Do You Know How To Clean Your Pond?
Melting ice and spring bulbs mean it is time to start your pond. While you may be tempted to start feeding your fish as soon as the ice melts, fish cannot properly digest food when the water temperature is below 60. Bacteria and aquatic plants do not thrive until the water temperature is above 50. While you are waiting for the temperatures to warm it is a good time to consider your maintenance plan.
A good spring clean up is essential to a healthy, beautiful pond for the summer season. It is also a great time to inspect your pond lighting, filtration and consider any renovations. The first step is to assemble your tools; A large tote or bucket to hold fish (if you have them) during the cleaning, a pump to remove water, pressure washer or garden hose with a spray nozzle, and waders (can help keep you clean and dry, but are not essential).
Start to drain the pond. Depending on the size of your pump and pond this process can take a few minutes to an hour or more. As the water level drops start to transfer your fish. If you have small fish a nice trick is to allow the water level to drop and leave less space for the fish to hide (remember to count your fish before you begin so you don’t forget any.) Before the water is below the skimmer height, try installing the pump and testing it. If it doesn’t turn on right away don’t worry. Aquascapes recommends trying a vinegar bath to clean deposits from the pump. Use a 5 gallon bucket and regular white vinegar diluted up to 50:1 with water. If after cleaning it still doesn’t work, it may be time for a replacement.
Once the fish are safely stored you can begin to remove any loose debris that may be floating on the pond or settled on the bottom. If your pump can handle solids (usually labeled as a trash pump) you can clean as the water level is dropping, no need to wait until it is fully drained as the pump will help to remove the suspended debris. (If your pump is for clean water only it is best to drain the pond fully first.)
It is not necessary to remove all algae and debris from the pond, however many of our clients like to start the year with a clean slate. The leftover debris and algae can provide a good level of bacteria to re-colonize the pond and set up a strong ecosystem.
Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, inspect the infrastructure. Turn on your pond lighting and check for burn out fixtures and make adjustments to placement. If boulders or gravel settled, put them back in place or consider adding more. (Tip: If you are adding gravel, be sure to wash it before installing to remove dust and dirt.) If you do not have lighting, this is a great time consider adding it. Contact Us – We can help determine what would work best for your pond.
With a clean, strong set-up you can begin to refill your pond. This process can be long. Most garden hoses fill at a rate of 25-60 gallons per minute. With a 1,200 gallon pond (8’x10’) you are looking at almost 45 min. Larger or deeper ponds… this is a good time to grab a snack! Once the water level nears the skimmer you can start to introduce the fish. If the water temperature of the pond before cleaning was more than 15-20 degrees above the temperature of the new water, you may want to temper the fish. Place them in a bucket set in the pond and let the water adjust to the pond temperature.
With the water level above the bottom of the skimmer inlet you can restart the pump. With the pump running you can add your spring bacteria or any other chemicals. Always remember to check the instructions as each manufacturer may have different recommendations as to when to add, dosage or reapplication period.
Now, sit back and enjoy your beautiful, clean water feature.
A strong ecosystem is the best way to keep your water clear and algae level to a minimum. While many do not want to care for fish, they are a great way to help keep up a pond with minimal additives. As the season progresses, keep an eye on the water level. Evaporation can drop water levels and lead to premature pump failure, however if you are losing more than an inch or two a week (3 to 4 inches is extremely hot, dry weather) a leak may have developed. If you feel you have a leak, give us a call and we can help with troubleshooting. Leaks are frustrating and we will work with you to determine the cause as quickly as possible to help you get back to enjoying your water feature.
Ponds are an investment, both financially and time. But the aesthetic value, wildlife attraction and soothing sounds of streams and waterfalls make the investment payoff.
Enjoy the season.
Other Resources:
Paradise Pond Shop – http://www.paradisepondshop.com/
Aquascapes Resources – http://www.aquascapeinc.com/own-a-water-feature-resources
You must be logged in to post a comment.