The snow has thawed, the birds are chirping, it’s time for the best part of the year; Pond Season!! Whether it’s made with cement, liner or plastic, it will require a bit of work. If it wasn’t closed properly before winter, you might be in for some extra work. If your pond was closed properly for the year, you’ll breeze through it in no time. Some ponds don’t require them to be shut down for the winter; if that’s the case, skip to step 4.
Proper maintenance and upkeep will extend the life of your pond by years. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying your pond in no time! Bring your pond back to life!
Tools Required:
Tank for holding any fish
Sump pump or equivalent
Pressure washer or hose with nozzle and high water pressure
Beneficial bacteria and detoxifier for your pond
A couple of garbage bags or yard debris bags
Garden tools such as: plant pruners and a hand trowel
Step 1 - Drain the Pond, Remove Your Fish and Place Them in an Aerated Container
Fish require oxygen, before starting you’ll want to ensure you have an oxygen supply such as air stones or a pump. Simply take a container large enough to house the fish and air supply for a few hours, fill it with water from the pond, this will ensure they stay in water that is the same temperature and the change won’t shock them. Now place the air supply and fish in the container for the duration of the clean-out. Place the sump pump or equivalent pump into the bottom of the pond and plug it in to start pumping. If you wait to remove the fish until the pond is low or about 6 to 10” it will make them very easy to catch.