Pond Cleaning & Maintenance Service Dunstable
If your pond is looking a little murky, our team of experts can help.
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Why pond maintenance is essential
Whether you have a corporate pond, school pond, garden pond or any size, all of them require maintenance every 5-10 years based on their size. Due to the different types of weather Britain has, dirt, debris, algae, and a foul-smelling toxic odour can accumulate quickly. This can easily strain your filter, harm your ornamental features and decrease the lifespan of any marine life you have in your pond.
Fish waste also plays a significant role in impacting water quality and the health of aquatic life. Without regular cleaning, fish waste can accumulate, leading to harmful conditions for your pond’s inhabitants. Beneficial bacteria break down this waste, but excessive accumulation can disrupt this balance, making it essential to manage waste effectively.
Soon enough, your aquatic oasis can turn into a hazardous environment for your fish, depriving them of light and oxygen. Don’t let these issues disbalance your pond’s ecosystem. With our comprehensive pond cleaning services, premium grade pond cleaning equipment and extensive experience, we ensure your pond’s longevity will flourish with Anthony and his team.
Pond cleaning and maintenance
Bring back the beauty of your pond and elevate its internal environment, with our thorough pond cleaning services.
Our pond cleaning process
Pond maintenance and cleaning is not a one size fits all process. Ultimately it depends on the size of your pond, structure, inhabitants and location. After an initial inspection, we’ll work with you to provide a customised cleaning process that preserves the health of your pond for as long as possible. This cleaning process helps prevent green water, ensuring clear visibility and maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.
We also offer pond hoovering cleaning services and cater to private and business pond maintenance contracts. With cutting edge pond cleaning equipment, we strive to provide you with a total restoration, often within 24-72 hours.
Steps to securing a healthy pond
Generally, our comprehensive clean consists of:
- Draining the pond/water feature fully
- Placing all fish/wildlife into an aerated holding tank
- Cleaning the pond liner using a power washer
- Removing all debris/sludge from the pond by vacuuming out
- Removing excess vegetation if required
- Cleaning the pond filter
- Cleaning the pond pump
- Changing the UV bulb (If needed and requested)
- Cleaning the quartz sleeve (If needed and requested)
- Carrying out any repairs if needed
- Refilling the pond with water from the pond and topped up with tap water.
- Treatments added-dechlorinator and bacteria to start the filter.
- Restarting the system as a back up
- Reinstalling the Fish & Wildlife
Receive a first class clean from us
When it comes to pond cleaning and maintenance, we’re known for our attention to detail. While every pond is unique, we always strive to provide competitive prices that are comfortable for our customers.
Essential Pond Care Tips from Aqua Pond Ltd for Thriving Water Gardens
I. Planning and Preparation
Creating a Pond Keeping Plan
Research and understand the needs of your pond and its inhabitants before starting.
Consider the size and depth of your pond, as well as the type of plants and fish you want to keep.
Plan for regular pond maintenance and cleaning to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
If you are considering koi ponds, be aware that koi carp can create additional mess and waste, leading to higher cleaning expenses compared to other types of ponds.
Invest in necessary equipment and knowledge to ensure success.
Read up on pond care and maintenance to avoid common issues.
II. Designing and Building a Garden Pond
Position and Size
Consider the amount of daylight your pond will receive and avoid placing it in the shadow of the house or under trees.
Avoid placing the pond near trees, as roots can damage lining materials and debris can become a nuisance.
Ensure the pond is easily accessible and visible for enjoyment.
Choose a location with good water circulation to prevent stagnation.
Consider the size of your pond and the space available in your garden.
III. Pond Liner and Equipment
Choosing the Right Pond Liner
Select a pond liner that is durable and suitable for your pond size and shape.
Consider the type of liner material, such as rubber or PVC, and its benefits and drawbacks.
Ensure the liner is compatible with your pond equipment and plants.
Choose a liner that is easy to install and maintain.
Consider the warranty and lifespan of the liner.
IV. Water Quality and Filtration
Maintaining Optimal Water Quality
Regularly test the water quality to ensure it is safe for fish and plants.
Use a filter that can cope with the capacity of your pond and the number of fish you plan to keep.
Maintain optimal water circulation and aeration to prevent stagnation.
Monitor and control algae growth to prevent it from smothering plant life.
Use beneficial bacteria to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Manage string algae by ensuring proper filtration, using natural additives like beneficial bacteria, and maintaining an ecological balance without resorting to chemicals.
V. Pond Plants and Ecosystem
Selecting and Caring for Pond Plants
Choose plants that are suitable for your pond size and water conditions.
Consider the type of plants, such as aquatic plants or marginal plants, and their benefits and drawbacks.
Ensure plants are healthy and free of pests and diseases.
Regularly prune and maintain plants to prevent overgrowth.
Monitor and control algae growth to prevent it from competing with plants.
VI. Pond Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular Pond Cleaning and Maintenance
Regularly remove debris and waste from the pond to prevent decay and reduce sludge.
Use a pond vac to remove sludge from the bottom and sides of the pond.
Clean the pond filter regularly to ensure optimal water quality.
Monitor and control algae growth to prevent it from smothering plant life.
Remove pond algae during regular cleaning to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
Perform regular water changes to maintain optimal water quality.
VII. Seasonal Pond Care
Seasonal Considerations
Monitor and adjust water temperature and chemistry according to the season.
Consider the needs of your pond and its inhabitants during different seasons.
Perform regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
Monitor and control algae growth to prevent it from competing with plants.
Consider using a pond heater or chiller to maintain optimal water temperature.
VIII. Safety and Precautions
Ensuring Pond Safety
Consider installing a steel cover or chicken wire to protect people and fish from harm.
Ensure the pond is well-lit to prevent accidents at night.
Monitor and control algae growth to prevent it from creating a slippery surface.
Regularly inspect the pond and its equipment to ensure they are in good condition.
Consider using a pond alarm to detect any changes in water level or temperature.
IX. Introducing Fish and Other Aquatic Life
Introducing Fish to Your Pond
Research and understand the needs of the fish you want to keep.
Introduce fish to the pond water gradually to prevent shock and stress.
Use a net to transfer fish from the bag to the pond, and avoid pouring water from the bag into the pond.
Monitor and control water quality to ensure it is safe for fish.
Consider using a quarantine tank to acclimate fish before introducing them to the pond.
X. Budgeting and Cost Considerations
Budgeting for Pond Maintenance
Consider the cost of pond equipment, plants, and maintenance.
Budget for regular pond cleaning and maintenance to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
Consider the cost of fish and other aquatic life.
Research and understand the cost of different pond maintenance options.
Consider the cost of hiring a professional for pond maintenance.
XI. DIY vs. Professional Pond Maintenance
Deciding on DIY or Professional Maintenance
Consider your level of expertise and experience in pond maintenance.
Research and understand the benefits and drawbacks of DIY and professional maintenance.
Consider the cost and time required for DIY maintenance.
Consider the benefits of hiring a professional for pond maintenance.
Research and understand the qualifications and experience of professional pond maintenance services.
XII. Monitoring and Adjusting
Monitoring Your Pond’s Health
Regularly monitor the pond’s water quality and chemistry.
Monitor and control algae growth to prevent it from competing with plants.
Monitor and adjust the pond’s temperature and circulation.
Monitor and control the pond’s ecosystem to ensure it is healthy and balanced.
Consider using a pond monitoring system to detect any changes in the pond’s health.
XIII. Conclusion
A healthy and thriving pond requires regular maintenance and care.
Consider the needs of your pond and its inhabitants to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
Research and understand the benefits and drawbacks of different pond maintenance options.
Budget for regular pond cleaning and maintenance to ensure a healthy ecosystem.
Consider hiring a professional for pond maintenance if you are unsure or lack experience.
Our maintenance contracts have different levels from total peace of mind to a yearly visit. This package leaves you with total peace of mind and means you don’t need to carry out any maintenance yourself at all.
What comes with this package:
Complete Maintenance Package
Total of 6 visits through-out the year.
2 Seasonal visits and 4 Maintenance visits
Seasonal visits could Include:
- Complete pond liner vacuuming
- Clean debris from the bottom of the pond by vacuuming (once a year)
- Cut back pond plants
- Clean and service all pond equipment (pump and filter)
- Check water parameters e.g.pH, kH, gH, NO2, NO3, etc.
- Treat for phosphates
- UV bulb change (if applicable)
- Pump and filter strip apart clean
- Treatment for blanket weed if needed
- Equipment check
Maintenance visit to include:
- Clean of the pump and filter set
Helpline support Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Emergency call-outs throughout the year for any equipment issues.
This package means you will have much less maintenance to take care of. It takes a weight off your shoulders, however, also gives you the freedom to complete some maintenance yourself.
What comes with this package:
Total of 4 visits through-out the year.
2 Seasonal visits and 2 Maintenance visits
Seasonal visits could Include:
- Complete pond liner vacuuming
- Cut back pond plants
- Clean and service all pond equipment (pump and filter)
- Check water parameters e.g.pH, kH, gH, NO2, NO3, etc.
- Treat for phosphates
- UV bulb change (if applicable)
- Pump and filter strip apart clean
- Treatment for blanket weed if needed
- Equipment check
Maintenance visit to include:
- Clean of of the pump and filter set
Helpline support Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Emergency call-outs throughout the year for any equipment issues.
If you’re wanting a small amount of maintenance to keep your pond flourishing throughout the year, then this will be your package of choice.
What comes with this package:
Total of 2 visits through-out the year.
Visits could Include:
- Cut back pond plants
- Clean and service all pond equipment (pump and filter)
- Check water parameters e.g.pH, kH, gH, NO2, NO3, etc.
- Treat for phosphates
- UV bulb change (if applicable)
- Pump and filter strip apart clean
- Treatment for blanket weed if needed
- Equipment check
Helpline support Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Emergency call-outs throughout the year
MY POND IS OVERGROWN.
If you have a small pool and the plants have not been managed for a number of years, you can simply cut them back or pull some of them out. You do have to be careful however as very often these pools have good water quality because the plants are absorbing the nutrients. The key thing then, is not to rip out too many of the plants because you can go from clear, relatively nice-looking water to something full of algae, simply because you have pulled too many of the plants out.
If you have a much bigger pond, a lake or a lochan then commonly some of the problems are with some of the very vigorous plants like bulrush or Norfolk reed and these need spraying off, and that is the best way to control them. Ideally you do not plant Typha (bulrush) or Norfolk reed in ornamental systems simply because they tend to take over completely. There is also a small-leafed lily called Nymphoides peltata which you have to avoid like the plague and these all need spraying in order to control them.
MY POND IS LEAKING – WHAT CAN I DO?
Probably the commonest problem that we get approached with is a pond that is leaking and there are various steps you can take to diagnose what’s going on
- If you have a pump and a stream or waterfall and the pond is going down, turn the pump off and the fill the pond up. If you do not get any water loss then, it means that the problem is either in the hose from the pump to the top of the water course, or in the water course, which is actually the commonest cause. If it is in the water course, put the pump back on and see if you can see anywhere where the water is actually leaking out the sides either over a liner or through concrete or whatever. Once you locate it, you can fix it.
- The other thing that can happen is simply debris accumulating in narrow points in the stream or cascade backing the water up behind it and it then flowing out the sides, and you lose water that way.
- Assuming you have not got a water course, or that the leak is not there, then the other obvious problem is a hole in the liner. Again, if you do not fill the pond up and let the pond drop, it will eventually drop to where the hole is, you can then find it and potentially patch it.
- One other cause of ponds going down is a liner that is behind stones or something, somebody stands on the stone, pushes the liner down and the water runs out over the top of a new low point and you end up with what looks like a leak. If you can locate that, just pull the liner back up and you will not have a leak any more
WHY IS MY POND WATER GREEN?
There may be a number of reasons why your pond is so green. First of all, you may have too small of a pump or filter for the size of your pond. Secondly, your pond may be in full sun which creates a perfect environment for algae blooms, or the pond is very shallow, particularly around the edges and doesn’t get much water circulation. You can remedy these things by first checking your pump and filter size for your pond. If it is in full sun, you will have to increase the size of the filter and pump to compensate for the increased algae blooms that will occur in full sun. If you recently made a water exchange or filled your pond within a few weeks, you may need to be patient as your pond hasn’t found it’s ecological balance yet. If it’s a brand new pond, I would recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks for your pond to find it’s balance. Hold off on any chemicals. Add some Microbe Lift which is all-natural beneficial bacteria and organic barley straw bales to your pond. This increases the function of your biological filter and combats algae blooms including string algae. Every pond should have them.
One point to note, is that you must be equipped with a large enough pump, filter and biological media for the beneficial bacteria to grow on and be patient and allow the pond to find it’s natural ecological system. You want to try to correct the problem instead of needing to add chemicals to it all the time. Another thing that could be adding to your algae blooms is the frequent addition of cold tap water to your pond. Whenever you add cold tap water to your pond and the pond is in the heat of full sun, it creates a great environment for algae to increase. Try to eliminate adding tap water to your pond and you just may reduce the algae. Every time you add tap water, your pond has to adjust and find it’s eco-balance. If you’re continually adding more water to your pond, your pond will never really balance itself and you’ll try to combat algae and ammonia levels all the time. In either of these situations, get at the root of the problem whether it’s the wrong pump or filter size or the addition of cold tap water and see if it doesn’t correct itself. If you’re having a problem with this and need some advise, contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you. If you need to add tap water, run the water through some Super Activated Filter Carbon to take out the chlorine and chloramine and add more beneficial bacteria to it afterwards.
Do I need to have my pumps running all the time?
Pumps give your pond water circulation. If they are the right size for your pond and are properly placed, they eliminate stagnant water and provide oxygen to your pond. If they are connected or pumped to a filter, you reduce the effectiveness of the filter if your pump is not on and may end up having unsightly water and elevated levels of ammonia providing you have fish. If you have multiple pumps, you most likely may not need to have all of them running as long as you have at least 1/2 the total gallons of your pond pumped every hour (there is a different formula for very large ponds – contact us and we will assist you in calculating proper aeration for your pond) for good water circulation. So, as long as you have good circulation and enough oxygen in your pond, you don’t necessarily need to have all of your pumps running all of the time.