About six years ago Paul Tarasuk decided to turn his dual passions of living a creative life and being in the outdoors into PD Waterscapes, a thriving West Hartford-based business that brings natural beauty to backyards through custom-built water features.
Specializing in everything from koi ponds to cascading waterfalls and bubbling boulders, PD Waterscapes has become a go-to business for homeowners seeking to transform their outdoor spaces into personal retreats.
Paul’s journey into the water feature industry began following a career in senior living sales and marketing.
“I realized that my work wasn’t as fulfilling as it could be,” he says. “I always loved cooking and other creative outlets and being outside. Then I went to work with a friend who owned a water garden business and that changed everything.”
He was introduced to the artistry and intricacies of ponds and water features, he says, and it was love at first sight. When his friend relocated and closed the business, Paul seized the opportunity to continue the work, building his own client base and officially launching PD Waterscapes.
Crafting Custom Outdoor Retreats
He describes his work as the perfect blend of art, science and construction. Every project he undertakes is tailored to the unique needs and visions of his clients.
“Some people move into a home with an existing pond or water feature and have no idea how to maintain it,” he explains. “Others want to create something entirely new—a focal point or retreat in their backyard.” For these homeowners, Paul offers everything from routine maintenance and enhancements to complete redesigns.
PD Waterscapes builds a wide range of features, from small patio bowl waterfalls to expansive recreation swim ponds. One popular option is the ecosystem pond, a self-sustaining system that uses circulating water, plants and filtration to maintain an appropriate biological balance.
“Once it’s established, it becomes a vibrant, self-regulating, ecosystem, requiring minimal maintenance.” Paul says.
For clients seeking something simpler, he offers pondless waterfalls and fountainscapes, where water flows into a hidden reservoir and recirculates—perfect for those who want the beauty and sound of running water with minimal upkeep. “These types of water features are also great for underutilized parts of the yard or areas with poor drainage.”
A Passion for Learning and Innovation
Paul credits much of his success to his dedication to learning. Early in his journey, he connected with Aquascape Inc., A pioneer and industry leader in the water feature industry, where he gained certification and hands-on experience.
“Aquascape is like the godfather of the water feature industry,” Paul says. “I am continually learning their methodology and even worked on projects like building habitats for river otters and black bears at a wildlife refuge in Florida.” “Aquascape affords me the opportunity to work and learn alongside some of the best water feature contractors in the industry.”
This foundation has allowed Paul to merge aesthetic design with scientific principles, ensuring his features are not only beautiful but also functional and environmentally friendly. “A water feature can add biodiversity to a backyard,” he explains. “Flowing water with fish and plants attract birds, dragonflies, and frogs, creating a vibrant ecosystem.”
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul says he’s noticed a growing trend: families seeking to turn their backyards into extensions of their homes.
“People want outdoor spaces where they can relax, entertain, and spend time together,” he says. Water features have become a cornerstone of this movement, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits, such as reducing noise pollution, promoting stress reduction and providing a soothing backdrop with the sound of flowing water. “Water Features can also offer educational opportunities for children and time away from electronic devices.”
A Vision for the Future
Paul sees himself as both an artist and a student of nature. His ultimate goal is to create water features that replicate the beauty and tranquility of natural settings.
“The possibilities are endless,” he says. “From large boulders, beach areas and the addition of wood and other natural elements, every project is exciting and different. It’s about understanding the subtleties. I aim to make every water feature look as if it’s always been there, blending seamlessly into the environment.”
He says the cost of a waterscape is wide-ranging depending on the water feature he’s working on, with the average cost being similar to what it costs to install a small patio.
The joy for him, he says, lies in the creative process and the connections he forms with clients. “It’s a journey we go on together, turning their vision into a one-of-a-kind work of art.”
PD Waterscapes, West Hartford
Phone: 860.729.5955
Email: pdwaterscapes@gmail.com
Online: pdwaterscapes.com