Outdoor ponds are a beautiful addition to any space. In order to keep your backyard pond pristine, it is crucial to learn best practices in order to care for aquatic life. Proper maintenance is important because it will control the growth of algae which can negatively affect the ecosystem in your pond. Keeping your space attractive requires some extra upfront care, but once a proper maintenance routine is established, your pond will be beautifully maintained for years to come.
Start maintaining your pods immediately
It’s extremely important to start maintaining your pond immediately after it’s constructed. Maintaining your pond from the get-go will ensure that the ecosystem is properly fitted to house fish and aquatic plants. It’s also important to recognize that improper practices can negatively affect your water quality. Unfortunately, it’s very common for dirt and debris to fall into ponds which is why it’s important to be diligent with your maintenance routines.
Maintain leaves and surrounding plants
In addition, you must also maintain falling leaves as they can emit toxic gasses that are not beneficial for the growth of good bacteria. To avoid falling leaves, you may want to use a net and if they’ve already fallen, you may want to use a skimmer to remove all dirt and debris from the pool.
It’s also important to maintain outdoor plants surrounding your pond as they may also contribute to a negative pond climate. Maintenance may include trimming surrounding shrubs and trees. Trimming surrounding branches and plants will allow sunlight to reach your pond.
Control the climate
In the winter months, it’s crucial to control the ice that may accumulate on the top layer of your pond. If the surface is frozen, oxygen may not be able to reach aquatic life and plants. Luckily, this can be avoided by using a de-icer or gently cracking the ice. It’s important to refrain from using force to crack the ice because it may affect the aquatic life below. Alternatively, you can construct a cover out of transparent materials in order to insulate your area from the cold air.
Clean filters and maintain pumps
Pumps and filters can occasionally become clogged with dirt and debris which is why you must clean your filters regularly. Pumps and filters run for hours on end meaning they may be subject to malfunctions. In order to avoid potential conflicts, it’s important that you disconnect the pump from time to time so you can safely flush out any debris. In addition, these features may also attract algae which can be combated with chemicals and algaecides.
Maintain water levels and be cognisant of leaks
A leaky pond can result in an unfit climate for the ecosystem within the pond which is why it’s important to be cognisant of your water levels at all times. If you notice your water levels are decreasing, it may mean you have a leak. In order to combat a leak, you will need to drain the water to the appropriate length and repair the leak with appropriate materials. For the best results, you may want to consider consulting a professional.
In the summer months it’s also important to maintain water levels for proper growth of organisms. You can maintain your water level by topping off the pond with clean water from your hose. This tactic can also be used if your pond heats up too much due to excessive sunlight. If you notice your pond is too warm, simply spray some cool water on top to even out the temperature.
Maintain your pond regularly for the best results
In order for your pond to thrive, it’s imperative that you create a proper maintenance regime. If you aren’t sure where to start, or need help refining your maintenance plan, its best to consult a team of professionals. Maintaining ecosystems and regulating ponds is what we do. Our team would be happy to point you in the right direction.