Keeping your pond clean is essential for the overall aesthetics of your property. Not only does a dirty pond look unsightly, but it can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. A dirty pond can also lead to unhealthy conditions for the fish and other wildlife that call it home.
This blog post will discuss why ponds get dirty, how to clean them best, and when the best season to do it.
Ponds Get Dirty – Here’s Why!
Ponds are open spaces, and a lot of debris falls into them. Organic matter decomposes faster when surrounded by water; this process releases nitrates and phosphates that help algae thrive. Algae is the cause of cloudy and green water in ponds.
Also, the decomposing process lowers the oxygens levels in the water, threatening the life of any fish living in the pond.
Pond Rehabilitation – How to do it?
First, it’s a must to count on the appropriate tools to get the job done, and not an easy one to perform; you’ll need:
- A clean-out pump (25 ft. of discharge hose min)
- A high-pressure nozzle for your garden hose.
- A child’s swimming pool or a similar-sized container to hold fish
- A Safety net to place over the fish container
- Two five-gallon buckets to collect leaves and debris
- Pond pills to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water
(prior to putting fish back in the pond) - Store-bought beneficial bacteria solution
The steps go as follows-
Drain The Pond Water
Remove the fish from your pond and start draining the water to the surrounding landscape; it’s essential to relocate the hose a couple of times to avoid flooding a particular spot. Collect the debris and excessive organic material with the buckets from the pond’s bottom.
Gentle Cleaning
With a high-pressure nozzle, start cleaning the rocks and gravel. Start from the top and work your way down to the bottom. Don’t wash all the algae away; some algae is beneficial to developing the pond’s ecosystem.
Rinse all surfaces and drain out the muddy water. Once the water looks clear, stop draining and start filling it back.
Cleaning the filters
Detach the filters to remove all debris and accumulated material. Rinse the non-replaceable parts with water and scrub thoroughly. If needed, replace the filters and resemble the filter system back to the pump and turn it back on once the pond’s water covers it completely.
Acclimating Pond Fish
Now that the pond is full, make sure to prepare the water for the fish. Calculate the amount of dechlorinate pills for the volume of water, follow instructions and timeframes closely to avoid hurting the fish.
Once the water is ready, use the buckets to move water from the pond to the fish tank or container. This will help the fish to acclimate to the pond temperature slowly. We recommend 15 min intervals between each bucket of water. After 2 or 3 water buckets, the fish will be ready to be reintroduced to the pond.
Scheduling My Pond Cleaning Date – When Should I Do It?
When is the best time to clean my pond? Pond owners differ a lot in regards to this question in particular. However, you can trust your sight if the water is getting too cloudy again and maintenance just took place. Cleaning your pond at least once a year is a good measurement of time. Spring and fall are the best seasons to do so.
Fall Pond Cleanup
Before the cold weather sets in in the fall, it’s a good idea to give your pond a complete cleaning. Fall Pond Cleanup removes any debris accumulated over the summer months and the usual leaves characteristic of this season.
Spring Pond Cleanup
Spring is a great time to clean your pond. The weather is mild, and the water is clear, making it an ideal time for a thorough cleanup, preparing the pond for the warmer days ahead. Spring pond cleanup reduces algae growth and prevents mosquito nesting development.
Are Professional Pond cleaners mandatory?
Pond cleaning is a complex task. Sure it can be handled by oneself, but it’s sure a muddy, slimy, and smelly job. Not to mention the possible scenario of an accident related to the slippery surface or the investment in the equipment you’re just going to use once a year.
When you consider these factors, is not such a great investment of one’s time and resources, it’s best to leave it in the hands of professionals like Clarity Ponds
Clarity Ponds can take over your pond cleanup any time of the year!
Clarity Ponds is the top garden pond builder and maintenance team in Metro St. Louis Area, MO. We definitely understand how important it is for you to keep your pond looking crystal clear. That’s why we offer a wide range of services aiming to solve all of your needs for pond maintenance and pond cleaning.
If you need a second opinion or someone to evaluate the overall state of your pond, get in touch with us. Clarity Ponds will be thrilled to help you.
