Summer Pond Care

Spring and has come and gone and summer has awakened. This particular article addresses the steps to be taken to keep your pond clear and enjoyable! The pond filtration system that I will be referring to is created by Aquascape Inc. If you do not have such a system, don´t be alarmed, some of this info is universal and will be applicable to your particular situation!!

The first thing you have to remember during the summer months is to STAY CONSISTENT in your weekly cleanings and your weekly additions of bacteria. Remember, the more consistent care you show your pond the better results you will have.

First things first, you should be cleaning your skimmer´s debris net at least once a week. Your debris net removes those materials that could be hazardous to your pond. As those materials rot and breakdown they release excess nutrients that your plants just cannot fully absorb leaving a smorgasbord for the dreadful and pesky algae.

Conversely, not all debris nets need to be cleaned weekly due to the surrounding environment, only you can determine how much debris is collected by checking your nets consistently! Now if you do not have a filtration system that incorporates a skimmer, you will need to almost daily check your pond and clear the surface of debris so as not to allow it to sink to the bottom and decay there!

Secondly, the next step in maintaining your pond in the summer is the addition of beneficial bacteria that are specifically blended to be effective at reducing sludge, uneaten fish food, fish waste, and excess nutrients that cause poor water quality and clarity. The following is a list of three most commonly used bacteria that you will need. Each will have a brief description followed by the uses and frequency of usage.

AquaClearer™ Dry contains pure strains of concentrated beneficial bacteria and enzymes. This combination of natural cleaners helps to maintain a strong biological balance in your pond. This type of AquaClearer is not effective at a water temperature below 50O. Because ornamental water gardens are enclosed ecosystems, sometimes factors like fish load, uneaten fish food and organics such as leaves, sludge and unwanted debris may disrupt the balance.

  • Maintains a strong biological balance
  • Provides clean, clear and healthy water conditions
  • Use every day for the first two weeks then weekly after that

S.A.B.™ Extreme contains pure strains of concentrated beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Ideal for breaking down debris in ponds, streams and waterfalls, this combination of natural cleaners helps to maintain a strong biological balance in your pond.

  • 38.4 oz treats 1000 Gallon Pond for up to 12 Weeks
  • Helps keep water clean and clear
  • Supercharges biological filters
  • Reduces ammonia, nitrite and phosphate
  • Use once a week as a preventative and/or when needed

EcoBlast™ is the fastest way to eliminate unsightly debris from waterfalls, streams and rocks. Simply sprinkle EcoBlast™ onto existing debris and watch it disappear. EcoBlast™ works best when the product is applied directly on existing debris.

  • Eliminates debris on contact
  • Fast acting Can be used at any water temperature
  • Ideal for waterfalls and streams
  • Reduces ammonia, nitrite and phosphate
  • Use when needed

This is all you really need to do throughout the summer. Remember the key to having a healthy pond is staying consistent with your cleaning out of the debris from your skimmer box and/or throughout the pond and adding your beneficial bacteria!

Article By: Ryan Tremmel-Tussey Mountain Mulch Pond Specialist