Not only does an attractive pond exude class, but it also offers a thriving ecosystem and rich habitat for wildlife. In order to possess a thriving pond, it’s important that you conduct regular maintenance. If not properly maintained, ponds can quickly turn into eyesores with overgrown plants, weeds, and murky water. In order to avoid an eyesore, it’s important to clean and maintain your pond regularly.
What makes ponds dirty?
Your pond is exposed to the elements meaning a variety of factors can cause potential headaches. Anything from twigs, to leaves, or grass clippings can find their way into your pond. If organic matter finds its way into your pond and isn’t taken care of, it will begin to decompose and release nitrates and other materials that may reduce the quality of your pond water. Decomposition can pose a major threat to your pond as it may begin to suffocate your fish. After an extended period of time without care, your clear, healthy pond will begin to turn color and rot.
How can I ensure my pond stays clean?
If you aren’t sure where to start or want to make sure the job gets done correctly, it’s always best to consult a professional. If you’re confident in your ability to restore your pond to its natural state, you will want to take the following factors into consideration:
If you have fish in your pond, remove them and place them in a temporary holding tank before you pump out the murky water.
Get rid of all the debris, including decaying leaves, twigs, dead frogs, and plants that may be growing in an inopportune area.
Rinse your pond with a power washer after cleaning to ensure an optimal shine.
Trim, fertilize, and maintain aquatic plants.
Replace underwater light bulbs if they are burnt out or malfunctioning.
Adjust the gravel and rocks to your liking.
Remove skimmer debris and clean the filter and skimmer box.
Replace the water after everything has been thoroughly cleaned.
How often should I clean my pond?
Before cleaning your pond, you should consider what’s living in your pond. If your pond contains fish or other permanent aquatic life, you should clean it in the fall or before your local temperature drops drastically. It’s recommended that you clean your koi and fishponds at the end of the growing season when fish are in the best health. In the spring, fish are typically weaker and may not be able to handle as much stress.
A general rule of thumb for a cleaning schedule is to clean your pond less frequently than three to five times a year, and no more than once a year. If you maintain your pond regularly and put measures in place to reduce debris and leaf accumulation, you will not need to clean your pond as frequently.
A general rule of thumb for a cleaning schedule is to clean your pond less frequently than three to five times a year, and no more than once a year. If you maintain your pond regularly and put measures in place to reduce debris and leaf accumulation, you will not need to clean your pond as frequently.
We recommend cleaning your pond completely once a year preferably during the spring pond maintenance process. However, it can be done at any time. Most pond owners clean their ponds more in the spring, fall, and winter. As a result, their pond remains clean, clear, and beautiful all year round.
Be Attentive to your Pond
In addition to scheduling pond maintenance services at least once a year, there may be instances when additional maintenance is required. These are the tell-tale signs that your pond may require additional maintenance:
Muddy water
Foul odors
Failed pH results
Oxygen deficient water sucking fish
Regular maintenance is key however frequent cleaning isn’t a must
If you take care of your pond by conducting regular maintenance, you may be able to avoid thorough cleaning more frequently, however, it isn’t a one size fits all solution. For the best results, it’s best to consult a professional that can access your needs and create a custom plan. Our team of experts would be happy to lend a helping hand and discuss your needs.