A pond provides your garden with many benefits. It is an eye-catching centrepiece that you can admire, as well as relax by on stressful days. It also provides your garden with an important ecosystem that encourages a variety of wildlife to visit and make their homes by your pond. However, in order to reap the full benefits of having a pond, it is important that you carry out regular seasonal maintenance. Read on to discover how to look after your pond all year round.

Spring

Spring is a time of year associated with fresh starts, so take advantage of this by preparing your pond for the warm weather ahead. Stock up on new water plants to reinvigorate your pond, planting them straight away according to their appropriate water depth. Check that your water pumps and filters are working efficiently to keep your pond clean in the months ahead. If you find that they need replacing, look for an energy-efficient, high-performance model such as the Oase AquaMax Eco pump.

Summer

Summertime is a hectic season for your pond. The warmer weather encourages blooming water plants and foliage, as well as an abundance of wildlife and insects visiting its shores. Whilst you will no doubt be sitting back and enjoying your summer pond, there are certain regular chores you can do to keep on top of maintenance. Remove weeds and algae, such as blanket weed, from your pond using a net or rake – this will allow more sunlight and oxygen to penetrate the surface of your pond so that aquatic plants and fish can thrive. Furthermore, ensure that you top up your pond’s water level during hot spells to ensure that it doesn’t dry up.

Autumn

When the days begin to cool and the nights begin to lengthen, it is a good time to tidy up your pond more thoroughly to prepare it for the cold winter months. Remove any foliage from both aquatic plants and plants around the periphery of your pond when they start to die back – if they fall into your pond and start to rot, they can pollute your water. Likewise, consider covering your pond with a net to prevent falling autumn leaves and other debris from falling and decaying in your pond.

Winter

Your pond is likely to be seldom used during the cold winter months; however, exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as snow and the regular freezing and thawing of water, can take its toll on the overall condition of your pond. To prevent your water filtration system from cracking in the frost, remove pumps and drain water from pipes. If you have fish, take steps to ensure that they survive the winter. As pond water gets colder, many fish enter hibernation, but you might want to move tropical breeds into an indoor tank. Melt a hole in the ice with hot water to allow oxygen into your pond for fish and aquatic plants. 

By following these steps, you will be able to look after your pond come rain or shine throughout the year.