What does a new pond need?
We reccomend adding beneficial bacteria to a pond immediately to help jump-start the pond ecosystem.
How do I open my pond in the spring?
If there are fish, move them to a temporary holding bucket if possible.
Use a cleanout pump to drain as much of the water from the pond as possible. If needed, use an algae remover to take algae off the rocks. Pull out any dead fish, frogs, or leaves.
Trim back any plants as needed
Hose off or replace any filter pads, brushes, or nets if needed.
Make sure the liner around the pond and edges of the waterfill is high enough and hasn't settled over the winter, allowing water to leak out.
Fill the pond back up and treat with detoxifier if using town water, then turn on the pump and slowly reintroduce the fish to acclimate them.
Add beneficial bacteria or starter bacteria to jump start the ecosystem.
How do I close my pond in the fall?
Once the water starts icing over it is time to remove the pump for winter. Store the pump in a bucket of water somewhere it won't freeze.
Try to remove any leaves from the pond before they freeze as well.
Remove any filters pads, nets, or brushes, clean them, and store for winter.
If any plants need to be cut back, do so now.
If you have fish, you will need to oxygenate the pond and keep a hole open for them during the winter. This can be done in several ways:
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Keep the original pump running. Check the ice frequently for dams blocking water flow into the skimmer or waterfall.
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Put a solids-handling pump in the center of the pond with a fountain/jet on top to break the surface of the pond.
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Put a heater and an aerator in.
How do I treat algae in my pond?
Make sure you have enough plant life in your pond to help filter the water.
Remove dead fish, plants, and leaves frequently.
Use algaecide to treat existing string algae in the water. Make sure to keep the pump running during treatment.
How do I fix a leaking pond?
Consider the weather first, as large temperature variations can cause some degree of evaporation.
If the leak is severe, fill up the pond completely and turn off the pump. Let it sit for 24 hours. If the level drops, your leak is in the pond itself. Wherever it stops is the level just below the leak, so look around at that level for any tears, holes, or other signs.
If the pond level does not drop, your leak is not in the pond itself.
Check your waterfall to see if it is diverting water over low liner edges or splashing water out of the pond.
Make sure the skimmer and biofall spillway is properly attached.
