Pond Maintenance

Ponds are more than just backyard decorative addition. They have their own small biosphere with fully set aquatic life –both animal and plant – as well as a particular amount of its own environment. This doesn’t mean however, that they can be left alone without some maintenance. Pond maintenance is necessary for sustaining the life it contains, and the delicate balance that must exist in its environment.

Pond maintenance is not actually that complicated, but its owner must make it a hobby. Pond care is important, and this means taking notice of the pond water’s color, dead leaves floating around the pond, as well as paying attention to the last time fish and frogs were spotted. All through the year, the pond will require constant attention on specific areas.

There are certain seasonal pond maintenance procedures that one must do, aside from regular pond care. Here are some guidelines on pond maintenance for the different seasons of the year:

Summer

Maintaining ponds during the summer will need some of these procedures to be done: Regularly clean out the pond’s pump and filter, and check on it at least once every week. Add water to avoid evaporation, but do it in intervals, as adding lots of water at one time can cause extreme disturbance to the pond’s chemical levels or temperature balance. It is important to prune the plants, and put-in floating aquatic plants. Regularly “dead head” plants, and if leaf mildew is spotted, remove its infected parts at once to avoid spreading.

Additionally, one should gradually introduce new types of fish. It is also important to dispose of blanketweed and algae. Ensure the use of an aerator to add oxygen into the pond’s water; especially since algae can both be beneficial and harmful, sucking oxygen out from the water during nighttime.

Fall

It is important to remove the filter and the pump if the pond doesn’t have fish, as well as removing decorative features such as misters or waterfalls, as they can be damaged through freezing. It’s also essential to use pond heaters or pond de-icers during the fall. As much as possible, the pond must be kept “leaf-free”. Plants must be cut back, and mulch must be added to border plants. Frail plants must also be transferred indoors, as well as fish that can be moved inside the house if the weather gets too cold.

Winter

During winter, ensure that pond has at least a de-icer if keeping fish in the pond during the winter. A toxic gas called methane can accumulate and get into the pond’s water supply, which will be harmful to the fish. Don’t feed the fish during winter. If the pump and filter hasn’t been removed, then it’s important that you do so. Remove dead plants, debris, or leaves from your pond. Throwing a few tennis balls in the pond can alleviate pressure on the pond’s structure when ice hits.

It is also vital to check the level of the water regularly, in case there’s a leak or evaporation. As much as doable, remove the snow that forms on the surface of the pond to allow light to enter the pond.

Spring

Remove the heater or de-icer used during the winter. Put back the pump and filter and turn them on. When the temperatures reach 10°C, then it is time to begin feeding your fish again. Check the level of the water, and if the fish were left in the pond during the winter, then put-in water on intervals to avoid the imbalance of sudden change in water temperature. If the fish were placed indoors, put-in water and balance it before placing them back.

Keep watch for algae. If the water has turned black, then remove about 1/3 of its water, get rid of any leaves or decomposed organic matter, then replace the water. Check the pond’s netting and do necessary repairs. Fix its border area, as well as prune plants and shrubs.

Pond maintenance year round is essential not only for a pleasing sight, but for a healthy living environment of the pond’s inhabitants as well.