Keep Your Pond Clean

Jul 19 2011

Posted by Evelyn Tapscott in Gardening Posts

To keep ponds clear, begin treatment early in the season, before problems arise.

All gardeners want to be green — except when it comes to water. Whether you have a fountain, pond or a small reflecting pool, chances are good that at some point you’ll have to deal with nuisance algae.

Mother Nature has a way of colonizing just about any watery habitat with algae — even a birdbath. Small amounts of algae may be a simple annoyance, discoloring containers with a film of green slime. In ponds, however, large amounts of algae can clog pumps and filters and harm fish.

The best method for reducing algae growth depends on the size and type of the water feature, the time of year and the extent of the problem, as well as aesthetics and convenience. In general, it’s best to begin treatment early in the season — before problems arise.

For details on algae-control products, read How to Keep Water Clear in Fountains and Ponds.

Tips

For information on designing a water garden, including ways to create a balanced ecosystem that will help prevent algae overgrowth, read Water Gardening: Finding the Site, Choosing Plants and Fish
Calculating capacities: A small fountain generally has a reservoir that holds 10 gallons or less. A container garden the size of a half whiskey barrel holds about 30 gallons. To calculate the approximate number of gallons in your pond, start by calculating the cubic feet: multiply length (in feet) x width x average depth. To convert cubic feet to gallons, multiply by 7.5.
Barley straw is not harmful to fish and plants; however, straw does consume oxygen as it decays. If your water feature includes fish, be sure to use the proper product at the recommended rate and consider adding a fountain to help aerate the water.

Related Products

Pond Cleaners: Find the right solution for clear water in your water feature, including pond-cleaning vacuums, natural barley and enzyme-rich solutions.

The Designer Gardens