This article is designed to provide an overview of our pond cleaning process and therefore what to expect when we provide pond maintenance services.

1. Arrival:

We arrive on site, introductions are made and we can discuss the project. We can address any existing concerns, and answer any questions you may have.

2. Set up:

A temporary pool(s) is set up, pumps and pipes are laid out and connected. Maintenance tools are laid out ready.

3. Pond is drained:

The clean(er) water is pumped to the temporary pool(s).
Fish and plants are relocated to temporary pool(s) or containers as appropriate. Fish will be visually inspected at this time for signs of illness or distress. Plants will also be visually checked for pests and diseases.

4. Dirty water removal:

The lower level of dirtier water is removed via pumps and wet vacuums.
This water is usually spread on to growing areas such as flower beds or rough ground such as under hedges.

5. Waste removal:

Solid and semi solid waste including silt and other organic debris is removed by hand and relocated on site. The silt is a nutrient dense organic fertiliser which is great for beds and borders. Aquatic plants as a rule breakdown well when composted.

6. Wash down:

The pond is hosed down or jet washed if it is an Ecosystem Pond build. The collected waste water is pumped away.

7. Plant management:

This stage involves the reduction of encroaching plants, removal of dead and dying leaves, seed heads, stems and spent blooms.
For potted plants this may include lifting and cutting back to the pot, relocating pots, removal, separation and re-potting of overgrown plants.
On larger systems this may include hand scythe or hedge cutter use to reduce large volumes of growth.
Lilies will have dying growth removed and will be fertilised if appropriate to boost growth and blooms.

8. Equipment Assessment and Service:

We will assess your pond kit and advise on replacement service parts, replacement parts or units if required. We carry a selection of common service parts and on agreement can fit them immediately, if a return visit is required we will organise this and provide a cost in advance.

9. Refill:

Now the pond is clean we will pump the stored water back in to the pond and top up with conditioned tap water. We add a detoxifier at this stage which removes any chemicals and binds heavy metals, it contains additives to ensure the water quality is tip top and any fish and wildlife are happy and healthy.

10. Pond treatments:

If additional treatments are required they will be added here.

11. Surface skim:

A quick surface skim with a hand net to remove any floating debris and allow us to have a last visual inspection of the pond.

12. Finishing up:

All tools and equipment are returned to our vehicle(s), and inorganic waste is bagged and removed.
Before we hand over we will double check that all components are functioning and secure.
We are happy to answer any questions that arise and to make recommendations for your pond moving forward.

What might we ask of you?

Please check any equipment later that day and over the next few days/weeks to ensure that no issues have developed. Occasionally when one part is changed it can have a knock-on effect on something else. Think of it as equivalent to checking your wheel nuts after a new tyre is fitted. There shouldn’t be any issues but it’s worth checking for peace of mind.

Top-up check:

We will check with you and advise if a hose is to be left on refilling the pond. If a hose is still heading to the pond there is a good chance it has been left on to finish filling the pond. It will be left out to alert you to the fact. Water level must be checked and the hose may be stowed at your convenience.
We try to do this to reduce our time on site and therefore our cost to the customer.

Potential additional pond maintenance costs:

Pond plant re-potting & supply:

Premium aquatic marginals, oxygenating pond weed and Lilies available. Re-potting with premium rigid or flexible planting pots with aquatic soil, fertiliser, and/or aggregate as appropriate.

Leak detection and repair:

If a leak is located within your liner and it is repairable, we can help with that. If you suspect a leak you may be able to locate and/or resolve it by following our leak detection guide.

Equipment Service parts:

For example a gasket or UV bulb replacement.

Equipment repairs or replacement:

This may include pumps, pipes, UV units, filter boxes etc.

Waste:

Our aim is to leave all organic material on site. This material is nutrient dense and a great addition to compost bins, beds and hedges. When this isn’t possible, a charge helps to cover the time involved and waste disposal costs for this activity.

Rest assured that we are registered waste carriers.

Service costs:

If our pond cleaning estimate is based on information provided by the client, we may need to adjust this if the pond condition and/or size are measurably different when we arrive on site. This will be discussed and agreed upon before work commences.

Potential enhancements:

We are always happy to discuss upgrades, add-ons and enhancements for your pond. This could cover anything from an aeration system or automatic dosing system to an additional waterfall or fountainscape water feature up to a full redesign and construction to get you that dream pond.

Ongoing pond maintenance tasks:

If you are undertaking interim maintenance a quick checklist should include skimming the surface, adding treatments if required or at service intervals/replacing doser bottles or bags, reducing plant matter, cleaning filters and pumps to the service schedule.

If you have a problem pond that needs maintenance, a service or clean, and would like to keep your pond paradise looking pristine, please do contact us to see how we can help you.