Maintenance
Spring
No matter where you live - the North or the South, spring is a time of renewal for your water garden. While the change from winter to spring tends to be a bit more dramatic for those of us up North, it is no less special for our Southern brethren. In early March, while most northern pond owners are still stuck inside under ice and snow, the growing season has already begun down South.
Pond Start Up - Sign-up now! Slots fill quickly (deadline is April 1st.) Click here for spring cleanout request form.
What does a start up include?
- We will drain the pond, net the fish and place them in an aerated container out of direct sunlight
- Power wash the rock, gravel, filter mats and lava rocks
- Remove all debris from the pond.
- Fill the pond and add declorinator to the water.
- Return your fish to the pond.
What does a pond start up cost?
The average pond start up cost is between $200 and $350.
- We will charge $75 for the service call, and an additional $50 per man hour of labor.
- We do request that you provide us with a credit card number so that we can efficiently process all jobs as soon as the services are completed; this allows us to quickly provide you with a detailed itemized receipt for the start up.
You don't have to be home, but...
- Make sure your pump is accessible
- Make sure your outside water is on and a hose is available
- Make sure your outside electricity is turned on.
Things to remember as your pond thaws!
- String algae may start to form. That's OK; nothing is taking the nutrients out of the water at this time. Don't panic! It's the only green plant growing; leave it alone!
- Once your pond is cleaned out, some algae may grow again. Remember, it will probably still be cold and the above information is still relevant.
- 3. Once the pond's water temperature is above 50 degrees, you can begin adding bacteria and string algae buster.
- Your fish may look like they need to eat, and they may even come to the surface looking for a treat. Don't do it! Wait until you know the water temperature will remain over 50 degrees. If you feed them too soon you could have some deadly problems.