The Best Ways to Maintain and Enhance Your Outdoor Water Features in the Summer By Paula Alford At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Big or small you can make your yard a place of beauty and tranquility with a small pond. By employing a little creativity and some money saving techniques you can have a one of a kind focal point that won't break your bank.

Keeping It Clean

Use an aquarium vacuum that you can pick up at any pet store or pet area of a department store. This simple tool is basically a long hose with a broad based suction head to cover as much area as possible while being comfortable to hold. This should be done once a week during the summer months. You will need to replace the water you remove during cleaning.

Add a waterfall or other water aeration to keep algae down. A waterfall or aerator adds oxygen to the water which is beneficial if you wish to keep fish in your pond as well as to cut algae levels. They also help keep the water circulating and temperature lower to avoid an algae bloom that will make your water green.

Light It Up

Place lights in strategic locations around the edge of your pool in the plants, rocks, or even beneath the surface of the water. Set the timer to turn on a few minutes before sundown, and set it to go off a few minutes after your normal bedtime. Using timers will cut the cost of lighting your pond so that the lights are only on during the times you are most likely to see them.

Save Money on Water Use

Make use of self contained pond and filter elements so that you only have to replace water once a week when cleaning your pond. Buy the best filter you can afford and make sure it is the appropriate size for your pond so that you have to replace dirty water less frequently.

Plant Care

Plants can add visual appeal to your pond as well as help keep the water in good condition. Letting plants grow out of control, however, can have the opposite effect as well as letting them develop mold and mildew. Keep your plants well pruned and check on them often.

Chemicals

If your water gets out of hand on your in spite of your best efforts you can use chemicals to control algae or other contaminants that can cause cloudy water. If you have your pond stocked with fish be sure any chemicals are safe for use with live animals. Most pond supply stores only carry algaecides and enzyme products that are safe to use with fish.

Conclusion

A pond is usually a highlight of any landscape and requires monitoring and maintenance. It can become a hobby of sorts, because once you have one you feel a desire to keep improving it. Stay within your means and remember to enjoy it. A well maintained pond will provide years of beauty and tranquility. By following the simple ideas mentioned you can manage your pond and appreciate its intended physical and emotional beauty.

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