Pond maintenance can be a lot of upkeep, given the time that can go into it. Through the winter your pond has likely developed green along the walls and a murky colour to the water. That isn't the view you want when you're sitting in your garden in the summer.
This guide will take you through how to clean a pond and offer you some pond maintenance experts near you for when you just can't tackle the job yourself.
Signs Your Pond Needs Cleaning
Not sure whether your pond actually needs attention? Here are some tell-tale signs it's time for a clean:
- Excessive algae covering the walls or surface of the water
- A foul or unpleasant smell coming from the pond
- Very dark, murky water that you can't see through
- A thick layer of sludge visible at the bottom
- Fish coming to the surface more than usual, which can indicate low oxygen levels
If you're noticing one or more of these, it's worth acting sooner rather than later, particularly if you have fish.
When Is the Best Time to Clean a Pond?
Late spring, typically around April or May, is generally considered the best time to do a thorough pond clean. The water is beginning to warm up, aquatic plants are starting to grow, and any wildlife that may have sheltered in or around the pond over winter will have moved on. Cleaning during this window gives your pond the best chance of recovering quickly and establishing a healthy eco-system ahead of summer.
Avoid cleaning in winter if you can. Cold water slows everything down, including the beneficial bacteria your pond relies on.
How to Do a Full Pond Clean: Step by Step
If your pond needs more than a tidy-up, here's how to tackle a proper clean-out:
Rehome Your Fish Temporarily
Fill a large container or holding tank with water taken directly from the pond, not tap water, and move your fish into it while you work. Keep them in a shaded spot and cover the container to prevent them jumping out.
Partially Drain the Pond
You don't need to empty it completely. Remove roughly two thirds of the water using a pump or bucket, keeping the rest to help preserve beneficial bacteria.
Remove Debris and Sludge
Use a net or rake to clear leaves and visible debris, then use a pond vacuum or scoop to remove the sludge from the bottom. A small amount of sludge can actually be beneficial, so don't go overboard.
Scrub the Walls and Surfaces
Use a stiff brush to clean the pond walls, removing algae and built-up residue. Avoid using any soaps or cleaning products as these can be harmful to fish and plants.
Clean Your Filter
Rinse your filter media using water taken from the pond, not tap water. Tap water contains chlorine which will kill the beneficial bacteria living in your filter.
Refill the Pond
Top the pond back up with fresh water. If you're using tap water, add a dechlorinator or water conditioner before reintroducing your fish. This neutralises the chlorine and makes the water safe.
Reintroduce Your Fish Carefully
Float the container your fish have been kept in on the surface of the pond for around 20 minutes before releasing them. This allows the water temperatures to equalise gradually and reduces the risk of shock.
Keeping Your Pond Clear
This is actually much simpler than you may think. Often, you see ponds filled with debris - fallen leaves, dirt or anything that ends up in the pond.
If you don't already have a pond then you should consider where you place it. Try to avoid positioning it under or very close to trees as this will help largely with keeping debris out.
However, it is likely you're here because you already have a pond so here are some ways to keep a pond clear:
- Remove any fallen debris with a rake or a net
- Consider purchasing a cover that you could put over your pond during the Autumn/Winter months to help keep it clean
- Remove algae regularly, as no one wants an algae-filled pond. This can be done either by clearing the algae with a rake or by preventing it from coming back with things that combat algae. Choosing the right pond plants can help keep the algae at bay as they help oxygenate the water.
Pond Filters
Pond maintenance is not about just clearing the debris but about keeping the water clean too. You don't want to be constantly refreshing the water or dealing with a very muddy coloured pond.
There are a variety of pond filters to choose from, ranging from ones that help create and maintain a healthy eco-system, to filters that can prevent green water.
Biological filters help drain some of the smaller debris and introduce good bacteria to keep the pond clean and to create a healthy space for plants and fish.
UV clarifying filters give your pond that clear water, but keep in mind that just because water is clear it doesn't mean it is healthy.
Installing a pond filtration device is not something we would recommend you tackle yourself given it can be a tricky process. It would be better to get in touch with one of our trusted pond maintenance specialists who can install a filter system to keep your pond clean all year round.
Water Treatments
After a full clean and refill, water treatments are worth considering, especially if you're topping up with tap water. Tap water contains chlorine which is harmful to fish and can disrupt the balance of your pond.
A dechlorinator neutralises chlorine quickly and is inexpensive to buy from most garden centres or aquatic shops. You can also get broader pond treatments that help restore healthy bacteria levels after a clean, which can speed up the process of getting your pond balanced again.
Need a Hand? Find a Pond Maintenance Specialist Near You
If the job feels too big to take on yourself, or you'd rather it was done properly from the start, a professional can help. You can find vetted pond cleaning specialists in your area through TrustATrader. All tradespeople listed on the site have been checked and reviewed by real customers, so you can book with confidence.