Pond Cleaning
Our 9 Step Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Pond
Why Cleaning Your Pond is Important?
Aside from looking good, your pond houses an entire ecosystem both above and below the surface. Although this ecosystem is usually very good at looking after itself, it does require a hand from time to time. Neglecting to clean your pond, or cleaning it incorrectly, could upset the natural balance, leading to a range of unpleasant side effects from blooming algae to bright green waters.
The main reasons customers use our pond cleaning services are:
Improved Appearance
Reducing Algae Growth
Improved Water Clarity
Maintaining A Healthy Ecosystem
How Often Does My Pond Need Cleaning?
We get this question a lot and we say that once a year is sufficient to keep your pond happy and healthy. People who own show or koi ponds may wish for a more regular maintenance schedule, but for the majority of natural ponds, a yearly clean is plenty.
Sounds good right? If you'd like a hand with cleaning your pond then click the button below. Fill out the contact form and we'll contact you later today to confirm a time and date convenient for you. We’re excited to hear from you so don’t delay, fill in the form today.
Want to learn more? Keep reading:
Tools and Equipment Needed for Pond Cleaning
Most of the equipment needed to clean your pond can be bought or rented from your local aquatic store however, if you’d prefer not to fill your shed with unnecessary pond equipment year-round, we’d be more than happy to clean it for you.
You'll need...
Water Pump
To transfer your pond water to a holding tank where, if you have any, the fish can be placed throughout the cleaning process to keep them safe and out of the way.
Pressure Washer
You’re not looking to blast your pond into oblivion, just remove surface dirt and grime with a light pressure wash.
Water Testing Kit
An option for those looking for an in-depth analysis of their pond water. Test kits can show the levels of the 6 essential water qualities.
Skimmer Net
For catching fish and removing surface debris such as string algae from your pond.
Pond Vacuum
Essential for sucking out the sludge from the bottom of the pond and collecting the grime and gloop that’s been removed with the pressure washer.
Holding Tank
Where your pond water is transferred to, along with any fish, whilst you carry out the cleaning.
Pond Brush
Gentle agitation from a pond brush can be helpful to remove stubborn stains. It’s also handy for cleaning aquatic lights, filters, and water fountains.
...ready to start cleaning?
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Pond
Step 1: Draining The Pond
Start draining your pond using the water pump. Discharge the water into your surrounding garden making sure to move the hose regularly to allow time for the water to soak away.
If you have fish, transfer a good portion of the existing pond water into a holding tank. Position the holding tank in a shady spot and cover with a net to keep your fish safe and happy.
Leaving about 8-10 inches in the bottom of the pond will make it easier to catch the fish and greatly reduce the stress of being caught. Once happy, net your fish and transfer them to your holding tank.
Step 2: Removing Debris
With your pond clear and empty, remove any large debris like sticks, twigs, clumps of algae and mulch by hand. Anything too big to be picked up by the pond vac should be removed now.
Step 3: Pressure Wash & Vac
Gently pressure wash the pond working from top to bottom. You’re aiming to remove the worst of the grime without blasting the surfaces bare as doing this could remove the good bacteria required for a happy and healthy ecosystem.
As the run off from the walls of the pond collects in the bottom use the pond vac to keep removing the sludge and muck. Once the water collecting in the bottom becomes clear your pond is clean enough to stop washing.
Step 4: Clean Fixtures & Fittings
Using your pond brush, clean any remaining grime from your plumbing, appliances and water features. This is your chance to shine up those aquatic light covers and remove any unsightly stains that have been bothering you!
Step 5: Start Filling Your Pond
With the bulk of the cleaning done it’s time to start refilling your pond.
Step 6: Cleaning The Filters
If installed, now is the time to remove the cover from your filter and give it a good clean. How you clean it will depend on the make, model and type of filter you own. If unsure, check with google or contact a professional.
Step 7: Treat Your Water
Assuming your pond has been filled with your garden hose, the water will need treating to make it safe for your fish and wildlife. We’d recommend using a pond detoxifier which is essential in removing chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals from UK tap water.
Step 8: Acclimate Your Fish
Your fish will be keen to explore their newly cleaned home, but it’s important to let them acclimatise properly before returning them to the water.
Fill a large bucket or large clear plastic bag (the same type you probably brought your fish home in from the garden centre) with water from the holding tank.
Gently float the bucket or bag in the pond for 15-20 minutes or until the water temperature has equalised. Once the temperature inside the bucket / bag is the same as your new pond water you’re ready to gently release your fish.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Pond!
This is the easiest step in the pond cleaning process. Sit back, relax and enjoy your pond.
Want to skip steps 1-8? We don't blame you! Click the button to fill out our contact form and we'll contact you later today to see how we can help restore your pond to its former glory.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Pond
Regularly Remove Leaves
Monitor Water Quality
Add Beneficial Bacteria
Balance Your Fish Population
Like the idea of a fresh, clean pond but don’t fancy getting down and dirty with the sludge? Book your call today and we'll take care of the hard work for you.
Fill in the contact form below and we’ll be in touch today to arrange your introductory phone consultation. We’re excited to hear from you so don’t delay, fill in the form today.
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