In this article, we are going to take a look at the steps you can take if you buy a home with a pond already installed on the property.
The Clearwater Creations team has over a decade of experience creating and maintaining some of the best backyard ponds in Peterborough and surrounding areas. We are Certified Aquascape Contractors, as well as Graduates of the Horticulture Technician Program from Durham College. Contact us today if you buy a home with a pond and aren’t sure what to do.
Let’s dig in and learn how to assess the pond’s condition, perform maintenance, and when to hire a professional.
Steps To Take If You Buy Home With a Pond
Step 1. Assess the Pond’s Condition
The first thing you need to do if you buy a home with a pond is to take close look at what exactly you’re dealing with.
Take some time to examine the pond, including measuring its size and depth, identifying weeds and beneficial aquatic plants, checking for fish such as koi, and inspecting pre-existing structures like a waterfall or aeration system.
These details will help maintain your pond or get it back into shape. It’s key not to put too much pressure on yourself if you’re more of a beginner when it comes to ponds. A pond can be a very beneficial feature of your new home, and there are professionals out there ready and willing to help!
Buy home with a pond? Assess its condition!
Step 2. Perform Basic Maintenance
There are a few basic tasks you want to take care of as soon as possible in order to get the pond in shape.
First, install a bottom-diffused aeration system – an Airmax Aeration System, for example. They circulate oxygen throughout the water so that it’s more welcoming to fish, frogs and beneficial bacteria.
It also helps remove harmful gases from the water. If your pond already has an aeration system, thoroughly inspect all its parts and tune them up as necessary.
Next, remove any dead or unwanted plants as well as weeds. For help, check out our Weed Control Guide. It will help you identify and choose the right remedy for the weed.
Finally, you will need to add some beneficial bacteria to break down any residual pond buildup and keep the water clear. Also, pond dye will tint the water blue or black, preventing ultraviolet rays from reaching problem plants like algae while adding beauty to your water feature.
It’s important to perform basic maintenance
Step 3. Hire a Professional
If any of the above seems too daunting, or if you find yourself focusing more on the inside of your new home, that’s fine!
There are trained professionals who can help! Simply schedule an appointment with a Pond Professional to come out and evaluate your pond.
Sometimes the fix may be as simple as adding a few pond plants, some oxygen, and a regular regiment of water treatments. Other times, additional filtration or a partial overhaul may be the solution.
Whatever the issue (if any), expect an honest and fair evaluation of your pond and a detailed plan for solving the problems of your high maintenance pond.