A backyard pond can be the gem of your backyard, provided it’s kept clean and cared for.
Regular maintenance for your pond isn’t difficult, requiring just 3 steps:
1.The filter should be cleaned out weekly.
2. Leaves and dirt should be skimmed out before they sink to the bottom.
3. Algae growth needs to be watched for and the proper algaecides given when needed.
Following these steps will keep your pond clean and in good shape. However, it’s still necessary to do a complete cleaning every year. We’ll take you through the steps to fully clean out your pond.
1. The first step is to set up a holding area for your fish while you clean the pond. You can use a tank or plastic kids’ pool, but you may need to cover it with a net to keep the fish from jumping out. For your tank, you should use a mix of half pond water and half fresh water. You’ll also need to use a de-chlorinating agent for the water. Keep the tank in the shade so the water doesn’t get too hot, and place an aerator pump inside the water to help the fish breathe.
2. Next, switch off all the pumps and clean the filters. Take them apart and use a hose to get all the dirt and debris off each piece.
2. Now you can begin draining the water. Submerge the pump into the deepest part of the water and position the hose where you want the water expelled. You want to first get the water level low enough so it’s easy to catch the fish, but high enough so they can still swim around. Then use a bucket and a skimming net to move the fish over to your holding area. After all the fish have been transferred, you can drain the rest of the pond.
2. When the pond is drained, it’s time to begin cleaning. First, remove the plants from the pond. If you have plants that will die without water, leave them in the holding tank. Clean up any dead plant material at the bottom. Then, clean off the algae and muck from the sides and the bottom using a hose or a pressure washer. Now, use a wet-vac to suck out all the dirt and algae that has been sprayed off the sides.
2. When you’re done cleaning, put the plants back in place. Finally, refill the pond, making sure you de-chlorinate the water before putting the fish back in. It’s also very important to check the water temperature of the pond and the holding tank, to ensure they’re even. Rapid change in water temperature is a big shock to the fish, and can even kill them. This is why it’s a good idea to clean your pond in the spring or fall, when temperatures aren’t extreme, and to keep the holding tank in the shade.
To learn more about pond and backyard maintenance or to speak with one of our designers about your next project, fill out our instant estimate form or give us a call at: (818) 244-4000.