Pond Maintenance

No pond lasts indefinitely. Sufficient pond maintenance is needed for even the most basic of large ponds. Ponds constructed for more useful activities like fishing, swimming and attracting wildlife require regular inspection for trouble. Areas of concern include: signs of erosion, water quality, wildlife damage, and aquatic weed control.

Erosion of soil can create hazardous areas around your pond. A heavy rain or spring thaw can intensify an erosion problem with little warning. Check for steep shores without vegetation and unusually soggy ground around dikes. Re-seeding areas needing ground cover will fix simple erosion problems. For more complex erosion problems an engineer may need to be called in.

Water quality is easily measured with a black-and-white disk; a Secci disk. If after measuring your water clarity you are concerned with it, determine the source of the cloudiness. Filling a jar with your cloudy water and inspecting it in a bright light works best. Green flecks point to an algae problem. If your water clears after sitting for a few days your pond possibly has a siltation problem. For siltation, settling the suspended particles can be achieved with agricultural lime, hydrated lime, or agricultural gypsum. Never use quicklime!

Inspect for wildlife damage in pond dikes. Burrow holes can weaken your pond’s dike. Nuisance wildlife may need to be trapped. Contact your state’s department of wildlife or environmental conservation for permits needed.

Aquatic weed control should first be approached by identifying the source of your pond problem. Excess nutrients entering the pond from treated lawns, agricultural operations, or septic areas are likely. Implement strategies that limit the run-off before moving to an aquatic herbicide. Partial draining during the winter can control shoreline aquatic weeds without disrupting fish.  You can also use beneficial pond bacteria products like Natural Pond Cleaner to help neutralize fertilizer run-off.

Sanco Industries offers helpful advice and quality chemical to keep your pond in balance. Contact us today with your pond maintenance questions.