Frequently Asked Questions
When should I clean out my pond?
Not too often
A well balanced pond that is properly maintained should not require a total clean-out that frequently. Indeed, cleaning too often can upset the natural balance of the pond and lead to more problems with blanketweed and green water.
The need for cleaning can be reduced by:
- Keeping out excess autumn leaves with a good quality cover net
- Trimming back and composting excess plant growth
- Removing and composting invasive plants © www.aquapic.com
- Removing dead and dying foliage in the autumn. Using a silt digesting treatment.
- Maintaining any pond filter and cleaning when appropriate
- Netting or raking out excessive blanketweed or duckweed growth
As an alternative to a full drain and clean:
- Part change the water (30-60%) topping up with rainwater and/or tap water with a suitable conditioner
- Net debris off the pool base.
- Replant waterlilies and marginals in fresh soil every 3-5yrs © www.aquapic.com
How frequently?
A full pond drain and clean might be necessary every 5-10 years – generally the longer interval for bigger ponds. It’s certainly time if the silt depth reaches or exceeds 10-15cm (4-6”). It helps to have temporary aerated storage bins/vats to keep fish and wildlife in whilst the clean takes place – Aquapic can arrange for these. Saving some of the old water, even if it is cloudy, will help the refreshed pond to settle down faster.
What time of year?
The best time to clean out is probably late summer to early autumn. This still give a month or so for plants and fish to recover before the winter arrives. Spring is another possibility, though this time is more disruptive to amphibians. Avoid cleaning out during the hottest summer months or in cold weather (below 10 deg C)
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