G'Day. I needed to get brought up to speed. I have inherited the maintenance of a pond here at work and need to learn how to keep it looking nice.
I'm guessing it is approx. 300 gallons, probably sees 70% -75% shade, has a waterfall at one end and the pump at the opposite end. No real filter other than a net to trap leaves and the like in the sump where the pump is. No plants but the bottom is covered with what I will call small river rock (1/2 inch - 1 inch).
The dimensions are something like 15ft x 20ft x 12-18 inches in the center with a gradual slope up to 3 inches deep at the edge.
I don't have a need to keep fish or plants in it but just need to keep it clean and looking nice.
I have done a little research and it seems like a colorant (which contains acid?) might help. I've also seen where barley straw would be helpful, too. And maybe pond bacteria could be added.
My problem though is all the stones in the bottom have accumulated all sorts of organic sediment over the winter and I'm afraid all that organic material will feed the algae growth that I am seeing pop up now that it is getting warmer.
I don't have any plans on keeping fish or plants in it unless that would help keep it clean.
I do see that some wildlife (ie squirrels, birds, maybe deer) are drinking the water so I don't want to continue dumping chlorine or algaecides in it if I don't have to. And cleaning the stones and the bottom of the pond/pool is not an option either.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I'm guessing it is approx. 300 gallons, probably sees 70% -75% shade, has a waterfall at one end and the pump at the opposite end. No real filter other than a net to trap leaves and the like in the sump where the pump is. No plants but the bottom is covered with what I will call small river rock (1/2 inch - 1 inch).
The dimensions are something like 15ft x 20ft x 12-18 inches in the center with a gradual slope up to 3 inches deep at the edge.
I don't have a need to keep fish or plants in it but just need to keep it clean and looking nice.
I have done a little research and it seems like a colorant (which contains acid?) might help. I've also seen where barley straw would be helpful, too. And maybe pond bacteria could be added.
My problem though is all the stones in the bottom have accumulated all sorts of organic sediment over the winter and I'm afraid all that organic material will feed the algae growth that I am seeing pop up now that it is getting warmer.
I don't have any plans on keeping fish or plants in it unless that would help keep it clean.
I do see that some wildlife (ie squirrels, birds, maybe deer) are drinking the water so I don't want to continue dumping chlorine or algaecides in it if I don't have to. And cleaning the stones and the bottom of the pond/pool is not an option either.
Thanks in advance for your help.