How to Keep Your Backyard Pond in Good Condition Year-Round

With each season of the year comes a different level of maintenance and care for you pond. Having a regular pond maintenance schedule in place can help you stay on top of any changes that might suggest a breakdown of the pond environment. Follow these suggestions to keep your pond healthy and beautiful every month of the year.

Spring and Summer

Aerating your pond during the hot months of the summer is important because oxygen tends to be depleted more in warm water. This can be done by adding an air bubbler or a second or third pond pump.

The filters should ideally be checked on a weekly basis, and the water should be topped up on a regular basis to avoid salt and mineral build-up. The pond water’s ammonia and chlorine levels should be checked weekly, and algae should be removed on an as-needed basis to prevent its growth.

Fall

Falling leaves is part and parcel with the fall months of the year, which means dead leaves can build up in your pond. These leaves can clog up your pond’s filter many times a day. You should be vigilant about removing these leaves to make sure they don’t accumulate. Leaf netting can make this task a lot easier.

Once the temperature of the water drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, start feeding the fish (if present) only once daily, and switch to a wheat germ-based food that’s easier to digest. Remove any fish or plants from the pond that won’t be able to survive the cold months of the winter. Disconnect and drain out the pump and filters, and drain the fountain and water lines if present.

Winter

There’s little pond water maintenance that needs to occur in the winter, as much of the work is done during the warmer months. The main goal in the winter is to prevent the water from freezing entirely. This can be done by installing an aeration pump or floating pond de-icer to keep an air hole open once freezing starts. Toxic gases will be able to escape through this hole. Leave a piece of wood to float on the surface of the water to prevent expanding ice by absorbing pressure.

Keeping your pond healthy throughout the year doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require vigilance. Rather than doing the work yourself, hire the experts in this field. At American Underwater Services, we offer convenient, affordable and comprehensive pond cleaning services. Contact us today so you can enjoy the beauty of your pond without having to do the work yourself.