General Maintenance

Most water gardeners look to their ponds as a source of relaxation and escape, not a source of work and maintenance. Fortunately, a properly designed water feature should require very little maintenance. Other than regular doses of bacteria to help keep the water clear, there are a few items of regular maintenance that you can expect.

It’s reasonable to expect that most of your regular pond maintenance will relate to the filtration system. The amount of maintenance your pond requires generally depends on the type of system that filters your pond. For example, if the pump and filter sit at the bottom of the pond, then you may find yourself cleaning them at least once a week. Not only that, but you’ll need to get into the pond to perform the cleaning.

A pond that is filtered with skimmers and biological filters will require much less maintenance. Regular maintenance with this type of system consists of emptying the debris nets and cleaning the filter pads in the skimmer. This only takes a few minutes of your time, and this type of filter is easily accessible too! How often this is required depends on the amount of debris and leaves that find their way into your pond.

When the aquatic plants in your pond are actively growing, you’ll also need to keep an eye out for and remove any yellowing leaves and spent flowers, especially on water lilies. Like many terrestrial perennials, this is a normal part of the plant’s seasonal growth cycle.

Daily water testing is generally not needed. But because poor water quality is often the cause of pond problems and sick fish, it is sometimes necessary as a key, first step in determining the treatment.

Please don’t consider routine, general maintenance to be a burden on you. Think back to the days when you had to weed, water, and mow your lawn and you’ll be sure to appreciate your watery paradise a little more. After all, how many household tasks do you get to perform in the warm sun, with the sounds of frogs and birds all around you, and your friendly koi nibbling at your fingers? And how often are you tempted to take your shoes off and dip your toes in the bathtub when you’ve been cooped up in the house washing windows? Not often. That’s why you got your pond. Enjoy it!

Courtesy of Pond Lifestyles - an Aquascape Designs Website