Pond Clean Out
<h2>Is a Pond Clean Out Necessary?</h2>
<p>A full pond clean out may not be necessary if the proper filtration and pond systems are installed. In many cases light maintenance is all that is needed in the spring.</p>
<table class="half-width">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pond <span style="text-decoration: underline;">May</span> Need Full Clean Out</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pond Requires Light Cleaning/Maintenance</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Thick layer of debris on the bottom (leaves/sludge)</li>
<li>Poor water quality - dark brown, high nitrates/nitrites</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Minimal debris on the bottom (can be removed with a skimmer net or filter)</li>
<li>Water quality relatively clear, free of nitrates/nitrites (can be cleaned with filtration)</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>* If fish are present in the pond, Full clean-outs should only be done when absolutely necessary, as to not disrupt the pond’s ecosystem and fish. Full clean-outs can be particularly stressful for fish. Larger ponds over 2000 gallons and ponds with sufficient filtration can often go without annual clean-outs. </p>
<h2>Light Cleaning</h2>
<p>[openBorderDiv]</p>
<p>[caption id="attachment_339" align="alignright" width="100"]<a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image8-2.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-339 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image8-2.jpeg" width="100" height="167" /></a> Pond Monsta Vacuum[/caption]</p>
<ul>
<li>A Pond Monsta Vacuum can be used to remove debris from the bottom of the pond without have to drain the pond or disturb the fish.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Marginal plants can be trimmed and fertilized with plant grow spikes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dead lily pads can be trimmed with an extension Pruning Tool and Fertilizer Spikes can be used.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Check over equipment:<br /> Are the pumps running smoothly, not clogged with debris?<br /> Are the Brushes and Skimmer basket free of leaves/debris?<br /> Does the UV bulb require changing?<br /> Are the filters clean? Do the filter pads/media need replacing?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Test water to ensure proper levels (Nitrates, Nitrites, Phosphates, Ammonia) and for good water quality.</li>
</ul>
<p>[closeBorderDiv]</p>
<h2>Full Pond Clean Out</h2>
<h3>Full Pond Clean Out - Video</h3>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TIDam9mI3LU" height="360" width="100%" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>Did You Know?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong></strong>Sludge collected by your pond filter or pond vacuum can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn and garden!</p>
<h3>Materials Needed:</h3>
<ul class="three">
<li>Pond Gloves</li>
<li>Neoprene Waders</li>
<li>Detoxifier</li>
<li>Beneficial Bacteria</li>
<li> Fish Holding Basin</li>
<li> Skimmer Net</li>
<li>Pond/Fish Net </li>
<li>Clean-Out Pump & Hose</li>
<li> Scrub Brush</li>
<li>Aeration</li>
<li>Hose/pressure washer</li>
</ul>
<table class="no-border">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h4 style="text-align: center; padding-left: 150px;">Step By Step Process</h4>
</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 1:</h4>
<p><b>PUMP OUT -</b> Use a Solids Handling Pump or a clean out pump to remove the majority of the water from the pond or water feature. If there are fish in the pond, have a Basin ready that you can fill with the pond water that is being pumped out.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_352" style="width: 182px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image10.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-352 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image10.jpeg" width="172" height="115" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Holding Basin</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 2:</h4>
<p><strong>REMOVE FISH</strong> - When there is only 6-10” of water left in the pond, safely remove fish from the pond with a Fish Net and place them in the basin with pond water and aerator.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_353" style="width: 160px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image11.jpeg"><img class=" wp-image-353 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image11.jpeg" width="150" height="101" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Pond/ Fish Net</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 3:</h4>
<p><strong>REMOVE DEBRIS</strong> - Remove the large debris from the pond (debris that is unable to be removed via pump) using a pond or skimmer Net.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_315" style="width: 227px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image4-2.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-315 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image4-2.jpeg" width="217" height="132" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Skimming Net</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 4:</h4>
<p><strong>SCRUB/RINSE</strong> - Hose down the pond and scrub the major algae/debris from the rocks and/or walls. Again, drain pond of dirty water. Not all algae must be removed.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_355" style="width: 185px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image13.jpeg"><img class=" wp-image-355 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image13.jpeg" width="175" height="39" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Pond Gloves</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 5:</h4>
<p><strong>CLEAN/RECONNECT PUMPS & FILTERS</strong> - Ensure all pumps and filters are clean before reconnecting them.</p>
</td>
<td>
[caption id="attachment_683" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/clean-pumps.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-683 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/clean-pumps-300x216.jpg" width="300" height="216" /></a> Filter Cleaner[/caption]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 6:</h4>
<p><strong>REFILL & DETOXIFY</strong> - Refill your pond. Add Pond Detoxifier to remove any chlorine or chloramines from the new water.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_354" style="width: 160px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_687" style="width: 167px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/pond-detoxifier.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-687 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/pond-detoxifier.jpg" width="157" height="156" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Pond Detoxifier</dd>
</dl>
</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 7:</h4>
<p><strong>RESTART SYSTEMS & ADD BACTERIA</strong> - Start pumps and filtration, add liquid beneficial bacteria to jump start the pond now that all bacteria has been washed out. (Ensure UV is turned off for 24-48 hours any time you are adding liquid beneficial bacteria)</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_684" style="width: 167px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/liquid-beneficial-bacteria-small.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-684 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/liquid-beneficial-bacteria-small.jpg" width="157" height="156" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Liquid Beneficial Bacteria</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4><strong><span style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.846153846;">Step 8:</span></strong></h4>
<p><strong>ACCLIMATE THE FISH & PLANTS</strong> - Add fish and plants back to the pond once the water temperature has become equivalent to the holding basin with the fish/plants. *Remember: any move or environment change for fish can be stressful, particularly in the spring. </p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_351" style="width: 110px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="display: inline !important;">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/fishes.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-685" style="width: 112px;" alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/fishes-300x259.jpg" width="300" height="259" /></a></p>
</dt>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4><strong style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Note</strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">: Neoprene Waders and Pond Gloves are very useful when doing any maintenance or clean-outs for the pond. They protect from any harmful bacteria, cold water temperatures and are completely water proof.</span></h4>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_351" style="width: 80px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image14.jpeg"><img class=" wp-image-351 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image14.jpeg" width="70" height="225" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Neoprene Waders</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>A full pond clean out may not be necessary if the proper filtration and pond systems are installed. In many cases light maintenance is all that is needed in the spring.</p>
<table class="half-width">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pond <span style="text-decoration: underline;">May</span> Need Full Clean Out</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pond Requires Light Cleaning/Maintenance</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Thick layer of debris on the bottom (leaves/sludge)</li>
<li>Poor water quality - dark brown, high nitrates/nitrites</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Minimal debris on the bottom (can be removed with a skimmer net or filter)</li>
<li>Water quality relatively clear, free of nitrates/nitrites (can be cleaned with filtration)</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>* If fish are present in the pond, Full clean-outs should only be done when absolutely necessary, as to not disrupt the pond’s ecosystem and fish. Full clean-outs can be particularly stressful for fish. Larger ponds over 2000 gallons and ponds with sufficient filtration can often go without annual clean-outs. </p>
<h2>Light Cleaning</h2>
<p>[openBorderDiv]</p>
<p>[caption id="attachment_339" align="alignright" width="100"]<a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image8-2.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-339 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image8-2.jpeg" width="100" height="167" /></a> Pond Monsta Vacuum[/caption]</p>
<ul>
<li>A Pond Monsta Vacuum can be used to remove debris from the bottom of the pond without have to drain the pond or disturb the fish.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Marginal plants can be trimmed and fertilized with plant grow spikes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dead lily pads can be trimmed with an extension Pruning Tool and Fertilizer Spikes can be used.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Check over equipment:<br /> Are the pumps running smoothly, not clogged with debris?<br /> Are the Brushes and Skimmer basket free of leaves/debris?<br /> Does the UV bulb require changing?<br /> Are the filters clean? Do the filter pads/media need replacing?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Test water to ensure proper levels (Nitrates, Nitrites, Phosphates, Ammonia) and for good water quality.</li>
</ul>
<p>[closeBorderDiv]</p>
<h2>Full Pond Clean Out</h2>
<h3>Full Pond Clean Out - Video</h3>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TIDam9mI3LU" height="360" width="100%" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong>Did You Know?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center"><strong></strong>Sludge collected by your pond filter or pond vacuum can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn and garden!</p>
<h3>Materials Needed:</h3>
<ul class="three">
<li>Pond Gloves</li>
<li>Neoprene Waders</li>
<li>Detoxifier</li>
<li>Beneficial Bacteria</li>
<li> Fish Holding Basin</li>
<li> Skimmer Net</li>
<li>Pond/Fish Net </li>
<li>Clean-Out Pump & Hose</li>
<li> Scrub Brush</li>
<li>Aeration</li>
<li>Hose/pressure washer</li>
</ul>
<table class="no-border">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<h4 style="text-align: center; padding-left: 150px;">Step By Step Process</h4>
</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 1:</h4>
<p><b>PUMP OUT -</b> Use a Solids Handling Pump or a clean out pump to remove the majority of the water from the pond or water feature. If there are fish in the pond, have a Basin ready that you can fill with the pond water that is being pumped out.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_352" style="width: 182px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image10.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-352 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image10.jpeg" width="172" height="115" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Holding Basin</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 2:</h4>
<p><strong>REMOVE FISH</strong> - When there is only 6-10” of water left in the pond, safely remove fish from the pond with a Fish Net and place them in the basin with pond water and aerator.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_353" style="width: 160px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image11.jpeg"><img class=" wp-image-353 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image11.jpeg" width="150" height="101" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Pond/ Fish Net</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 3:</h4>
<p><strong>REMOVE DEBRIS</strong> - Remove the large debris from the pond (debris that is unable to be removed via pump) using a pond or skimmer Net.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_315" style="width: 227px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image4-2.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-315 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image4-2.jpeg" width="217" height="132" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Skimming Net</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 4:</h4>
<p><strong>SCRUB/RINSE</strong> - Hose down the pond and scrub the major algae/debris from the rocks and/or walls. Again, drain pond of dirty water. Not all algae must be removed.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_355" style="width: 185px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image13.jpeg"><img class=" wp-image-355 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image13.jpeg" width="175" height="39" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Pond Gloves</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 5:</h4>
<p><strong>CLEAN/RECONNECT PUMPS & FILTERS</strong> - Ensure all pumps and filters are clean before reconnecting them.</p>
</td>
<td>
[caption id="attachment_683" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/clean-pumps.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-683 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/clean-pumps-300x216.jpg" width="300" height="216" /></a> Filter Cleaner[/caption]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 6:</h4>
<p><strong>REFILL & DETOXIFY</strong> - Refill your pond. Add Pond Detoxifier to remove any chlorine or chloramines from the new water.</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_354" style="width: 160px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_687" style="width: 167px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/pond-detoxifier.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-687 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/pond-detoxifier.jpg" width="157" height="156" /></a></p>
</dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Pond Detoxifier</dd>
</dl>
</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4>Step 7:</h4>
<p><strong>RESTART SYSTEMS & ADD BACTERIA</strong> - Start pumps and filtration, add liquid beneficial bacteria to jump start the pond now that all bacteria has been washed out. (Ensure UV is turned off for 24-48 hours any time you are adding liquid beneficial bacteria)</p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_684" style="width: 167px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/liquid-beneficial-bacteria-small.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-684 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/liquid-beneficial-bacteria-small.jpg" width="157" height="156" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Liquid Beneficial Bacteria</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4><strong><span style="font-size: 1rem; line-height: 1.846153846;">Step 8:</span></strong></h4>
<p><strong>ACCLIMATE THE FISH & PLANTS</strong> - Add fish and plants back to the pond once the water temperature has become equivalent to the holding basin with the fish/plants. *Remember: any move or environment change for fish can be stressful, particularly in the spring. </p>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_351" style="width: 110px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="display: inline !important;">
<p><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/fishes.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-685" style="width: 112px;" alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/fishes-300x259.jpg" width="300" height="259" /></a></p>
</dt>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<h4><strong style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Note</strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;">: Neoprene Waders and Pond Gloves are very useful when doing any maintenance or clean-outs for the pond. They protect from any harmful bacteria, cold water temperatures and are completely water proof.</span></h4>
</td>
<td>
<dl class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_351" style="width: 80px;">
<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><a href="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image14.jpeg"><img class=" wp-image-351 " alt="Pond Clean Out" src="https://www.marquisgardens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image14.jpeg" width="70" height="225" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Neoprene Waders</dd>
</dl>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Is a Pond Clean Out Necessary?</h2>
