a tight crew, treating each build like a work of art.

📊 Fast Facts

📞 Phone: (865) 995‑1234

📍 Address: 761 Disco Loop Road, Friendsville, TN 37737

🌐 Website: www.mdaquascaping.com

📘 Facebook: Modern Design Aquascaping

📺 YouTube: @MDAquascaping

🏗️ Years in Business: Since 1994 (water features since 2000)

⭐ Google Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★ (35+ water feature reviews)

📜 Certifications & Awards:

• Master Certified Aquascape Contractor
• Aquascape Artist of the Year (2013)
• Water Feature Artisans of the Year
• Best Waterfall + Most Naturalistic (Pond Trade Magazine)
• Rainwater Harvesting Certified

🗣️ Best Review to Feature

Benjie Cox ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I told my wife I wanted to build a mountain stream in our yard… and that’s exactly what Modern Design Aquascaping delivered. The artistry, attention to detail, and flow of the water is everything I imagined—and more.”

Pond Country (Maryville / Knoxville): What You Should Know

Pond Country’s Knoxville division is part of a larger Southeast regional brand with locations in North Carolina and Tennessee. They opened the Knoxville branch in 2017 and operate out of Pope’s Creekside Nursery during seasonal events. Their focus is on volume, packages, and upfront pricing, with hundreds of installations completed across all locations.

📊 Fast Facts

📞 Phone: (865) 414‑3664

📍 Address: No permanent storefront; seasonal presence at Pope’s Creekside Nursery

🌐 Website: pondcountry.com/knoxville

📘 Facebook: Pond Country Knoxville

📺 YouTube: Pond Country Video Page

🏗️ Years in Business: Since 1999 (Knoxville since 2017)

⭐ Google Rating: 3.9 ★★★☆☆ (19 reviews – Pond Contractor in Maryville, TN)

📜 Certifications & Awards:

• Master Certified Aquascape Contractor
• Aquascape Top Frog Award (2015–2023, based on sales)
• Ranked in Top 100 Aquascape Companies (15+ years)

🗣️ Best Review to Feature

Steven Seward ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“We had Tim at Pond Country design and install a small pond in our garden in a space where the plants had died. Given a tight space to work in, he created the perfect little pond, complete with water cascading over rocks! We have enjoyed this for three years now. Our only regret is that we didn’t have room for a larger one! Upkeep is minimal, and our little water environment is thriving.”

Strengths of Modern Design Aquascaping

Modern Design is known for:

• True custom builds — not packages
• Deep artistry and ecosystem-first thinking
• A global portfolio and award-winning team
• Educational transparency (500+ videos)
• High-end natural swim ponds with advanced filtration
• Personal, one-project-at-a-time service

🎥 Are We a Good Fit? (What kind of client we serve best)

✅ Ideal Fit:

• Homeowners seeking artistic, showstopping water features
• Clients wanting recreation ponds that feel like high-end natural pools
• Projects that involve serious filtration, wetland zones, or dramatic boulder work
• People who care more about beauty and ecosystem function than speed or price

❌ Not Ideal For:

• Buyers who prioritize lowest cost or fastest turnaround
• DIY shoppers just looking for help with parts
• Clients who treat the water feature as an afterthought

People expecting a basic backyard pond under $10K

Strengths of Pond Country (Knoxville)

Pond Country is known for:

• Clear package pricing upfront
• High-volume installation model
• Natural swim pond options for mid-size budgets
• Strong Aquascape certification
• Financing options and seasonal koi events

✅ Ideal Fit:

• Clients who want a straightforward, tiered pricing model
• Buyers who want to compare multiple packages before committing
• Homeowners looking for a simpler water feature that complements other landscape work
• Clients who are comfortable working with a regional brand

❌ Not Ideal For:

• Homeowners looking for a one-of-a-kind, artistic build
• Clients who want to binge videos, read blogs, or study water chemistry before building
• Projects requiring custom filtration or complex rockwork

Those expecting to work directly with a designer from start to finish

Buyer’s Insight — Who’s a Better Fit for Which Type of Client?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you see where each company shines:

Who This Company Might Not Be Right For

Both companies are excellent — for the right client. Here’s a quick breakdown of who may want to think twice:

❌ Modern Design May Not Be Right If:

• You’re primarily budget-driven
• You’re looking for a quick backyard install under $10K
• You don’t need artistic shaping or complex filtration
• You want a bundled landscape + pond combo from one vendor

❌ Pond Country May Not Be Right If:

• You want a pond that feels like a natural stream or mountain spring
• You care deeply about long-term water balance and ecosystem education
• You want a creative partner who helps you design from scratch

You’re looking for a deeply personalized, emotionally driven build experience

Final Thoughts — Which Water Feature Builder Is Right for You?

There’s no single “best” company. Only the one that fits your goals.

If you want a truly unique, artistic water feature that becomes the emotional centerpiece of your space — Modern Design is probably your match.

If you’re looking for a solid, repeatable install with clear pricing — and you’re okay with a more standardized result — Pond Country might make more sense

🎥 Choosing The Right Contractor (How to vet a pro)

What To Do Next

If you’re still on the fence, here’s what I recommend:

🎥 Curious what it’s like to work with Modern Design? (7-step process)

We’re not here to pressure you. We’re here to help you build something that matters.

About the Author

John G. Adams is the founder of Modern Design Aquascaping Inc. and widely regarded as one of the most respected and artistic minds in the water feature industry. With over three decades of experience building ponds, fountains, and waterfalls across the United States and around the world — including Canada, the U.K., South America, and multiple trips to Africa with the Aquascape Foundation — John has earned a reputation for precision, passion, and an eye for the little things that take time… but make all the difference.

Although his sons now lead most of the construction at Modern Design, John has shifted his focus toward educating and inspiring others. He dedicates his time to creating powerful social media content, mentoring up-and-coming artists, working with nonprofit projects, and soaking in life with his eight grandchildren. His YouTube channel, Modern Design Aquascaping, has over 50,000 subscribers, serving as a free, ever-growing resource for anyone who wants to learn about ponds, fountains, and waterfalls.

Whether you’ve stumbled on one of his videos, met him on a job site, or are just discovering his work now — his mission remains the same: to change lives through water and help people connect — with each other, with themselves, and with nature.