Most of us leave our ponds neglected over the winter, of course, but once warmer weather rolls around there is so much opportunity to bring the beauty back to our ponds. Doing certain maintenance tasks regularly can help prevent problems from arising throughout the pond season, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional service, it is important to make sure the utmost care is given to your beautiful pond. Here are our tips for exemplary spring pond maintenance.
Spring Cleaning
It’s easiest to start with a simple cleanup of your pond. Remove algae, leaves, and other debris left over from the previous season. Rinse off whatever has become dirty over time. This is important also because excessive decaying plant matter in the pond as the waters get warmer will increase the nutrient levels and algae in the pond, which is something you may not like if you want a clean-looking pond.
Check Pumps
After a long period of stagnation, you need to be sure your pond pump is still functioning correctly. A properly functioning pump is crucial as it is the heart of your pond or any other water feature. Pumps are designed to properly circulate and oxygenate the water in your pond, making sure your pond water stays fresh and looks beautiful. If your pump has stopped over the cold season, you may have to get a replacement pump to keep the pond water flowing.
Control Algae
Here’s the secret to algae control in your pond… add plants! Plants directly compete with algae for nutrients, and hence are the most important addition to your pond to keep it clean and algae-free. You can even select a wide variety of plants to spruce up the natural beauty of your pond while keeping algae at bay.
Water Treatment
You need to treat your pond water with beneficial bacteria treatments regularly throughout the pond season. This also controls algae by starving algae of its food source. Use eco-friendly pond water treatments to break down excess nutrients and fish waste, remove debris like gravel and rocks, eliminate muck, and more.
Control Feeding
While it may be tempting to feed your fish as much as they like especially as the weather gets warmer and their appetites increase… we strongly advise against overfeeding your fish. If you notice that fish food is left in the pond water, it should be a warning for you to limit your feeding portions. Uneaten fish food converts into nutrients which end up feeding algae instead. A no-no for sparkling clean ponds!
Upgrade Your Pond
If your pond has looked the same in the last five years, it might be time for an upgrade! Get a pretty new water feature, or add a fountain for more pizzazz. Add some plants around your pond for a lush garden stunner. You could even simply rearrange the rocks to instantly give your pond a facelift. Whatever it is, it is sure to put a smile on your face as you enjoy the spring mornings and evenings by your pond with your loved ones.