For those who are new to the pond world, you may be wondering where to even start?! Maintaining your pond may seem like a daunting task, but when you break it down by the time of year, it can be mastered by any DIY'er.
The time of year and condition of the pond will determine where you should start your maintenance program.
SPRING
Pond is clear and ice is melted: Add pond dye and pond bacteria. These preventive maintenance steps are extremely important to combat the upcoming warmer temps, longer days, and algae waiting in the wings.
Ice is melted and some algae is present: Start at step 1, add pond dye and pond bacteria. You will not be treating for algae yet, even though it is present. The water temperatures need to be 50°F or warmer to treat algae successfully. By adding the dye and bacteria you will help slow existing algae. Monitor water temps closely and treat for algae as soon as temperatures are appropriate. Treat for algae several days after pond dye and pond bacteria application.
SUMMER
Pond is mostly clear with minimal growth: Add pond dye and pond bacteria. Identify your growth (weeds or algae). Treat growth several days after application of pond dye and pond bacteria. Only spray 1/2 your pond at a time when killing weeds and algae to avoid depleting the water of oxygen. If you have both weeds and algae, you can treat them at the same time.
Pond has excessive growth: Add pond dye and pond bacteria. Identify your growth (weeds or algae). Treat growth several days after application of pond dye and pond bacteria. Only spray 1/2 your pond at a time when killing weeds and algae to avoid depleting the water of oxygen. If you have both weeds and algae, you can treat them at the same time. When growth is excessive you will have to make repeated weekly applications to knock back the layers of growth. Alternate between each ½ until growth is under control. Continue to add pond dye and pond bacteria every month to help maintain the growth.
FALL
Pond is clear with minimal growth: Add pond dye and pond bacteria. Growth has most likely been maintained prior to your ownership of the pond or you are lucky . Identify your growth (weeds or algae). The water temperatures need to be 50°F or warmer to treat growth successfully. Treat growth several days after application of pond dye and pond bacteria. Only spray 1/2 your pond at a time when killing weeds and algae to avoid depleting the water of oxygen. If you have both weeds and algae, you can treat them at the same time.
Pond has excessive growth: Add pond dye and pond bacteria. Identify your growth (weeds or algae). The water temperatures need to be 50°F or warmer to treat growth successfully. If water temps are below recommended temperature or will be soon, you should wait to treat for weeds and algae in the spring. If water temperatures are going to remain warm, treat growth several days after application of pond dye and pond bacteria. Only spray 1/2 your pond at a time when killing weeds and algae to avoid depleting the water of oxygen. If you have both weeds and algae, you can treat them at the same time. When growth is excessive you will have to make repeated weekly applications to knock back the layers of growth. Alternate between each ½ until growth is under control.
WINTER
Even in winter, algae and weeds are capable of growing in your pond. Maintaining your pond throughout the winter allows for better control over growth that will appear in the spring.
Most herbicides and algaecides are designed for action above freezing, targeting the plants at their best growing conditions. Rule of thumb is to only use aquatic algaecides or herbicides if the water is 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Adding pond dye and beneficial bacteria will limit the amount of light that penetrates through and lowers nutrient levels in the pond. These products are designed to effectively treat in cooler temperatures. They will not kill any weeds or algae, but they do limit how quickly they can grow in cooler water.
For more information on pond maintenance contact the experts at Sanco.