There is no real point, in my opinion, in having a pond that just sits there, with the water getting stagnant, and maybe covered with algae. The pond, as part of the general garden decor, should be a good focal point, and as a feature, one that is more of a living thing than the vegetation that surrounds it. You can get pond pumps that will make a different in this aspect, as they turn the 'dead' appearing water into a sparkling stream that adds a freshness to the overall appearance, as well as oxygenating the water to assist in maintaining aquatic health. For my own taste, I prefer a stream flowing down over rocks, rather than an actual fountain that rises up into the air.