OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS

Spring Start-Ups

As the season begins, you will need to have your skimmer, pump and filter started which can be done at the same time as your spring pond cleaning.

If your pond is being cleaned later in spring, you will need to start your skimmer, pump and filter at the beginning of the season.

A spring cleanout is required to ensure good water clarity and consists of:

• removing and inspecting your fish as they are transferred into a holding tank with a specialized water treatment
• completely draining the water from the pond
• removing the filter mats to a holding tank to keep bacteria alive
• removing any dead leaves and stems
• dividing the iris and lilies, if necessary
• power washing and flushing the rocks and gravel, repositioning as required, taking extreme care of any plants remaining in the pond
• inspecting/cleaning all equipment, including filter mats and lighting
• installing the skimmer, pump and filter
• fixing any unsettled edges
• filling with fresh water
• adding 'EcoStarter Plus' to remove/detoxify/destroy the chlorine/amonia/chloramines in the water
• adding 'AquaClearer Extreme' cold water bacteria
• acclimating the fish and placing them back in the pond
• turning on the transformer

Pond Winterization

As the season ends you will need to shutdown your pond by:

• removing any tropical plants
• cutting back marginal plants
• removing decaying leaves and debris
• removing the pump
• emptying the filter and skimmer
• disconnecting the check valve
• placing the filter mats at the bottom of the pond until spring
• installing a bubbler or heater
• turning off the transformer

If you have a lot of fall leaves/debris in your pond, you should also do a fall cleaning which helps to ensure that your fish will over winter successfully. A complete fall cleaning consists of the above steps as well as:

• removing and inspecting your fish as they are transferred into a holding tank with a specialized water treatment
• completely draining the water from the pond
• cleaning out of all debris on the bottom of the pond
• filling with fresh water
• adding 'EcoStarter Plus' to remove/detoxify/destroy the chlorine/amonia/chloramines in the water
• adding 'AquaClearer Extreme' cold water bacteria
• acclimating the fish and placing them back in the pond