To skim, place the net about halfway into the water and move it continuously back and forth.
Empty the net when it is about a quarter full.
When the filter becomes clogged, it cannot collect particulates as effectively.
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Clogged filters make pumps work harder, making them more prone to failure.
First, turn off and unplug the pump.
Remove the filter media and dispose of it.
While you have the pump open, clean the filter with a soft brush to remove debris or algae.
Place a fresh sheet of filter media in the pump.
Maintain the Water Level
Pond water evaporates no matter the season.
As the seasons roll into spring and summer, evaporation picks up pace.
Keep the water level topped off to maintain water quality.
Add water with agarden hoseor by hand with a five-gallon bucket.
To eliminate manual fills, purchase a pond auto top up equipment that attaches to a garden hose.
When the water level drops below a designated level, the rig opens up the water flow.
Tend the Pond’s Plants
Break up clustered aquatics likewater lilies and lotus.
Remove dead or dying plants.
Prune excessive plant growth.
Add new plants where needed.
It’s vital to maintain plants in the pond to keep out debris and avoid decomposition.
Aim to have at least 50-percent of the pond surface clear for better oxygenation.
Manage the Algae
Not all pond water needs to be crystal-clear.
Small amounts of algae provide food for microscopic zooplankton, a valuable nutrient for pond fish.
But algae blooms create an unhealthy, unpleasant environment for animals, plants, and humans.
Introduce aquatic plants to provide shade, which slows algae growth.
Keep those plants in good shape and be sure to break them apart every so often.
Submerged UV clarifiers kill algae blooms before they can start.
Occasionally, pour algaecide diluted with water into the pond.
Tip
Do not usepool shock treatmentor chlorine.
Algaecides contain copper, sulfates, salts, and other ingredients safe for garden ponds.
Severe cold can harm pond pumps and other mechanical parts.
Start winterizing the pond in early autumn.
Skim out debris and clean the pond filter.
Shut off the pump.
After all the leaves have fallen, remove the netting.
Prune foliage from around the pond.
If you decide to shut down the pond for the winter, unplug and cover the pump.
Pond water, too, can benefit from being changed out every so often.
Drain the pond once a year or as needed.
Drain the water with the pond drain or pump it out with a submersible pump.
Let the pond dry out.
Remove rocks from the bottom.
Hose down the side and bottom of the pond (do not use cleaning fluids).
Use a shop vacuum to remove dirty water.
Check the pond liner for tears, punctures, or signs of deterioration.
Put diluted algaecide in the pond to keep it clean.
Regular treatments with algaecide prevent algae bloom.
An electric, submersible UV clarifier is a good supplement for preventing algae growth.
Ponds are generally considered to be high maintenance.
Developing a maintenance schedule makes it easier to keep up with maintenance chores.
An electric pond filter helps to keep the water clean.
One disadvantage of ponds is that maintaining the water quality can be challenging.
As the sunnier months come along, more algae will grow.
Ponds also need to be filtered or skimmed on a regular basis.
The Royal Horticultural Society.
Pond Algae: It’s Not All Bad.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
