Q&A for How to Keep Your Pond Clean

One of the biggest reasons that pond water becomes murky is due to the growth of algae. One of the easiest ways to keep algae from growing and keep the water clear is with the use of barley straw.

Change the water in your fountain regularly and clean the sides of the fountain with water and vinegar.

Put the fish in a small kids pool with some of the pond water, then drain the pond and clean the bottom and the sides. Do not scrub, but use a garden hose to rinse the rocks and sides. Remove the dirty water from the bottom after cleaning and begin refilling the pond. Replace any filters for the skimmer or pump to help keep the pond clean.

You can purchase a gravel or sludge vacuum from your local pet store to clean the bottom of the pond.

Place your hand by the UV light and feel for warmth. If it feels warm, it's working.

Best neutralizing substances are bisulfite, oxygen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate.

I would recommend not adding salt if you have freshwater fish. You can buy snails to help with the algae blooms, but add some plants around your pond to block some sunlight. If you use fertilizer in flower beds near the pond it will contribute to algae blooming; some plants that cover the pond a bit will help, because algae needs sunlight to grow. I would personally recommend getting some hosta for around your pond

Try slowly pouring the water in. If you pour it in fast, the water and whatever else you have at the bottom will mix and create the murky look.

Vinegar is a non-toxic solution for killing algae. A mixture of three parts water and one part vinegar can be sprayed on the algae, resulting in removal of the unsightly green growth while leaving nearby soil safe for other plants. Chlorine is often used to kill algae, but applying it to some materials can bleach them.