If you are a new pond-owner or struggling to keep your pond in proper working order this summer, we’re here to help. What you see as a major pond disaster might just really be a hiccup on your journey to pond perfection.
Check out some of the common disasters pond-owners tend to encounter and the simple solutions to these problems:
My Pond Looks Green!
Believe it or not, it’s very common for a backyard pond to turn a shade of green. It’s a fairly simple fix. Ponds turn green because they are not ecologically balanced. The warmer weather allows more sun to hit the water, promoting algae growth. There is no way to prevent this.
However, there is a simple solution. When your pond water turns a shade of green, check for one of two things:
- Microscopic particles of algae
- Floating hair-like particles
If you notice microscopic particles in your backyard pond, you can use an oxygenated pond filter to clear out the debris. You can also use some submerged vegetation, such as anacharis to help clear out the algae growth.
Next, cover the surface of your pond with floating plants. Using lily pads, water hyacinths, water clover and other surface-floating plants, you can prevent the sun from shining directly on your pond and causing it to heat up.
Why is Water Splashing Out?!
Another common issue pond-owners face, water can splash out of your pond for a simple reason. If the area the water is falling into is more than one half the width of what it is falling into, it will splash out. Basically, if water is falling into a 5’ area, the water will splash if it falls more than 2.5’.
How can you solve this disaster? Create smaller waterfalls, or make the width of your pond wider. Consider using a water feature that is designed for small ponds or get used to filling your pond more often.
Uh Oh…My Pond is Leaking!
Don’t panic! If your pond is leaking, know that this is an easily fixable disaster. Often times, the “leak” could really just be water splashing out from a water feature or leaking out of the back or sides of your waterfall. Find the source of your waterfall leak and simply move the hoses toward the pond so that any lost water will go back into the pond water.
Sometimes, your pond disasters aren’t as disastrous as they may seem. The key is to not panic, and investigate the problem for what it really is. Still need help? Contact the professionals at Pondliner.com for even more guidance.