Garden pond

[wavedreamer]

We just bought a house that has a 9 X 5 garden pond. It has a waterfall feature, very pretty. It's very dirty and needs cleaning. I've read a lot of comments but still confused on what to add to the water after I drain out dirty water, clean liner, refill then what do I do? What to buy also do I need a tester? New to garden ponds!

 

[JRS]

Welcome to the forum.

What is your goal for the pond? Fish? Wildlife? Any livestock in the pond at the moment?

Do you have city water with chlorine or chloramines? Chlorine will dissipate eventually , both can be rendered safe immediately with the appropriate chemical water conditioner. Well water should be fine without treatment.

You describe it as "dirty" which can have a wide interpretation. For example, algae growing on the liner is considered beneficial and desirable in a natural pond but some consider it dirty. Beneficial bacteria colonizes all the surfaces of a pond. Often a neglected pond will have a large buildup of leaves and vegetation though, which may need to be removed.

If it has a waterfall, probably has some kind of filter along with the pump. Any info or pictures of these and the pond would be helpful also.

 

[j.w]

@wavedreamer

 

[tinycat]

Are there plants in the pond? Is there a working pump? Are there critters in the water? How does the water circulate? What are the components included in the circulation system?
Ponds can be simple, they can be complex. Having lots of water loving plants will do wonders to help with water quality. water that circulates is good. water that splashes and adds oxygen is good. mechanical filtration is good. "Dirty" water may not be bad water. Is it brown, green? Can you see to the bottom?

If you empty the pond to clean it, that can result in a cascade of issues. Perhaps you can clean it up by running the existing pond water through some filter media. If you do it this way, you keep all sorts of beneficial things in the pond. Perhaps you could replace about half of the water.

If there are fish, then there are additional things to consider.

 

[wavedreamer]

Welcome to the forum.

What is your goal for the pond? Fish? Wildlife? Any livestock in the pond at the moment?

Do you have city water with chlorine or chloramines? Chlorine will dissipate eventually , both can be rendered safe immediately with the appropriate chemical water conditioner. Well water should be fine without treatment.

You describe it as "dirty" which can have a wide interpretation. For example, algae growing on the liner is considered beneficial and desirable in a natural pond but some consider it dirty. Beneficial bacteria colonizes all the surfaces of a pond. Often a neglected pond will have a large buildup of leaves and vegetation though, which may need to be removed.

If it has a waterfall, probably has some kind of filter along with the pump. Any info or pictures of these and the pond would be helpful also.

Our pond is just for looks. Not sure by the

 

[wavedreamer]

Our pond is just for looks. Not sure by the

Just for looks. No plants no critters. Just need to put something in it to clear up the water.

 

[wavedreamer]

Welcome to the forum.

What is your goal for the pond? Fish? Wildlife? Any livestock in the pond at the moment?

Do you have city water with chlorine or chloramines? Chlorine will dissipate eventually , both can be rendered safe immediately with the appropriate chemical water conditioner. Well water should be fine without treatment.

You describe it as "dirty" which can have a wide interpretation. For example, algae growing on the liner is considered beneficial and desirable in a natural pond but some consider it dirty. Beneficial bacteria colonizes all the surfaces of a pond. Often a neglected pond will have a large buildup of leaves and vegetation though, which may need to be removed.

If it has a waterfall, probably has some kind of filter along with the pump. Any info or pictures of these and the pond would be helpful also.

 

[wavedreamer]

We have city water the pond is in the corner coming up the steps to the large big porch. No fish no plants. They had fake solar plants that light up at night. It has pine needles , leaves in the bottom. I'm draining it now. I will change the filter. Right now I want it to look pretty. Maybe I will add plants later. I just would like help in getting the water clear. I would love for it to have a blue tent.. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tinycat]

After you drain it, muck out the leaves and any thick gunk. A little dirt is ok, that will contain beneficial bacteria which will help with water quality. Once you refill it, expect an algae bloom in a few weeks, that is normal. Add some plants in pots in the spring. Does your pond have a shelf or shallow area? That is a good location to set the plants. Where abouts do you live? Your climate will affect what will grow in your area. Is the pond in the shade or in the sun? That will also affect the plants you grow, and how much algae you get.

As for keeping the pond clean, every week clean out leaves that fall in. Is there a pump to circulate water? Is it in the bottom of the pond, or elsewhere? If you need to buy one, what you get depends on what you want the water to do, as in just circulate, have a little waterfall, etc. and how many gallons your pond contains.

A water test kit is not essential if you don't plan on having critters. Stagnant water gets smelly in time, so a pump to move water is important.

 

[wavedreamer]

I live in SC and I have no fish in this pond. I really don't want plants to take care of but if it will help I will put a plant in the shallow area. I have a beautiful water fall that runs 24/7. This pond is at the front entrance of my house. It's beautiful with all the flat rock. I just want something to keep it clean and thinking of putting a blue tent to the water