Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply want to keep your existing pond looking great, there are a few small pond maintenance tips that can help.

First, you’ll need to check the water level and clean the shoreline. Adding a dechlorinating agent is also a good idea.

1. Check the Water Level

Checking the water level in your pond is vital for maintaining the overall health of your water feature. It can be a simple process, but one that can save you money and trouble down the line.

The water in a pond is constantly losing a little bit of water through evaporation. This is a natural process, and the rate at which ponds drop depends on a variety of factors including climate and the size of the pond.

It can be a little difficult to tell by sight whether your pond is dropping too much, so here are some helpful tips to help you.

The most common cause of a drop in the water level is evaporation. This is a normal part of the natural cycle for a pond, and it can cause your pond to drop by around 1 inch per week.

2. Clean the Shoreline

The shoreline of your pond or lake is an essential element that provides a natural barrier for the water. When it is clean, it prevents stormwater runoff from causing damage.

However, over time the pond’s shoreline can become eroded. This is because the lapping waves of the pond carry small soil particles into the water.

In order to keep the shoreline stable, pond managers should create a buffer zone. This is a strip of vegetation at the pond’s edge that will help stabilize the underlying soil.

3. Remove Debris

During the autumn, you should thoroughly clean out your pond to remove dead fish and other debris. This reduces the risk of disease and a build-up of harmful chemicals in the water.

A small pond can accumulate a lot of waste and sludge, which is made up of decaying organic matter such as leaves, sticks and fish food. Sludge can block out oxygen and cause other problems with pond health.

To get rid of this muck, you can use a spray nozzle or pressure washer. Start at the top of the waterfall or stream area and work your way down to the pond basin.

Repeat the process until you’re done. You may need to repeat this several times to fully clean the area. Once you’re finished, it’s time to refill the pond with fresh water. If you’re planning to add fish, do this in spring or summer as this is when most fish are active.

4. Top Up the Water

Over time, ponds lose water through evaporation. This is a natural process and will happen even in very warm climates, but it’s important to keep an eye on the water level so you can top it up as and when required.

One way of doing this is with a draining system. This works by connecting a vertical flexible tube to the rigid pipe inside your pond and lowering it progressively as the level drops.

Ideally, the tube should be connected to the pipe at least 10 cm lower than the lowest point in the pond.

Keeping the level of your pond at the right level will ensure that it stays healthy and fish-friendly. It will also prevent excess bacteria or algae from forming.