10 Step Pond Clean-Out Process
We recommend this 10 step pond clean-out process for those who want to do it themselves rather than use our clean-out services.
Checklist of Materials for your Pond Clean-Out
-Kiddie pool (or similar, large container to hold sufficient water to accommodate fish, water lilies, etc. )
-Net to cover fish containers to prevent them from jumping out.
–Fishnet to catch the fish before the clean-out.
–Lily tabs– might as well fertilize those lilies while you’re in there.
-Two-five-gallon buckets for collecting leaves and debris.
-Wading boots or old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
-Rubber gloves.
-Twenty-five feet of 1.5 to 2-inch discharge piping.
-A high-pressure nozzle for your garden hose or a power washer.
–Dechlorinator if you are filling your pond with city water.
–New filter mats, if needed.
Steps To Your Successful Clean-Out
- Start Draining the Pond – An inexpensive pump or a sump pump is sufficient. Be sure you save some of the pond water to fill a container with for the fish.
- Disconnect the Circulation System – This will allow the water in the plumbing to drain out.
- Catch the Fish – Drain the pond down to the lowest shelf to catch fish easily and safely.
- Remove Debris – Remove the large debris like leaves and twigs once the pond is drained.
- Wash the Pond – A 1500 psi pressure washer or a high-pressure nozzle on a garden hose is recommended for pond cleaning.
- Rinse the Pond – Rinse the pond from top to bottom with a garden hose without the high-pressure nozzle, as it continues to pump it out.
- Clean the Fiters – Spray the filtration media until relatively clean and rinse down the inside of the filter units.
- Refill the Pond – Pull the clean-out pump out and refill the pond.
- De-Chlorinate the Water – Most city water contains chlorine and chloramine and requires treatment with a de-chlorinator before introducing fish.
- Reintroduce the Fish – To properly acclimate your fish, you’ll want to put them in the pond as soon as the water is high enough for them to swim. Then slowly continue to add water to original levels. In extreme cold weather you may want to put fish with old pond water in a container to float in the pond allowing the water temperature to even out slowly.
For your quote to schedule your pond clean-out service and for comprehensive solutions to your specific lawn, garden, and landscaping need, contact Earth Works of Jacksonville online or at 904-996-0712. Earth Works operates a retail Garden Center/Plant Nursery in Jacksonville and provides landscaping, hardscaping, water features, lawn care service, lawn spraying, and drainage solutions.
Earth Works proudly serves clients in Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St. Johns, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Amelia Island, Fernandina, and St. Augustine.