As winter is giving way to a new beginning for spring, we look forward to meeting our fish friends, who are similar to our “snowbird” friends that disappear for the winter! While our pond fish weren’t someplace warm, we sure do miss them!
Twin cities residents, is your pond ready to start for spring? Our spring maintenenace techs can help make your spring go a little easier! There are a few options for spring pond cleanings. We’ve labeled them as a “Pond Simple Start” and a “Pond Deep Clean”. This blog is a guide to our “Pond Care: Deep Clean.”
While we’re waiting for summer to arrive, it’s time to clean the yard up for spring! Some people like a pond that is similar to “fish bowl clean”. This can be a hard level of cleanliness to maintain and may not even be so healthy for the fish in an ecosystem environment.
Our Pond Deep Clean is for people who want a fresh start every year. A pond deep clean will create clear water within 2 hours of being cleaned and be ready for an evening of enjoyment! (please note: The process of deep cleaning a pond takes longer than two hours. The water will not appear sparkling clean until the filtration system cycles all the water after being cleaned.)
What happens during the deep cleaning process?
First, all fish, frogs, and water bugs are caught or as many as we can find. They are placed in our Koi Care Spa and given royal treatment: fresh oxygen and detoxifiers to help build their slime coat. This prepares the fish for their new, clean pond environment! We’ll slowly adjust their environment temperature to avoid shock when the fish are reintroduced in the pond water.
Next, the entire pond is pumped down. Some water will be re-used for flushing out all the plumbing, filtration, rocks, gravel, and plant beds. Your house water is used next to make sure the pond is flushed down to almost perfectly clear. We do leave some slime on the rocks as that helps the ecosystem establish. We want you to have continued clear water and sometimes, if the pond is too clean, you could get “pea soup” water, or suspended algae in your pond. This is only a temporary problem and generally it will go away. The water just needs time, bacteria, and oxygen to clear it up if that happens. It’s nature’s healthy balance. By leaving some slime on the rocks, we are leaving beneficial bacteria intact in your pond.
While the pond is empty, lights and other items are inspected for warranty replacements. You will be notified if there is anything broken. A pond deep clean is the perfect time to install the new LED Color Changing Lights in your pond!
Next, plants are trimmed and prepped for the seasonal growth.
We’ll check rock edges, do our best to hide liner around your pond with your gravel, and do minor re-stacking boulders in the pond if they have been dislodged.
The pump is inspected as well as the visible plumbing. These will be prepped for turning on.
With our special pond equipment, our techs usually have the entire process from emptying to refilling done in one visit.
After the waterscape is running, we’ll shut the fill hose off. While we’re picking up our tools, we’ll check the water level in the skimmer. If everything appears like it is functioning properly, our job is done! Occationally, large pond leaks can be discovered while we do the pond cleaning. If this occurs, we will notify you and offer some solutions.
We really appreicate you stopping by! We work in the Twin Cities, MN area and have crews helping pond owners all over the metro. Feel free to send us further questions about the Pond Care: Deep Clean or send us your pond photos by submitting on our form here!
After the waterscape is running, we’ll shut the fill hose off. While we’re picking up our tools, we’ll check the water level in the skimmer. If everything appears like it is functioning properly, our job is done! Occationally, large pond leaks can be discovered while we do the pond cleaning. If this occurs, we will notify you and offer some solutions.
We really appreicate you stopping by! We work in the Twin Cities, MN area and have crews helping pond owners all over the metro. Feel free to send us further questions about the Pond Care: Deep Clean or send us your pond photos by submitting on our form here!
