Pond Weekly Maintenance Checklist

Most people will visit their ponds daily, particularly if they have fish. It can be during these times that a quick visual check should be done to ensure the pond is running properly.

All ponds vary when it comes to weekly pond maintenance. Variations include: size and style of the pond, size and style of filtration, water flow, amount of sunlight, as well, the presence of fish and plants.

The following Weekly Pond Maintenance Checklist is a guideline and can be customized to any pond or water feature.

• General Weekly Pond Maintenance
• Waterfall running optimally.
• Water level/no visible leaks.
• No large debris in the pond or water feature.
• Skimmer
• Remove debris from skimmer.
• Ensure skimmer pump is not clogged with debris/running smoothly.
• Check filter media for cleanliness.
• Pressurized Filter
• Perform Backwash.
• Ensure UV bulb is working.
• Ensure solids handling pump (feeding into the filter) is running properly/not clogged with debris.
• Ionizer
• Ionizer monitor is running properly.
• Check probes for cleanliness and quantity.
• Test water for copper levels.
• Up Flow Filter
• Check cleanliness of unit.
• Add beneficial bacteria (shut off UV for 24hrs when adding beneficial bacteria).
• Ensure all of the waterflow is directed into the pond and not leaking from the stream or spillway.
• Pressurized Filter
• Perform Backwash.
• Ensure UV bulb is working.
• Ensure solids handling pump (feeding into the filter) is running properly/not clogged with debris.
• Aeration
• Aeration unit is protected from the elements or indoors.
• Sufficient aeration for the size of pond and fish.
• Air stones are still intact and at the proper depth in the pond, air tubing has no leaks.
• Water Quality
• Water is generally clear, no debris, no murkiness, no heavy green tint.
• Use Testing Kit in early spring, also if noticing changes with water quality an/or fish behavior.
• String algae is minimal.
• Fish
• Behavior (Check for: gasping at the surface, flashing, motionless at the bottom, clamped fins, upright position.
• Physical appearance (no disease, markings, open wounds, pop-eye, bloating).
• Fish are feeding properly, using a quality fish food.
• Plants
• Fertilize plants if they have not been fertilized within the last month.
• Sufficient plant coverage for the pond if fish are present (between 10-50% coverage).
• Marginals, submerged and floating plants are free of disease and are thriving.
• Trim back any dying foliage or decompossing flowers.