Outdoor ponds and water gardens are a beautiful addition to any backyard. If you live in a warm climate, a water feature can substantially lower the temperature in your yard, and there is nothing more relaxing than lounging outside and listening to the sound of water on a hot summer day. Keeping your pond water clear and pristine, however, is considerably more difficult that simply filling a plastic lining full of water. Below are several tips for keeping your pond as beautiful as possible even during the hot summer months when algae blooms thrive.
Regular Cleaning
This one may seem a bit obvious, but it is important to regularly clean your pond. Even with a good pond skimmer, you will need to occasionally remove detritus that has collected at the bottom of your pond. Cleaning your pond is also important, because debris such as leaves, sticks and other waste material may form the perfect breeding ground for algae which is not only unattractive, but may potentially damage your pond’s delicate ecosystem.
Proper Aeration
It’s a good idea to keep you pond well aerated. Adequate aeration helps increase the amount of oxygen in your water which is highly beneficial for your plants and fish. Proper aeration can be achieved with a water feature such as a waterfall or a submersible aeration system.
Plenty of Shade
It’s generally recommended to provide your pond with plenty of shade. Too much direct sunlight can promote algae growth, which, as mentioned earlier, is not only unattractive, but it will ultimately compete with plants for vital nutrients. If you pond receives an overabundance of sunlight, you may want to consider placing plants around the edge of the pond to increase the amount of shade. Water plants such as lilies and water lettuce are another beautiful option and can make a dramatic difference in your pond’s temperature.
Beneficial Bacteria
Introducing beneficial effective microorganisms to your pond will enhance the ecosystem and reduce water stagnation. Beneficial bacteria, found in high quality products such as EM, will literally eat away the unwanted organic material in your pond or water feature, keeping the water clean and clear. Not only do these microbial inoculants rid the water of unwanted biological debris, but it also has the ability to neutralize salts, such as calcium, preventing them from crystallizing on pond surfaces. The image above shows how EM impacts water clarity.
For more information about this visit our water treatment page.
Below shows the impact of EM on a recent lake treatment.
