Did you recently move into a new home and discover you are now the proud owner of a backyard pond?
Perhaps it was a feature of the property that peaked your interest but you haven't the first clue about the care and maintenance of your new pond?
For first time pond owners, learning how to manage your new water feature can be pretty overwhelming. This is especially true in the case of a new homeowner because you likely do not know the history of your pond, how it was built or in what ways it was maintained. This can lead to frustration and a large amount of time or money wasted just trying to figure it all out.
When it comes to ponds, there are quite a few areas that need to be addressed. First of all, what is the condition of your pond? You should know how deep it is, what systems are in place for aeration, if there are fish, what aquatic plants are there and how they benefit the overall ecosystem. This can take some time to learn but is vital information for understanding how to care for your pond. You can do-it-yourself or contact a pond maintenance professional to inspect your existing water feature.
The most important aspect is the aeration system in place. This circulates oxygen in your pond and is crucial for the growth and survival of plants, fish and beneficial bacteria. Keeping that oxygen flowing properly and maintaining healthy circulation helps remove harmful gases and restore balance to your ecosystem. When you acquire a pond that is already on site, you have no idea what systems are in place. If it does NOT have an aeration system, you should make plans to remedy this as soon as possible. If it DOES have an aeration system, you need to have it inspected and/or tuned up to make sure it is functioning properly.
Another important aspect is weed control. Weeds and algae can grow out of control and strangle your pond, negatively affecting your water quality. Plants like cattails, bulrush and water lilies that are allowed to run rampant can wreak havoc on a closed ecosystem. It's crucial to eliminate the overgrowth and knock those weeds outta there. If left alone, they can break down and create the muck that turns a clear, beautiful water feature into a cloudy, gross mess.
The one thing you should know about ponds is that they require routine maintenance. They are definitely NOT set-it-and-forget-it features. It needs beneficial bacteria to keep the water clear and break down muck, system checks and repairs, cleaning, trimming, weeding and a nice balance of the right chemicals to keep your levels across the board. Make time in your schedule to care for your pond often or schedule a regular pond service company to manage it. Either way, giving your pond the appropriate care it deserves is vital in having a beautiful and awe-inspiring feature that brightens up your space and inspires smiles for years to come!
Moving can be hectic enough. Contact Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance at 708.586.2393 or visit our website, laughingwatersinc.com, to let our pros take the stress and worry off of your shoulders!
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