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Pondspectives with Mike

Secrets to Successful Spring Pond Clean-outs

By Mike Garcia

Do you feel the warmer weather? Warmer weather means spring pond clean-outs.

Traditionally, a spring pond clean-out includes these six steps:

1. Check the pond filter. If the filter it is not clean, give it a good cleaning. For ponds with a biofilter, kick-start the biofilter with a bacteria/enzyme product to ensure that a good bacteria colony begins to grow.
2. Check the pumps. Clean up the pump and check that the impeller turns freely. If it does not, the impeller might need replacing. Check all the hoses for leaks or cracks. Pond water can leak out of a drippy hose overnight.
3. Bring some dechlorinator in case the pond owner's tap water contains chlorine.
4. Remove leaves and debris. As the water heats up, debris begins to decompose, fouls the pond water and can quickly kill pond fish.
5. Begin feeding pond fish once the pond temperature consistently stays above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Check the aquatic plants. Spring is a great time for dividing and repotting.

There are other steps in spring pond clean-outs, but these are necessary to ensure a successful pond and water garden season. What are your secrets to a great pond clean-out? How do you handle pricing?

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