A pond as a part of the landscape provides an aesthetically pleasing view, creates a tranquil and relaxing environment, attracts wildlife, and offers many ecological benefits. It makes the landscape more inviting for people to spend more time outdoors amidst natural surroundings. However, only constructing a pond is not enough. You also need to ensure it is properly maintained.

Maintaining a backyard pond is not as difficult as it seems and comes with numerous benefits. 

Good pond health should remain a top priority for people having a pond on their property. Proper tools and correct information are vital to ensure a clean and well-maintained pond. Following a few simple steps regularly and sticking to a routine maintenance schedule will keep the pond looking healthy and great for years to come.

What does pond maintenance involve?

Usually, pond upkeep includes regular debris cleaning, removing algae and weeds, and maintaining the correct water level, temperature, and chemistry. It also involves managing surrounding plants, repairing issues timely, ensuring aeration, cleaning filters and pumps, removing dead plants, and cleaning waterfalls and fountains. 

Benefits of regular pond maintenance 

Pond maintenance is an ongoing process. Keeping up with the basic tasks keeps the pond looking and functioning its best. Here are a few reasons why regular pond maintenance is essential:

Prevent algae growth

Pond owners know that neglecting maintenance will allow the algae to quickly take over the pond, especially during certain parts of the year. While some algae types like plankton algae are vital to maintaining a pond ecosystem, others pose a severe threat to the pond's health. It leads to murky water that makes the pond look unsightly and depletes the concentration of oxygen in water, creating dead zones. Algae also limits the sunlight penetrating the pond. Regular monitoring and cleaning prevent algae from taking over the pond. 

Maintain pond’s pH level 

Every water body has its water chemistry. pH level affects the fishes and other aquatic life in the pond water. Too high or too low pH levels reduce fish’s ability to fight disease, metabolize food, and reproduce. Fish waste, chlorine, decaying plants, debris, fertilizers, and other factors can affect the pond water’s pH levels. Check the chemistry regularly and take steps to balance it. Aerating the pond to ensure enough dissolved oxygen or using probiotic treatments to ensure a good bacteria population in the pond is a part of regular pond maintenance. It helps maintain proper water chemistry and ensures the good health of the aquatic wildlife. 

Prevent water contamination 

Regular pond cleaning involves removing dirt, debris, sludge, and mud from the pond, using a skimmer, pond vacuum, and other equipment. Decayed leaves release toxic gasses which harm the pond’s ecological balance and contaminate the water. Debris can clog the Routine cleaning and maintenance of filters, lines, fountains, and pumps that prevent clogs and keeps these components working optimally. The process also involves taking steps to control ice in the winter season to protect the aquatics from danger. Regular maintenance keeps the pond water clear and hazard-free.

Preserve plants and fishes

Ponds have their unique ecosystem, and regular maintenance is beneficial in preserving them and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for their growth. Aeration provides enough oxygen to create a healthy environment for plants and animals. Maintaining the right temperature and water levels helps the aquatic animals and vegetation thrive. Devise a maintenance plan and schedule based on the type of fish and plants in the pond and keep the ecosystem in proper shape to prevent loss of life. 

Keep the pond looking attractive 

Another benefit of regular pond cleaning and maintenance is to keep the pond looking at its best. Including routine pond upkeep in your schedule will help you achieve the peaceful environment you look for outdoors. An inviting pond adds to the property value and enjoys all the benefits accompanying pond construction.

Get in touch with a local pond maintenance company to ensure your pond remains in the best shape and gets the care it deserves. Professionals can remove aquatic weeds and pests that can leave the pond unusable.