Spring is the season of renewal! Birds return, plants begin to bloom, and your backyard pond starts to wake up from its winter hibernation. If you have a pond, now is the perfect time to give it a good cleaning to keep the water clear and your fish healthy. Whether your pond needs a full clean-out or just a little touch-up, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Does Your Pond Need a Full Clean-Out?

Take a close look at your pond and ask yourself: Is the water dark and murky? Is there a thick layer of sludge at the bottom? Are there any foul odours coming from the water? If so, it’s probably time for a deep clean. On the other hand, if the water is mostly clear and there’s only a small amount of debris or sludge, a simple clean may be all that’s needed.

For a full clean out, ideally, you should plan to do it once all the ice has melted, but before the water temperature gets much above 55°F. Cleaning it too late can disturb beneficial bacteria, leading to algae algae, an unbalanced ecosystem and too much of a disturbance to the fish. A clean and well-maintained pond will provide a healthy and beautiful environment for your fish, plants, and overall backyard beauty.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, you will need the following items:

Clean-out pump with at least 25 feet of discharge hose
A power washer, or at least a garden hose with a high powered nozzle
Garden shears for trimming pond plants
A large container or kiddie pool to temporarily hold your fish
Pond netting to prevent fish from jumping out of the temporary home
Buckets for collecting leaves and sludge
A shop vac for cleaning up sludge and debris
A fish net for safely moving fish
Pond detoxifier to remove chlorine from tap water before returning fish to the pond
Beneficial bacteria treatment to help balance the ecosystem after cleaning
Rubber gloves to protect your hands from sludge and bacteria
A place to dispose of all the sludge and debris

How to Clean Your Pond

1. Drain the Water

Place a clean-out pump in the deepest part of your pond and begin draining the water. If possible, direct the water to a ditch, or at the very least, spread it around the yard to avoid flooding one area. If you have fish, save some pond water to fill their temporary holding pool.

Once the water level is low enough, carefully catch your fish with a net and transfer them to the holding pool. Keep the pool in a shaded area with a net over the top to prevent escapes—fish like to jump. Fish shouldn’t be kept out of their pond for more than a few hours. Adding an aerator to their temporary habitat can help keep them comfortable for extended periods

2. Rinse and Remove Debris

Use a power washer or garden hose to rinse the inside of the pond, starting at the top and working your way down. Avoid scrubbing away all the algae—some of it is beneficial for your pond’s ecosystem. Its OK to leave a little bit behind.

Remove any debris, such as leaves or sludge, using a bucket and your hands or a shop vac. If your pond has hardy water plants, this is a great time to trim and fertilize them. Pruning dead leaves and thinning out overgrown plants will encourage new growth and improve water circulation. Don't worry about over trimming your plants—they will grow very quickly again.

3. Clean the Filters

Your pond’s filtration system plays a big role in keeping the water clear. Here’s how to clean it:

Remove debris and sludge from the bottom of the skimmer (this can be done by hand or using the shop vac).
Take out the filter pads and media from your biological filter (often found at the top of a waterfall feature).
Rinse the filters thoroughly and put them back in place before restarting the pond pump.
Check for signs of wear on filters and replace them if necessary. With proper cleaning, pond filters can last many years.

4. Refill the Pond and Acclimate Your Fish

Once your pond is clean, start refilling it with fresh water. If you’re using chlorinated tap water, add a pond detoxifier to remove the chlorine, which can harm fish.

To help your fish adjust to the new water temperature, follow these steps:

As you are cleaning out the pond, introduce some new water with pond detoxifier to the pool.
Catch a fish and place it in the bucket.
Set the bucket in the pond and let it float for a few minutes to gradually adjust to the pond’s temperature.
Slowly add small amounts of pond water into the bucket over a few minutes.
Once the temperatures match, gently release the fish into their freshly cleaned home.
Monitor your fish for any signs of stress or illness over the next few days.

Keeping Your Pond Healthy Year-Round

Regular maintenance helps keep your pond in great shape so you can enjoy crystal-clear water all season long. Here are a few tips:

Use beneficial bacteria treatments to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Remove leaves and debris with a pond net before they settle at the bottom.
Check and clean your filters regularly to keep water flowing properly.
Avoid overfeeding fish, as uneaten food can contribute to water quality issues.
Keep an eye on water levels, especially during hot weather when evaporation rates increase.
Inspect pond equipment, such as pumps and lights, to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Add floating plants, like water lilies, to provide shade and reduce algae growth.

Why Spring Pond Cleaning Matters

A properly cleaned and maintained pond not only adds to the beauty of your outdoor space but also provides a healthier environment for your fish and plants. Removing decaying organic matter, sludge build up, and built-up debris helps prevent common pond problems like foul odours, harmful bacteria, and excessive algae growth.

A well-maintained pond also reduces the need for treatments, creating a more natural and sustainable water feature that thrives on its own balance. Taking the time to clean your pond in early spring sets the stage for a season of clear water, vibrant fish, and flourishing aquatic plants.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered!

If your pond is looking murky and the thought of cleaning it sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—we’re happy to help! Our team can handle the dirty work so you can sit back and enjoy a beautiful, healthy pond all season long. Contact us today to schedule your pond cleaning!

Taking care of your pond doesn’t have to be a hassle—with the right tools, knowledge, and a little effort, you can keep your water feature looking its best. Whether you choose to tackle it yourself or call in the pros, a clean and well-maintained pond will bring joy and relaxation to your backyard for months to come!