Summer Pond Maintenance

KNOW THE BASICS OF YOUR POND

It’s reasonable to expect that most of your regular summer 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.