A pond can be an incredible feature for any yard or landscape, but how do you establish a healthy pond? Understanding what a healthy pond really is and how to maintain it can help you provide a safe and productive aquatic habitat for a variety of backyard wildlife.

What a Healthy Pond Looks Like

A healthy pond is not necessarily clean and tidy, with crystal clear water and manicured edges. In fact, healthy ponds are entire ecosystems with different layers of habitats that may include a variety of plants in different stages of growth, water that may show some algae or discoloration, and naturalized edges that allow wildlife to access the water source.

A healthy pond, however, does not have strong, overpowering foul odors, deep layers of sludge, or overwhelmed water or edges that do not permit natural change or adaptation. Any pond that is either perfectly pristine or outrageously out of control is not healthy, but you can take steps to bring your pond back into a healthy, productive balance.

If Your Pond is Unhealthy

If you have an unhealthy pond, the first step is to discover why it is unhealthy. Correcting any problems – such as a malfunctioning or clogged filter, cracked and seeping liner, or overcrowded fish population – may bring your pond back to a healthy balance with minimal disruption. Furthermore, the more you learn about pond health and the different factors that affect a pond, the better you will be able to counteract any changes that can skew your pond to an unhealthy state.

Keeping a Pond Healthy

Depending on your pond’s size, wildlife population, overall environmental conditions, local climate, and any special concerns, keeping it healthy should take just simple, easy maintenance. To establish a healthy pond and keep it safe and productive…

• Skim the surface regularly.
  Decaying debris can quickly unbalance a pond by introducing excess nutrients to the water and blocking sunlight. By removing debris from the surface, you keep your pond functioning naturally and allow for better gas exchange and natural temperature regulation.
  
  
• Vacuum the bottom regularly.
  Just as skimming the surface of a pond is necessary, so is vacuuming the bottom of the pond to eliminate any buildup of organic material that can unbalance the aquatic environment. This can also help you inspect the pond for any cracks or other damage before it becomes problematic.
  
  
• Change or clean filters as needed.
  Different ponds have different filtration needs depending on size and composition. First, be sure you are using properly sized filters for your pond, and know when filters need to be cleaned or changed. Be meticulous about adjusting filtration to keep the pond clean and healthy.
  
  
• Keep water levels constant.
  As water evaporates from your pond or is displaced by splashing, add new water to keep the level constant. This will ensure your filters and pumps run most efficiently, and the water level will remain optimum for plants and aquatic wildlife.
  
  
• Aerate the pond appropriately.
  Adding oxygen to the pond through a waterfall, fountain, or bubbler can help keep a healthy, rich environment for aquatic plants as well as fish, amphibians, turtles, and other pond wildlife. Check that your aeration is adequate and that all elements are functioning efficiently.
  
  
• Create a mixture of sun and shade.
  A pond that is in either full sun or full shade will not be as healthy or productive as a pond that has a mixture of environments. Mixing sun and shade also helps create a richer environment in the pond, as well as encourages natural water circulation to keep the pond in balance.
  
  
• Check the pH regularly.
  Checking the pH of your pond on a regular basis will allow you to pinpoint even subtle changes that can dramatically impact the environmental dynamics of the ecosystem. This is especially critical if you have fish, turtles, or delicate plants that rely on a specific pH. The sooner you detect a pH shift, the easier it will be to make adjustments to keep the pond properly balanced.
  
  
• Avoid overfeeding aquatic residents.
  If you have fish, turtle, or ducks in your pond, avoid overfeeding that can lead to rotting foodstuffs, excess feces, or accelerated decay in the water. Choose healthy, balanced foods and offer proper nutrition to keep all your pond’s residents well-fed.
  
  
• Change the water regularly.
  Changing the water in the pond will help keep it balanced and fresh, but don’t change more than 5-10 percent of the water every 1-2 weeks. Pond water that is being removed will be ideal for watering flowerbeds, trees, or garden plants. Only add stale water the same temperature as the pond to be sure not to shock the ecosystem with new water additions.
  
  
• Provide a mix of native plants.
  Plants are essential to any pond ecosystem and help with balancing pH, exchanging gasses, adjusting nutrients, and filtering the pond water. Using a mix of submerged, floating, and marginal plants in the pond will ensure the best balance for the environment and a healthy ecosystem at every level.

It does take practice and patience to establish a healthy pond, but striking a balance for a vibrant, thriving ecosystem will keep your pond active in all seasons for you to enjoy.