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How To Keep Your Pond Healthy In Summer



Summer is the best time to feature and enjoy your beautiful ponds and water features.  This is the prime time for your pond to be in full splendor but it is also critical to keep it healthy during the hottest months.  Ponds need regular maintenance in the summer to prevent plants from taking over and to stabilize the delicate ecosystem.  It's also important to remember that all ponds will green a little in the heat but, if everything is properly balanced, the water should clear in no time!

One of the top priorities for pond health is that it's properly aerated and maintaining steady oxygen levels.  Essentially, you need to make sure that oxygen is circulating properly throughout your pond.  Larger waterfalls help with this as well as outdoor aeration systems.  Another way to increase oxygen is by using aquatic plants.  They can keep the water clean and provide necessary oxygen but aquatic plants need to be meticulously maintained so they don't overrun your ecosystem.

Speaking of plants, aside from keeping oxygenators in check, your pond needs to be properly weeded and pond algae, such as blanket weed or duckweed, needs to be removed.  Weed between your aquatic plants and remove unwanted seedlings to keep them from growing out of control.  If you're more experienced with aquatic plants, you can even divide and replant to regain order.  It's also vital to remove pond algae which can spread fast and choke a pond.  Use your hand if you don't have proper equipment and a net to grab the smaller bits.

Get any dead foliage or leaves out immediately because decaying matter absorbs oxygen as it breaks down.



The hardest working part of your pond is your filter system.  They need to be cleaned periodically to function at maximum efficiency and keep your pond balanced.  Balance is crucial to a healthy pond and will benefit from the correct chemicals and weekly bacteria treatments.  Bacteria treatments will breakdown plant and fish waste while keeping the water clear.  Over time, these treatments will help optimize your filter's capabilities. 

During the summer months, your pond will also experience a much higher rate of evaporation.  Your pond will need to be topped off to keep the water at a good level to maintain your pond life.  If you don't have balanced water or rainwater and you must use tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to try and diminish the chlorine. You definitely should NOT be adding that chlorine to your pond ecosystem.

Summer is the time for your pond to shine and bring majesty to your outdoor living space.  If you don't feel comfortable tackling all of the maintenance required, our pond experts are here to help. 

Feel free to contact Laughing Waters Pond Maintenance at 708.586.2393 for all of your water feature needs.


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Location: Palos Heights, IL, USA

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