Koi pond and water garden cleanouts

Signs it's time

• Green, brown or cloudy water that doesn't clear with the filter running
• A thick layer of muck or leaves on the bottom
• String algae choking the waterfall or skimmer
• A swampy smell, or fish gasping at the surface
• It's been a few years since the pond was fully drained

What the visit usually involves

• Catching fish and holding them in aerated tubs with pond water
• Pumping down the pond and saving some of the old water for the fish
• Removing muck, leaves and dead plant material
• Rinsing rocks and gravel (pressure-washing is usually kept gentle so helpful bacteria aren't stripped)
• Cleaning the skimmer, filter media and pump intake
• Refilling with dechlorinator and slowly acclimating the fish back

Every pond and every pro is a little different. The pond professional you're matched with will explain their own process and price before any work starts.

Have this ready when you call

• Rough size of the pond (length x width x depth is fine)
• Whether you have koi, goldfish or no fish
• How long since the last full cleanout
• A couple of phone photos of the water and the waterfall

Questions