#Spring cleaning pond full#

Before developing the spring, collect a sample of water and have it analyzed at a local water testing laboratory to ensure that it can be efficiently and economically treated to make it safe for human consumption (see Water Facts #10: Testing Your Drinking Water for a list of tests to have run). Water quality is also important to consider before using a spring as a water supply. It may be possible to learn about historical spring flow from the previous owner or a neighbor. Spring flow that fluctuates greatly throughout the year is an indication that the source is unreliable or may have the potential for contamination. When considering using a spring as your source of drinking water, it is important to ensure that the rate of flow is reliable during all seasons of the year. Springs are sometimes used as water supplies and can be a reliable and relatively inexpensive source of drinking water if they are developed and maintained properly. This can occur at a distinct point or over a large seepage area. © 2006-2022 All images and other intellectual property rights in the contents of this Web Site belong to Aquapic / Water Garden Solutions and accordingly all rights are reserved.A spring is formed when natural pressure forces groundwater above the land surface. *Some of the more aggressive invasive plants such as Stonecrop ( Crassula) and Water Primrose ( Ludwigia), do not compost well, and should be disposed of more cautiously. However, if your pond has Great Crested Newts (legally protected) you should leave maintenance to the winter months when they are less likely to be in the pond ( Government advice) Avoid cleaning out during the hottest summer months or in cold weather (below 8-10 deg C). Spring is another possibility, though this time is more disruptive to amphibians. This still gives a month or so for plants and fish to recover before the winter arrives. The best time to clean out is probably late summer to early autumn. Use of blanketweed controls may be of use. This is due to additional nutrients from the new water and planting soil used, but usually settles down as the plants and micro-organisms re-establish. It is common for newly cleaned ponds to have more noticeable blooms of scummy green algae or blanketweed in the spring/early summer of the following two years or so.

Saving some of the old water, even if it is cloudy, will seed the new pond with valuable micro-organisms and help the refreshed pond to settle down faster. It helps to have temporary aerated storage bins/vats to keep fish and wildlife in whilst the clean takes place. It’s certainly time in an average garden pond when the silt depth reaches or exceeds 10-15cm (4-6 inches). Split/trim and replant basket-grown waterlilies and marginals in fresh soil every 3-5yrsĪ complete pond drain and clean might be necessary every 5-10 years - generally the longer interval for bigger ponds.Carefully net debris off the pool base.Part change the water (30-60%) topping up with rainwater and/or tap water with a suitable conditioner.

#Spring cleaning pond full#

Netting or raking out excessive blanketweed or duckweed growthĪs an alternative to a full drain and clean:.

Maintaining any pond filter and cleaning when appropriate.

Removing dead and dying foliage in the autumn.

Trimming back and composting excess plant growth.

Keeping out excess fallen leaves with a good quality cover net in the autumn.

Indeed, cleaning too often can upset the natural balance of the pond and lead to more problems with blanketweed and green water. A well designed and planted pond should not require frequent total clean-outs if properly maintained.